When Marvel's Werewolf by Night will be re-released in colour on Disney Plus

27 September 2023 , 15:11

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Werewolf by Night in colour should be howling good fun when it hits our screens in October. (Image: Disney Plus)

When the black and white Werewolf by Night was released to little fanfare on Disney Plus almost exactly a year ago, few realised it would go on to be lauded by many as 'the best Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) outing since the Avengers movies'.

And now the highly-rated one-off-special is getting a re-release - only this time in colour! Whether or not ditching the monochrome will work in its favour remains to be seen, but there's no doubting it'll certainly alter the viewing experience.

Critics were bowled over by the dazzling production which captivated us all last Halloween. They were left particularly impressed by the show's practical effects, stunning black-and-white cinematography and the quality performances from leads Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly.

Originally released in black-and-white, the 55-minute tour de force, directed by Michael Giacchino, follows the death of esteemed monster-hunter Ulysses Bloodstone.

His widow, Verussa, summons five other experienced monster slayers, including Jack Russell, to Bloodstone Manor, where they're told to take part in a competitive hunt to determine their new leader and wield the powerful Bloodstone.

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Following its release, Werewolf by Night has scored an impressive 89 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The website's critics consensus reads: "A spooky yarn told with taut economy, Werewolf by Night is a standout Marvel entry that proves Michael Giacchino as atmospheric and skilled a director as he is a composer."

Jordan Moreau from Variety called Werewolf by Night "a triumphant first effort at losing the capes and spandex and delving into more genre territory for Marvel".

However, Moreau was less keen on how the werewolf actually looked. He wanted it more 'intimidating or hulking' to be more in line with the classic creatures in monster films of old.

Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Feinberg noted: "At only 52 minutes and decidedly light on plot and supporting characters, (Werewolf by Night) is a slight but fairly amusing thing, elevated above being a mere exercise in style by the lead performances from Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly."

He applauded the design of Bloodstone Manor and the "vintage spooky homages" but wished Giacchino had "pushed the extremes of the aesthetic even more" than he did. Feinberg called Giacchino's score "the standout element that ties everything together".

Many fans have been bowled over by this unusual entry into the Marvel universe. One excited viewer gushed at the time: “That was the best MCU project I’ve seen in a hot minute and it was really pleasantly enjoyable".

While another noted: “Werewolf by Night is not only one of the best phase 4 projects but just one of the best MCU projects in general.”

Some went as far as to say it is maybe the best MCU project since Avengers films Infinity War (2019) and Endgame (2020).

“Was not expecting Werewolf by Night to be the best MCU movie since Infinity War, but here were are,” wrote one fan, with another stating: “Everyone go watch Werewolf by Night - this might be the best thing Marvel has made since Endgame .”

Werewolf By Night in Colour will be available to watch on Disney Plus on October 20.