Unlike modern films, physical celluloid from 1981 was often discarded, burned, or lost in studio vaults. For years, rumors suggested Universal Studios lost the negative trims in a fire.
: A cut scene featured a young boy with balloons who is approached by a naked David after he wakes up in the wolf enclosure. The boy tells a nearby adult that a naked American man stole his balloons.
, but its legacy is deeply intertwined with legendary lost footage. Released in 1981, writer and director John Landis blended genuine terror with dark, satirical humor. Rick Baker secured his first-ever Academy Award for Best Makeup by orchestrating the film's iconic, agonizing practical transformation scene.
However, John Landis originally filmed a much longer, wildly chaotic sequence. In this version, David and Alex watch a late-night television broadcast of John Waters’ notorious underground film Multiple Maniacs . As the transgressive, shocking imagery plays on the screen, it serves as a bizarre, darkly comedic backdrop to their lovemaking.
While the transformation remained intact, several scripted and filmed scenes were removed during post-production. Some were cut for pacing, while others fell victim to the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC). 1. The Expanded Sex Scene
Early drafts and unused footage show more of the immediate aftermath of the initial werewolf attacks within the busy London streets, showcasing even more of the surreal juxtaposition between the mundane city life and the supernatural threat.
The closest fans can get to these lost moments is through surviving production stills, Rick Baker's behind-the-scenes home movies, and the official shooting script. If you want to explore more about this horror classic,
As of mid-2026, Universal has not officially released an "Extended Edition." However, due to the pressure from the "cracked" fan movement, Arrow Video has announced a 45th-anniversary box set for Q4 2026.
If you want to dive deeper into the production of this horror classic,
According to various sources, including interviews with John Landis and special effects artist Rick Baker, several scenes were deleted from the final version of the film. Here are a few examples:
The Arrow Video release is highly regarded for including the original, superior mono audio mix and for preserving the un-toned-down visuals that were sometimes edited on TV.