I'm afraid I don't agree that this was a classic. The book was a classic in that it was difficult to put down. The intensity and suspense increased up to the end. The Wolfen were not "dogs" nor wolves but a creature that was to a wolf what a man would be to an ape. Intelligent with improved senses (hearing, smell, etc). The book stated that the Wolfen tried to communicate with wolves but found their intelligence too limited. Nor were the Wolfen "a spirit being conjured up by the Indians." The Wolfen served the same role to man as wolves do to deer. They culled the herd of the old and infirm
I agree that the photography was great and the actors did well. I afraid the concept of turning the Wolfen into a pack of German Shepherds running through the streets of Manhattan destroyed the film for me. I read the book prior to the movie and it is one of the few that I can recall many of the details that made it great. I would recommend that anyone who wants a really great read to hunt down a copy of the original book.