PHANTASM: Remastered (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)

Phantasm- The delusion of a distorted mind. A phantom. A spirit. A Ghost. A great movie after all these years. 'Phantasm: Remastered' is the new 4K restoration of the 1978 cult classic directed by Don Coscarelli. It tells the story of a young boy named Mike, who begins to investigate the mysterious happenings at Morningside Cemetery and discovers a horror beyond this world. The film has been interpreted in multiple ways, as it was designed. Don Coscarelli wanted the film and the sequels that would follow to feel like nightmares, where all is never quite right no matter how real things may seem and the worst nightmares are the ones where you question your own reality. These are the heaviest themes with 'Phantasm' along with discussions of family, feeling lost and having lost, and abandonment and overcoming the worst of the worst.

 These complexities are what raises 'Phantasm' well above the rest of the drive-in fare in the late 70's along with some of the most imaginative and unique film techniques both now and then. Coscarelli was only 19 years old at the time of filming and to see this much artistic genius from such a young director is hardly seen anymore and its a real shame to say the least. The sequels would continue the bizarre storyline of The Tall Man and his pursuit of young Mike and while those films are quite entertaining in their own right, nothing can beat the original. 'Phantasm' is like no other film and even today young filmmakers (including J.J. Abrams) are inspired by the film and once you pop it in, you'll understand why.

'Phantasm: Remastered' has been restored to 4K quality from the original film print thanks to director J.J. Abrams and his production studio BAD ROBOT. They have outdone themselves and then some, as this is the best the film has ever looked. The crisp and brightness of everything really enhances the mood and atmosphere. The sets, such as the infamous Mausoleum are even better looking and more creepy with the high-def upgrade. The set comes both on Blu-Ray and DVD and even in the standard definition you get a great upgrade from the original Anchor Bay set that's been keeping us from enjoying the film for so many years now. In other words, this looks amazing for a film from 1978. Sound quality is a standard 5.1 Dolby Digital transfer that's definitely better than the original releases but nothing too spectacular, but still they did some hard work here.

Special Features are sadly the only thing really lacking here from the previous release. Anchor Bay's DVD contained an audio commentary along with a couple of documentaries and some nice little bits such as a VHS advert for 'Fangoria' Magazine starring The Tall Man himself, Angus Scrimm. Here, Well-Go USA has given us some of the better extras from the earlier set such as the commentary, but it still would have been nice to see something new or at least carry over all the original extras to the set. Perhaps when the box set releases next year they'll surprise me with something new.

'Phantasm' is still a powerful, creepy, and amazingly well done film for the budget and limited resources the young director had. It blows away newer productions in its imagination and its horror and should not be missed. 'Remastered' is a great release for those who have been dying for Anchor Bay to do it, though it's definitely missing some bits and pieces there that would have been nice. 'Phantasm: RaVager' the fifth film in the franchise is also available from Well-Go USA and also a great watch. Be sure to check back for that review.


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