Phantasm IV: Oblivion Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" offers a commendable video presentation, retaining much of the quality from its inclusion in the Collection Blu-ray. Utilizing a BD-25 disc, it employs an MPEG-4 AVC encoding at a resolution of 1080p and an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The aspect ratio adjustment from the original 1.85:1 may be minor but is noticeable to purists. The overall clarity and detail of the transfer showcase solid improvements, with detailed textures, clean facial features, and consistent skin tones from start to finish.

Depth of field is competent, featuring smooth and cinematic movements with minimal blur or jitter issues. Black levels are robust with deep saturation, although there is some murkiness present in more modern footage, contrasting with the natural darkness found in scenes from the 1970s. This juxtaposition showcases both the historical cinematographic elements and modern filming techniques effectively. Color reproduction remains stable, with natural and consistent flesh tones which allow for intricate details like make-up and facial textures to be clearly visible.

The video remains generally clean with minimal noise or artifacts that could detract from the viewing experience. Overall, this release achieves a good balance between preserving the integrity of the original material and enhancing it for modern viewing standards. It may not reach the pinnacle of crispness found in other Blu-rays, but it certainly stands as the best representation of "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" to date.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" is nearly identical to previous releases, particularly those found in the Phantasm Collection boxed set. It is available in English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA, with optional English SDH subtitles. Both the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks maintain clean and clear dialogue, with the score occasionally taking a slight backseat within the mix. The 5.1 track offers a more commanding and aggressive auditory experience, particularly noticeable during scenes with the iconic flying silver spheres, which benefit from well-executed panning effects.

Dynamics of the audio are impressive for a straight-to-video release, with the 5.1 track delivering an immersive and impactful experience, particularly during action sequences. The low-frequency extension is notably powerful, bringing a room-rattling presence to scoring beats, shotgun blasts, and especially explosions. Sound travel across the surround channels is top-notch, providing a robust and thrilling auditory experience as effects like the spheres whoosh around the room. The nuanced depth of older 1970s footage integrates well with newer sounds, creating a cohesive soundscape. Dialogue reproduction is crisp and clear, though it sits slightly lower in the mix compared to music and sound effects.

Overall, the audio presentation is clean and well-defined, with no major issues such as damage or dirt interference. Environmental ambient sounds and low-end activity are well-represented, adding to the overall immersive quality of the film. The careful balance between vocals, music, and sound effects ensures a satisfying auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" by Well Go USA includes a truncated selection of extras compared to the comprehensive supplements found in the previous Collector's set. The available bonus materials feature essential behind-the-scenes content and insightful commentary but lack the extensive retrospective documentary that many fans may be anticipating. Present on this disc are an informative audio commentary by Director Don Coscarelli and key cast members Reggie Bannister and Angus Scrimm, a behind-the-scenes montage providing a unique on-set perspective, and a standard film trailer. While the offerings are high in quality, they are significantly limited in scope.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: With Director Don Coscarelli and Actors Reggie Bannister and Angus Scrimm. Phantasm Oblivion: Behind the Scenes: A montage of on-set footage mixed with film clips, highlighting aspects of make-up, scene shooting, cast and crew interaction, and direction by Coscarelli. Trailer: Standard promotional trailer for the film.

Don Coscarelli's 1998 endeavor, Phantasm IV: Oblivion, serves as the penultimate episode in the Phantasm series. This installment follows Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) as he eludes The Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) while embroiled in a transformation. Meanwhile, Reggie (Reggie Bannister) searches for Mike through various dimensions, battling mysterious silver spheres and encountering undead entities. The central plot involves unveiling the origins of The Tall Man and preventing his grand scheme. Although envisioned as a different film, budgetary constraints tilted it towards a production style akin to less well-funded horror series like Children of the Corn and Hellraiser.

The film adopts a decidedly different pace compared to its predecessors, functioning somewhat as a contemplative "calm before the storm" rather than delivering incessant action. The constrained budget is evident in frequent scenes of characters driving and talking, sparse set locations, and increased use of voiceovers—all mechanisms to manage costs effectively. Despite this, Phantasm IV: Oblivion offers an engaging introspective narrative, particularly through its impressive use of previously shot but unused footage from the first movie, seamlessly integrated to enrich the storyline.

For fans of the series, Oblivion is a thought-provoking exploration of untold secrets and backstory, holding up well in terms of special effects. While it may not provide a robust standalone experience due to its slower pace and perceived role as a transitional chapter, its strengths lie in thematic explorations and connective tissue within the Phantasm saga. This piece works best in the context of a series marathon or for dedicated fans seeking a deeper understanding of the enigmatic Tall Man and his nefarious plans.

Well Go USA's standalone Blu-ray release of "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" is a mixed offering poised to please dedicated fans while leaving others wanting more. Technically, the audio and video quality mirrors the high standards set by their previous boxed set release, despite this edition being issued on a BD-25 rather than a BD-50 disc. The audio commentary by Don Coscarelli, Reggie Bannister, and Angus Scrimm, as well as the 11-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, provides some insight and nostalgia for enthusiasts. However, the extras lack significant materials, with only the film's trailer and additional trailers for other films included.

The absence of new bonus content is particularly palpable given that the features are largely recycled from previous releases. Notably missing are substantial extras such as the "Death is No Escape – The Making of Phantasm IV: Oblivion" documentary, a 30-minute behind-the-scenes compilation, conceptual art galleries, and promotional material. This paucity of additional content results in this standalone Blu-ray feeling like a stripped-down version compared to the robust Phantasm Collection boxed set, which is now out of print.

In conclusion, fans who already own previous individual releases or the full Phantasm Collection might find this Blu-ray release redundant. While it offers solid technical merits and basic extras, it falls short in delivering new or comprehensive supplementary material. The good news is that those who missed out on the boxed set have another opportunity to add "Phantasm IV: Oblivion" to their collection at a more affordable price. However, the bad news is this release lacks the expanded features that would truly make it a standout.