Phantasm Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Phantasm" is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the cult classic with a new 4K restoration overseen by J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot. The resulting 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode is vibrant and dynamic, making it the best this film has ever looked on any format. The transfer retains the filmic quality, with 35mm grain visible and fine details sharply defined, especially in close-ups. Colors are vivid, with deep reds and rich shadows that enhance the eerie ambiance of the movie. While some scenes maintain a soft appearance inherent to the original photography, the overall image sharpness is impressive, exposing minute details like individual hairs, tree bark, and fabric textures.

However, there are minor drawbacks, such as some scenes exhibiting slight compression artifacts and occasional low bit rates, attributed to Well Go USA's decision to release the film on a BD-25. These issues are particularly noticeable in the darkest scenes but don't detract significantly from the viewing experience. Black levels are consistently rich and deep, preserving plenty of detail even in shadowy sequences. Colors maintain a natural, autumnal look without appearing overdone or artificial. This meticulous restoration allows for smooth and cinematic character movements, providing a strong sense of depth that almost feels three-dimensional.

In terms of color reproduction and contrast, the Blu-ray truly excels. Bright whites, bold blood reds, and reasonably natural greens all contribute to an engaging visual presentation. Skin tones are consistently natural throughout the film, with facial details like wrinkles and dried blood strikingly clear. Instances of grain fit seamlessly into the picture, maintaining the film's gritty aesthetic without overwhelming it. Despite a few isolated imperfections, this Blu-ray release is a stunning visual upgrade that both long-time fans and new viewers will appreciate.

The Blu-ray release of "Phantasm" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which provides a well-rounded, engaging audio experience. This track adds a new layer of depth and immersion to the movie, with noteworthy surround activity and crisp sound effects, reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s approach to sound design. The score by Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave receives a significant boost, spreading evenly across all channels with warmth and fidelity. Dialogue is clear and well-prioritized within the mix, maintaining an organic placement that enhances the spooky atmosphere effectively. Low-frequency extensions, particularly in moments involving crashing and gunfire, deliver a palpable presence without overwhelming the scene.

In addition to this primary track, the release includes two other audio options: English 2.0 Dolby Digital and Mono Dolby Digital. The 2.0 track maintains some spatial characteristics and LFE found in the 5.1 mix but offers less surround activity. The Mono track, while centered and reminiscent of the original theatrical experience, does come across as more dated with evident overdubbing. Nevertheless, it retains clean dialogue and well-mixed music and sound effects. Overall, these tracks provide a fulfilling listening experience, though they lack the richness and depth of the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio option.

The surround sound presentation excels in creating an immersive soundfield, with rear channels contributing effectively yet subtly to build atmosphere. Motion effects are particularly notable; scenes involving the iconic silver spheres exhibit fluid panning and engaging spatial dynamics. The Tall Man’s distinct dialogue retains clarity and impact, supported by a mix free from hisses or distortions. While some may find the compressed nature of the stereo and mono tracks less appealing, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix revitalizes "Phantasm," delivering an impressively clean and modern audio experience for this classic horror film.

The Blu Ray release of "Phantasm" offers a comprehensive array of extras that cater to both long-time aficionados and new fans. The commentary track, ported from previous releases, features engaging anecdotes from Director Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Angus Scrimm, and Bill Thornbury, though it's more entertaining than informative. The inclusion of vintage interviews from 1979 provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film's early reception, showcasing Coscarelli and Scrimm's enthusiasm. A special episode of "Graveyard Carz" adds a layer of fun, documenting the restoration of a classic Barracuda from the movie. Additionally, a collection of deleted scenes and trailers offer further depth and context to this horror classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Angus Scrimm, and Bill Thornbury.
• Graveyard Carz Episode: A fun segment featuring Coscarelli and Baldwin.
• Interviews From 1979: Featuring Don Coscarelli & Angus Scrimm.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes Bank Scene, Casket Room, Ice Cream Scene, Jody Visits Mike, Tall Man Fire Extinguisher, and Tall Man Smile.
• Trailers: 1979 Phantasm Trailer and Remastered Trailer.

Phantasm, Don Coscarelli's 1979 cult horror classic, continues to resonate with viewers due to its enigmatic atmosphere and surreal narrative. The film introduces the iconic Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), whose sinister presence haunts the Pearson brothers, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) and Jody (Bill Thornbury). What starts as an investigation into the eerie activities in the Morningside Cemetery quickly descends into a nightmarish journey involving otherworldly beings and surreal encounters, leaving audiences both bewildered and intrigued.

One of Phantasm’s noteworthy achievements is its ability to craft a haunting, other-dimensional ambiance on a shoestring budget, a feat highlighted in Coscarelli's engaging commentary on the Blu-ray edition. The movie’s dream-like quality, punctuated by hallucinatory elements and inexplicable phenomena, contributes to its distinctive and unsettling tone. While the narrative logic might appear scattered to first-time viewers, the film compensates with effective scares and iconic visuals, such as the deadly, floating Sentinel Spheres and the dwarfish, robed creatures that serve the Tall Man. These aspects are amplified further by the immersive soundtrack which captures the essence of 70s experimental horror.

Despite its low-budget origins, Phantasm is technically proficient and innovative. Known for its stark mausoleum settings and high-contrast secret rooms inspired by Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, the film’s visual style remains engagingly unique. Performances by the cast, particularly Angus Scrimm's portrayal of the Tall Man, add a touch of creepy authenticity that elevates the film into the annals of horror legend. The Blu-ray restoration, overseen by J.J. Abrams, ensures that the film’s cult legacy endures, presenting it in a visually improved form that honors its original atmospheric intent while subtly integrating modern effects.

The 4K restoration of Don Coscarelli's "Phantasm" offers an exceptional Blu-ray experience, breathing new life into this cult classic. The film, known for its eerie atmosphere and the late Angus Scrimm's iconic performance, has been meticulously remastered from the original camera negatives, resulting in a stunning visual presentation. The audio quality is equally impressive, and while the use of a BD-50 disc could have provided a lossless mono track, the overall enhancements make this release a must-have for dedicated fans. Despite some minor gripes regarding the disc format and the limited supplementary materials, the remastering work stands as a significant improvement over previous editions.

Many enthusiasts will appreciate the film's newfound clarity and depth, significantly better than old home video releases. Despite this, the omission of earlier extras might discourage some fans from upgrading their collection. However, the visual facelift alone presents a compelling reason for horror aficionados and collectors to invest. Phantasm's intricate layers of horror and science fiction, merged with themes of death and youth, remain intact and even more engaging with the updated presentation.

In conclusion, Well Go USA Entertainment delivers a commendable Blu-ray edition of "Phantasm". While some areas could benefit from further enhancements, particularly in terms of extras and disc format, this release bolsters the film's iconic status with vibrant video and robust audio. For those willing to embrace its remastered splendor now, it comes highly recommended, but keeping an eye out for a future comprehensive box set might also be wise.