Phase IV 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Phase IV marks a significant upgrade from its 2015 Blu-ray predecessor, now restored from the 35mm original camera negative. This restoration showcases a strikingly fresh image quality, with a rich, film-like grain structure that brings out incredible detail in both the macro photography of ants and the human-centric scenes. The 4k scan, cleaned and graded for HDR in HDR10 only, reveals a newfound clarity and texture, making even the smallest details in the film's unique cinematography crystal-clear. For instance, the desert exteriors, shot in Kenya, boast vibrant yet natural-looking colors and a lush texture that enhances the film's visual storytelling. The cinematographer Dick Bush and Ken Middleham's work on the spherical lenses has been preserved with great care, maintaining a faithful 1.85:1 aspect ratio that respects the original theatrical presentation.

Technical details aside, the HDR grading has been approached with restraint, avoiding over-saturation while enhancing contrast and black levels to improve the film's atmospheric depth. Despite some inherent flaws from the original production, such as optical work issues and minor frame damage, these have been respectfully left as is, preserving the film's historical integrity. The restoration work shines through in maintaining natural flesh tones and enhancing lighting effects, like the reflective light from ants or the desert sunrise, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

This release doesn't just stop at visual restoration. Vinegar Syndrome also undertook the reconstruction of the 89-minute Preview Version based on the director Saul Bass' original editing notes, incorporating numerous shots and sequences cut or altered from the theatrical version. Although this version sources primarily from the 4K restoration, it mixes in elements from pre-print materials for certain sequences and the ending montage, which, despite some color fading, adds a significant layer to Phase IV's narrative and atmospheric depth. This effort in preserving and presenting both versions of Bass' vision underscores Vinegar Syndrome’s dedication to film restoration, resulting in Phase IV being presented with unparalleled clarity and fidelity to its original look and feel.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Phase IV" boasts a commendable audio experience through a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, providing listeners with a range of auditory textures, from crisp dialogue exchanges to the eerie, electronic scoring that amplifies the film's mysterious aura. The mix retains clarity across the board, ensuring that the nuanced soundscapes of insect movement and bunker occurrences are not only appreciable but also integral to the unnerving atmosphere the film cultivates. This sonic clarity supports the tension and argumentative dynamics between characters, rendering every heated exchange with precise intensity.

Moreover, the disc presents viewers with two distinct audio options for an added layer of engagement: the original English mono track for the theatrical version and the preview versions which include both a London preview soundtrack without narration and a California preview one with Michael Murphy's narration. This diversity in audio presentation enriches the viewing experience, offering optional English SDH subtitles to enhance accessibility. The original mono track, presented in pristine condition without any detectable damage or sibilance, ensures a balanced interplay between dialogue and score, thus maintaining the film's auditory integrity.

Opting for either the narrated or unnarrated preview versions tailors the audio experience to personal preference, particularly impactful during the film’s climax with its montage sequence. Despite the limited fidelity in this segment, the encoding manages these challenges admirably. The audio tracks, especially for a film recognized for missing sound elements, have been meticulously restored and mixed, showcasing the Vinyl Solutions team's dedication to delivering the highest possible audio quality. This attention to preservation and enhancement of sound not only respects the original material but also elevates the overall sensory experience of "Phase IV," affirming its status as an auditory marvel in its 4K UHD presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Phase IV" goes beyond a mere visual upgrade, triumphing in its rich array of extras that delve into the film's storied production and unique artistic vision. Commentary by film historian Matthew Asprey Gear adds invaluable context, tracing the movie's influences and the ambitious intent of its creators. The inclusion of both the preview and theatrical versions, along with a comprehensive "Evolutions" documentary, provides an in-depth look at Saul Bass's directorial debut and its journey from conception to screen. Notably, the assortment of raw footage, including the much-discussed original ending montage, deleted scenes, and an interview featurette centered on the film's innovative sound design, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship behind this cult classic. With an eye for both the technically inclined and cinephiles intrigued by film history, this release pairs high-definition restoration with a treasure trove of supplementary content that enriches the "Phase IV" viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Contains Saul Bass storyboards.

• Commentary: Features film historian Matthew Asprey Gear on both the UHD and Blu-ray discs.

• Preview Version: A reconstruction of a cut first shown to test audiences, with options for two different soundtracks.

• Evolutions: A making-of documentary with insights from cast and crew, examining Bass's career and the film's production.

• Formicidae Sinfonia: An interview with composers David Vorhaus and Brian Gascoigne on the film's music and sound design.

• Raw Footage: Offers a glimpse into the creation of the surreal deleted ending sequence.

• Deleted Shots and Sequences: A compilation of footage not included in the final cut.

• Image Gallery: Features poster art, film stills, and behind-the-scenes photographs.

• Theatrical Trailer: The original promo for the film, restored in high definition.

Saul Bass, primarily renowned for his unparalleled skill in graphic design and title sequences, ventured into the realm of filmmaking with "Phase IV," his singular feature-length project that has since garnered cult status. This film, emerging from the creative freedom of the 1970s cinema landscape, is a narrative of man versus nature wrapped in the enigmatic cloak of science fiction. Through the lens of an inexplicable cosmic event granting ants a terrifying leap in evolution, "Phase IV" delves into themes of intelligence, survival, and the apparent futility of human resistance against a newly organized and seemingly unstoppable ant colony. The storytelling unfolds in the Arizona desert, focusing on scientists James R. Lesko and Dr. Ernest D. Hubbs as they grapple with the escalating ant menace from their technologically advanced bunker, showcasing a riveting clash of ideologies between understanding and eradication.

Bass's mastery in visual storytelling breathes life into "Phase IV" through mesmerizing insect cinematography and abstract visuals that compete with the narrative prowess seen in works by Kubrick. His dedication to capturing the intricate behaviors and the devised structures of the ant antagonists elevates the film beyond its sci-fi trappings, marrying documentary-like observations with speculative fiction. The meticulous post-production efforts to sharpen the film's narrative core highlight Bass's commitment to his artistic vision, despite studio pressures and the controversial removal of his original montage ending. This creative struggle and the unique blend of real ant footage with speculative storytelling contribute to the film's enduring intrigue and philosophical depth.

"Phase IV" stands as a testament to Saul Bass's artistic genius and his foray into a genre that allows for the exploration of abstract concepts through concrete visuals. The film's careful balance between human drama and the minutiae of ant life offers a unique cinematic experience, foregrounded by Bass's distinctive visual style. Despite its initial mixed reception and the challenges faced during its production, "Phase IV" remains a fascinating piece of 1970s cinema that reflects both the possibilities and limitations of human understanding and control over nature. Through its captivating narrative and visual splendor, the film invites viewers into a contemplative dialogue with the unknown, making it a must-watch for aficionados of science fiction and cinema history alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Phase IV" presents a compelling case for the enduring power of Saul Bass's unique cinematic vision, offering an experience that's both visually arresting and thematically rich. The film itself, with its daring narrative and meticulous attention to color and texture, demonstrates Bass's ability to craft an exploitation film with the finesse of A-level filmmaking. While the performances and character relationships may not reach dramatic heights, and the conclusion may feel abrupt—even with the inclusion of an extended ending in the Preview Version—the release captivates with its attempt to deliver a distinct, mind-bending thriller. Despite these narrative imperfections, Bass’s ambition and innovative approach render the film a noteworthy piece in science fiction cinema.

The release is somewhat marred by missed opportunities in supplementary content. While the inclusion of a documentary provides essential context and the reconstructed preview cut alongside "Evolutions" adds significant value, the absence of a wealth of extras found in previous releases from other regions—such as commentaries, featurettes, and Saul Bass's short films—is palpable. Collectors who have invested in earlier editions for these materials will find the omissions disappointing. Nonetheless, Vinegar Syndrome's endeavor to present the film in 4K, coupled with brand-new restorations and insights from both original cast and crew and knowledgeable experts, underscores the release’s importance for both enthusiasts and newcomers to Bass's work.

In conclusion, despite its shortcomings in comprehensive extras, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Phase IV" is an essential acquisition for cinephiles. Its masterful restoration honors Saul Bass's aesthetic and visionary storytelling, offering an unparalleled visual experience. While some may lament the exclusion of prior supplementary materials, the quality of the film's presentation and the depth of new content provided make it a must-own edition. The release not only pays homage to an underrated sci-fi classic but also cements its place in the home collections of dedicated film lovers, urging them to appreciate the complexities of Bass's masterpiece anew.