Phantasm: Remastered
Directed by Don Coscarelli
Don Coscarelli’s beloved 1979 sci-fi horror classic returns in a beautiful new restoration (headed by J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot). When Mike’s parents die, his world is turned upside down. But nothing can prepare him for the shocking discovery that a mortician (the late, great Angus Scrimm) and his dwarf army have stolen Mike’s parents’ bodies. Did we mention the flying spheres? Though the surreal scare-fest unfolds like a child’s bad dream, the terror it evokes is far more real and intense than most fright flicks. PHANTASM’s success led to four sequels and a permanent place in the horror hall of fame.
Don Coscarelli’s beloved 1979 sci-fi horror classic returns in a new restoration.
Cast: Angus Scrimm, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister
Member Reviews
If you have never watched Phantasm wait no longer to jump into the suspense filled eerie journey where you will not be disappointed.
Bizarre and delightful. Worth a watch!!
There is a lot going on in this film, with elements as far apart tonally as an impromptu musical number in the first half hour and the flying balls of death. In essence though, this movie is about two brothers, Mike and Jody, and their investigation into the mysterious workings at the Morningside Cemetery and its terrifying undertaker, the Tall Man. The brothers have genuine concern for the welfare of the other, and it is this relationship that helps to make the film stand out that bit more. I also really like the different tones the film traverses through, with moments of comedy transitioning to those of pure terror, with some action, adventure and science-fiction themes also featuring. The pacing and plotting at times does not hit the mark but overall, this is an enjoyable film that has mostly survived the test of time since its release in the late 1970s and one that definitely will make viewers want to carry on with the series.
This actually deserves a 3 overall, but I'm giving it a 4 for nostalgia and setting. I had no knowledge of this old film before I watched it so didn't have any expectations. Truth is I had almost no idea what was going on, and didn't understand how or why things were happening. The positive is that certain elements of the film were actually creepy. I could see this being memorable for its time.
“There's this door down here, and I bet there's something behind it.” What can be said that hasn't already been said, Phantasm is a classic film that kicked off a classic series and having had the privilege of growing up with that series is one of the little things I'm grateful for in life, if this is your first time experiencing Phantasm might I recommend a bit of dark ambience because from the acting to the film's musical score you are in for a treat.