Sorry this Stock Your Vault post is a bit late Vault Dwellers! The first week of November 2018 is starting out light, though there's a crazy amount of new steelbook releases this week, along with a good number of new 4K UHD discs, and direct-to-DVD titles.
There's quite a bit more out this week, so be sure to scroll down to see the full roster of this week's new DVD & Blu-ray titles!
NEW TO DVD & BLU-RAY
The 7th Day
All Light Will End
Incredibles 2
The Last Sharknado: It's About Time
A Man Alone (Kino Lorber Studio Classics)
Mara
My Pet Dinosaur
NEW TO BLU-RAY Don't F*ck in the Woods
Galaxy Angel 2: The Complete Collection
Grindhouse (2-Disc Collector's Edition Steelbook)
Negima!?: The Complete Collection
Patlabor: Ultimate Collector's Edition
Phantasm: Remastered (Limited Edition Steelbook)
Revenge of the Dead
Sharnado: The Complete Collection (Steelbook)
Sherlock: Season One (4K UHD)
Sleepwalkers (Collector's Edition)
Starblazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 - Part 2
Superman: The Movie (4K UHD)
Transformers: The Ultimate 5-Movie Collection (4K UHD)
Train to Busan (Limited Edition Steelbook)
The Thing (Limited Edition Steelbook)
Wreck-It Ralph (Ultimate Collector's Edition - 4K UHD)
NEW TO DVD
American Exorcism
Angel Links: The Complete Series
Attack of the Adult Babies (Region 2)
Beyond the Sky
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero
Blood, Sweat, and Terrors Darkness Reigns
The Demon Inside
Doctor Who: Episode 109 - Shada
The Grand Son
Heaven's War
The House of Violent Desire
Island Zero
The Little Witch
Mother Krampus 2
Murder After Dark
Murder After Dark Part 2
Murder Before Dark
Murder in Harbor Woods
Restraint
Transplant of a Brain (1970 - Rogue Video)
STEELBOOK COLLECTORS PREPARE TO DOUBLE DIP ON FOUR GREAT HORROR TITLES!
As someone who is constantly upgrading their movie collection (I went from VHS, to DVD, and then to Blu-ray), I have to say that I'm not personally big into buying the same movie again because the packaging is different - that's pretty much why the steelbook craze never really caught on with me.
However, I know a LOT of collectors who dig steelbooks, and if you're one of them, PREPARE FOR GLORY!
GRINDHOUSE (2-DISC COLLECTOR'S EDITION STEELBOOK)
Synopsis: In Robert Rodriguez' PLANET TERROR, an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning
thousands into zombie-like creatures. Now it's up to a rag-tag group of
survivors to stop the infected and those behind its release. In Quentin Tarantino's DEATH PROOF, two separate sets of voluptuous women are stalked at different
times by a scarred stuntman who uses his "death proof" cars to execute
his murderous plans.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 191 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.39:1)
Audio - English Dolby Digital 5.1
Extras:
DISC ONE
PLANET TERROR and DEATH PROOF with intermission cards and fake trailers for WEREWOLF WOMEN OF THE S.S., DON'T, and THANKSGIVING.
Audio commentary for PLANET TERROR by writer/director Robert Rodriguez.
PLANET TERROR Audience Reaction Track.
Audio commentary for THANKSGIVING trailer with director Eli Roth and co-writer/director Jeff Rendell.
DISC TWO:
Robert Rodriguez' 10 Minute Cooking School.
The Makeup Effects of Planet Terror featurette.
The Hot Rods of Death Proof featurette.
The Production Design of Death Proof featurette.
The Making of the Trailers.
GRINDHOUSE's new Steelbook release will be available at most retailers on Tuesday, November 6th, and should cost between $20 - $25! Order yourself a copy now from AMAZON or BULLMOOSE!
PHANTASM (LIMITED EDITION STEELBOOK)
Synopsis: PHANTASM presents Mike, Jody, Reggie, and the Tall Man as they've never been seen before. For the first time in high-definition, follow the trio in the remastered original classic that started it all, in which two brothers discover their local mortuary hides a legion of hooded killer dwarfs, a flying drill-ball, and the demonic mortician who enslaves the souls of the damned.
Note: This seems to just be a repackage of the previously released PHANTASM: REMASTERED Blu-ray from Well Go USA, but I cannot confirm that at this time.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 88 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0, and Dolby Digital Mono.
Extras:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Don Coscarelli and Stars Michael Baldwin, Angus Scrimm, and Bill Thornbury.
Audio commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli, co-producer Paul Pepperman and visual consultant Roberto Quezada.
Graveyard Carz Episode
Vintage interviews with Don Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm.
Deleted Scenes
Phantasm: Actors Having a Ball - Cast interviews.
Phantasm Behind-the-Scenes Home Movies with commentary by Don Coscarelli and Reggie Bannister.
Additional Home Movie Footage
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Angus Scrimm Introduction
Fangoria TV Spot
Theatrical Trailer
Still Gallery
Well Go USA's steelbook repackage of PHANTASM will be available on November 6th and currently costs in the neighborhood of $20 - $28! You can order a copy now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!
THE THING (LIMITED EDITION STEELBOOK)
Synopsis: Horror master John Carpenter (HALLOWEEN, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK)
delivers "a masterful exercise in claustrophobic suspense… [with]
elaborate special effects [that] set a high standard for films that
followed" (TV Guide). Kurt Russell's iconic and tense performance drives
this chilling version of the classic THE THING.
In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote
Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for
over 100,000 years. Soon unfrozen, the form-changing alien wreaks havoc,
creates terror… and becomes one of them, proving that "Man is the warmest place to hide."
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 109 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Extras:
DISC ONE
2017 4K Scan Of The Feature Film!
DISC TWO
2K Scan Of The Interpositive Supervised And Approved By Director Of Photography Dean Cundey.
4.1 Audio Mix Created From The Original 70MM Six Track Dolby Stereo Soundtrack.
Audio Commentary With Director Of Photography Dean Cundey.
Audio Commentary With Co-producer Stuart Cohen.
Audio Commentary By Director John Carpenter And Actor Kurt Russell.
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailers (U.S. And German)
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Still Gallery (Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Posters And Lobby Cards)
DISC THREE
Requiem For A Shape Shifter – An Interview With Director John Carpenter In Conversation With Filmmaker Mick Garris
The Men Of Outpost 31 – Interviews With Keith David, Wilford
Brimley, David Clennon, Thomas Waites, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur And
Joel Polis
Assembling And Assimilation – An Interview With Editor Todd Ramsay
Behind The Chameleon: The Visual Effects Of THE THING – Interviews
With Visual Effects Artists Peter Kuran And Susan Turner, Special
Make-up Effects Artist Rob Burman, Brian Wade And Stop Motion Animators
Randall William Cook And Jim Aupperle
Sounds From The Cold – Interviews With Supervising Sound Editor
David Lewis Yewdall And Special Sound Effects Designer Alan Howarth
Between The Lines – An Interview With Novelization Author Alan Dean Foster
Back Into The Cold: A Return To The Shooting Locations Of THE THING –
An Animated Photo Gallery Narrated By Todd Cameron Of Outpost31.com
The Art Of Mike Ploog Gallery
John Carpenter's The Thing: Terror Takes Shape – A Documentary On
The Making Of THE THING Featuring Interviews With John Carpenter, Kurt
Russell, Special Effects Make-up Designer Rob Bottin, Legendary Matte
Artist Albert Whitlock And More! (SD)
Network TV Broadcast Version Of THE THING (SD)
Outtakes (SD)
Vintage Featurettes From The Electronic Press Kit Featuring Interviews With John Carpenter, Kurt Russell And Rob Bottin (SD)
Vintage Featurettes – The Making Of A Chilling Tale And The Making Of THE THING (SD)
Vintage Product Reel – Contains A Condensed Version Of The Film With Additional Footage Not In The Film (SD)
Vintage Behind-The-Scenes Footage (SD)
Annotated Production Archive – Production Art And Storyboards, Location Scouting, Special Make-up Effects, Post Production (SD)
Aside from the new artwork and steelbook packaging, all that's new here is the 2017 4K transfer of the film (that's been ported over from the Arrow UK Blu-ray release I believe), which now means that THIS is currently the definitive release of Carpenter's THE THING. Expect to pay $29 - $35 for this bad boy (until it goes out of print), which is apparently only available to purchase from AMAZON and SHOUT! FACTORY.
TRAIN TO BUSAN (LIMITED EDITION STEELBOOK)
Synopsis: When a mysterious virus breaks out across the country, the infected turn into the murderous undead. A few terrified travelers find themselves trapped on a bullet train from hell, fighting for their lives as hordes of the living dead crash towards them, crawling closer with every stop. Suspicion is rife and tensions run high as some will do anything to survive and make it to the safe zone. Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 118 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - Korean DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Dolby Digital 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0
Extras:
Behind the Scenes
That's A Wrap
Original Trailer
Well Go USA's TRAIN TO BUSAN Steelbook is also due out on November 6th and will cost between $20 - $28. Order yourself a copy now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!
WELL GO USA AND ARROW VIDEO DUKE IT OUT WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE PHANTASM BLU-RAY SETS IN APRIL 2017!
LAST UPDATED ON MARCH 10TH, 2017
First off, I never thought I'd see a complete PHANTASM boxed set in any format! And now I'm talking about two distinctly different ones from two separate companies! How crazy is that? But which one should Phans purchase?
Well, that's entirely up to your price-range, and if you own a region free Blu-ray player. Well Go USA's set has the dual benefits of being Region A locked, and cheaper than the Arrow set. However, presentation is everything, and the Arrow release blows Well Go USA's set out of the water in that respect.
But I'm totally jumping the shark here, so let's stop for a moment and take a closer look at both releases, and see if we can come to a final conclusion.
Both sets (I'm assuming) have utilized the same exact masters, so this important decision (for Phans) is going to come down to the special features and the packaging. And that may even change as both companies have said that more extras will be announced as we get closer to their respective release dates. For now though, let's do a quick comparison utilizing the information we have so far.
PHANTASM: REMASTERED Synopsis: At a funeral, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), watches as a tall mortician clad in black (Angus Scrimm) tosses the unburied coffin into a waiting hearse as if it were nothing. Seeking the truth behind this unusual sight, Mike breaks into the mortuary, where he comes face-to-face with the sinister Tall Man. After barely managing to escape with his life, Mike enlists the help of his brother, Jody (Bill Thornbury), and their friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister). Together they set out to uncover the secrets of the Tall Man and those who dwell in his hellish world.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 89 minutes | Region A (Well Go USA) / Region B (Arrow Video)
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0, and Dolby Digital Mono.
Well Go USA Extras:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Don Coscarelli and Stars Michael Baldwin, Angus Scrimm, and Bill Thornbury.
NEW! Audio commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli, co-producer Paul Pepperman and visual consultant Roberto Quezada!
Graveyard Carz
Interviews with Don Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm.
Deleted Scenes
Phantasm: Actors Having a Ball - Cast interviews.
Phantasm Behind-the-Scenes Home Movies with commentary by Don Coscarelli and Reggie Bannister.
Additional Home Movie Footage
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Angus Scrimm Introduction
Fangoria TV Spot
Theatrical Trailer
Still Gallery
Arrow Video Extras:
PHANTASM: REMASTERED 2016 Los Angeles Premiere Audience Track – Join the audience of die-hard fans as they experience the restored classic for the first time!
Archival audio commentary with director/writer Don Coscarelli and actors A. Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, and Angus Scrimm.
Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm – A brand new pheaturette looking back at the making of PHANTASM, including new interviews with cast and crew!
Behind-the-Scenes footage with commentary by Don Coscarelli and Reggie Bannister.
1979 TV interview with Don Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm.
6 Deleted Scenes
Original Trailer
TV Spots
5 Radio Spots
Still Gallery
Hmmm.... tough call here Vault Dwellers, because both discs are similar. Well Go USA's release boasts an intro by Angus Scrimm, a Fangoria TV Spot, and a "Graveyard Carz" featurette. However, Arrow Video tops that with an all new featurette about the making of the original PHANTASM, plus a groovy audience reaction track! I think I have to give Arrow the edge on this one gang!
PHANTASM II Synopsis: Released after seven years in a mental hospital, Mike convinces his old pal Reggie to join forces with him to hunt down and destroy the Tall Man once and for all. Mike’s visions lead the two to a quiet little town where a horde of flying killer balls aim to slice and dice their gruesome way through everyone. Exploding with special effects, unparalleled thrills, horror and suspense, PHANTASM II climaxes with a blood-curdling conclusion that you have to see to believe.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 97 minutes | Region A (Well Go USA) / Region B (Arrow Video)
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Well Go USA Extras:
Audio Commentary with Don Coscarelli, actors Angus Scrimm, and Reggie Banister.
The Ball is Back – Documentary on the making of Phantasm II.
The Gory Days – An interview with Special Make-up Effects Artist Greg Nicotero.
Deleted Scenes
Workprint Scenes
TV Spots
Theatrical Trailers
Behind the Scenes
Still Galleries
Arrow Video Extras:
Audio commentary with director/writer Don Coscarelli and actors Angus Scrimm, and Reggie Bannister.
Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm II – A brand new pheaturette looking back at the making of Phantasm II, including new interviews with cast and crew!
Angus Scrimm 1989 Convention Appearance
Fangoria TV Spot
Original Trailer
TV Spots
Still Gallery
Though Arrow's PHANTASM II disc has a new featurette, and a few cool archival extras, it is sadly lacking the deleted and workprint scenes, and documentary that are included on Well Go USA's release. Point goes to Well Go USA.
PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD Synopsis: The mutant dwarf creatures are attacking, the silver spheres are flying, and the Tall Man is back with a vengeance! Fifteen years after the original horror classic, writer/producer/director Don Coscarelli reunites brothers Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) and Jody (Bill Thornbury) to help their friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister) destroy the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) once and for all.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 91 minutes | Region A (Well Go USA) / Region B (Arrow Video)
Video - 1080p Widescreen (Aspect ratio TBA, but most likely 1.85:1)
Audio - TBA
Well Go USA Extras:
Audio Commentary with Stars A. Michael Baldwin and Angus Scrimm.
NEW! Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli and editor Norman Buckley!
NEW!Balls of Steel: Bob Ivy’s Stunt for the Ages - The Phantasm III Car Stunt
NEW!It’s Never Over: The Making of PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD
NEW! Behind the Scenes Compilation
Deleted Scene
Radio Spot
Still Gallery
Trailer
Arrow Video Extras:
Audio commentary with actors A. Michael Baldwin and Angus Scrimm.
Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm III – A brand new pheaturette looking back at the making of Phantasm III, including new interviews with cast and crew.
Original Trailer
Stills Gallery
Another tough call here fellow phans. Both releases have similar special features, so I'm leaning towards a tie on this disc, if only because I don't know how in-depth Well Go USA's behind the scenes featurette is.
PHANTASM: OBLIVION Synopsis: 13 years after the original nightmare began, Mike must cross dark dimensions of time and space to discover his origins and those of his nemesis, the evil Tall Man. With only his loyal friend Reggie at his side, and the spirit of his dead brother to guide him, Mike must finally confront this malevolent embodiment of death. Prepare to be scared witless as the fine line between the living and the dead snaps with a vengeance!
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 90 minutes | Region A (Well Go USA) / Region B (Arrow Video)
Video - 1080p Widescreen (Aspect ratio TBA, but most likely 1.85:1)
Audio - TBA
Well Go USA extras:
Audio Commentary with Director Don Coscarelli and Actors Reggie Bannister and Angus Scrimm.
NEW!Death is No Escape: The Making of PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION
NEW! Behind the Scenes Compilation
Phantasm sequels Conceptual Art Gallery by Justin Zaharczuk.
Trailer
Arrow Video Extras:
Audio commentary with director/writer Don Coscarelli and actors Angus Scrimm and Reggie Bannister.
Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm IV – A brand new pheaturette looking back at the making of Phantasm IV, including new interviews with cast and crew.
Original Trailer
Stills Gallery
Yet another close match-up here gang that I will, for now, declare as a tie because I just don't know how Well Go USA's behind the scenes featurette stacks up against Arrow Video's.
PHANTASM: RAVAGER Synopsis: After battling with the Tall Man in Phantasm: Oblivion, a battered Reggie wanders through the desert in search of his missing friend, Mike. After recovering his 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda, Reggie is targeted by two of the Tall Man’s Sentinel Spheres and destroys them. He awakens suddenly to find himself sitting in a wheelchair pushed by none other than the elusive Mike! Although overjoyed by their reunion, Reggie is in this alternate dimension an aged and weary old patient in a psychiatric ward.
And only he remembers their battled and bloodied past with the Tall Man. Reggie must travel between dimensions and discern what is reality in order to confront the mysteries at the heart of a decades-long struggle against evil. He is met with new and familiar faces along the way, and an epic showdown on the Tall Man’s home world awaits!
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 86 minutes | Region A (Well Go USA) / Region B (Arrow Video)
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0
Well Go USA Extras:
Audio Commentary with co-writer/director David Hartman and co-writer/producer Don Coscarelli.
NEW!The Making of PHANTASM V: RAVAGER
NEW! Interview with actor A. Michael Baldwin.
NEW! Interview with actress Kat Lester.
NEW! Interview with actor Stephan Jutras.
NEW! Behind the Scenes Promo with Angus Scrimm Tribute!
NEW! Phantasm V Red Credit Sequence
Deleted Scenes
Phuntasm: Bloopers and Outtakes
Theatrical Trailer
Arrow Video Extras:
PHANTASM: RAVAGER 2016 Los Angeles Premiere Audience Track – Join the audience of die-hard fans as they experience Ravager for the first time!
Audio commentary with director David Hartman and writer/producer Don Coscarelli.
Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm: Ravager – A brand new pheaturette looking at the making of Ravager, including new interviews with cast and crew!
Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by David Hartman and Don Coscarelli.
Phuntasm - Bloopers and Outtakes
Phantasm and You - A lighthearted recap of the Phantasm franchise directed by David Hartman.
Original Trailer
Up to this point, it has been pretty even between both PHANTASM boxed sets. But in my opinion, Arrow Video just pulled into the lead because they offer up a bit more here than Well Go USA. Arrow boasts yet another "audience reaction" audio track, a new making-of featurette, deleted scenes with optional commentary, and the neat little "throwaway" Phantasm and You series recap. But Well Go USA can pull off a tie (or maybe even a win) if their sixth Blu-ray disc delivers phans more than Arrow's! Let's take a look!
WELL GO USA'S BONUS DISC:
Phantasmagoria: A documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
Phantasmagorical Mystery Tour with your host, Reggie Bannister.
Phantasm Genesis
Phandom
Fangoria TV Commercial with Angus Scrimm
Angus Scrimm 1989 Convention Appearance
NEW! Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Panel Discussion (2008)
NEW! Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Cast Panel (2014)
NEW! Flashback Weekend concert performance by Kat Lester
NEW! 2016 Fantastic Fest Premiere and Q&A
ARROW VIDEO'S BONUS DISC:
Phantasmagoria - A pheature-length documentary covering the original Phantasm through to Phantasm IV: Oblivion, including interviews with key cast and crew members.
Phantasmagorical Tour - Actor Reggie Bannister hosts a tour of some of the key filming locations from Phantasm.
Ok, so clearly the Well Go USA bonus disc is superior, but in the end, both sets end up being more or less the same. (Though Well Go USA has recently added even more bonus material on almost every disc!) I guess this will finally come down to overall presentation....
Click for a closer look!
When it comes to packaging, I actually prefer Well Go USA's set, which seems to be a large box that contains each film in its own Blu-ray amaray case, complete with REVERSIBLE COVER ART! The set will also contain the 120-page PHANTASM COMPENDIUM, as well as a reversible 21 x 27 poster!
Arrow Video's set seems to have all six of their discs stored within (what appear to be) cardboard sleeves (Booooo!) that feature new artwork by artist Gary Pullin. Their set comes with a 152-page book about the PHANTASM series, plus a replica of the "Phantasm Sphere." (Which you have to lift up and out of the box to get to the movies!)
So to sum everything up: Both sets seem to feature the same exact transfers, and basically the same special features (though it seems that Well Go USA has really beefed up their discs since the first announcement). The only huge difference is that Arrow put more effort into their packaging - the sphere and collectible book are a nice touch!
It's really close, but in my opinion, Well Go USA is the winner. But honestly, this is all personal preference, and I think everyone's final decision will boil down to pricing and availability. While Arrow's set is impressive, it is currently in the ballpark of $93.00 U.S. dollars (and that's before international shipping), as opposed to the $80.00 price tag for Well Go USA's release. Also, Arrow's PHANTASM COLLECTION is Region B locked, meaning you'll have to purchase a region free Blu-ray player to enjoy it.
Ultimately, what set you choose is up to you Vault Dwellers, but I sincerely hope that I've helped your decision making process a little bit easier by digging into the details of both PHANTASM sets.
Well Go USA's PHANTASM COLLECTION is due out in stores on April 11th, wherever Blu-rays are sold! You can order it now from AMAZON or DIABOLIK DVD! Arrow Video's LIMITED EDITION PHANTASM COLLECTION is due out on April 24th, and can be purchased directly from ARROW VIDEO, or from ZAVVI.COM!
Hey Vault Dwellers! I've been getting a ton of trailers in my inbox lately, so here's a few that stood out from the rest! This time around we've got previews for a cool poster documentary, the triumphant HD return of Don Coscarelli's flagship Horror film and its new sequel, plus a new Horror flick from the mind of comedian Jordan Peele! Let's watch some trailers!
TRAILER #1: 24 X 36 - A MOVIE ABOUT MOVIE POSTERS
The vast majority of Hollywood movie posters are photoshopped garbage nowadays, but it wasn't always that way. Talented artists (e.g. Drew Struzan) attempted to make gorgeous artwork to entice people to see films in theaters, or rent them at the video stores! Thankfully the craft is still going strong today, though it seems that only fans and independent artists are carrying the torch for creating beautiful movie posters!
There's currently no word on a release just yet as it just premiered on September 23rd at Fantastic Fest, but you can bet that 24 X 36 is definitely on my "must see" list! Check out the trailer and get all nostalgic for the halcyon days of 35mm cinema and trips to the video store!
TRAILER #2: PHANTASM - REMASTERED
Who would have thought that STAR TREK and STAR WARS rebooter, JJ Abrams was a Phan?! Surely not I! After naming a character in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (Captain Phasma) after one of his favorite Horror films, Abrams got involved with a complete 4K remastering of Don Coscarelli's fever-dream classic. Having just been in select theaters nationwide (and currently available to rent or buy digitally), PHANTASM: REMASTERED will make its Blu-ray debut on December 6th, courtesy of Well Go USA! The spheres o' fear are back, and they look glorious! See for yourself below!
TRAILER #3: PHANTASM - RAVAGER
Phans rejoice! The final (?) entry into Don Coscarelli's franchise is finally here! Reggie Bannister loads up his four-barrel shotgun, and goes on a mind-bending journey to try and end the Tall Man's reign of terror once and for all. This sequel literally seemed to come out of nowhere, and is now available to rent or own digitally. As is the case with PHANTASM: REMASTERED, RAVAGER makes its Blu-ray debut on December 6th! (Order your copy HERE!)
I've heard good and bad about this movie (general consensus is that this is like a big budget fan film featuring the original cast), but I am super excited to finally be seeing it! (Especially since PHANTASM OBLIVION left so many unanswered questions!) Peep the trailer below and get excited fellow Phans!
TRAILER #4: GET OUT
When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) goes to meet his girlfriend's parents, he's worried that they won't accept he and Rose's (Allison Williams) interracial relationship. He quickly realizes that this is the least of his problems, as he appears to get caught up in a STEPFORD WIVES scenario involving mind control through surgery and/or hypnosis. The trailer seems to give away too much, but I for one am still looking forward to seeing this flick when it hits theaters February 24th of next year! Scope out the trailer and let me know what you think of it Vault Dwellers!
That's all for now, but be sure to check back again soon for more movie trailers and news right here at The News Vault!
File the following press release under "things you never thought you'd see in your lifetime." I got an e-mail yesterday from Well Go USA touting some of the best news I've heard in some time: They had picked up the distribution rights to Don Coscarelli's PHANTASM! Remastered in 4K (spearheaded by J.J. Abrams!), the film has been promised a small theatrical re-release (September 24th!) and a (finally!) legit Blu-ray release as well. But the good news did not stop there fellow Tall Man phans....
Along with PHANTASM: REMASTERED, Well Go USA is also issuing HD redos of PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD and PHANTASM: OBLIVION. Plus.... they are releasing PHANTASM RAVAGER theatrically (select theaters on October 7th) and on VOD, DVD, and Blu-ray later this year! Go ahead and scream with delight. It's ok, I'll wait.
While you may be wondering why PHANTASM II is missing from the news, it is because that particular sequel is currently available exclusively through Scream Factory. Here's hoping that Scream Factory works with Well Go USA to give us phans a complete collector's set on DVD & Blu-ray (not an impossibility when you realize that there's been Blu-ray sets for FRIDAY THE 13TH and HALLOWEEN). At the very least, Well Go USA should creature a box to house their four discs, and leave a little space to fit your copy of PHANTASM II into it. (Because let's face it, if you're reading this, you probably own it.)
For a further details, scope out the press release below and get excited!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Well Go USA Entertainment announced its acquisition of North American rights for Don Coscarelli’s legendary Phantasm series, including: An all-new 4K restoration of the original 1979 cult classic, Phantasm: Remastered, never-before-seen HD restorations of 1994’s Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead and 1998’s Phantasm IV: Oblivion, and the long-anticipated debut of the fifth and final film in the series, 2016’s Phantasm: Ravager.
On October 7th, for the first time ever, the Phantasm series will be available in remastered, high-definition versions across all cable and digital platforms.
A Blu-ray and DVD Collector’s Edition Set of the Phantasm series will follow later this year, along with individual Blu-rays and DVDs of Phantasm: Remastered and Phantasm: Ravager, all of which will be packed with special bonus features.
Phantasm: Remastered and Phantasm: Ravager will hit theaters as well. Phantasm: Remastered will screen across the county as part of the inaugural Art House Theater Day on September 24, 2016, and Phantasm: Ravager will be released in select theaters on October 7th, day and date with its digital HD release. In addition, fans across the country will have the ability to bring both films to their hometowns using Tugg, an innovative platform that empowers individuals and groups to host screenings in their local theaters and community venues.
Phantasm: Remastered came into being when filmmaker J.J. Abrams, a fan of the original, wanted to screen the film for his team at Bad Robot Productions- only to find the available prints in terrible shape. Working on the premises of Bad Robot with their expert staff, director Don Coscarelli was invited by J.J. to supervise a meticulous 4K digital remaster using their state-of-the-art tools. This included a brand-new 5.1 audio mix using the original stems, ensuring Phantasm will forever be available to scare the hell out of generations to come with perfect picture and sound.
Phantasm: Ravager is an all-new film that brings one of cinema’s longest-running franchises (36 years!) without a reboot to a close, with Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) and Reggie (Reggie Banister) teaming up to confront the dimension-hopping Tall Man (Angus Scrimm, in his final role) once and for all.
“The Phantasm films are iconic, and Well Go is ecstatic to have them. We get to bring a classic to a whole new audience with Phantasm: Remastered, and with Phantasm: Ravager we get to bring the die-hard fans - of which I am one - the closure they’ve been waiting for,” said Dylan Marchetti, SVP of Well Go USA Entertainment. “This is the kind of deal that every distributor dreams of doing, and when you get to do it with a true independent like Don, well, that’s just the extra cherry on the sundae.”
"I’m thrilled to be working with Well Go USA and their talented and dedicated team,” said Phantasm creator Don Coscarelli. “I am excited by their innovative new ideas and intense drive to bring the Phantasm franchise to a new generation of fans."
Phantasm: Remastered, Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead, and Phantasm IV: Oblivion were written and directed by Don Coscarelli. Phantasm: Ravager was written by Coscarelli and David Hartman, executive produced by Brad Baruh, and directed by Hartman. All films star Angus Scrimm, Reggie Bannister, and A. Michael Baldwin.
As excited as I am for this news, I do have a few reservations, but that's mainly because I'm largely unfamiliar with Well Go USA. Aside from a few foreign titles (TAI CHI ZERO, TAI CHI HERO, and CHRONICLES OF THE GHOSTLY TRIBE) I haven't seen enough of their releases to decide if they are up to the task. Here's hoping that they knock it out of the park with the design of the packing and cover art, and most importantly, the extras!
Details on Well Go USA's upcoming DVDs and Blu-rays have yet to be released, so stay tuned as I anxiously await more updates!
