Along with their release of the
original PHANTASM as a part of their Anchor Bay Collection we also on
Tuesday will get an Unrated Directors cut of PHANTASM III.
It's a PHAN's dream.
PHANTASM III is one of those under
rated films that a lot of fans seemed to have overlooked and it's a
shame because it really is a wild ride and a very scary and inventive
film. Before the main attraction Anchor Bay has included some great
trailers for PHANTASM, SURVIVAL QUEST and KENNY & CO. all
Coscorelli titles that are available on DVD. Presented in their
original form with no enhancement they are a treat to watch.
Then it's straight on into the feature
which is available here in the US for the first time on DVD. It had
been years since I had screened this film and it was a joy to watch.
I had actually forgotten how mean icing Scrimm was as the Tall Man in
this chapter of the PHANTASM mythos and it is great to watch him
creep and squint his way through the film. The Tall Man has never
really achieved the horror icon status of a Freddy or Jason but he is
certainly worthy of it and this film reminds us of that fact. The
story line is pretty much the same as all the PHANTASM films, Reg and
crew scour the countryside hunting down and attempting to kill the
Tall Man and his hoard of killer dwarfs from beyond time. This time
they pick up some sidekicks that add a little more humor to the mix
which for me adds considerably to the enjoyment of the film but seems
to annoy others. It's all a matter of opinion but all seem to agree
that the FX and gore factor in this one is off the meter and lends
itself to a bloody good time.
Anchor Bay has done its now expected
fantastic job on the transfer and the film looks and sounds amazing.
A little disappointed in the special features on this one especially
since this is the third release in their Anchor Bay Collection of
DVD's and the first two in the program were crammed with stuff. A
commentary track and some short behind the scenes clips are all we
are treated to this time. The commentary is top notch though and
should definitely be listened to.
I guess we need to just be thankful
that AB finally picked up the reins and gave us fans a great DVD
release of this often overlooked film. It's hard to believe that it
has taken this long for it to make it to DVD in the US but as seems
to always be the case Anchor Bay has got the fans backs and steps up
to the plate.
Phantasm III is available Tuesday April
10th.
