when did this title go OOP?

1. Yes.

2. A couple of months ago.

hopefully we'll have a proper SE on the way!!

Really? The existing disc is one of my favorites. But then, I'm always up for any sort of dramatic improvement.

What wasn't 'proper' about the first release? Seemed pretty damn packed to me:

Audio Commentary with:
- Director Don Coscarelli
- Michael Baldwin
- Reggie Bannister
- Bill Thornbury
10 Minutes of Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailer
TV & Radio Spots
1979 Promotional Interviews with:
- Don Coscarelli
- Angus Scrimm
Introduction By Angus Scrimm (The Tall Man)
Still Gallery Containing:
- Original Posters
- International Theatrical Posters

"A N A M O R P H I C"

The DVD was fine, though just a port of the Laserdisc boxset. A new transfer would be nice.

thanks! now I know what I'll be watching tonight. have not pulled that one out since early last year.

Ah, that makes a bit more sense. I didn't realise he was talking about picture/sound. By saying "proper SE", I assumed he was referring to supplements. And I really can't think of much more to include with a low-budget, cult film like this. Seems like they covered all the bases, and then some.

yeah, it needs to be Anamorphic, to me thats a must! I also heard the picture wasn't too great on the original SE.

I thought the same thing too. SE treatment usually refers to the extras. Considering how long ago the current disc was released.... at a time when only Criterion was "doing SE right", the Phantasm disc is very comprehensive. Even though I would like an anamorphic transfer, I'm quite pleased with the amount of extras and the video quality... even on my 34" widescreen tube.

i deemed it one of my first "worthy" SE dvds; i remember paying $30 for it when it first came out; now it can be had for under $10. time flies....BOYYYY!!!!!

I read this thread last night and found it at a used DVD store this morning for $5. Nifty

I loved this dvd! Went to buy it tonight, not knowing it was OOP, but couldnt locate it. Now I know (dangit)

If it does get a re-release, they better do ALL of the series while they are at it.

Were the other Phantasm movies any good? I only botherd to see the first one which I love but if a box set or re-release of all the Phantasm movies is comming would it be worth it to get all of them?

there are a lot of mixed feelings towards the phantasm sequels. I love them all, but you'd probably be better off renting them to find out for yourself.

Phantasm OblIVian was pretty cool as it added deleted scenes from the original to make a new story with all the original cast today, but still it wasn't anything spectacular.

II and III were terrible hodgepodges and totally ruined the story that the original set up. Of course the sequels are wildly popular because the sequels are of a lower standard to appeal to the average action/horror fan.

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edited to add:

In 2 and 3: Reggie turns into a horn-dog looking for every opportunity to "get some", Return of the Living Dead style zombies appear, a "Home Alone" demented kid is introduced, Rambo-ette joins the team, the Tall Man's mayhem becomes nationwide, spheres become ubiquitous and special purpose devices, attempts at witty "Army of Darkness"-style one-liners are spoken, and tired Friday the 13th-inspired cliche endings cap things off.

But I know that I'm in the minority in my dislike for 2 and 3.
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In IV, Coscarelli seemed to feel a bit guilty about II and III and tried to bring things back on track. Of all the sequels, IV is the best but it still pales in comparison to the original.

Even though I would've liked it if none of the sequels had ever been made, I understand that they have a following, so hopefully they'll see a DVD release.

Gotta disagree with the sracer's opinion on the sequels, 2 is pretty good and 3 is OK. I don't see how they derail the storyline at all. IV has to be watched once or twice, and it's not much like the others. All are at least worth a watch.

I don't see much chance for a box set of all 4 movies, they're put out by different studios. 2 and 3 are available in R2, which I believe is actually an R0 PAL release, both edited, both low quality. In otherwords, super fan editions only.

btw...I just saw 4 copies of the oop se on the shelves at Best Buy.

I dont like the sequels either.