I’ve taken a look at the first four Phantasm films and now it’s time to bring the film series to a close by looking at the fifth and final outing for The Tall Man and Reggie. I’ve enjoyed my time looking at these stylish and surreal horror movies and furthermore this Arrow Video release has been truly outstanding. So time to conclude Phantasm, here’s my Phantasm V Blu-ray Review.
- Phantasm V (2016) aka Phantasm V: Ravager
- UK Rating 18
- Released By Arrow Video (Part of a 5 film box-set)
- Blu-ray Released: 24th April 2017
Plot
Following on from the events of Phantasm IV, Reggie is again looking for his friend Mike. However Reggie finds himself struggling to know what is real, is The Tall Man playing games with our bald hero?
The story is written by David Hartman & Don Coscarelli.
Style / Direction
This is the only film in the series not directed by Don Coscarelli with David Hartman taking the helm. That said Don Coscarelli does co write the film along with David Hartman as well as producing Phantasm V: Ravager.
The look and feel of the Phantasm world is retained but this time out there is more of a post apocalyptic focus and look. So I suppose director David Hartman can feel pretty pleased with his vision as it ultimately works well enough considering the tiny budget he had to work with. That said the film does struggle to tell its story without feeling rather confusing which may well be down to the fact the film was initially going to be a web series with Reggie having a new horror experience each episode. That footage has been incorporated into Phantasm V, the film would certainly have benefited from a proper budget but alas no one seemed interested in putting up the money for a really great end to the Phantasm film series.
Cinematography is handled by David Hartman & Brad Baruh.
Music / Audio Effects
The main theme is used at the key moments in the film which will prove particularly satisfying for fans of the Phantasm series. The music is provided by Christopher L. Stone.
Acting / Characters
All the main actors and characters make appearances in the fifth and final Phantasm film. That said Ravager is very much Reggie’s story. Reggie is on top form again as he finds himself lost in several different worlds or maybe just his own mind. He plays it well with plenty of humour and bewilderment.
The now late Angus Scrimm reprises he role as The Tall Man one last time and despite being considerably older from his last outing still manages to deliver another top performance.
Overall the acting is perfect for the style of the film.
Conclusion: Phantasm V (2016) Film Review
There is no doubting that Phantasm V has the most confusing plot of all of the films. It further complicates the world with Reggie constantly switching between realities, but this is the fifth film and it does try to move the story along even giving a kind of conclusion to the series.
There is no doubting another film could be made, the endings in Phantasm are never really endings just more possibilities for future tales.
However with the death of Angus Scrimm in January 2016 I feel that should also signal the end to this awesome sci-fi horror series. And no I do not want to see a remake of the original for the kids of today. Leave Phantasm as cult classic that can be discovered by watching it on the various platforms now available. The whole series has been restored and looks fabulous.
So should you watch Phantasm V: Ravager? If you loved any of the previous films then the fifth and final film is a must see. If you haven’t seen any of the first four films then this film is probably going too confusing to get into the story of The Tall Man, better to start by watching those earlier movies first.
If you like my Phantasm V blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
- Phantasm (1979) Blu-ray Review
- Phantasm II (1988) Blu-ray Review
- Phantasm III (1994) Blu-ray Review
- Phantasm IV (1998) Blu-ray Review
Conclusion: Phantasm V Blu-ray Review
The picture quality is excellent as you would expect so what about the extras?
Arrow Video continues with Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm Ravager which features interviews with cast and crew. Director David Hartman reveals how the fifth film came to be having initially been intended as a web series before Phantasm creator Don Coscarelli decided to turn the 40 minutes footage they had already shot into what is now Phantasm V: Ravager.
And yet more interesting extras are included
Extras
- Reflections of Fear: Realising Phantasm Ravager (34 mins)
- The Phantasm: Ravager Premieres Q&A (37 mins)
- Behind the Scenes (10 mins)
- Deleted Scenes (8 mins)
- Bloopers and Outtakes (9 mins )
- Trailers
- Phantasm and You (3 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
Phantasm V: Ravager (2016)
MOVIE RATING: WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
You can purchase now on Blu-ray from Amazon.
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Phantasm V: Ravager (2016) Trailer
Phantasm V: Ravager (2016) is available now as part of the complete boxset on blu-ray.
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s Phantasm V blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them on our Facebook page.
Summary: Phantasm V Ravager (2016) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Phantasm V Ravager (2016)
Duration: 85 mins
Director(s): David Hartman
Actor(s): Reggie Bannister, Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, Angus Scrimm
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A surreal and confusing end to the Phantasm series that still manages to capture the overall surreal essence.
