This listing is for the standard edition 3-disc 4k UHD/Blu-ray release. The limited edition slipcase (designed by Adam Maida) was limited to 8,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the packaging and 40-page book.
Following a mysterious eclipse-like solar event, scientists begin to notice strange and unexplainable behavioral changes in ants. While initially written off as an unconcerning anomaly, it soon becomes apparent that the creatures have developed advanced intelligence along with the ability to work collectively. Scientists Ernest Hubbs and James Lesko have been transferred to a futuristic lab in a remote part of the Arizona desert in which to study these phenomena. However, when the ants begin to attack and kill both wildlife and humans, Hubbs and Lesko realize that the entire human race might now be at a deadly evolutionary disadvantage to the tiny insects…
The sole feature film directed by acclaimed graphic artist Saul Bass, PHASE IV is a landmark of 1970s science fiction as it blends arresting visuals, photographed by Dick Bush (Sorcerer) along with nature photographer Ken Middleham, with a tense and harrowing animal attack narrative. Starring Nigel Davenport (Chariots of Fire), Michael Murphy (Nashville), and Lynne Frederick (Schizo) and featuring a mesmerizing musical score by electronic music pioneer Brian Gascoigne, Vinegar Syndrome presents PHASE IV on 4K UHD, newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative and at last containing its legendary and never-before-on-video Preview Version, featuring exclusive, extended, and alternate sequences which have remained unseen since 1974!
directed by: Saul Bass starring: Nigel Davenport, Michael Murphy, Lynne Frederick, Alan Gifford, Robert Henderson, Helen Horton 1974 / 1.85:1 Theatrical Version: 84 min / English Mono Preview Version (BD only): 89 min / (2) English Mono soundtracks
Additional info:
3-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray x2
4K UHD presented in High-Dynamic-Range
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
The 84-minute Theatrical Version is available on both the UHD and Blu-ray discs
The 89-minute Preview Version with multiple soundtrack options is included on a Blu-ray disc
Commentary track for the Theatrical Version with film historian Matthew Asprey Gear
"Evolutions: The Making of Phase IV" (48 min) - a brand new documentary by Elijah Drenner featuring interviews with Jeffrey Bass, co-star Michael Murphy, screenwriter Mayo Simon, archivist Sean Savage and design historian/Saul Bass biographer Pat Kirkham
"Formicidae Sinfonia: The Music and Sounds of Phase IV" (15 min) - a brand new featurette with composer Brian Gascoigne and electronic music artist David Vorhaus
Deleted shots and sequences (2 min)
Raw footage from Saul Bass' original ending montage sequence (16 min)
Theatrical trailer
Still gallery
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.839002 / 5 from 441 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
PHASE IV, a limited edition 3-disc 4K UHD/Blu-ray set, impresses with its stunning visuals, premium packaging, and high-quality restoration. The film's unique narrative and beautiful art make it a must-have for sci-fi enthusiasts. Extras like the commentary track, documentaries, and deleted scenes add significant value to this exceptional release.
"I liked this movie, nice packing and transfer." — Robert E.
"The art work and packaging was top notch The transfer was great, brings back the older film quality." — Jose V.
"Fantastic 4K release for an awesome film and a great package." — Viral T.
Reviews
Good, but not great
"I went into to this film completely blind and while it was overall a good watch, I wouldn't call it a great film in my opinion. The concept was interesting but I felt the execution was a bit lacking."
— Christopher A. (4/5)
Set Phasers on IV
"The only thing worse than ants in your pants is crazed insect movies. Of all the subjects Saul Bass was interested in it had to be ants. The packaging and film quality are stellar and am looking forward to VS releasing Phase 1-3."
— Paul C. (4/5)
Great release
"Sci-Fi classic. Great edition with excellent collection of extra features."
— Paulo A. (5/5)
Ants!
"Went in blind on this one but it was such a cool ride. Some of the shots with the ants were unbelievable and captivating. As usual, got the full treatment from Vinegar Syndrome."
— Nathanial P. (5/5)
Banging score
"Amazing music to go along with one of the best sc-fi movies of the 70's"
— Thomas E. (5/5)
Whoever trips to this will be able to talk to the ants
"Gorgeous 4k! Especially when they're examining the dead sheep I was there with them feeling the breeze and the tall grasses bristling up against me as we traipse through them. Vidual cornucopia! Final phase at end and he just gives in well i guess he had to really. Narration in closing "We will be told what to do" so creepy. New documentary and making of are marvelous. Glad I didn't see this as a child like kingdom of spiders, shivers. . ."
— Derek T. (5/5)
Fascinating
"Absolutely fascinating movie. It's about man vs ant but it's really about human evolution and the evolution of Earth itself. Not to mention an excellent acting tour de force for the two male leads. Full of wonderfully weird imagery that will stick with you. Very much the kind of movie you might expect from Saul Bass, the eccentric genius designer of title sequences for James Bond and Alfred Hitchcock. The 4k looks ten times better than any previous release. You get the original ending as one of the bonuses, and it's really a must see. This is my favorite thing that I've bought from VS in the last year."
— Adam D. (5/5)
Great find
"Forgot about this film until recently, figured that VS would have it in stock and I was right. Great transfer!"
— Michael B. (5/5)
Solid Sci-fi Thrills
"I appreciate old science fiction movies like this that takes its premise serious and doesn't cop out with a cheesy turn like the ants suddenly becoming huge and towering over the humans. Rather, they remain their natural size but with increased intelligence that makes them more dangerous, considering you can't see them coming. I love the package that VS has put together here. Terrific artwork. Some people might think it's slow, but it's well-shot, well-acted with a great score."
— NICHOLAS K. (5/5)
5 Stars
"Great movie, looks great on 4k!"
— Robert C. (5/5)
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