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: 4.83871 / 5 from 465 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.
Summary topics
Film Quality (26%): A significant number of customers pointed out that this film is an awesome sci-fi thriller with beautiful art and packaging.
Limited Edition (5%): Customers appreciated the great premium packaging and presentation of the Phase IV Limited Edition physical media release.
Visual Aesthetics (9%): Customers appreciated how the movie looks, with many describing it as fantastic and beautiful. (7 out of 20 reviews)
Film Experience (22%): Many customers pointed out that this movie is great and highly recommend it for sci-fi fans.
Overall Release (22%): Based on many customers, the most common opinion is that the release is excellent or great. It is a common opinion.
"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
top quality VS release
"I’ve owned this for a couple of years now and it’s one of my favorite boutique disc releases of all time. Phase IV is more than deserving of this kind of treatment and fits perfectly with the other films that Vinegar Syndrome releases. The only thing I would mention is there has been some writing/discussion done about the editing of the alternate ending on the preview cut containing an error. I have not actually watched this cut myself yet but I did get a VS email response in May of 2024 from someone telling me they’d issue a replacement. I’ve read since then that this isn’t going to be the case, which is too bad. Although, maybe the print I got was already fixed."
— John M. (5/5)
Phase IV
"Blind bought this one and loved it. Super bizarre but so stylish and cool. Beautiful transfer, slipcover, and loved the booklet too."
— Andrew P. (5/5)
Another beautiful transfer
"I first saw this as a MST3K download, so to experience it in 4K with the original trippy ending restored is a real treat."
— Robert W. (5/5)
Excellent film and release
"Love this movie and love the packaging. Saul Bass's sole directorial effort is well worth owning."
— Eric N. (5/5)
Must own for SF fans
"A welcome upgrade from the Olive disc, tempered with the annoyance no Blu ray only option for purchase. Happy to get it heavily discounted from VS on sale though. A science-fiction chiller not to be missed!"
— Paul B. (5/5)
A lot more than four. . .
"A cerebral insects attack sci fi movie. Instead of their size, as in Them, or their sheer numbers, as in Kingdom of the Spiders, it’s the intelligence of the ants in Phase IV that poses the threat to humanity. In the film, a cosmic force changes the nature of the ants on Earth. They organize, join forces, and work to take over. Interesting and visually stunning at times, it’s a more intellectual, rather than action oriented, insects attack movie. Great presentation by VS. It’s a wonderful time capsule of that sci-fi/psych period."
— chris c. (4/5)
Phase IV
"Basically The Antdromida Strain. Love this kind of hard sci-fi applied to a concept that, on paper, sounds absurd"
— Jack H. (5/5)
Thrilling Sci-Fi with Amazing Macro Cinematography
"Stylish contained sci-fi thriller that looks absolutely gorgeous in 4K. Kinda in the same vein as The Andromeda Strain or Silent Running with scientists confronting the conflict from a more logical angle as opposed to more bombastic sci-fi thrillers."
— Eliot H. (5/5)
Phase Iv
"Phase IV is a great piece of sci-fi. Nice photography and the extras and artwork are excellent!"
— Erik O. (5/5)
Phase 4
"Good stuff"
— Paul G. (5/5)
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