Today’s the day! Phantasm 2, arguably the best entry in the Phantasm series, hits North American DVD after years of studio wrangling (it was the only of the four Phantasm movies produced with studio backing). $14.99 at Amazon.com, and possibly cheaper at other outlets.
And now, off to do my happy dance…
Update: And while we’re at it:
Nathan Shumate is the proprietor of Cold Fusion Video Reviews and the publisher of Cold Fusion Media.
#1 by The Chief Archivist on September 15th, 2009
Interesting that you felt Phantasm II was the best series entry. Certainly, it’s one that so many phans fell in love with and as you say, arguable.
And you’re definitely not alone in that happy dance, my friend.
#2 by The Rev. D.D. on September 15th, 2009
Cool! KKE is one of the last couple of Toho kaiju films I don’t have on DVD. Not the best of them, but I dig Dr. Who, Mechani-Kong, and Gorosaurus.
Plus, I’m totally compelled to buy every giant monster movie I can find, so it’s not like I have a choice anyway…
#3 by The Mud Puppy on September 16th, 2009
I’m still confused. Is there any difference between this DVD of King kong Escapes (and the “new” DVD of King Kong vs. Godzilla) and the one that came in 2005, in a two-pack with KKvsG? Is it just that now they’re being sold individually instead of as a set?
#4 by El Santo on September 16th, 2009
The cover art for the “new” King Kong Escapes DVD is exactly the same as that used for the two-pack version, for whatever that’s worth.
#5 by Nathan Shumate on September 16th, 2009
There may be no difference. I missed notice of the 2005 release; I thought this might be the first US DVD. Mea culpa.
#6 by The Mud Puppy on September 16th, 2009
Not your fault. Besides, you’re not even the first person I saw reporting about the “new” DVDs. I was just expressing confusion, not trying to tear you down for making an honest mistake.
Besides, hey, the DVD release of Phantasm II is something I can definitely get behind! Woo-hoo! I agree that of the films in the series I’ve seen (the first 3), it is without a doubt the best.
#7 by Nathan Shumate on September 16th, 2009
Phantasm: Oblivion is a step up from Phantasm 3 (it was easy to do, just jettison the kid), but has probably the least self-contained story of any in the series; it seemed like a chapter in a long and convoluted story, even though Coscarelli knew it was probably the last Phantasm movie he would make. Very frustrating — Phantasmus interruptus!