Remember a few months ago when we spoke about how J.J. Abrams named one of the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters after the 1979 cult horror film Phantasm? Well, it turns out that the director’s passion for the title goes a bit further than just creating a character. In fact, he’s heading a 4K restoration of the film that will include a 5.1-channel audio mix, all with the blessing of director Don Coscarelli! AICN originally broke the story, which is one of the coolest bits of fandom I can think of happening in recent years.
Coscarelli explains to EW how everything came about:
[The restoration] came about because [J.J. Abrams] wanted to show Phantasm at Bad Robot. I told him, “Well, the prints are really bad.” He generously offered to help create a restoration. Obviously that’s an offer we couldn’t refuse.It’s going to be finished in the next month or so. Of course, the little downside is that I had to stop work on the fifth and final Phantasm — Phantasm: Ravager (which is being directed by David Hartman). But both of those movies are now pretty much done. We’ll looking for a first- or second-quarter release for both of them.
For those wondering why we’ve been waiting so long for a fifth Phantasm film, you now have your answer. Personally, I think it’s 100% worth it. Let’s reignite interest in the franchise and then drop a new film, especially now that the J.J. Abrams crowd are going to experience it, many for the first time.
Below is a screencap from the 4K restoration, which shows just how sharp and beautiful the end result will be.
