PHANTASM Joins Criterion Channel’s December Lineup
PHANTASM phans were thrilled to see that The Criterion Channel will be featuring the 1979 film for the month of December.
Cult horror fans, rejoice! This December, Phantasm, Don Coscarelli’s iconic indie horror masterpiece, finds a new home on the prestigious Criterion Channel as part of their year-end lineup. Renowned for its eclectic curation of cinematic treasures, Criterion’s inclusion of this genre-defying gem highlights its lasting impact on both horror and independent filmmaking.
The Tall Man, Angus Scrimm, walking down Main Street
A Mind-Bending Cult Classic
Phantasm is no ordinary horror film. As Criterion aptly puts it:
"A mind-bending cult classic of DIY horror, Don Coscarelli’s epic tale of the Tall Man, his deadly silver Sentinel Spheres, and a group of small-town friends who must band together to stop his dimension-hopping schemes was made on a shoestring budget by a cast and crew comprised largely of friends and family, but its sheer audaciousness, gonzo visuals, and haunting exploration of the dark side of childhood fantasy have ensured that its legend has lived on."
This singular mix of dreamlike dread, haunting synth scores, and offbeat creativity doesn’t just scare—it mesmerizes. Despite its low-budget origins, the film achieves a level of imagination that transcends its means, making it an enduring favorite in the annals of cult cinema.
This is what the Criterion Channel had to say about PHANTASM.
Why Phantasm Still Matters
Released in 1979, Phantasm is far more than its eerie Sentinel Spheres and the menacing presence of the Tall Man (the late, great Angus Scrimm). It taps into universal fears: the loss of innocence, mortality, and the unsettling nature of dreams versus reality. These themes, paired with Coscarelli’s resourceful direction, established Phantasm as a horror touchstone and inspired four sequels over the following decades.
The Criterion Channel’s decision to include Phantasm reflects a growing recognition of the film’s broader cultural and artistic significance. It’s a reminder that great cinema isn’t always born of vast budgets—it often emerges from raw passion and a bold, singular vision.
Other great films airing on Criterion Channel in December include this awesome Hitchcock collection!
Even More December Delights
Phantasm is just one of the standout films arriving on the Criterion Channel this December. Joining the ranks are Alfred Hitchcock’s endlessly rewatchable Vertigo, Paul Verhoeven’s provocative historical drama Benedetta, and Barbra Streisand’s groundbreaking musical Yentl. Add to that a John Waters retrospective and mind-bending nonlinear classics like 12 Monkeys and Mulholland Dr., and there’s truly something for every kind of cinephile this holiday season.
How to Watch
Starting this December, fans new and old can experience (or re-experience) Phantasm in all its surreal glory on the Criterion Channel. If you’re not already subscribed, now’s the perfect time to start your 7-day free trial and dive into their unparalleled library of film classics and rediscoveries.
Don’t miss this opportunity to step back into the eerie, imaginative world of Phantasm. Whether you're here for the spine-chilling suspense, the mind-bending visuals, or that unforgettable synth soundtrack, this Criterion addition is a must-watch for the holiday season.
Cue the floating spheres—and let the nightmares begin. Learn more at the official Criterion website!
