The CRITERION COLLECTION Gives Love to PHANTASM

Where horror meets surrealism: PHANTASM’s unforgettable imagery gets the love it deserves from the Criterion Collection.

The Criterion Collection, long renowned for its curation of cinematic masterpieces and cult classics, has officially welcomed Don Coscarelli’s PHANTASM (1979) to its revered library. Fans of the mind-bending DIY horror epic can now enjoy this surreal, haunting masterpiece on the Criterion Channel, accompanied by the collection’s signature level of care and respect for film preservation and presentation.

This recognition is a huge moment for PHANTASM, a film that has always thrived on its cult status. With its dreamlike dread, bold storytelling, and unforgettable imagery, Coscarelli’s film has etched its name in the annals of genre cinema. Now, with Criterion’s seal of approval, PHANTASM takes another step toward mainstream acknowledgment while keeping its strange, independent spirit intact.

Dreamlike dread, flying spheres, and childhood nightmares—PHANTASM (1979) is more than a movie; it’s an experience. Now streaming on Criterion Channel

What Makes PHANTASM Special?

Released in 1979, PHANTASM is a one-of-a-kind horror experience. Written, directed, and edited by a then-23-year-old Don Coscarelli, the film broke new ground by blending dream logic, childhood fears, and pure cinematic audacity. It follows young Mike Pearson as he unravels a nightmarish mystery involving The Tall Man (played with eerie gravitas by Angus Scrimm), interdimensional gateways, and, of course, the iconic flying silver spheres.

As Criterion’s social media post highlights, PHANTASM is suffused with an air of "dreamlike dread" and powered by its "epic, eardrum-pounding synth score." Its audacious visuals, gonzo plot twists, and deep dive into the dark corners of childhood fantasy have made it a cornerstone of cult horror. The film’s legacy has endured across four sequels, proving that The Tall Man’s shadow looms as large as ever.

Social Media Buzz: Criterion’s Announcement

Thanks for the PHANTASM-love Criterion!

Criterion’s announcement has sparked excitement across platforms. Their Instagram and Twitter posts share a striking still of young Mike Pearson, paired with the film’s iconic title card and a chilling image of The Tall Man looming in his marble mausoleum. The captions perfectly capture the essence of the film:

"PHANTASM took indie horror into new realms of delirious imagination. Suffused with a mood of dreamlike dread and featuring an epic, eardrum-pounding synth score, and its sheer audaciousness, gonzo visuals, and haunting exploration of the dark side of childhood fantasy have ensured that its legend has lived on (spawning four sequels along the way)."

With Criterion’s reputation for high-quality restorations and bonus content, fans are eager to see how this treatment will elevate the already surreal experience of PHANTASM.

Why Criterion Love Matters

Criterion’s embrace of PHANTASM signals a broader recognition of the film’s artistic and cultural value. The label is known for celebrating films that push boundaries, spark conversation, and influence generations of creators. By giving PHANTASM this platform, Criterion not only celebrates the film’s legacy but also ensures its preservation for future generations.

For long-time fans, this is a chance to revisit the film in its finest form. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to experience one of the most imaginative horror films ever made—a film that remains as chilling, fascinating, and unpredictable as it was in 1979.

PHANTASM’s Legacy Lives On

Whether it’s your first time stepping into the eerie world of PHANTASM or your fiftieth, Criterion’s recognition of Don Coscarelli’s masterpiece is a victory for horror fans everywhere. It’s a reminder that genre films, no matter how unconventional, deserve to be celebrated as works of art.

With its dreamlike visuals, unforgettable characters, and haunting themes, PHANTASM continues to captivate audiences, and now, thanks to The Criterion Collection, its legend grows stronger still.

So, grab some popcorn, fire up the Criterion Channel, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the strange and chilling world of PHANTASM. As The Tall Man himself might say: "BOY!"