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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.
This special limited edition 3-disc 4K UHD/Blu-ray set comes with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Adam Maida), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 8,000 units.
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
Michael Murphy