Phantasm Remastered

Phantasm Remastered is a 2016 horror film that modernizes an absolute classic piece of cinema from 1979. Directed by Don Coscarelli, the film's remastered version is a painstaking digital restoration, courtesy of filmmaker J.J. Abrams and his Bad Robot Productions. This version allows a new generation of viewers to appreciate this iconic blend of horror, science fiction, and dark fantasy, as well as offering old fans a chance to revisit the terror in high definition, all while preserving the movie's original spirit.

The narrative of Phantasm Remastered is a bizarre amalgam of childhood fears, teenage angst, and the distressing concept of mortality. The film principally follows two brothers, Mike and Jody Pearson, played by actors A. Michael Baldwin and Bill Thornbury, respectively. Their lives become entwined in a mind-bending mystery after they notice something platently strange about their small town's funeral parlor.

Their curiosity leads them to cross paths with the mortuary's sinister Tall Man, played chillingly by Angus Scrimm. The Tall Man is not what he seems, leaving an unforgettable image in the minds of viewers, a testament to Scrimm's skill to bring the iconic horror character to life. The film introduces an orb of whirring, metallic terror which has been engraved into the minds of genre fans everywhere thanks to its creative design and the gruesome purpose it serves in the film's plot.

Phantasm Remastered makes a surreal and nerve-racking narrative out of fragmented sequences and cryptic elements. The film seamlessly weaves elements of science fiction into its horror base — there are alternate dimensions, concept of time manipulation, and other supernatural elements at play, enhancing the sinister and creepy aura around it. While other horror films in the era played off more straightforward fear tactics, Phantasm pushes into ethereal and abstract territories of horror.

From a technical perspective, Phantasm Remastered is arguably just as impressive as it is from a narrative one. The grainy image and sound have been cleaned up to stunning effect, allowing the odd, chrome-silver hue of the film and eerie, otherworldly score to shine. It beautifully showcases the amazing work of Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave, the original composers of the film's iconic soundtrack, enhancing the sinister ambiance and the outlandish narrative elements of the movie.

In terms of pacing, the film effectively uses its relatively short runtime to keep the shocks coming and the tension high. The film’s innovative editing toys with viewer expectations, escalating the suspense of the nightmare-like proceedings. Additionally, the special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time of the film's original release, have been lovingly restored for maximum impact. Despite their age, these effects still successfully contribute to the chilling atmosphere, testifying to their well-crafted designs.

For lovers of the genre, Phantasm Remastered delivers a pure shot of 70s-style psychological horror. It presents menace without rationality, explores various themes like mortality, fear and grief, while keeping up an eerie atmosphere that makes the experience spine-chilling in a delightful way for horror buffs.

With its narrative that defies conventional horror storytelling, the empowered characters that defy stereotypes, and memorable visuals that gets etched in one's memory, Phantasm Remastered offers a nostalgic horror trip that is nothing less than a feast for fans of the genre. For newcomers, it presents an intriguing puzzle box of a film offering thrilling chills and twisted revelations.

In conclusion, Phantasm Remastered is a tribute to the original cult classic, that revisits the unique nightmare that pushed the boundaries of traditional horror films. It's an unsettling, surreal narrative that offers nostalgic eeriness for the old fans and a surreal horror spectacle for the new viewers, making this outlandish and creepy tale a gem in the crown of horror cinema.