DVD Review: ‘Phantasm’ sequel comes scary with extras

I can’t really explain why I love the 1988 “Phantasm II” (written and directed by Don Coscarelli, whose recent “John Dies at the End” is so far this year’s most entertaining film). It runs counter to every analytical notion I hold for what makes a good horror film.

The terror bears no relation to any fear within us — that is, unless the rest of you are obsessing on demonic dwarfs in monks’ robes and a ghoulish undertaker and high-velocity flying metal balls with retractable blades. But you would have mentioned that, right?

What can I say? It’s simply weird and cool, creepy and ridiculous.

Scream Factory’s new “Collector’s Edition” totally crushes the earlier bare-bones DVD from Universal.

The image is excellent, and the disc is jammed with extras. First of all, there’s a pretty good commentary track with Coscarelli, star Reggie Bannister, and Angus Scrimm (who starts out pretending to be his evil character, the Tall Man).

In addition there’s “The Ball Is Back: The Making of Phantasm II,” a new 45-minute look back at the production, including interviews with several of the actors and behind-the-scenes creative personnel.

You get to see the unforgettable Scrimm (real name: Rory Guy) not wearing his Tall Man threads.

Shorter pieces deal with the makeup and effects, some new, some shot on the set.

We also get roughly 25 minutes of deleted scenes, alternate takes, and other leftover scraps, plus the usual trailers, ads and stills galleries.

But best of all is a 20-minute educational film about Abraham Lincoln from 1951 — with an immediately recognizable 25ish Scrimm/Guy playing Honest Abe.

Daniel Day-Lewis, take a few lessons from the Tall Man.

“Phantasm II”: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray, $29.93; DVD, $19.93)

--

ANDY KLEIN is the film critic for Marquee. He can also be heard on “FilmWeek” on KPCC-FM (89.3).