Following a mysterious eclipse-like solar event, scientists notice strange and unexplainable behavioral changes in ants. Initially dismissed as an anomaly, it soon becomes clear that the insects have developed advanced intelligence and a collective strategy. Scientists Ernest Hubbs and James Lesko are transferred to a remote lab in the Arizona desert to study these phenomena, but when the ants begin attacking both wildlife and humans, Hubbs and Lesko realize that humanity may now face a deadly evolutionary disadvantage.
Saul Bass’s only feature film, Phase IV, is a landmark of 1970s science fiction, blending arresting visuals captured by Dick Bush (Sorcerer) and nature photographer Ken Middleham with a tense, harrowing narrative of survival. Starring Nigel Davenport (Chariots of Fire), Michael Murphy (Nashville), and Lynne Frederick (Schizo), and featuring a mesmerizing electronic score by Brian Gascoigne, this Phase IV 4K Blu-ray set presents the film newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative. Also included is the legendary Preview Version, never-before-seen on video, with extended and alternate sequences, making this Phase IV 4K Blu-ray release an essential collector’s edition for fans of visionary sci-fi.
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 soundtracksFollowing a mysterious eclipse-like solar event, scientists notice strange and unexplainable behavioral changes in ants. Initially dismissed as an anomaly, it soon becomes clear that the insects have developed advanced intelligence and a collective strategy. Scientists Ernest Hubbs and James Lesko are transferred to a remote lab in the Arizona desert to study these phenomena, but when the ants begin attacking both wildlife and humans, Hubbs and Lesko realize that humanity may now face a deadly evolutionary disadvantage.Saul Bass’s only feature film, Phase IV, is a landmark of 1970s science fiction, blending arresting visuals captured by Dick Bush (Sorcerer) and nature photographer Ken Middleham with a tense, harrowing narrative of survival. Starring Nigel Davenport (Chariots of Fire), Michael Murphy (Nashville), and Lynne Frederick (Schizo), and featuring a mesmerizing electronic score by Brian Gascoigne, this Phase IV 4K Blu-ray set presents the film newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative. Also included is the legendary Preview Version, never-before-seen on video, with extended and alternate sequences, making this Phase IV 4K Blu-ray release an essential collector’s edition for fans of visionary sci-fi.Directed by: Saul BassStarring: Nigel Davenport, Michael Murphy, Lynne Frederick, Alan Gifford, Robert Henderson, Helen Horton1974 / 1.85:1Theatrical Version: 84 min / English MonoPreview Version (BD only): 89 min / (2) English Mono soundtracks
Phase IV [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Set] w/slip
• 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