Phase IV (Blu-ray)

*This is NOT a comic! But it's Saul Bass! And it includes his short films! I would have stocked this even just to get a copy of his animated Why Man Creates!

By Saul Bass. Published by 101 Films. 

Blu-ray disc, 84 minutes, 1.85:1, Colour, 1974

101 Films presents 1970s iconic sci-fi horror Phase IV (1974), a gripping and philosophical cult classic that examines humanity’s place in the universe, available on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK. Phase IV is the only feature film directed by legendary designer and filmmaker Saul Bass. This release includes his original ending, among a host of additional extras, including a bonus disc featuring the finest of the director’s short films. This limited edition version features special packaging, and a booklet with newly-commissioned writing on the history of ‘killer bug’ movies and the career of Saul Bass.

In a sealed lab in the Arizona desert, scientists James Lesko (Michael Murphy, Manhattan) and Dr. Ernest Hubbs (Nigel Davenport, A Man for All Seasons) search for answers to an evolutionary shift in the ant population; the development of a collective intelligence and cross-species hive mentality. With humanity under threat, the scientists are faced with the choice of either communicating with, or eradicating their antagonists.

Brand new extras 

• New HD restoration
• The Original Saul Bass ending (plus optional commentary)
• An Ant's Life: Contextualising Phase IV, a documentary on the film's influences
• Commentary with film historians Allan Bryce and Richard Holliss
• Theatrical trailer

Saul Bass: Short Films (Disc 2)

• The Searching Eye (1964)
• Why Man Creates (1968)
• Bass on Titles (1977)
• Notes on the Popular Arts (1978)
• The Solar Film (1980)
• Quest (1984) (new HD restoration)

Specifications

• Cert: 12
• Runtime: 101' 45" (Disc 1) 127' 27" (Disc 2)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (1.85:1) (Disc 2: various)
• Format: Blu-ray
• Region: B
• Sound: Stereo PCM (Disc 2: various)
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English HOH
• Cat no.: 101BL012A