Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge (1989) {Arrow Video Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Arrow Video are known for giving cult movies deluxe Blu-ray releases they so richly deserve. From the Kevin Smith film Mallrats to the sci-fi horror film Pitch Black. The Fantasy adventure Legend to the original Dune.

As you can see Arrow Video has something for everyone. The latest deluxe Blu-ray features the 80s teen horror film Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge.

High schoolers Eric Matthews and Melody Austin are so in love. Happiness is not in the cards, as their romance is cut short when Eric "dies" in a house fire, apparently started by an evil company who wanted the property to build a mall. Now with nothing standing in their way, one year later the Midwood Mall opens. But the mall is not a happy place, not at all as a shadowy, scarred figure haunts the mall's airducts and subterranean passageways, hellbent on exacting vengeance on the mall’s crooked developers.

I must say taking the classic horror tale of Phantom of the Opera an transporting it into a place that we all know the mall. Brings this tale into more of a real thing that we can all relate to. I think all the actors in this film do a tremendous job in juggling the terror and the campiness.

Arrow Video has transferred The Phantom of the Mall in 1080p in the original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio taken from a new 2K restoration from a 35mm print. The audio is a PCM 2.0 track. When seeing this new scan I was thoroughly impressed, to say the least. There is no signs of damage to this print. The film looks and sounds amazing. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Arrow Video went above and beyond with this release. This two disc Blu-ray set is loaded with bonus features. Take a look at what is included in this set.

DISC ONE

* Brand new 2K restoration of the Original Theatrical Cut from original film elements (90 mins)

* Brand new audio commentary with director Richard Friedman, moderated by filmmaker Michael Felsher

* Brand new audio commentary with disc producer Ewan Cant and film historian/author Amanda Reyes

* Shop Til’ You Drop!: The Making of Phantom of the Mall – brand new making-of documentary featuring interviews with director Richard Friedman, screenwriters Scott Schneid and Tony Michelman, actors Derek Rydall and Gregory Scott Cummins, filmmaker Tony Kayden and special make-up effects creator Matthew Mungle

* The Vandals Go to the Mall – an interview with Joe Escalante of The Vandals on the creation of the Phantom of the Mall theme song

* Alternate and Deleted Scenes from the TV Cut

* Domestic and International Trailers

* Image Gallery

* Scott J. Schneid and Tony Michelman's original script and associated special effects storyboards by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. [BD-ROM Content]

DISC TWO

* Brand new 2K restoration of the TV Cut with Standard Definition inserts for the footage unique to this version (89 mins)

* Integral Fan Cut combining footage from both the Original Theatrical and TV Cuts for the ultimate Phantom of the Mall experience! (96 mins)

Now beyond three cuts of this 80s cult classic. Arrow Video added some awesome physical addons to this release. A 60-page fully-illustrated perfect-bound book featuring new writing by Daniel Budnik and Amanda Reyes, a large fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn and finally six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions.

Now while Phantom of the Mall is not a masterpiece in horror. This one holds a very special place in the hearts of 80s film fans. So this Blu-ray release is going to be something those film fans are going to be all in for.

If you love those campy 80s horror films Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge is going to be one you are going to want to add to your collection. Head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge receives...