Phantom Nightmare

The unscrupulous developer Harv lets teenager Eric's parents' house burn down so that a new shopping center can be built on the site. Just in the nick of time, Eric's girlfriend Melody is able to save herself from the flames, while Eric burns to death. Years later, the opening of the mall is overshadowed by mysterious deaths. Melody, who has gotten a job as a waitress, is shadowed by a mysterious man. Is Eric still alive? Together with her new friend, the reporter Peter, Melody tries to get behind the mystery.

When Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge hit U.S. theaters on December first, 1989, the slasher craze had already died down, only to be revived in 1996 with Scream. The response to Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge was poor. It's a shame, because the slasher cleverly makes use of The Phantom of the Opera by moving the action to a US department store. Occasional lengths in the plot are pleasantly bridged by amusing scenes such as Melody's recurring disturbing sex dreams. Since Eric's supposed death in the flames, Melody seems to have been left a little too high and dry.

Extended "Phan Cut" integrates material from the US TV Version

This small, rather obscure film has been given a top-notch release by Arrow Films. The limited first edition includes two Blu-rays and a booklet in a cardboard slipcase. Mentioned on the cover are three versions. Along with the Theatrical Version on the first Blu-ray is the US TV version and an extended version titled the Phan Cut, in which the additional scenes from the TV version were cut into the Theatrical Version. Hidden on the first Blu-ray is another version, but more on that elsewhere.

This comparison shows the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Extended Version, which is based on the Theatrical Version and integrates the additional scenes from the TV version. This includes especially the prologue and the scenes in which Buzz and Suzie get closer. The alternate ending with the kiss between Buzz and Suzie was not used in the Phan Cut, but the well-known ending of the Theatrical Version. The TV version on the second Blu-ray is in 4:3 open matte. The additional scenes from the TV version were masked to 1.78:1 for the Phan Cut. The image has been post-processed in the process and unfortunately filtered too heavily. Note the writing on Buzz's t-shirt and the unnatural transition from his t-shirt to his arm.

TV Version:

Phan Cut:

The Theatrical Version should remain the preferred cut anyway, as the additional scenes in the TV version are not essential.

Whoever is interested in the TV version or the Phan Cut should go for the limited edition. Presumably, a regular edition will be released again, but then without the second Blu-ray.

Runtimes:

Theatrical Version: 90:33 min.
Extended Version (Phan Cut): 96:17 Min.

[00:00:00][00:00:00]

Theatrical Version begins with the production logo.

Afterwards, a man sneaks into a department store through a ventilation shaft. In the sports department, he arms himself with a bow and puts on camouflage clothing. When a night watchman appears, he remains motionless. The guard realizes that the man is not a mannequin. The night watchman is stabbed and dragged away.

The Extended Version begins with Eric working out in a gym, on two rings, then on a sports bar. Suzie, Melody and Buzz are watching him. Melody congratulates him on his performance. Buzz says to Suzie that he's got more going for him than Eric, but is deliberately holding back because he doesn't want to make him look bad. Eric and Melody say goodbye. Buzz asks if Suzie wants something to eat, but she has to leave.

Eric and Melody walk together to Eric's house. Melody confirms that he is doing well. There is a letter on the front door from a contractor. Eric says that his family is being harassed again. Melody says they shouldn't let this ruin their evening. Eric says that his parents are already asleep. Together they go into the house.

The sign of a new shopping mall very close to Eric's house can be seen.

Theatrical Version: 2:07 min.
Extended Version: 3:21 min.


[00:03:49][00:05:03]

In the extended version, the opening scene with the man sneaking into the athletic department and killing the security guard follows the opening credits.

Extended Version: 2:03 min.


[00:46:13][00:49:30]

A new scene follows Justin's death in the extended version. Melody and Suzie meet at a party. Melody tells her that she is about to meet Peter. They have both received their first paychecks. Melody says that Suzie is going to blow her paycheck on a wild night. Suzie says she's going to stick around and have a rough day. Melody has to go. Buzz comes up to Suzie. She asks him how it is that all the women who don't want a boyfriend get one and the others don't. Buzz says that a lot of men like Suzie. She says that there is not the right one. Buzz points to himself. Suzie asks him what this world would be like if all the people who want to buy cars didn't get one and the others got cars. Buzz says that would be quite a mess.

Extended Version: 1:12 min.


[01:11:18][01:15:46]

In the extended version, Peter opens the locked door to follow the Phantom.

Extended Version: 29 sec.


[01:11:44][01:16:41]

Buzz and Suzie are climbing through the vent in the extended version when Buzz says they should wait a minute. He asks if she knows how controlling she is and they often fight about it because they like each other. He tells her that he likes her. Suzie confesses that she likes him a little too.

Extended Version: 47 sec.