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.

Multiple versions on the UK Blu-ray by Arrow

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 TV version. As you would expect, all violence and nudity has been removed from the TV version. This goes so far as to the deaths of supporting characters having been completely removed. Curse words have either been cut or removed from the soundtrack. The TV version, however, does contain additional plot scenes. In an opening scene, Eric can be seen training, and we also learn about his problem with the construction company. In further scenes, Buzz and Suzie get closer and eventually become lovers at the end of the movie. The additional scenes are not really necessary and the film loses its impact due to the many edits. Therefore, one should preferably go for the Theatrical Version or the Phan Cut.
The TV version on the Arrow Blu-ray has been reconstructed. When possible, the HD master was used. The exclusive scenes are well inserted, but drop a bit in quality.

Those who are interested in the TV version or the Phan Cut should grab the limited edition. Presumably, a regular edition will be released again, but then without the second Blu-ray.

Picture Comparison:

Theatrical Version:

TV Version:

Runtimes:

Theatrical Version: 90:33 min.
TV Version: 88:34 min.

Comparison between the Theatrical Version and the US TV version.

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

The 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 TV 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. On the front door is a letter 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 center very close to Eric's house can be seen.

Theatrical Version: 2:07 Min.
TV: 3:21 Min.


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

After the opening credits, the Theatrical Version shows an exterior shot of the mall.

The TV version instead shows part of the scenes that were seen in the Theatrical Version at the beginning. A man sneaks into the mall. In the sports section, he arms himself with a bow and puts on camouflage clothing. When he screws the mannequin's head down, an alternate shot was used. In the process, you can already hear Harv, the construction manager, speaking.

Theatrical Version: 4 sec.
TV: 1:13 Min.


[00:12:13][00:14:36]

Harv says to his son "You little prick!" after he has taken the keys from him. After that he puts on a friendly face again.

Theatrical Version: 4 sec.


[00:13:03][00:15:22]

Theatrical Version cuts to the handyman, then to the Phantom.

In the TV version, the Phantom continues, then a POV shot.

Theatrical Version: 5 sec.
TV: 7 sec.


[00:13:15][00:15:36]

In the Theatrical Version, the Phantom rushes to the handyman who has just taken the grate off a fan. The phantom pushes the workman's head into the running fan. Blood spurts out.

The TV version shows a shot of the Phantom looking through the grate.

Theatrical Version: 20 sec.
TV: 3 sec.


[00:13:45][00:15:49]

In the Theatrical Version, the Phantom drops the lifeless workman down. It then drags the body away.

The TV version shows a shot of the Phantom walking through the hallways.

Theatrical Version: 10 sec.
TV: 4 sec.


[00:14:05][00:16:03]

The Theatrical Version has a cut to the women in the locker room before the security guard is seen.

Theatrical Version: 4 sec.


[00:14:19][00:16:13]

In the Theatrical Version, the security guard is seen longer watching the women in the locker room on his monitor. Then a cut to the monitor. The guard comments lustfully on the women.

The TV version shows an alternative shot of the monitor where the women are dressed.

Theatrical Version: 13 sec.
TV: 3 sec.


[00:14:42][00:16:27]

The screen with shots from the locker room can be seen. The security guard says that Suzie should take off her top. A naked woman can be seen in the next cubicle.

The TV version uses an alternate shot. The woman in the next booth is clothed.

Theatrical Version: 3 sec.
TV: 2 sec.


[00:14:49][00:16:34]

The screen is seen longer in the Theatrical Version. Suzie disappears behind a screen. The security guard complains, as he was hoping for a show.

Theatrical Version: 6 sec.


[00:15:11][00:16:49]

When the guard turns the screen back on, the Theatrical Version again shows a naked woman.

The TV version uses an alternate shot.

Theatrical Version: 2 sec.
TV: 3 sec.

[00:15:15][00:16:54]

The "asshole" by Acardi has been cut in the TV version. In the next shot, the guard is seen earlier. He turns his head towards Acardi.

Theatrical Version: 1 sec.


[00:15:22][00:16:59]

The beginning of Acardi's sentence is missing in the TV version. The part in square brackets is included.

Acardi: "Get off your fat ass and [go down there and check it out right now!]"

Theatrical Version: 1 sec.


[00:16:17][00:17:53]

As the guard walks past Melody and Suzie, he makes an obscene hand gesture in the Theatrical Version. This is missing in the TV version. His line "Hey, girls, you wanna pull my chain?" was also brought forward.

Theatrical Version: 3 sec.


[00:18:43][00:20:17]

In two other shots, the security guard in the Theatrical Version screams as he is pushed against the fuse box.

Theatrical Version: 7 sec.


[00:18:52][00:20:19]

The security guard has an eye fly out of his head in the Theatrical Version right in the frozen yogurt mix. The phantom drives back with the forklift.

Theatrical Version: 12 sec.


[00:20:18][00:21:33]

In the Theatrical Version, Harv looks up, suddenly the body of the guard with the eye bulging out falls onto his desk.

The Theatrical Version shows an alternate shot of Harv as the body falls onto his desk. He looks at the note attached to the corpse. It says "an eye for an eye." Harv picks up the phone and says he needs the man's services again.

Theatrical Version: 13 sec.
TV: 29 sec.


[00:23:21][00:24:51]

In the Theatrical Version, the attack on Melody is followed by the scene in which the camera moves over the dead guard and Harv calls for help. The tracking shot over the guard starts earlier so that his bloody face can be seen.

Afterwards, Melody is seen sitting in Karen's car. She asks Melody if the attacker's limping walk is the only thing she remembers. Melody adds that an unknown person shot the attacker with a crossbow. Karen says she will drive Melody home and notify the police.

Theatrical Version: 44 sec.


[00:24:32][00:25:18]

After Peter opens the file, the Theatrical Version shows a man burning the guard's body. Then it fades to the fireplace.

In the TV version, the scene with Melody and Karen in the car after Peter opens the file comes instead.

Theatrical Version: 20 sec.
TV: 23 sec.


[00:25:21][00:26:11]

In the Theatrical Version, Melody pulls her top down further. She leans forward so Eric can touch her breasts.

Theatrical Version: 9 sec.


[00:25:57][00:26:38]

Theatrical Version shows a shot of Eric kissing Melody's stomach. As he does so, her breasts can be seen.

Theatrical Version: 4 sec.


[00:26:04][00:26:41]

In other shots, Eric kisses Melody's belly. Melody enjoys the tenderness.

Theatrical Version: 7 sec.