Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Fantasm Comes Again Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 16, 2021

1976’s “Fantasm” was a small movie that made big money, reaching its intended audience with its collection of softcore titillation. 1977’s “Fantasm Comes Again” isn’t a continuation of the original feature, which tried to sell itself as a psychological experience, but more of a rehash, with director Colin Eggleston (“Long Weekend”) and writer Ross Dimsey trying to get away with the same viewing experience, armed with a larger budget and room to experiment with vignettes concerning forbidden desires.

“Fantasm Comes Again” explores Penthouse Letter-style tales of pleasure via two newspaper employees working through advice column correspondence. Cindy (Rosemarie Bem) has trouble staying silent when she’s targeted for seduction by a library employee. Peabody (Michael Barton) receives a special training session with her coach. Carol (Cheryl Smith) is sexually assaulted at a drive-in theater. Bill (Herb Layne) is an office drone ravaged by two nymphomaniacs while stuck in a broken elevator. Bianca (Dee Dee Levitt) is seduced by her friend (Uschi Digard) during a horse riding outing. Carter (Helen O’Connell) is a young secretary ushered into group sex during a party hosted by her boss. Samantha (Suzanne Walsh) and her friends experience a strange pool safety lesson. Virginia (Nancy Mann) is exposed to the carnal delights of her guardians (including Candy Samples). Sterling (Jesse Adams) and his girlfriend deal with their virginity issues. And Imogen (Serena) comes into contact with church employee during a visit to a confessional.

Fantasm Comes Again Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the 16mm original negatives and "other vault elements." "Fantasm Comes Again" also shows signs of wear and tear, with fluctuating color a common sight during the viewing experience. Hairs, speckling, and scratches are also detected, along with a few jumpy frames. Colors explore period trends in clothing and make-up, and skintones are natural. Detail is strong, offering a good sense of bodily particulars. Locations retain dimension, and decoration is open for study, showcasing some prime 1970s interior design choices. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like.

Fantasm Comes Again Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track deals with consistency issues, with some stretches of the film offering a muddier sound, but unintelligibility isn't a problem. The feature also offers moments of brief silence, but it's difficult to tell if this is an inherent issue. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, as are scoring cues, which offer decent instrumentation but oddly quiet levels at times.

Fantasm Comes Again Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Not Quite Hollywood" (61:34, SD) offers extended interviews from the 2008 Australian exploitation documentary, focusing on "Fantasm" production participants, including producer Antony I. Ginnane, writer Ross Dimsey, actor/casting agent William Margold, and cinematographer Vincent Monton.

• "'Fantasm' Penetrated" (22:52, SD) is a 2004 making-of documentary, featuring interviews with director Richard Franklin and producer Antony I. Ginnane.

• "Blowing Up" (17:47, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Vincent Morton, who recalls the production origins on "Fantasm," also sharing his thoughts on director Richard Franklin and producer Antony I. Ginnane. For the first feature, the shoot occurred in Los Angeles, and Morton offers his impressions of the local crew, with many coming from Roger Corman's company. For "Fantasm Comes Again," the interviewee details working with director Colin Eggleston and dealing with John Holmes and his petulant behavior. Technical challenges are also analyzed.

• "Polish it Up" (12:53, HD) is a somewhat bewildering interview with editor Tony Paterson, who recalls the freedom of low- budget moviemaking, enjoying his time with colleagues. A few memories are shared about director Richard Franklin and producer Antony I. Ginnane, and editing techniques are recalled.

• Audio Interview (99:58) is an extended chat with actress Serena.

• And Theatrical Trailers for "Fantasm" (2:59, SD) and "Fantasm Comes Again" (1:53, SD) are included.

Fantasm Comes Again Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's not much to "Fantasm Comes Again" that wasn't covered in the early feature, with both endeavors sharing similar scenarios and fetishes. The sequel is more polished and prepared, and gets the job done in terms of mild erotica, but the cash-in nature of "Fantasm Comes Again" is present from start to finish, finding the production limiting creative effort to whip up a new round of lusty encounters.