UHD 4K Review – Phase IV

In Hollywood history, Saul Bass is a legend. A graphic designer of immense talent, Bass created striking marketing imagery and main title sequences, evolving into a visual consultant, including iconic work on Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." As a feature-length filmmaker, Bass's career only lasted for a short amount of time. 1974's "Phase IV" represents his one and only big screen endeavor, working with screenwriter Mayo Simon on a picture that combines the terror of an animal attack effort with the nebulous sci-fi touches of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." "Phase IV" is a stunning visual experience, filled with all sorts of Bass-isms and intense insect cinematography (by Ken Middleham). As a story filled with dread and mystery, the movie is much less successful, with Bass's slow-burn approach to a rising threat of unknown intent failing to generate much in the way of suspense or even horror. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com