Phantasm Exhumed is now on Audible!

If you've been looking for an excuse to revisit either PHANTASM EXHUMED or FURTHER EXHUMED, they've both just debuted as audio books over on AUDIBLE! They collectively total over thirteen hours of Phantasmic-goodness. Not a member of Audible? Not to worry! You can snag one of these audio books for FREE by signing up for the site's free 30-day trial, which allows you to keep your audio book even if you cancel!

Check out Phantasm Exhumed here.

Check our Further Exhumed here.

NEW BOOK: Further Exhumed: The Strange Case of Phantasm Ravager

From the author of PHANTASM EXHUMED comes the sequel tome, FURTHER EXHUMED: THE STRANGE CASE OF PHANTASM RAVAGER! Now available on Amazon. Check out the cover artwork and trailer below!

GET YOUR COPY HERE!

You're Not Gonna Believe What They're Selling at Dunsmuir Mansion

Phantasm phan and globe-trotting photographer Scott Pensa was in Northern California earlier today and opted to stop by the historic Dunsmuir Mansion in Oakland, California. Phans will surely recall that Dunsmuir served as the exterior of Morningside Mortuary on the original Phantasm. The group that controls the property regularly allow guests to tour the mansion and grounds, which has resulted in a ton of phans making pilgrimage to the location.

Scott was wrapping up his tour today and stopped by Dunsmuir's gift shop, where he spotted A BOX OF SILVER SPHERES FOR SALE. I swear to God, not even kidding. See the picture to your right. You may call them Christmas ornaments, but I know better. Those are chrome brain suckers if I've ever seen them.

Scott was wearing a spiffy Tall Man shirt during his visit and brought along his Red Planet Edition of Phantasm Exhumed. That edition is now out of print, but you can still find the Blue Edition on Amazon if you want to learn more about Phantasm's filming at Dunsmuir or how it nearly returned for Phantasm Oblivion.

To learn more about the property or plan your own visit, check out the official Dunsmuir website. They also host a ton of weddings, so if you're thinking of tying the knot anytime soon....

Thanks to Scott Pensa for the scoop!

 

Video: Flip Through a Red Planet Edition

I thought this was a pretty cool video - a happy phan flips through a Red Planet Edition of Phantasm Exhumed with the theme music playing overtop. This gives you a pretty cool idea of the many photos in it, more than three hundred for this particular edition (The "Blue Edition" packs around fifty or so fewer photos.) You can still get your copy exclusively from the official book website!

My #phantasm book came in! #horror #thetallman #phantasmexhumed #70smovies

A video posted by Michael (@aguirre1264) on Jul 26, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT

Phantasm Exhumed Now on Amazon Kindle

Two years after release, my book, Phantasm Exhumed, has finally come to Amazon's Kindle. I've been pretty reluctant to release an e-Book edition, but finally gave in after numerous requests. Many readers had understandably complained that the paperback's type was simply too small to decipher while others simply wanted an edition they could read on the go. This Amazon Kindle release means you can read Exhumed on your Kindle, smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. In this lead-up to Phantasm Ravager's debut, there is perhaps no better time to revisit the making of the first four films.

This "Standard Text Edition" version of the book is $9.99 in the Amazon Kindle Store, except to those who've already purchased the paperback through Amazon. For those readers, the e-Edition will only cost $2.99.

If you haven't yet read Phantasm Exhumed, I'll leave you with Angus Scrimm's own Amazon review of the book. (He contributed an introduction, interview and personal set journals to Exhumed, so perhaps he's not the most appropriate person to review it, but he did. So here ya go.)

It's like a brimming over bowlful hot-buttered popcorn fresh from the popper, a deeply gratifying entertainment with something to chuckle over, marvel at or cheer on every page. The fifty or sixty-odd interviewees obviously had a blast working on Coscarelli's films and their affectionate, often humorous reminiscences glow out from the paragraphs of Dustin McNeill's skillful prose. I've read the book all through but can't resist picking it up and re -reading again and again.at random for fresh enjoyment.. If I do have one single objection,, it's that the 260 photos the book boasts of may include an excess of one tall, gaunt, scowling personage clad in black. . Of course, being an actor, he'd probably be the last to complain.

Someone took the Red Planet Edition to the Red Planet!?

Now this cracks me up. 

Phantasm Exhumed photographer and pal-o-mine Scott Pensa recently jetted off to California for Samantha Phillip's 50th Birthday Bash among other things and on his way there made a stop off at the Tall Man's Red Planet! In actuality, that planet is the Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale. Here are his pictures from the location as it looks today. Although the planet's landscape appears to extend off into the horizon, it does not really. Shots of the Red Planet rely heavily on forced perspective since the rocky surface is in reality a steep hill that rises up. Look closely in the second picture and you can see what appears to be a bicyclist riding along a path atop the hill.

You'll notice Scott brought along his Red Planet Edition to the Red Planet, which is a first for my book as far as I know!!

New Interview on Phantasm Exhumed

If anyone out there hasn't yet tired of me gabbing about my 2014 book, Phantasm Exhumed, you can check out this new interview I did with my pal Jon Melville, who recently published Seeking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide to Tremors. (That is a fantastic read in case you have any interest in graboids!)

I talk a little about the highs and lows of publishing a book on Phantasm, working with Angus Scrimm, what got me into Phantasm and dish some advice for anyone out there thinking about publishing their own making-of book. Check it out here.

New Angus Scrimm Project Debuts!

Two pieces of Phantasm-related news today! The first involves an Angus Scrimm project that has been brewing for the past year, one that was recorded last November when the performer was in New York City accepting a lifetime achievement award. From talented writer/director and frequent Scrimm-collaborator James Felix McKenney comes "The Tribunal of Minos" in the third season of Tales From Beyond the Pale. You may recall that Angus previously appeared in the audio drama series's first season. This new tale is a thirty-six minute audio terror starring everyone's favorite Tall Man alongside narrator Larry Fessenden and performer Mizuo Peck. Right now, Scrimm's episode is an incredibly economical $0.95 on Amazon!

You can bet I'll be checking this out very soon and will be reporting back here with my review. To learn more about this terrific audio drama series from McKenney and Fessenden, check out the official site here. I insist you do!

The second piece of news is that the premium edition of the Phantasm Exhumed book is once again available for sale. The standard paperback "Blue Edition" is still available from numerous sites and booksellers, but this other printing only comes along every so often.

Known as The Red Planet Edition, this elusive version of the book boasts hardcover binding, full-color interior and is expanded with thirty new pages of rare set photos. In total, the book now includes more than three hundred photos! 

This premium format will never be available in stores or on Amazon - you can only find it at PhantasmExhumed.com where it goes for $34.99 for a limited time. Grab your copy today!

GALLERY: Scrimm & Exhumed at DOTD 2015

Well, the 2015 Days of the Dead convention has come and gone in Atlanta, Georgia where both Angus Scrimm and Phantasm Exhumed appeared. It was a terrifically fun weekend spent reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I manned the Exhumed table all three days with series crewmember/book photographer Kristen Deem. We signed many books that were bought at the show and a right many that phans brought from home having already purchased and read through. It was a pleasure meeting everyone and if you stopped by the table with a kind word, thank you. Now... how's about a slew of twenty or so pictures from the weekend?

Click here to see the gallery!

(and find out which Rob Zombie regular is actually a phan!)

Massive Italian Phantasm Retrospective

The third issue of the online Italian-horror magazine Terre di Confine boasts a massive Phantasm retrospective. The article, which was written by di Severino Forini, is tastefully organized with beautiful full-page poster artworks and images from the films. It even contains several pages dedicated to the upcoming Phantasm Ravager. I was also delighted to spot a positive sidebar on my book, Phantasm Exhumed, among their pages.

You can read and download a PDF copy of Terre di Confine for free on their website. I don't speak Italian, but this magazine was still a joy to flip through if not only for the layout. The phantasmic fun begins on page fifty-six!

Phantasm Exhumed: Thanks for all the Selfies

From Spain to Pakistan, my book Phantasm Exhumed has traveled farther than I ever thought possible. My sincerest thanks to anyone who has sent in a selfie, review or feedback. You have helped to make an incredibly long process worthwhile for myself and the folks who contributed to this book. It pleases me to my geeky core to look over the collage below. To quote a certain Tall Man, "I could read and reread all the reviews endlessly. They are heart nourishing."

I know a handful of people are eagerly wondering on the status of the book's special edition (color, hardcover and more photos) I've been promising. That process continues and I will hopefully have an announcement shortly.

Fan Spotlight: John Krieg's Tall Man and Hearse Display

To quote Don Coscarelli, "Most only ride in a hearse once. Some are luckier."

John Krieg has been a self-described "super-phan" for more than three decades, having caught the original film during its first year of release at the age of twenty-two. Last Halloween, he put together a marvelously spooky street display inspired by Phantasm, complete with Tall Man and vintage hearse.

Expand this post to see more photos and read about how John put it all together!

Scrimm & Exhumed are coming to Atlanta!

Move over, Walking Dead!! Tall Man actor Angus Scrimm and Phantasm Exhumed author Dustin McNeill (yours truly) are heading to Atlanta from February 6-8 as part of the Days of the Dead convention. I'll be on hand selling and signing copies of my book. If you happen to have already purchased a copy, bring it by the Exhumed table and I'll gladly sign it for free. I'll also have some additional Phantasm goodies available at the Exhumed table.

Days of the Dead is offering a pre-sale on Scrimm autographs in order to reduce the wait time of phans and guarantee them a spot in line. The Tall Man's autograph queue often reaches above an hour, sometimes topping two hours or more, so the pre-sale is a great opportunity. The price is reasonable too - $30 per item.

Days of the Dead Atlanta is also featuring a Lost Boys reunion with Corey Feldman and a sizable Devil's Rejects lineup. Hope to see you there, boooooy!!

* Update: Series crewmember and book contributor Kristen Deem will also be in attendance to sign books!

(Above photo by Natalie Tomaszewski. Thanks Nat!)

2014: A Look Back in Phantasm

It's been a long and terrific year for Phantasm phans, the best in recent memory. As 2014 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to partake in an on-again, off-again tradition here at the Phantasm Archives - a yearly review. This one is a little more personal to my own experience, though several other great things happened related to the franchise. The items listed here are just my big five. Looking over this past year, I cannot help but be even more excited for next year. 2015 is going to hold many great things for phans, no doubt! 

Click here to read the list!

GALLERY: Scrimm Award Ceremony & Exhumed Book Signing

This past weekend saw the New York City Horror Film Festival award its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to a very deserving Angus Scrimm. The Tall Man actor was on hand to personally receive the award at the Tribeca Cinema - along with yours truly and Phantasm series crewmember Kristen Deem. His award ceremony was followed by a brief Q&A and a PHANTASM EXHUMED book signing.

EXHUMED photographer Scott Pensa was on hand to document the event and you can see all of his wonderful photos by expanding this post. These include the award presentation itself, the onstage tributes to the Tall Man and the book signing.

Phantasm Exhumed headed to New York City

Scrimm Photo by Casey Tejavej

Next month, the New York City Horror Film Festival will honor actor Angus Scrimm with their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on the Phantasm franchise and in numerous other genre classics. Previous recipients include Rob Zombie, Lloyd Kaufman, Robert Englund and Wes Craven. Even better, the Tall Man himself will be on hand to receive the award at a special presentation!

Yours truly will also be in attendance signing copies of PHANTASM EXHUMED with the Tall Man and series crewmember/book photographer Kristen Deem! The festival is also honoring Norman Reedus, better known as Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead. Reedus will also be signing copies of his new book THANKS FOR ALL THE NICENESS.

More details available on the Fangoria website. I look forward to seeing some "phans" in the Big Apple!

Quiet Times

While things may have been quiet around these parts lately, the world of Phantasm has been anything but quiet! This past weekend saw Don Coscarelli and the entire cast reunite in Chicago for the Flashback Weekend convention. Yours truly was also there manning a table for my new book, Phantasm Exhumed!

Expect a whole slew of photos and videos across the next week as I get it all organized. In the mean time, here's one of my favorite photos from the event as snapped by Scott Pensa. The Tall Man and I spent many an hour working on this tome and I'm mighty proud to finally have him sign my copy.

Also, if you haven't picked up your copy of the book yet... it's only $16.57 right now at Amazon! I'm also finally offering author-signed copies over on the book website.

NEW RAVAGER PICS: The Battle 'Cuda

Thanks to Instagram user 'mathias76,' we now have a better look at the souped up Battle 'Cuda from the upcoming Phantasm: Ravager! The concept of an armored 'Cuda first appeared in Roger Avary's Phantasm 1999 script, but that project never got off the ground. The recent teaser trailer for Ravager revealed that the concept had been carried over and to great effect - the 'Cuda is still looking wicked. That's Don Coscarelli in the first image. Click either photo to see it larger!

If you're hungry for more Phantasm: Ravager photos and information, why not pick up a copy of my recently released companion book, Phantasm Exhumed? It features an introduction by Angus Scrimm, interviews with more than sixty cast/crew, more than 250 rare photographs and, as already mentioned, an exclusive look at Phantasm: Ravager. It's currently on sale at Amazon for $17.55!

Get your copy here!

Phantasm Exhumed Book NOW AVAILABLE!

It's been a long time coming, but Phantasm Exhumed is finally available for sale on Amazon. It should be available on a slew of other websites in coming weeks as well as in select specialty bookstores and sketchy backroad gas stations.

This book, the first ever on the making of the franchise, has been a long labor of love on the part of yours truly. It's packing more than 60 interviews, more than 250 rare photos and clocks in at a whopping 268 pages. It boasts introduction and set journals by the Tall Man himself, Angus Scrimm, and features a concluding section on the upcoming Phantasm: Ravager, complete with new behind the scenes photos.

To answer a few frequently asked questions, the eBook versions are in the works now and will feature new color photos not seen in this version. There is also a collector's hardcover color edition in the works for later this year, but this will be very limited in quantity and priced as such due to the materials used. 

Lastly, a handful of people have surprisingly inquired about obtaining copies signed by the author (me). I'm happy to sell signed copies, but I won't have my giant stockpile of books until early May. If you're cool waiting that long, drop me an email to get one.

Buy your copy of Phantasm Exhumed here!

Phantasm Exhumed EXCERPTS

Not that anyone would believe it in light of the Phantasm: Ravager news, but it had been my intention all day long to post the first excerpts from my upcoming book, PHANTASM EXHUMED, here on the Archives. I even teased that they were coming a week ago on Phantasm Community! But no matter. Here they are!

Below you will find two-page excerpts from the four chapters on the first four Phantasm films. The final page count equals out to 258 pages with more than 260 rare photographs! The pages breakdown to equal 20 pages for Jim the World's Greatest and Kenny & Company, 60 pages for Phantasm, 60 pages for Phantasm II, 50 pages for Phantasm III, 44 pages for Phantasm: Oblivion and 13 pages for the various Phantasm V sequels - including a page on Phantasm: Ravager!!!

CONTINUE READING TO SEE THE BOOK EXCERPTS!