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Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, John Frankenheimer... that's a robust list of directors who've created certain films that frighten the living daylights out of us all. But there's one classic psychedelic feature that a rather special candidate made. Trailblazing graphic designer Saul Bass designed the posters and title sequences for films by those three directors and countless others, and he also released a few short films in his lifetime. However, his sole feature film is a horror offering, Phase IV, released in 1974. It grew to have a legion of fans, not only for its striking sci-fi plot about super-intelligent ants in the Arizona desert, but also for its haunting visual style and score, and its meticulous use of macro-photography.

Although this was the only feature-length film from Saul Bass, he was still a key figure in Hollywood with instantly recognizable work, famous for his distinguished posters and title sequences. Far more than a designer,...

One of the most influential auteurs in film history, Charlie Chaplin remains to this day the most well-known figure from cinema's silent era. Throughout most of his career, Chaplin played The Tramp, one of the most iconic characters of 20th-century cinema. An actor, writer, director, producer, editor, and composer, Chaplin created an instantly recognizable aesthetic that combined world-class slapstick comedy with pathos related to poverty, industrialization, and war.

Chaplin's film career began during the early days of Hollywood in 1914 and lasted through the sound era until his final directorial effort in 1967. Six of Chaplin's films, Kid Auto Races at Venice, The Immigrant, The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times, and The Great Dictator reside in the National Film Registry. Many of Chaplin's best works rank among cinema's most treasured films.

This article was updated on January 2, 2025, by Christopher Raley: The fact that Charlie Chaplin's name is still recognized 58 years after...

It would be no surprise to see a picture of Charlie Chaplin next to the word comedian in the dictionary, as more so than any other actor, director, writer, or filmmaker, his movies have left an undeniable mark on cinema and pop culture in general. Best known for his timeless characterization of the Tramp, his signature toothbrush mustache, and his incredible slapstick and physical comedic talents, Chaplin encapsulated the silent movie era and remained a vital figure after the sound revolution. Through thoughtful and hilarious movies, Chaplin pushed filmmaking into new territory and became a true icon in the process.

As the man behind some of the greatest silent movies ever made, whose work boasted incredible social and political relevance, Chaplin took the world by storm to become one of the most significant names in the movie industry. From The Gold Rush to The Great Dictator, Chaplins filmography has boasted...

Warner Bros. has announced a new 50th Anniversary Edition of the iconic 1968 classic 2001: A Space Odyssey, following the movie's limited return to theaters last month. This brand new 4K restoration of 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was overseen by filmmaker and devout 2001 fan Christopher Nolan, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival before it arrived in select theaters across the country last month, with the 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray arriving October 30. Here's what Christopher Nolan had to say in a statement about this new 4K release of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

"2001 to me is the most cinematic film that has ever been made and it has been an honour and a privilege to be able to share the film with a new generation. 4K Uhd allows the closest recreation of viewing the original film print in your own home. Kubrick's masterpiece was originally presented on large format film and...

I have the full rundown on the notorious spacey alternate ending to this sci-fi winner by design specialist Saul Bass. The ants are taking over, and they mean business. World conquest begins at a research lab in Arizona, where Nigel Davenport, Michael Murphy and Lynne Frederick try to hold out against super-intelligent hormigas that cut them off, build sophisticated weapons and instantly adapt to any chemical attempt to stop them. Phase IV Blu-ray Olive Films 1974 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 84 min. / Street Date October 27, 2015 / available through the Olive Films website / 29.98 Starring Michael Murphy, Nigel Davenport, Lynne Frederick, Alan Gifford Cinematography Dick Bush Insect sequences Ken Middleham Art Direction John Barry Film Editor Willy Kemplen Original Music Brian Gascoigne Written by Mayo Simon Produced by Paul B. Radin Directed by Saul Bass

Reviewed by Glenn Erickson

Olive Films Blu-ray of the intriguing Sci-Fi curiosity Phase IV appears to be a newer, cleaner transfer than the older DVD.