PHANTASM 2 TOOK DON COSCARELLI NINE YEARS TO BRING THIS SEQUEL TO THE BIG SCREEN. THE FILMS BUDGET WAS CLOSE TO 3 MILLION DOLLARS, COMPARE THAT TO THE FIRST PHANTASM OF THE 650,000 RANGE.

IT WAS FILMED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA. THE SPHERE EFFECTS WERE SPLIT BETWEEN DREAM QUEST IMAGES AND STEVE PATINO. ONE SEQUENCE INVOLVED AN ENTIRE 2 STORY HOUSE EXPLODING. THIS WAS FILMED WITH A REAL HOUSE THAT WAS BLOCKING 105 FREEWAY CONSTRUCTION AND WAS A HELP TO THE DEMOLITION CREW ASSIGNED TO DEMOLISH IT ANYWAY.

AFTER COMPLETION, UNIVERSAL HAD A OPENING IN THEIR RELEASE SCHEDULE IN JULY 4th PERIOD IN 1988. IT WENT UP AGAINST SEVERAL MAJOR BLOCKBUSTERS. IT DIDN'T MATCH UP TO UNIVERSALS EXPECTATIONS BUT REMAINS WELL RECEIVED WITH THE FANS ON THE HOME VIDEO MARKET AND CABLE NETWORKS.