Horror film fans love those off beat cult classics. And Arrow Video love to give those fans something to add to the collection. Well, Arrow Video has done it yet again with 1989's Black Rainbow.
Black Rainbow is a thrilling horror film so ahead of it's time it is hard to believe. On this review we are going to take an in-depth look at what is included in this new Blu-ray release.
Black Rainbow follows Martha Travis (Rosanna Arquette), a medium who makes contact with spirits "on the other side" and connects them with their loved ones, in stage performances. During one of the performances she gives a message to lady named Mary from her husband, Tom. Nice huh? Only problem is Tom isn't dead. Martha not only knows he will die, she also knows who killed him. To make matters even worse for the medium the murderer knows she knows. Now her father and manager, Walter Travis (Jason Robards), skeptical investigative reporter and police all try to help - or are they? You'll have to see the film to find out!
I have to say that Black Rainbow is a film that is way ahead of it's time. I think the film was using themes that didn't play as well in the 80s but is right at home in 2020 at the time of this Blu-ray release. The direction is amazing and so is the acting.
It is good to note that this film has a good amount of profanity and some brief nudity a sex scene and there is some violence. So this is not a film for the whole family. Make sure to put the kids to bed if you are going to watch this one.
Arrow Video has done a brand-new restoration from the original negative approved by writer-director Mike Hodges. The film is transferred in 1.85:1 in 1080p and the audio options of DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround and an LPCM 2.0 stereo. The colors are vibrant and the picture quality is amazing and the audio is crystal clear. Arrow Video has done a tremendous job in this restoration.
But a great restoration is not all! No way! Arrow Video as always goes above and beyond with this release and loads the Blu-ray with bonus content.
* New audio commentary by film historians Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan
* Archival audio commentary by Mike Hodges
* Message in a Bottle: Archival 'Making of' documentary
* Archival interviews with Jason Robards, Tom Hulce, Rosanna Arquette
* Archival featurettes '8 Minutes'; 'Disasters'; 'Seeing the Future'; 'Behind the Rainbow' featuring interviews with Hodges, Arquette, Robards, producer John Quested including behind-the-scenes imagery
* Trailer
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh
* FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Booklet featuring new writing on the film by author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Mike Hodges and more illustrated with stills
So if you are a fan of 80's cult horror. I think you need to check out Black Rainbow. The restoration is amazing and the blu-ray bonus feature are stellar. This is a must own for any horror hound. Head over to MVDshop.com or Amazon.com and get your copy today
Out of 4 Film Reels we would score Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Black Rainbow....
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