The Rainmaker (1956) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

Burt Lancaster and Katherine Hepburn are acting icons. It is hard to believe they only made one film together. But the reason is that reportedly they did not get along at all! So 1956's The Rainmaker was their only appearance on film together.

Now the good folks at Kino Lorber under the division KL Studio Classics are releasing this classic drama on Blu-ray from a brand new 6K scan. 

The film takes place during the Great Depression. A drought has ravaged a small Kansas town. Bill Starbuck (Burt Lancaster), a swift conman, arrives in the small town, with a big promise. He can make it rain in exchange for $100. His offer is accepted by H. C. Curry (Cameron Prudhomme). The rancher daughter, Lizzie (Katharine Hepburn), longs for a suitor. Lizzie finally finds confidence when Starbuck, convinces her she's beautiful.

The film was masterfully adapted from the stage play the original playwright N. Richard Nash. Who better to adapt a stage play to film that the one that wrote it in the first place? Burt Lancaster and Katherine Hepburn are dynamite together. You would never know they didn't get along. The film was nominated for two Academy Award one for Best Music (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) for Alex North and the second for Best Actress: Katharine Hepburn.

Kino Lorber transfer this dramatic classic to Blu-ray in 1080p in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film presentation comes from a new 6K scan of the original 35 mm VistaVision camera negative, which was performed by Paramount Pictures. The soundtrack is English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio. 

This new 6K scan is gorgeous. The Technicolor is bright and vibrant, with no signs of damage that I could see. The audio is clear as a bell and ever word is distinct. To say I was impressed with this scan would be an understatement. This new scan is simply the best.

This new scan is so tremendous that I would have to call this a must own alone for that. But Kino Lorber added some cool bonus features to this Blu-ray. Take a look at what is included,

* NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Writer Julie Kirgo

* Trailers: The Rainmaker, Elmer Gantry, The Lion in Winter, The Tarnished Angels and Lonelyhearts

* Optional English Subtitles

Now while Katherine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster did not care for each other, that put all that aside to make this classic film. They do such a amazing job together I can only imagine if they got along what other films that could have made! But sadly we will never know.

If you love classic dramas, Katherine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster The Rainmaker is one film you need to see. And I have to say this new release from Kino Lorber is the perfect way to experience it. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray release of The Rainmaker receives...