Are you looking for stylish horror thriller? Well I’m taking a look at Black Rainbow (1989) released on blu-ray by Arrow Video last year. It stars Rosanna Arquette and Jason Robards. Is worth a look? Let’s find out here’s my Black Rainbow blu-ray review.
You can pick it up on Amazon for £13.49 at the time of writing this review or direct from Arrow’s own website for £8.
- Black Rainbow (1989)
- Genre: Psychological Horror Thriller
- Directed by Mike Hodges
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released by Arrow Video
- Blu-ray Released: 6th July 2020
Plot
Martha Travis is a medium that tours America with her father (Jason Robards). They put on a fake show and collect the cash and move on. However when Martha begins to predicts actual life changing events journalist Gary Wallace becomes intrigued.
Style / Direction
Director Mike Hodges expertly delivers this fabulous psychological thriller. It’s not only well shot but also does a fantastic job of creating an unsettling feeling. The cinematographer for the film was Gerry Fisher.
Mike Hodges also directed one of my all-time favourite films, the brilliant Get Carter (1971) starring Michael Caine.
Music / Audio Effects
The film’s score comes from John Scott.
Acting / Characters
The film largely revolves around three main characters. Rosanna Arquette plays medium Martha Travis and I found her character to have quite a bit of depth. In fact she is quite a complex character and not always easy to like. Arquette’s performance is excellent.
Jason Robards plays Martha’s father, Walter Travis. He’s spends most of the time in a drunken state and dismisses Martha’s apparent gift. Again the role is expertly performed by Robards.
Finally there’s local journalist Gary Wallace who is sent to cover these miraculous predictions. He’s a sceptic and not easily impressed.
Cast
- Rosanna Arquette as Martha Travis
- Jason Robards as Walter Travis
- Tom Hulce as Gary Wallace
- Olek Krupa as Tom Kuron
Conclusion: Black Rainbow (1989) Film Review
I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed Black Rainbow (1989), writer / director Mike Hodges delivers a truly compelling psychological thriller. Add this one to your list of movies to watch I think you will be impressed.
If you’ve enjoyed my Black Rainbow Blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
- The Medusa Touch (1978)
- Deadly Manor (1990)
- The Sect (1991)
- You Should Have Left (2020)
- The Unholy (2021)
- Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
Conclusion: Black Rainbow Blu-ray Review
The first thing to say is that this Arrow Video Blu-ray release is very good with the picture quality pretty much perfect. There really is nothing to complain about on the image side of things, this is because the film has undergone a new restoration.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- Archival Audio Commentary by Mike Hodges
- Message in a Bottle (Making of Documentary)
- Archival Interviews with Jason Robards, Tom Hulce & Rosanna Arquette
- Trailer
- Reversible Sleeve
Purchase Information
Black Rainbow (1989) is available now on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale.
Black Rainbow (1989) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Black Rainbow (1989)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: PERFECT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
That concludes my Black Rainbow Blu-ray review, let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page. I’m aiming to review more horror / thriller movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Black Rainbow (1989) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Black Rainbow (1989)
Movie description: Medium Martha Travis, tours America with her father.
Duration: 103 mins
Director(s): Mike Hodges
Actor(s): Rosanna Arquette, Jason Robards, Tom Hulce
Genre: Psychological Horror , Thriller
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Movie Rating
-
Blu-ray Rating
Summary
A compelling psychological thriller
Pros
- Exellent Picture Quality
- Compelling Story
- Fabulous Cast
- Good Extras
Cons
- None
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