Search - The Devil's Rain on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1975 DVD Release: 01/25/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 26 mins Studio: Vci Video Members Wishing: 0 Genres: Horror, Supernatural Horror See Also: The Devil's Rain

This horror oddity tells the story of a well-networked throng of devil-worshipers populating a small Arizona town who possess a strange crystal icon which houses the captive souls of their sacrificial victims. The coven, led by the thick-browed Jonathan Corbis (Ernest Borgnine), are also determined to get their hands on a diabolical "Book of Names" which contains the identities of those victims. After the family of Tom Preston (Tom Skeritt) are murdered by the coven for concealing the book, Tom sets out to avenge them. During an outrageous climax -- in which none other than William Shatner is offered up in sacrifice and Borgnine is transformed by a lightning bolt into a chunky horned demon -- the receptacle of souls is shattered, releasing the title storm and causing the congregation to melt into puddles of multicolored goo (a scene which seems to last forever). Produced in 1975 but released two years later, this film touted John Travolta's name at the height of his popularity, though his role is remarkably small (he does melt nicely at the end, however). ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Ernest Borgnine - Corbis
Eddie Albert - Dr. Richards
Ida Lupino - Mrs. Preston
William Shatner - Mark Preston
Keenan Wynn - Sheriff Owens

From the depths of Hell comes VCI's DVD release of The Devil's Rain. Long considered one of the worst films of all time (though the film does have its legion of fans), it is probably most notable for containing mega-star John Travolta's first acting appearance and for its fiery (and rather impressive) special-effects finale where the denizens of Hell melt into a colorful satanic brew. It should also be noted that the film's technical consultant was the late Anton Szandor LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. Fans of the satanic screen (and camp horror films in general) may want to bathe in the film's undemanding charms, but unfortunately VCI's actual disc does not have a lot to offer anyone else. There are numerous compression problems on the disc and visible evidence of digital artifacts. Color is unbalanced and tends to bloom (check out William Shatner's face during the opening scenes). The soundtrack is also problematic, as it crackles and pops throughout. Thankfully, the film is offered in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, though it has not been anamorphically enhanced for widescreen TVs. But the fact that it is available in widescreen is sure to please fans of the film, since it has never previously been offered on video in that manner. Regardless of the disc's shortfalls, there is still enough of a cult film curiosity factor to appeal to the brave ones out there. A theatrical trailer and a short photo gallery (including the "Three Faces of Ernest Borgnine") are the only extras. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide