Rapture (1965) (1965)

Twilight Time's second Blu-Ray limited-edition release is a real find: the first-ever video release of the 1965 20th Century-Fox Cinemascope drama "Rapture," a movie so obscure it doesn't even appear in Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide.

Set on the French seacoast evocatively shot here by cinematographer Marcel Grignon "Rapture" tells the story of an unusual 15-year-old teenager named Agnes (the marvelous Patricia Gozzi) who lives on a Brittany farm with her domineering father (Melvyn Douglas) and their housekeeper (Gunnel Lindblom). We first see Agnes as a girl-child who still plays with dolls, but her adolescence blooms once an escaped fugitive (Dean Stockwell) takes refuge in their home, donning the clothes of a scarecrow Agnes had made. At first she even believes Stockwell to be the living incarnation of the scarecrow, but soon finds herself being drawn to him as her burgeoning sexuality begins to show.

"Rapture" is an odd film, no doubt about it. Stanley Mann adapted a novel by Phyliss Hastings for this Fox production, directed by John Guillermin (later of "Towering Inferno" and "King Kong" fame) yet produced with a mostly French crew. Gozzi is a revelation here in the difficult role of Agnes, seeking to escape her confined existence but knowing nothing of the outside world that Gozzi starred in only one other film before retiring from acting makes this Blu-Ray release one of the first opportunities many viewers will have ever had to see her, and she's positively captivating in the picture.

The movie's rather melodramatic story, meanwhile, isn't as captivating as its performances and its visuals, which look beguiling in Twilight Time's BD edition. The black-and-white scope cinematography is sensational in Fox's 1080p AVC-encoded transfer, while the mono audio includes an early, typically beautiful score from Georges Delerue, which is also isolated on an alternate channel.

Julie Kirgo's notes put "Rapture" into the proper perspective as a "cursed" film that one imagines would have been highly controversial had anyone seen it back in its day. Adventurous cinephiles, Delerue lovers and Cinemascope connoisseurs now have the opportunity to see one of the more unusual studio-produced films of its era, in a splendid Blu-Ray edition from Twilight Time limited to 3000 copies. Recommended!

Brilliant film....the magical score elevates the story to an other-worldly level. The acting is fantastic, while the cinematography is merely miraculous on this incredible blu-ray bly Twilight Time. Definitely a must-own film which is rarely seen today. It must be experienced by all cinephiles.... Too bad only 3000 copies available.... Get it while you can.... Isolated score option in 2.0 stereo....truly magnificent....

Buy Rapture (1965) (1965) Now

1965's "Rapture" starring the forgotten, brilliant French actress, Patricia Gozzi, who was so indelible in "Sundays and Cybele" is just as captivating in this American film directed by John Guillermin, director of such great movies as "The Blue Max" and "The Towering Inferno." Cast opposite her is the forgotten heartthrob, Dean Stockwell and Melvyn Douglas as her stern father, a one-time judge. Gozzi, whose charm and sincerity and remarkable depth she achieves in her acting skill reminds of the talent of young Hayley Mills. It is a pity she only made a handful of films and is now married and living in Paris and working as manager in an English firm. Although the film is in black-and-white, the Twilight Time Blu-ray of the Cinemascope film is breathtaking in its clarity and is a limited 3,000 piece edition. They certainly do not make them like this anymore, and rarely made them like this at all. With a screenplay by Stanley Mann and a wonderful score by Geroges Delerue, also available here as an isolated track. Only available in Blu-ray, but certainly the reason to watch movies in Blu-ray.

Read Best Reviews of Rapture (1965) (1965) Here

Having cherished the memory of this film for 47 years, to see it again at last, in this brilliant Blu-Ray format, is a very emotional experience. RAPTURE emerges from tragic oblivion as a masterpiece of 1960s European cinema, resplendent with the power and passion of great direction and performances, mesmerising photography, and a ravishingly beautiful and romantic musical score. To the great credit of all concerned, then and now, the return of RAPTURE is a triumph. (Clearly a 5-star "rave" from this reviewer!)

Want Rapture (1965) (1965) Discount?

Years ago I saw this movie on late night TV, and fell in love with it. I also remember liking the theme music. I haven't seen it anywhere on TV for decades, but that hasn't decreased my desire to see it again. I have waited all these years for it to be released on VHS or DVD, because it was apparently tied up in some kind of litigation or something. I enjoyed it and I'm sure others have also and will be happy to buy a copy once they know it's available for purchase.