This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This special limited edition embossed and spot gloss slipcover (designed by Sean Phillips)is limited to 2,000 unitsand is only available here at VinegarSyndrome.com! There is no standard edition and it will not be re-pressed.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers.Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
50th anniversary special edition!
Struggling to subsist on negligible and infrequent gold discoveries, prospector Ralph Logan (Halloween’s Donald Pleasence) crosses paths with Mazella (Return of the Living Dead’s Don Calfa), a New York City drifter with a three-wheel motorcycle and plenty of time on his hands. After introducing his new acquaintance to the practical, level-headed Gladys (The Andromeda Strain’s Kate Reid), Logan suggests the trio join forces for a mission deep into the mountains of British Columbia in search of his father’s elusive stash of gold. The journey that follows is equal parts dangerous, exciting, wacky, and enlightening, as this mismatched trio goes to extraordinary lengths to make the most of their golden opportunity.
The one and only live action feature from famed animation director Gerald Potterton (Heavy Metal), The Rainbow Boys is a lively showcase for the talents of its three stars and a visually stunning widescreen journey through Canada’s great outdoors. With a playfully old-fashioned approach, this film brings to mind the more expansive, adventurous Hollywood comedies of the ’50s, but with an oddball sensibility all its own. Like the gold our heroes seek, The Rainbow Boys is a long-lost treasure just waiting to be rediscovered.
directed by: Gerald Potterton starring: Donald Pleasence, Don Calfa, Kate Reid 1973 / 90 min / 2.35:1 / English DTS HD-MA 1.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Scanned in 4K from the 35mm interpositive
Audio commentary featuring director Gerald Potterton, producer Anthony Robinow, and composer Howard Blake
An Hour with Gerry (2022, 53 min.) – A career-spanning interview with director Gerald Potterton
The Legend of Don Calfa (2022, 27 min.) – Author/filmmaker Gary Smart reflects on the life and work of his friend Don Calfa
The Rainbow Boys: From VHS to Blu-ray (2022, 4 min.)
Restoring The Rainbow Boys (2022, 3 min.)
Re-release trailer
Pinter People animation (1969, 16 min.) – Four animated segments written by Harold Pinter and directed by Gerald Potterton
Booklet featuring reflections from editor Katherine Reynolds and an essay by Donald Pleasence biographer Sam Bessant on the actor’s Canadian films
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.5142856 / 5 from 70 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Rainbow Boys, a special limited edition slipcover, is a visually stunning widescreen journey through Canada's great outdoors. Customers praise the performances, comedy, film quality, and looks. The restoration is flawless, and special features are informative.
"This was a fun little comedy with great performances from Donald Pleasence and Don Calfa." — Tiffany B.
"This restoration looks fantastic and being able to experience this film in this detail is particularly fantastic." — Michael B.
"Very quirky and funny and beautiful looking." — Jacob K.
Reviews
Rainbow my gold
"Fun and matter of fact Canadian fun"
— Colin B. (5/5)
Tender Rebellion
"The Rainbow Boys is a raw and heartfelt portrait of queer youth finding connection and courage in a world that rarely makes space for them. The film carries an intimate, almost documentary-like feel, letting its characters breathe and stumble as they search for love, identity, and a sense of belonging. Performances bring a fragile honesty that gives the story real emotional weight, even when the filmmaking remains simple and unadorned. What lingers most is its spirit of defiance and hope, a reminder that sometimes the quietest stories about chosen family and self-acceptance can resonate the loudest."
— Antonio T. (4/5)
YOU HAD ME AT DONALD PLEASENCE
"I PICKED THIS UP JUST BECAUSE DONALD PLEASENCE. LOOKING FORWARD TO CHECKING IT OUT."
— Brian R. (5/5)
Bit of a snore.
"Honestly i imagine this is what most sitcoms would be like if they removed the laughtrack."
— Taylor T. (2/5)
Cool Find!
"Cool little obscurity from the director of Heavy Metal. Nice packaging, lots of special features, and a booklet. Check it out while you still can."
— Aidan Z. (5/5)
Ramshackle Treasure Hunt
"A bit of a meandering road movie, with beautiful scenery and a motley trio of characters. I probably won't rewatch, but this was a great gift for my boyfriend who is a Donald Pleasence superfan. This movie reminds one of the importance of perspective and forging ahead no matter what-especially the ending (which I loved)."
— Sarah N. (3/5)
Charming adventure
"So fun. I have no complaints"
— Matthew R. (5/5)
Rainbow boys
"Another treasure from Vinegar Syndrome. This is a fun movie with great acting and quirky characters. The scenery is breathtaking and adds so much to this classic. Vinegar Syndrome knocked it out of the park with a movie that comes alive on the screen and draws me in with every frame. Well done. Don't miss a chance to add this gem to your collection."
— Jay S. (5/5)
Amazing lead performance. Very quirky
"Amazing lead performance. Very quirky and funny and beautiful looking."
— Jacob K. (5/5)
Beauty of Canadian landscapes
"The beauty of Canadian landscapes ~ Great performance from Donald pleasance. Stunning cinematography"
— Marcel W. (5/5)
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