Surf Rock DVD Review: Merrell Fankhauser-Rainbow Bridge Revisited

Merrell Fankhauser and the island of Maui have a strong connection. The artist lived there for 14 years, during which Maui became a hotspot for UFO sightings. Fankhauser not only experienced these phenomena himself but also came to know the people who were eyewitnesses to those events, forming the basis of his unique perspective and musical inspiration.

Rainbow Bridge Revisited is a CD/DVD set that Fankhauser put together for Gonzo Multimedia and was released in June of this year. It offers a unique blend of music, interviews, and original footage, making it a must-have for fans of surf rock and UFO phenomena. Fankhauser's ability to translate his experiences into music has carved out a unique niche, and this set is a testament to his multifaceted talent.

 

Rainbow Bridge, the original movie, was the Jimi Hendrix movie. Fankhauser sets out to interview some of the remaining cast members of that movie. On the DVD, you get firsthand accounts of UFO sightings through interviews and original footage of surfers set to some of Merrell's great surf rock tracks. This unique blend of music and UFO stories, including the classic and appropriate "Calling From A Star," Will pique your interest. The rocking surf tunes set the tone. One of my all-time favorites and the best Merrell has ever performed is "Monster Swell." The track is filled with all the drama and unpredictability of the ocean. The song goes through several changes and is a complete surf-rock masterpiece. "Wild Gyrations" is another classic that will put the sun in your heart, the beach's warm sand on your toes, and images of surfers riding the immense waves of the Hawaii surf.

 

Although the footage of the surfers is quite old, it conveys the theme and location quite well. If you are looking for an HD-quality video, this is not it. If you appreciate up-close interviews, hearing about experiences of UFO sightings, and surf rock music, then you will love this set.

 

Merrell has always done a terrific job providing fascinating stories, interviewing people with tales, and adding great music to complete the experience. His dedication and passion for this project are truly admirable, and it's something you, as a fan, will surely appreciate.

 

Watching and listening to all this puts your head elsewhere, offering a different perspective. Some of the people being interviewed were spaced-out old hippies, but you cannot deny some of the events that have taken place on the islands of Hawaii. These accounts are just a part of the long history of extraterrestrial sightings that have been witnessed over the years, a history that you, as a fan of surf rock and UFO phenomena, are undoubtedly part of. What makes it unique is the involvement of Merrell Fankhauser, one of the most respected and admired musical talents ever known. This is a documentary you will not want to miss!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com

October 13, 2013