The Black Hole

1979

98 mins

A research spaceship investigates a seemingly stranded vessel floating dangerously close to a black hole in this 1979 Disney sci-fi.... More

A research spaceship investigates a seemingly stranded vessel floating dangerously close to a black hole in this 1979 Disney sci-fi. Stars Oscar winner Maximilian Schell (Judgement at Nuremberg) alongside fellow nominees Anthony Perkins (Psycho) and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown).

The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a fruitless 18-month search for extra-terrestrial life when the crew comes upon a supposedly lost ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. The ship is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt (Schell) and his monstrous robot companion, but the initial wonderment and awe the Palomino crew feel for the ship and its resistance to the power of the black hole turn to horror as they uncover Reinhardt's plans.

The film was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects at the 1980 Academy Awards.

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Where to watch The Black Hole

The Black Hole is available to stream in New Zealand... More now on Apple TV Store and Disney+.

The Black Hole | Ratings & Reviews

43_%37 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes® rating
45_%9,877 reviews
Audience score rating

"A pretty craven attempt by Disney to cash-in on Star Wars blockbusting success, this lightweight but well-written sci-fi adventure movie is well pitched at the very young."

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Empire Magazine

"The problem with THE BLACK HOLE is that the protagonist, Schell, is nuts and we find it difficult to root for him. The other characters are never fully developed, and so the picture becomes a triumph of style over substance."

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TV Guide

"It is good to see the Disney craftsmen doing what they do best on such a grand and risky scale. If one has time for only one space opera this season, this is the one to choose."

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