Rolling Thunder Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rolling Thunder" retains the film's gritty and vintage essence perfectly, achieving a measure of authenticity that fans will appreciate. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with AVC MPEG-4, the 1080p transfer reflects the film's raw and unrefined nature. Viewers will notice a considerable amount of grain throughout the film, contributing to its rugged aesthetic. The transfer does a commendable job preserving the film-like texture, avoiding modern digital enhancement techniques such as excessive sharpening or contrast boosting. Flecks, speckles, stains, and scratches remain prominent, underscoring the untouched, archival quality of the print.

Despite certain visual drawbacks—most notably in dark interior scenes where grain becomes noise-like and in sequences with minor degradation and discoloration—the positives offer a counterbalance. Daylight exteriors stand out with their sharpness and well-balanced contrast levels. Object and textural details are pronounced, lending an additional layer of depth to the picture. Bold colors, particularly greens and reds, demonstrate the high-definition transfer's capacity to impress. Though black levels are not uniformly stable, they contribute favorably to shadow play and depth in various scenes. The comprehensive lack of digital tinkering ensures that the raw essence of John Flynn's film remains intact.

In essence, this Blu-ray transfer reflects "Rolling Thunder"'s aged and gritty persona with a respectable degree of fidelity. While the transfer might fall short for viewers expecting pristine clarity, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a visual experience true to the film's original character. The film's vintage visuals are laid bare, revealing improvements without sacrificing authentic imperfections. This high-definition presentation is a testament to how catalog titles can be honored through respectful transfers from current masters.

StudioCanal's Blu-ray presentation of "Rolling Thunder" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono track that is true to the original sound design but comes with significant limitations. Regrettably, some instances are plagued by authoring errors that result in the mono signal outputting through multiple channels simultaneously, creating a disjointed and cumbersome listening experience. This issue impacts the film's overall audio quality, as some sections necessitate turning up the volume to catch mumbled dialogues, which in turn amplifies the odd channel mix-up. Sound effects such as footsteps, gunshots, and fight sequences come across inconsistently, lacking the punch and weight that would enhance the action scenes.

Despite these issues, the DTS-HD Master Audio track does manage to capture certain elements well. The dialogue remains generally crisp, clear, and stable, without noticeable hisses, pops, or dropouts. Barry De Vorzon's score occasionally comes alive but mostly plays a secondary role without significantly enhancing the film's atmosphere. Low-frequency effects are present yet modest, and while sound effects during dynamic scenes provide some level of engagement, they could benefit from more impact. Nonetheless, acoustics in interior settings are clear and detailed, contributing to an overall decent audio experience despite inherent limitations.

In summary, while not exceptional, the audio performance from StudioCanal’s release stays faithful to the original presentation, ensuring dialogue clarity and maintaining a discrete atmospheric presence. However, the reported authoring error and lack of intensity in certain sound effects sections indicate that listeners might need to manage their expectations.

The Blu-Ray of "Rolling Thunder" offers a modest selection of extras that, while limited, provide insightful exploration into the film's background and context. The standout feature is an engaging audio commentary by co-writer Heywood Gould, moderated by Roy Frumkes, which delves into the film’s production history and the socio-political environment of the Vietnam War era. Eli Roth's brief commentary on the theatrical trailer adds another layer of analysis. Linda Haynes provides a thoughtful reflection on her acting career and work on "Rolling Thunder" in an exclusive interview. Though a few users have reported technical issues with playing some of the extras, these features are a valuable addition for any fan of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion with Heywood Gould and Roy Frumkes on the film's production and socio-political climate.
• Interview: Exclusive interview with Linda Haynes about her career and role in the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer with Audio Commentary: Eli Roth comments on the narrative and characters.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• TV Spot: Original TV spot.

"Rolling Thunder," directed by John Flynn, is a quintessential example of 1970s American cinema, blending a gritty aesthetic with profound psychological depth. The film stars William Devane as Major Charles Rane, a Vietnam War veteran, who returns to Texas with his fellow POW, Sergeant Johnny Vohden, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Devane’s portrayal is nuanced, capturing the haunted nature of a man unable to escape the shadow of his wartime experiences. The narrative is imbued with a stoic, slow-burn intensity that simmers toward a climactic shootout, solidifying its place within the genre’s upper echelons.

The plot delves into Rane's struggle to reintegrate into society after years of torture in a Vietnamese prison camp. The community showers him with accolades and gifts, but they are oblivious to his internal plight. His wife has moved on, and his son is a stranger, highlighting the emotional chasm created by war. The film starkly contrasts Rane’s outer world with his internal turmoil—realizing he’s left behind physically but trapped mentally in Vietnam. The transformation from a war drama exploring the invisible wounds of combat to a gripping revenge narrative is seamless and deeply compelling.

Flynn’s direction ensures that "Rolling Thunder" transcends mere exploitation or revenge tropes. The movie is a character study wrapped in a revenge narrative, highlighted when Mexican criminals attack Rane’s family, leaving him maimed and seething for vengeance. Equipped with a mechanical hook and unyielding resolve, Rane’s pursuit of his family's killers resonates with a deserved sense of moral injury rather than unhinged retribution. The climax sees him, alongside Jones’s character, confronting the antagonists in a swift yet impactful shootout. This denouement, though brief, pays off the film's earlier psychological buildup with a satisfying release of tension. Devane and Jones deliver standout performances, making "Rolling Thunder" not just a film about vengeance but also an evocative examination of the scars of war.

"Rolling Thunder" explores the haunting aftermath of war through a riveting narrative centered on an ex-POW seeking vengeance. Directed by John Flynn and helmed by stellar performances from William Devane and a youthful Tommy Lee Jones, the film is an underappreciated gem of 1977. Penned by Paul Schrader, known for his work on "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull", the film delves deeply into themes of justice and redemption, showcasing an emotional depth often overlooked in similar genre films.

The Blu-ray edition, released by Studio Canal, offers a noticeable improvement over previous home video versions. While the video quality remains average compared to modern standards, the sound design is commendably clear, effectively enhancing the film’s intense and gritty atmosphere. The disc is unfortunately Region-B locked, which may limit accessibility for some viewers, but for those with compatible setups, it remains a worthy addition to any collection.

In conclusion, though the Blu-ray package could benefit from more substantial supplemental features, it provides a solid audiovisual experience that complements the film's powerful storytelling. Recommended for fans of classic revenge cinema and admirers of Quentin Tarantino, whose endorsement highlights the enduring impact of this dark tale.