Rollerball Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rollerball" is an impressive display of its vintage visual aesthetic, delivered through an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed at 1.84:1. The nuanced cinematography by Douglas Slocombe captures the film's intense rollerball games with dynamic techniques, including quick cuts and quasi-handheld approaches. Though these choices may induce a perception of softness in certain scenes, the overall high definition presentation remains stable and filmic. The vibrant orange attire of the Houston team contrasts starkly against the sterile, colorless environment created by The Energy Corporation, adding a distinctive visual dynamic. Flesh tones are accurate though slightly peach-hued, and fine detail is commendable even in midrange shots. Black levels and contrast are consistently solid, albeit some scenes appear push processed, enhancing shadow detail at the cost of additional grain and softness.

The transfer retains a natural film grain consistent with its era, visible especially during nighttime exteriors, such as the scene with gunfire igniting the trees. The transfer stands out for its cleanliness throughout most of the film, though occasional dirt and black streaks do appear in select scenes, such as the slow-motion water shots in the Japanese spa or when Jonathan exits to the helicopter. The image maintains sharpness, allowing for intricate details and depth that enhance the viewer's immersion. Highlights include visible wood grains on the Rollerball track panels and discernible creases in the leather uniforms during long shots. This meticulous attention to visual detail ensures that "Rollerball" remains as visually engaging today as it was during its original release.

The audio presentation of "Rollerball" on Blu-Ray includes both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Mono tracks. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track particularly stands out, offering an elevated sonic experience with enhanced activity and dynamic range. Notably, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, which opens the film, resonates powerfully, filling the surrounds and benefiting from solid LFE support. The portrayal of the Rollerball games is chaotic yet captivating, drawing viewers into the intense atmosphere of the arena with well-distributed sound effects. Additionally, Jewison’s classical source cues sound richer and fuller, adding a layer of depth to the auditory experience.

Dialogue delivery is predominantly clear across both audio options, although it leans toward the front center channels. There are occasional instances where it may be mixed slightly too quiet on the 5.1 track, but overall, the dynamic range remains impressive. The surround channels provide light ambiance, especially noticeable in scenes like parties and the arenas. However, there is a sense that these could have been utilized more immersively during the high-action scenes for a more encompassing audio environment. Neither the mono nor the surround tracks display any noticeable wear or damage, ensuring a clean and undisturbed listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Rollerball" offers a solid array of special features that will thoroughly engage fans and film enthusiasts alike. The extras delve deep into the making of the film, enhance the viewing experience with insightful commentaries, and provide historical context through vintage featurettes. Norman Jewison's commentary is a highlight, blending technical insights and personal anecdotes seamlessly. William Harrison's commentary provides a rich look into the writing process, despite occasional lengthy pauses. Vintage pieces like "From Rome to 'Rollerball'" and "Return to the Arena: The Making of Rollerball" offer contextual frameworks that connect the film to broader societal themes and its production journey. The isolated score track, while captivating, may be less engaging due to silent gaps.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: André Previn's score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Audio Commentary with Director Norman Jewison: Recorded in 1997, featuring rich insights on film-making.
• Audio Commentary with Writer William Harrison: Focuses on writing and adaptation processes.
• From Rome to Rollerball: The Full Circle: Vintage featurette comparing the film's themes to historical gladiatorial fights.
• Return to the Arena: The Making of Rollerball: Interviews from 2001 with director, writer, and cast.
• TV Spots: Three promotional spots showcasing film material.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Provides a glimpse of the film in HD.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory inclusion by Twilight Time.

Norman Jewison’s 1975 dystopian film "Rollerball" envisions a future where corporate entities dominate society, with violent sports replacing traditional warfare and serving as a means of social control. The film’s protagonist, Jonathan E, played by James Caan, becomes a hero through the high-stakes ultra-violent game of Rollerball, challenging the corporate powers that seek to control him. Jewison masterfully crafts a thought-provoking narrative intertwining sports, politics, and philosophical debates, albeit with some moments that strain credibility. While the script, based on William Harrison's story "Roller Ball Murder," occasionally lacks depth in its world-building, it compensates with thrilling action sequences.

"Rollerball’s" depiction of 2018—with mammoth corporations like the Energy Corporation supplanting governments—seems eerily prescient. The idea that televised sports could serve as an opiate for the masses is skillfully explored through intense and well-choreographed Rollerball matches. The film's critique of corporate influence and manipulation is clear, despite not fully fleshing out the backstory of the Corporate Wars or the broader societal impacts of such a totalitarian regime. Jonathan’s struggle against these forces is compelling, though some of the narrative decisions surrounding his fame and the corporation’s attempts to control him lack coherence.

Where "Rollerball" truly excels is in its visceral depiction of the titular sport. The Rollerball games are a chaotic blend of roller derby, football, and gladiatorial combat, brought to life through exceptional cinematography, editing, and stunt performances. These sequences highlight Jewison’s ability to create tension and excitement while also serving as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Despite its shortcomings in fully developing its ambitious themes, "Rollerball" remains an engaging classic, notable for its commentary on individualism versus collectivism and the dangerous allure of spectacle in a dystopian future.

Published in 1975, "Rollerball," directed by Norman Jewison, remains a thought-provoking dystopian narrative that continues to resonate today. The film combines futuristic sports action with corporate manipulation, reflecting on how corporate entities might exert control over the masses through entertainment. The Blu-ray release of "Rollerball" significantly enhances this experience, presenting the film with a refreshed video transfer that brings out the rich visual details and a robust audio track that elevates the tension intrinsic to the roller derby games.

The high-definition video transfer is meticulous, preserving the grain and texture of the original film while improving sharpness and color fidelity. This restoration allows modern audiences to appreciate the visual storytelling in its intended form, capturing both the visceral action of the sport and the dystopian atmosphere. The audio on this Blu-ray is equally commendable, offering clear dialogue, impactful sound effects, and an isolated music track that adds to the immersive experience. For cinephiles and fans of the movie, the inclusion of previously produced extras offers additional insights into the film’s production and thematic depth.

As I rewatched "Rollerball" in preparation for this review, I kept getting reminded of the phrase "Everything old is new again" in a number of unrelated ways. The film itself posits a reboot of the venerable roller derby sport, replete with corporate shenanigans and an attempt to make the watching of a Rollerball game a way to keep the public at large pacified. But in a meta sense, you can see many of the same ideas percolating in "Rollerball" showing up decades later in properties like "The Hunger Games" franchise. Unfortunately, that comparison tends to point out a couple of the inconsistencies and dramatic missteps William Harrison's approach offers. Still, Norman Jewison crafts a really exciting film that celebrates the triumph of the individual, certainly one of the oldest stories ever told. This Blu-ray features solid video and audio and comes with some nice supplements. Recommended.

While the title being a limited edition makes it difficult to decide on a bottom line for someone else, and though I have issues with parts of the story, I am glad I saw 'Rollerball'. Twilight Time delivers a satisfying high-def disc with good video and adequate audio. Plus, they gather previously produced extras along with an isolated music track, which will certainly please the film's fans and should please the curious.