Rolling Thunder 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The new 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rolling Thunder" is a remarkable improvement over previous editions, showcasing the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio derived from the 35mm original camera negative. This release benefits greatly from Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading, which brings a new level of depth and vibrancy to the picture. The HDR grading renders richly saturated colors, notably enhancing the vivid reds of the 1973 Cadillac convertible, while maintaining a natural look for skin tones. The grain is consistently tight and filmic, no doubt a testament to the limited grain reduction applied during restoration, allowing for a pleasing amount of fine detail that highlights the film’s gritty 1970s aesthetic.

Cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth's use of natural and practical lighting creates interiors with stark shadows and deep blacks, meticulously preserved in this new transfer. The high bitrate averaging 84.8 Mbps ensures that even the most demanding scenes are rendered without any noticeable compression artifacts, while remaining true to Cronenweth’s original lighting intentions. Exteriors and wide shots exhibit sharpness and detail that defy the film’s late '70s origins, offering a more cinema-like appearance that breathes new life into this decades-old classic. Minor artifacts such as speckles are almost non-existent, showing just how well the restoration process has been executed.

Outdoor scenes particularly benefit from this restoration, presenting crisp and clean visuals. The opening title sequence, derived from dupe elements, understandably remains softer, but this doesn’t detract from the overall presentation. This meticulous 4K restoration by Shout Select is not just an upgrade but a revelation, allowing "Rolling Thunder" to visually “sing," with stellar resolution and dynamic range that enhance every frame of the film. This release is an essential addition for collectors and film enthusiasts alike who seek the best possible presentation of this classic thriller.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Rolling Thunder" comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix (1982 kbps, 24-bit) across both discs, which preserves the film's original audio integrity while providing a suitable listening experience for enthusiasts. Dialogue is delivered with a degree of pitch variability, maintaining the authentic texture of the source material without any noticeable EQ adjustments. While Denny Brooks's performance of Barry De Vorzon's "San Antone" adds a warm richness to the center channel, the track itself lacks deep bass, noticeable primarily in action-heavy scenes, such as shotgun blasts and shootouts. Importantly, there were no pops, crackles, or dropouts detected during playback.

The DTS-HD mono mix underscores the film’s age with certain rough edges, revealing an inherently fuzzy source. Dialogue occasionally exhibits a thin and muffled quality, though it remains intelligible. Barry De Vorzon’s musical score is presented with adequate clarity despite resting in a bright treble zone, lacking the refinement modern audio mixes might offer. Furthermore, the gunshots and action sequences, while loud and impactful, do not achieve extreme dynamism.

Overall, the audio mix for "Rolling Thunder" on this 4K UHD Blu-ray is respectable given the vintage nature of the material. It captures the essence of the original mono audio while managing to do justice to key elements such as dialogue clarity and music presentation. Film aficionados will likely appreciate the authenticity of this mix, even if it retains some aged imperfections.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rolling Thunder" includes a comprehensive set of extras that are sure to delight film enthusiasts. The standout additions are the newly recorded audio commentaries. The first features screenwriter Heywood Gould alongside film historian C. Courtney Joyner, delving deeply into the script's development and production nuances. The second commentary by filmmakers Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi enthusiastically dissects the movie’s influences and its connections to other works. Complementing these are interviews with pivotal figures like composer Barry De Vorzon and historian C. Courtney Joyner, further enriching the viewer's understanding of the film. While some elements from previous releases are missing, this robust collection is a significant enhancement, making it a must-have for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Heywood Gould and C. Courtney Joyner provide an in-depth conversation on the film.
• Audio Commentary: Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi share their exuberant analysis.
• Lean and Mean: The Early Films of John Flynn: An interview with C. Courtney Joyner.
• Coming Home to War: Scoring Rolling Thunder: An interview with composer Barry De Vorzon.
• The Making of Rolling Thunder: Featuring interviews with William Devane, Tommy Lee Jones, Paul Schrader, and Heywood Gould.
• Trailers from Hell: Filmmaker Eli Roth discusses "Rolling Thunder."
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spot
• Radio Spots
• Still Gallery

John Flynn’s 1977 film Rolling Thunder is a visceral exploration of the "disgruntled Vietnam vet meets revenge thriller" genre, remaining a seminal influence on filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. With William Devane in the lead as Major Charles Rane, the narrative delves deep into the psyche of a POW returning home to a broken family and a community that celebrates him superficially. The relentless drive for vengeance begins when a gang assaults his family, leaving him maimed and bereft. Rane’s journey, fueled by unquenchable rage and a cold detachment absorbed from years of torture, is a stark, violent portrayal of a man whose only remaining purpose is retribution.

Flynn's direction ensures that Rolling Thunder maintains a granular, gritty tone throughout. The film avoids the introspection seen in The Deer Hunter, opting instead for savage grindhouse aesthetics akin to early Rambo. Devane’s performance as the embattled Major Rane is both harrowing and subdued, revealing the haunting damage within a soldier. Tomy Lee Jones, though sparingly featured, delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Sgt. Johnny Vohden, whose final act shift from impassiveness to grim joy underscores the characters' emotional torpor and ultimate embrace of violence.

The cinematography capitalizes on shadows and gloom, enhancing the morose atmosphere pervading Rane's world. It employs tight scripting and methodical pacing to highlight the bleakness of reintegration for its protagonists. Scenes of brutal violence punctuate the narrative with explosive force, contrasting sharply with the film's otherwise quiet and somber tone. The dissonance between patriotic overtures and the characters' indifference serves to critique both societal assimilation efforts and the inadequacy of these gestures. Ultimately, Rolling Thunder stands as a grim masterwork in revenge cinema, unflinching in its portrayal of trauma and singular in its grinding, brutal execution.

Shout! Studios' 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rolling Thunder" is a meticulously crafted package that demonstrates the due diligence in preserving this quintessential revenge film. John Flynn's direction, anchored by strong performances from William Devane and Tommy Lee Jones, is given a significant visual and audio upgrade in this release. The new 1.85:1 HEVC encode ensures the film’s grim textures and poignant scenes appear as vivid as ever, while the DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track faithfully retains the original theatrical experience. Shout! Studios supplements this with comprehensive extras including two new commentaries, each offering valuable insights into the film's creation and its enduring impact on the genre.

The restoration work is impeccable, far surpassing previous Blu-ray editions. This 4K UHD presentation feels akin to viewing the film in its original theatrical run, with notably enhanced contrasts and color fidelity. The addition of Barry De Vorzon’s interviews offers further depth, providing context to the film's atmospheric score. While some extras from previous releases—such as various commentaries and interviews—are absent, the current set still boasts an extensive array of supplemental material, such as theatrical trailers, TV and radio spots, and a Trailers from Hell feature with Eli Roth. The newly recorded commentary tracks augment the already rich viewing experience, making this edition indispensable for collectors and new viewers alike.

Conclusion

"Rolling Thunder" deserves all of the praise heaped upon it over the years. It may not be perfect cinema, but it is a solidly executed film that effectively uses the revenge motif, resonating deeply with an America grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Shout! Studios’ 4K UHD disc is impressive, featuring a fantastic new encode for both the 4K and included Blu-ray, along with the lossless theatrical 2.0 Mono track. Despite a few missed extras, this package is an all-around excellent offering and well worth picking up. Highly recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers.