Rolling Thunder Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "Rolling Thunder" boasts a 1080p AVC encoded transfer at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer exhibits a moderately filmic appearance, with brightly lit daytime scenes offering excellent fine detail that pops. However, the presentation is not devoid of issues; mosquito noise appears in darker sequences, creating a distracting anomaly. The source elements seem slightly faded at times, contributing to the somewhat rough visual experience.

Compared to the U.K. Studio Canal release, the image appears practically identical, marked by heavy grain structure and occasional noise. The condition and age of the original source material are evident, with brief episodes of white specks, light scratches, and minor brown discoloration. Despite these imperfections, the Blu-ray still delivers satisfactory moments. Daylight exteriors are rendered with bright, well-balanced contrast, providing clean whites and decent black levels, albeit with some murkiness. The color palette remains bold and true to natural skin tones, enhancing the film's visual appeal where it counts.

In essence, while the Blu-ray of "Rolling Thunder" is marred by its age and source material condition, its more pristine scenes manage to compensate for its shortcomings. Fans of the film will find this high-definition presentation passable, if not perfect.

The audio presentation of "Rolling Thunder" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, remains true to the original design, delivering a clear and broad front soundstage with a good sense of spatial presence. While the track is somewhat narrow, it compensates with a pronounced low-end that enhances the impact of action sequences. The mid-range frequencies are detailed and crisp, ensuring excellent clarity in upper frequencies. Dialogue is consistently intelligible and precise, and the opening theme by Barry DeVorzon sounds rich and well-balanced.

Despite its mono configuration, the soundtrack is remarkably clean throughout, capturing the essence of Jordan Cronenweth’s cinematography without distortion. Interior scene acoustics are distinct, and background activity remains clear and discrete. Although there isn't a substantial presence in the low-end frequency range, the bass is appropriately weighty, particularly in the musical score. However, it should be noted that during the final showdown sequence, some gunshots exhibit slight noisiness and distortion.

Overall, the DTS-HD audio track on "Rolling Thunder" delivers a faithful and satisfying listening experience for this classic revenge film. The audio quality preserves the mono sound's integrity while providing a detailed and immersive auditory backdrop, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rolling Thunder" provide a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look at the film, ensuring a well-rounded appreciation for its production. The standout feature is "The Making of Rolling Thunder," which offers in-depth interviews with key figures like William Devane and Tommy Lee Jones, who emphasize the film's nature as a revenge drama while reflecting on its legacy. Supporting this, the collection includes theatrical and TV spots, radio promotions, and an impressive still gallery, all in high definition. These features highlight both the artistic and promotional efforts behind the movie, rounding out a compelling supplementary package.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Rolling Thunder: Interviews with key cast and crew discussing the film and its impact.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional preview.
• TV Spot: Short television advertisement.
• Radio Spots: A series of audio promotions.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of production stills and set photos.

John Flynn’s "Rolling Thunder" is an exemplary examination of post-war trauma and vigilantism, presenting a nuanced performance by William Devane as Major Charles Rane. Freshly returned to San Antonio, Texas, after enduring unthinkable torture as a POW in Vietnam, Rane is met with grandiose celebrations, inundated by silver coins and gifted a Cadillac convertible. While these homecoming gestures appear heartwarming, they starkly juxtapose the psychological and emotional scars Rane grapples with beneath his calm exterior.

The film's initial act delves into Rane’s fraught attempts to reassimilate into civilian life. His stoic reaction to his wife’s infidelity and their disintegrated family unit—his son having no recollection of him—evokes both heartbreak and empathy. Devane's portrayal is masterful, capturing the quiet despair of a man who struggles with internalized trauma while maintaining an impenetrable façade.

As the narrative transitions from an introspective war drama to a gripping revenge thriller, the tonal shift is both jarring and exhilarating. The brutal home invasion, executed by four merciless thugs seeking Rane’s silver, leaves him maimed and his family slain. This act of violence ignites Rane's unrelenting quest for vengeance.

The latter half of "Rolling Thunder" evolves into a visceral pursuit, marked by graphic brutality and intense shootouts. Rane’s transformation into a calculated avenger, accompanied by Sergeant Johnny Vohden (a young Tommy Lee Jones), encapsulates the film’s raw depiction of vengeance. The final showdown, set in a bordello amidst rampant chaos, is striking and marks a decisive departure from the film's earlier introspections. Paul Schrader’s writing complements Flynn’s direction, offering a narrative that navigates the complex landscape of post-traumatic existence and retributive justice with dexterity.

In conclusion, "Rolling Thunder" stands as a compelling blend of psychological drama and gritty action, capturing the tumultuous journey of a war-torn veteran with profound intensity.

"Rolling Thunder" is a mostly forgotten gem from the 1970s, telling the gripping story of an ex-POW, played by William Devane, as he seeks revenge on those who murdered his family. The film also features a standout performance by a young Tommy Lee Jones. Written by Paul Schrader, the mind behind "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," this film delivers a raw and intense narrative that has drawn interesting comparisons to "Taxi Driver." Though it may not fit neatly into the "disturbed returning vet" genre, as some have tried to categorize it, "Rolling Thunder" undeniably stands as a powerful revenge film.

The Blu-ray release of "Rolling Thunder" proves to be a significant upgrade over previous home video editions. While the picture quality is still comparatively average, it certainly surpasses earlier versions. The audio presentation is notably excellent, bringing more depth and clarity to the film's gritty ambiance. Additionally, this release includes a supplementary featurette that offers intriguing insights from the stars and writer, enhancing the overall viewing experience despite some areas being only moderately satisfying.

In conclusion, while "Rolling Thunder" has sparked debates regarding its thematic intentions, it undeniably shines through as a gripping revenge film. The stars' and writer's direct affirmations lend credibility to this interpretation. This Blu-ray edition, featuring good (if occasionally problematic) video quality and excellent audio, alongside an engaging supplementary featurette, is highly recommended. If you are yet to discover this underrated classic from the 70s, this release is an excellent introduction. Pick it up immediately; it is one of the best movies of its era that remains largely unseen.