The year is 2018. There are no wars. There is no crime. There is only….the Game. In a world where ruthless corporations reign supreme, this vicious and barbaric “sport” is the only outlet for the pent-up anger and frustrations of the masses. Tuned to their televisions, the people watch “Rollerball”: a brutal mutation of football, motocross and hockey. Jonathan E. (James Caan; The Killer Elite, The Godfather, Misery, Freebie and the Bean) is the champion player – a man too talented for his own good. The Corporation has taken away the woman Jonathan loves, but they can’t take away his soul – even if the diabolical corporate head (John Houseman; Three Days of the Condor, The Paper Chase, The Fog) tells him he better retire…. or suffer the old-fashioned way. Also starring John Beck (Audrey Rose, The Other Side of Midnight), Maud Adams (Killer Force, Octopussy, Tattoo), Moses Gunn (Ragtime, Shaft), Shane Rimmer (The People that Time Forgot, The Human Factor), and directed by Norman Jewison (The Thomas Crown Affair, In the Heat of the Night, Jesus Christ Superstar). With its surrealistic imagery and tense action sequences, Rollerball grips you by the heart – and never lets you go. Now watch this cult classic from a 4K scan!
For thoughts on Rollerball (1975), please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Rollerball returns to Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer derived from a brand new 2021 4K scan. This film was released previously on Blu-Ray via Twilight Time which is long out of print. When compared to that disc, this new presentation blows it out of the water in nearly every respect. This transfer maintains the natural film grain of the presentation which increases the level of detail. The grain resolves well without any major fluctuation or instances of frozen grain in the background. This release is very impressive throughout with hardly anything making it through the restoration gauntlet.
Instances of print damage have been cleaned up immensely with only intermittent specks visible. Viewers will delight in the distinct textures within the clothing and the futuristic production design. Colors appear more vibrant and stable with distinct hues from the environments looking much more lifelike. Black levels have immense depth which rarely disappoint even in more shadow-driven environments. Clarity and detail is grand with skin tones that look natural and subtle facial features easily distinguishable in closeups. This new presentation from Scorpion Releasing is a top tier representation of the film.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray disc comes with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio track that makes an impression from beginning to end. The narrative of the film necessitates that there be some hard-hitting action included here, and every hit radiates with the desired intensity. The track supplies some healthy texture in the low end when it counts. Thankfully, dialogue is clearly defined and does not get lost among the more chaotic developments. The music of the film establishes a unique atmosphere for this story that maintains excellent fidelity. Environmental sounds such as the ball rolling around the track or the roar of the crowd come through well alongside everything else. The track does not suffer from any wear and tear or distortion. Scorpion Releasing has provided a great audio presentation. This release includes English SDH subtitles.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary #1: Director Norman Jewison provides a very informative commentary track recorded in 1997 in which he discusses the production of this film, the construction of the elaborate sets, finding announcers who could speak fast enough to keep up with the action of the game, the deeper themes he was trying explore within this narrative, developing the nuances of the game, working with the amazing stuntmen, the distinct qualities each of the performers brought to their roles and much more that makes for a wonderful listen.
- Audio Commentary #2: Writer William Harrison provides a deeply entertaining and informative commentary track in which he discusses working with Norman Jewison, his inspirations for the story, the connection between violence and sports at the time, his interest in evolving into a corporate society, trying to make a movie about violence without celebrating it, and tons of insights into the symbolism and subtext that is really wonderful.
- From Rome To Rollerball – The Full Circle: An eight-minute vintage featurette which takes you back to the filming of Rollerball where you get some on-set footage of the cast and crew discussing the film, its themes, their vision of the future, the hard-hitting gladiatorial combat, the facets of some of the characters and more.
- Blood Sports – An Interview with James Caan: A 11-minute interview from 2014 in which star James Caan discusses how he inhabited the lead character, the training he took on to get ready for this role, the deeper themes of the film, an unrealized sequel and more.
- Interview with Stuntman Bob Minor: A brief four-minute interview in which Minor discusses getting involved with the film, the multiple roles he inhabited, memories of working with the stars and more.
- Trailers: Three TV spots and a trailer are provided here.
Final Thoughts
Rollerball is a very smart, very thrilling social commentary which frames the class struggles in terms that date back to ancient Rome. Our characters are gladiators fighting for the placation of the masses, and the depiction is gripping. Yet, when you move past the pulse-pounding bit, you are left with a terrific James Caan in the middle of a disorienting bit of subjugation which shows one of the poorer outcomes of a potential future. The impact of the tale holds up to this day, and it is one that you will be eager to revisit frequently. Scorpion Releasing and Ronin Flix have released a new Blu-Ray with a terrific A/V presentation and some fun special features. If you are a fan of the film, you should not be disappointed. Recommended
Rollerball (1975) is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Scorpion Releasing and Ronin Flix have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.