Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Lifeguard Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 4, 2025

1976’s “Lifeguard” visits Californian beach life for some fun under the sun…and an early midlife crisis. Screenwriter Ron Koslow examines the heart of a seasoned lifeguard as he confronts the reality of his employment and life choices, aiming to cut a little deeper when it comes to a character study of a man in professional and personal turmoil. Director Daniel Petrie (“Fort Apache, The Bronx,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Cocoon: The Return”) is clearly fighting to preserve a more meaningful examination of doubt, but there’s always time for a little goofiness in the endeavor, which keeps introducing high jinks involving the crazy people out to enjoy the water (and participate in some crimes), though the material never quite commits to the silliness. “Lifeguard” is uneven at times, but when it attempts to grasp the struggles of the main character and his emotional battles, it finds interesting places to go, boosted by fine acting from star Sam Elliott, who really captures the push and pull of a guy living a breezy life until the day his age catches up with him.

Rick (Sam Elliott) is a lifeguard on a California beach, and he’s been doing this job since he was a young man. He’s 33 years old now, and still maintaining daily authority over the area, joined by new hire Chris (Parker Stevenson), who’s eager to learn the ropes from the veteran. A new summer begins for Rick, who lives a smooth life of sand and sun, also taking on a steady stream of sexual partners, staying far away from commitment as he enjoys himself. On the job, Rick meets Wendy (Kathleen Quinlan), a 17-year-old girl who’s just moved into the area from San Diego, and she’s in love with the lifeguard, pushing him to engage in a sexual relationship. Rick has hesitation, but can’t resist, keeping Wendy excited to return to his presence. He’s also facing his 15th high school reunion, reminding him of the passing years, while promising time with his ex-girlfriend, Cathy (Anne Archer), looking to rekindle their relationship. As the days pass for Rick, he considers his life choices, refreshed on all he’s missed after reuniting with Larry (Stephen Young), an old classmate who’s now a successful Porsche dealer, urging his high school pal to join him on the lot, putting Rick in a position of responsibility he’s not sure he needs.

Rick is a man who has everything he wants. He works on the beach, spending the day dealing with a few emergencies, but mostly he enjoys the view. He drives a Corvette, which takes him home to his bachelor pad, and such a living space is frequently shared by a series of lovers, including a flight attendant who’s happy to have a tryst with the tanned, mustachioed man, but also pines for something more between them, growing a little tired of casual sex. Rick lives his life as a twentysomething guy, but he’s now 33 years old, and such an existence is becoming a problem. Emotional unavailability drives much of “Lifeguard,” as Koslow creates a character who doesn’t want to be there for others in anything more than a physical sense, though he’s not a terrible man. Rick is quick with bad jokes and seems prepared to deal with unstable people without getting out of control. And he’s somewhat sensitive about Wendy and her feelings, though the 1976 release has the character more mindful of prison time than age, eventually granting Wendy’s wish to enjoy a carnal moment with a much older man.

Rick’s life grows complicated over the course of “Lifeguard,” beginning with Wendy’s intense company, eager to engage with her object of affection. And there’s the arrival of Larry, who happily reconnects with Rick, sharing the details of his lavish lifestyle as a car salesman, urging his former classmate to join him on a financial journey far away from Rick’s hourly wage. The feature tries to blends the harshness of reality with shenanigans by the ocean, which involve teen nonsense from Machine Gun (Steven Burns) and his fellow punk kids (who spend their days waiting for struggling women to grope in the water). There are drowning people to save and perverts to confront, as Rick regards the area as his own private kingdom to rule over. Koslow adds personal history to the story, following Rick as he visits his parents, quickly hit with dismissal from his verbally abusive father. There’s a reunion situation as well, as Del Mar High School is ready to celebrate, putting Rick back in Cathy’s company.

“Lifeguard” eventually pulls away from mild goofiness to deal with Rick’s reminders of immaturity, embarking on a relationship with Cathy, who has a home and a son. He’s handed a sample of responsibility, and he’s not sure if he likes it. Koslow doesn’t push too hard on behavioral issues, but they’re present in “Lifeguard,” giving the movie a few emotional textures and compelling dramatic turns, though some subplot resolutions are bit too easy on Rick, failing to really understand his motivations and potentially self-destructive behavior.

Lifeguard Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "remastered from a new 4K scan of the its original camera negative for this first- ever Blu-ray release." "Lifeguard" deals with summery mood, and hues act accordingly, offering a clear sense of blues skies and warmer sunsets. Sandy beaches and ocean activity remains appreciable, and skin tones are defined, exploring tanned bodies. More varied colors arrive with swimsuits, which maintain bright primaries, and living spaces preserve period design choices. Detail is appealing throughout the viewing experience, examining skin particulars on a wide range of actors, and costuming remains fibrous. Fine hair also does well here. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition, with a few brief moments of damage.

Lifeguard Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA offers a straightforward listening event for "Lifeguard." Dialogue exchanges are clear, avoiding unintelligibility issues, even when the actors compete with their beach surroundings. Scoring supports with decent instrumentation and emphasis, and soundtrack selections also carry clear vocals. Atmospherics are basic, offering a sense of lifeguard surroundings and group activity.

Lifeguard Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) contains an essay by Cristina Cacioppo.

• Commentary features podcasters Jim Healy and Ben Reiser.

• Image Gallery (7:45) collects poster art, publicity shots, and film stills.

• Radio Spot (:59) is offered.

• T.V. Spot (:45, HD) provides a single commercial for "Lifeguard."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:52, HD) is included.

Lifeguard Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Lifeguard" doesn't remain steady, veering into a little melodrama during the last act. However, it achieves some level of meaningfulness, especially when it deals with the tightness of responsibility for Rick, who can't quite take the pressure. Elliott is strong here in one of his earliest leading roles, capably selling the "dude abides" attitude of Rick's beach personality and the storm brewing within the character as he faces the potential for tremendous change. "Lifeguard" rises above comedic interests to do something compelling with the premise, making for a more satisfying sit with an aging man caught between the life he knows and the expectations he's always been resisting.