7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
In a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries, the violent game of Rollerball is used to control the populace by demonstrating the futility of individuality.
Starring: James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams, John Beck (II), Moses GunnSport | Insignificant |
Sci-Fi | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
1975’s “Rollerball” presents a future where corporations control the world, using their power to keep the public subservient through the use of propaganda and violent entertainment, often going to extremes to maintain authority. The feature is set in the year 2018, and it’s really not far off from the real 2018, with screenwriter William Harrison (adapting his own short story) managing quite an impressive feat of prescient thinking, providing a vision of horror that’s been somewhat realized in the decades since the picture’s initial release. That’s part of the appeal of “Rollerball,” which digs into the terror of conformity and the liberation of awareness, tracking the lead character’s awakening as a life of fame and fortune provided by corporate overlords is gradually revealed to be a prison, and one he’s looking to escape. Harrison has a vivid imagination to offer, and director Norman Jewison provides passionate leadership with this Kubrick-ian take on a strange dystopia, generating an intriguing sense of intimidation and frustration as he carefully realizes a mental breakthrough.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Rollerball" is sourced from a "Brand New 4K Scan." Detail is excellent throughout the viewing experience, taking in the battered, sweaty faces of the Rollerball players and the aged appearance of corporate influences. Skin particulars are defined, and costuming is textured, from sporting gear to softer casual wear. Exteriors retain dimension, exploring unique Munich locations, and interiors are loaded with decorative additions to explore, while arena scenes preserve depth. Colors are alert, handling bright period hues that favor orange and yellow. More causal wear is also memorable, examining earth tones, with deeper blacks on formal wear. Skin tones push a bit too red at times. Greenery is sharp. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix for "Rollerball" remains most active during game sequences, which offer a sense of channel movement and power with violent events. Sound effects are amplified, prioritizing hard hits and motorcycle activity, creating nicely defined chaos on the track. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, with crisp performance choices and intelligibility with some mumbled lines. Scoring is authoritative, leading with heavy organ presence, also providing some low-end heft. Surrounds aren't sustained, but music pushes out, and atmospherics are appreciable.
"Rollerball" has a few issues, including length, with Jewison so caught up in generating a steely mood for the picture, he becomes unwilling to trim superfluous scenes, leading to some sluggish areas of storytelling and atmosphere. Some pacing problems are encountered, but the forcefulness of the material isn't diluted, hitting hard with Rollerball matches and strange games of manipulation with the Energy Corporation, who work to threaten Jonathan without confrontation. As with a majority of movies from the 1970s, "Rollerball" deals with paranoia and regulation, and it delivers an unnerving view of the "future," which is ruled by the few, maintaining control through chemical distortion and entertainment distractions. In terms of understanding where society is heading, Jewison and Harrison display remarkable accuracy.
Limited Edition to 3000
1975
Encore Edition | Limited Edition to 3000
1975
1975
1975
1986
1988
Roger Corman's Cult Classics
1975
2017
2018
1996
Collector's Edition
1992
Roger Corman's Post Nuke Collection
1987
1982
1978
1953
Roger Corman's Cult Classics
1978
2007
1985
1983
Fuga dal Bronx
1983
1983
Graveyard Tramps
1973
2020
2019