The remake may have dumped the political message behind "Rollerball", but this DVD release shows the minds behind it believe it's even more relevant than before.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture The raw grainy nature of the movie transfers to DVD with the luminous colours of the future settings (orange and more orange) looking brighter than ever before.

Sound A new 5.1 mix loops the action around the speakers, driving carnage right around your living room, considerably enhancing the cyclical nature of the Rollerball sport.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary One Director Norman Jewison revisits, "my first film about the future". He discusses the limitations of special effects at the time and the difficulty in finding someone fast enough to provide commentary on the action. Only hockey commentators could keep up, with Bob Miller landing the job. Jewison refers often to the film's political message, and was appalled to see how many people misinterpreted the film.

Audio Commentary Two Writer William Harrison has less to say for his commentary track, but he does chat about the story structure, and about putting together a sport which until filming they still hadn't worked out. The rules were eventually formed by the stuntmen as they went along.

Return to the Arena "When I look at the film now I feel like a prophet", says Harrison in a comment that sums up the views of all the contributors to this 24-minute documentary. Amongst thoughts on the meaning of the movie, there's also a chance to look at some behind-the-scenes footage, combined with comments from co-star John Beck. He looks back on the tough two-week schedule where he, James Caan, and the stunt team had to learn to skate and generally beat the crap out of each other for a game no one fully understood.

Additional Extra Features There is an original release seven minute featurette packed with behind-the-scenes footage, a trailer and TV spots, a production design image gallery, and production photo gallery. Now the remake may blow, but do have a look at the teaser for it on the disc if you enjoy your 5.1 mayhem, for some truly ferocious speaker whipping effects.

Region: 2
Chapters: 32
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection, multiple language subtitles, and English captions for the hearing impaired.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.