22 October 2022

Review: Deathsport

Blu-ray: Deathsport (1978)

Seeing its UK Blu-ray debut thanks to 101 Films, Deathsport is set in the post-apocalyptic future of the year 3000, where the titular Deathsport is fought by futuristic gladiators on death-ray firing motorcycles.

The Great Neutron Wars have divided the surviving population into either living in the desert wastelands or isolated city states. Lord Zirpola (David McLean) captures the notorious “death ranger” Kaz Oshay (David Carradine) and gets him to fight in the Deathsport, sure that his gladiators will prevail and kill him.

Things of course don’t go to plan.

A favourite of mine from the days of VHS, it was an absolute delight to rewatch this Roger Corman produced low budget movie with such great picture quality and in the proper aspect ratio too.

David Carradine in an adult nappy and wielding what looks like a crystal sword, Richard Lynch chewing up the scenery as a bad guy, motorcycles decked out with futuristic fairings that make them look more clumsy than intimidating, stunts seemingly executed without any health and safety people around….watch out for a guy accidentally being set on fire! All of that AND a cheesy script and some wobbly sets make this one of my “must watch” movies.

Considering its troubled production, which included actors AND crew high on drugs, fights, arguments and reshoots, it’s a wonder the movie ever got to be released. But thankfully it did and now you can enjoy it in the best possible quality thanks to this 101 Films release.

Special Features: