Customer Reviews

Roller Derby Chronicles

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Roller Derby has always been one of the most controversial American entertainment events/sports. It was born of the Great Depression, and has been described as six-day bicycle racing on roller skates. As it evolved over the decades, the emphasis on skating eventually gave way to fisticuffs and infield "color."

ROLLER DERBY CHRONICLES is a fabulous three-DVD set that pays tribute to the best intentions of the family that pioneered the sport. The festivities commence on disc one with a nearly hour-long documentary about the founders and some of the great skaters who graced the league during its heyday. Then, the acclaimed documentary DERBY (1970) follows in its entirety. DERBY actually crossed over to the theatrical arthouse circuit back in the day, and is still treasured by fans for its depiction of the Roller Derby world circa 1969/1970.

The other two DVDs offer a variety of games spanning the modern age of the sport, 1952-1977. It should be noted that virtually no game films survive from the 1964-1972 era, so that particular period isn't represented here (other than the 1969/70 game footage in the documentary DERBY). The overall visual quality is excellent, given the vintage of these games. Many of Roller Derby's greatest stars are on display throughout. Also included is the second half of a Canadian game from 1974, which provides a nice showcase for the Derby's primary competition, another league that called itself Roller Games.

Whether you're still an active fan, or just nostalgic for the days when Roller Derby ruled the airwaves, this three-DVD set wonderfully brings the era back to life.

I started watching the Roller Derby in 1969 until it's demise in 1973, a true tragedy for aficionados of this unique, amazing and lost part of Americana. For the fans people like Ann Calvello, Joan Weston, Charlie O'Connell and the other bank tracked warriors were like part of our own families. While other sports have their die hard fans, the bond between the fans of Roller Derby and their banked track heroes was truly on a personal level. And we never forgot those skaters or our sport and still retain a livley interest and love for it today. This is a good set and showcases many of the top stars of the golden age of the Roller Derby and some games that capture the excitement and energy of the sport. As has been pointed out in some other reviews, little footage of the Roller Derby remains aside from a few filmed games from the 40s/50s and the final '73 season on videotape, something the fans still lament to this day. But for those that love the game or people who are just curious as to what it was all about this is a well put together set and provides many insights into the game, the players and why it all ended. Included is a Roller Games entry which shows the vast difference between the two competing leagues and also a game from the IRSL which succeeded the old Roller Derby (IRDL) and lasted another 10 years. Highly recommended!

These dvds are pretty good..and jerry is Gerry Murray..good to see mike gammon..wish they had more of the older games..even small clips. Billy Gardner..Toughie..Darlene..and many others..became good friends with several of them..would be great to see some more of the older games..but this is a great buy..sent my copy to pudgy gambino...buy this dvd set u will love it....

Co-Ed Banked Track Roller Derby, just like we play today in New Jersey (South Jersey Derby) and Philadelphia (Penn Jersey Roller Derby)!

It's all about the history of the awesome co-ed banked track roller skating sport of ROLLER DERBY. Great games and history are packed into these DVDs.

Even if you have some of the DVDs separately, the package is worth it. The cover is raised like a banked track.

I watch parts of this at least once a month.

If you are on a flat track team, you have to watch this.

IF YOU'RE A FAN OF OLD TIME ROLLER DERBY THEN THIS IS A MUST FOR YOU. FOUR GREAT GAMES FROM THE FIFTIES. I BELIEVE CHARLIE O IS A ROOKIE. I'VE READ THAT THE SIXTIES GAMES NO LONGER EXIST. THIS IS AS CLOSE AS YOU CAN GET TO THEM.

I first discovered Roller Derby back in 1970 when I was in Junior High school. My father took me to a game at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento California. I was hooked. I was already an avid flat track roller skater. I followed the game through its IRSL period in the late 70's and 80's. I even tried out with the training school in 1982 but did not stick with it. This Roller Derby Chronicles video set is the first time a documentary has been made about the original Derby. In 1970 The movie Derby premiered. It was great however it mostly followed Mike Snell who was attempting to break into the league. Then of course there were several movies based on Bill Griffiths 'Roller Games' from southern California. That however was NOT Derby. Leo and Jerry Seltzer were Derby.
This documentary is excellent. It interviews Jerry Seltzer who explains why Derby folded in 1973. It also interviews several original skaters from that era. Last but not least, it has several Derby games to enjoy. I could not be happier with this film. I bought it through Amazon and had it in my hands in about 3 days.
If you are a Roller Derby fan you probably already have this dvd. If not GET IT!!!

For the fan of Roller Derby in its early days to its proliferation in the 1970's with the San Francisco Bay Area Bombers as the epitome of this sport, this three-disc collection is a must-have item. A double-header documentary fills disc one as Rolling Thunder gives an encapsulated view of the history and ability of the best skaters on the planet - skaters who have influenced modern outbreaks of this sport in movies and arenas. Derby is the second docu-drama - with glimpses of the great Charlie O'Connell at the height of his career waxing philosophical and being thankful simultaneously. The other two discs are jammed (pun intended) with classic matches featuring The Bay Bombers, The New York Chiefs, the Red Devils, the Jolters, and the L.A. Thunderbirds. From the power of Joan Weston to the notorious Ann Calvello to the strength of Ronnie Robinson to the skill of Mike Gammon and Tony Roman to Delores Tucker and Skinny Mini Miller to Carol Meyer to the man among men, Charlie O'Connell, this set is long overdue. One can only hope more of what little extant footage can be salvaged can be put on future DVDs. If a person wonders what led to the DVD Whip It, one need look no farther than this set.