Though Robert Redford had some big screen success with films such as Inside Daisy Clover (1965), This Property Is Condemned (1966) (both with Natalie Wood), and 1967’s big screen version of Barefoot in the Park with Jane Fonda, his breakout year came in 1969 when the 33-year-old co-starred alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Aside from Butch Cassidy, Redford also had two other important roles that year. Tell Them Willie Boy is Here, was the first in a long line of films that would find Redford involved in a project that explored social consciousness. The other, Downhill Racer, received a Criterion DVD release in late 2009 and has now been given a restored high definition transfer on Blu-ray.

One of the best sports films ever made, Downhill Racer was a dream project for Redford. An avid skier, he sought to use the success of Barefoot in the Park as a means to convince Paramount to fund the project. Redford handpicked director Michael Ritchie, at that time a rookie film director but well respected for his television work and James Salter to pen the screenplay.

Seeking authenticity, Redford and Salter embedded themselves with the U.S. Olympic Ski Team in Grenoble, France in 1968. The effort pays off not only in the exciting ski shots but in the details surrounding the film´s fictional Olympic ski team. From the internal bickering to the ski suppliers trying to convince the athletes to advertise their products, the film roots itself in reality.

Redford plays David Chappellet, a young racer from the mid-west who is brought in to replace a member of the U.S. team. Though he’s had some success in the states, he has yet to prove himself on the international scene. Coach Claire (Gene Hackman) takes an instant dislike to the cocky youngster, but he quickly respects him once his potential becomes clear. Like many high level athletes, David’s is a singular vision: to be the best in the world. The only other thing he finds mildly exciting is chasing women. Even that appears seems like it’s just for the sport of sex—he doesn’t really want to know them or be a part of their everyday lives. Needless to say, making friends isn’t at the top of his priority list.

All David wants to do is win an Olympic gold medal. To that end, Downhill Racer keeps its focus on that goal. All other subplots—his father’s indifference, a romance with Swiss ski manufacturer’s assistant, and fractious relationships with teammates—are all dealt with quickly. Only Chappellet and Coach Claire are truly developed as characters; everyone else is an afterthought. Dialogue isn’t particularly important here either; the focus for David and the film is the slopes. Period.

Downhill Racer is a sleek film that keeps its focus on the sport of skiing, and doesn’t toy with distractions. It’s a no frills project in which Redford and Hackman were perfect for their roles. Watch for a young Dabney Coleman as the assistant coach.

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is a notable improvement over what was a rather mediocre transfer by Criterion standards for the DVD. Colors are deep and vibrant throughout and contrast is well layered. Depth is impressive and the definition of the image has been improved. While there are a few tiny dirt marks throughout, there is no damage that truly affects the viewing experience.

Not surprisingly, the LPCM 1.0. soundtrack with a score by Kenyon Hopkins (12 Angry Men, The Hustler) comes across a bit flat. Nonetheless, it’s clean and clear with appropriate death. Dialogue is always discernable.

English SDH subtitles are included.

The extras duplicate the 2009 DVD release:

  • Interview with Robert Redford and Screenwriter James Salter (HD, 33:48) Recorded for Criterion in 2009, Redford discusses the evolution of the evolution of the projection and funding issues, while Salter tackles the original version of the script and various changes made.
  • Interview with Film Editor Richard Harris, Production Manager Walter Coblenz, and Former Downhill Skier Joe Jay Jalbert (HD, 29:51) Recorded for Criterion in 2009, the group discuss the production history, its visual style and atmosphere, the 16mm footage that was integrated into the film, the different European locations where the skiing footage was shot and more.
  • Audio Excerpts from a 1977 American Film Institute Seminar with Director Michael Ritchie (1:01:29) The director explains how he became involved with the film, his TV career, directors he admires and more.
  • How Fast? (HD, 12:25) Produced in 1969 and narrated by Robert Redford, this is a promotional featurette for the film.
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:40) Original trailer for Downhill Racer.
  • Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet featuring film critic Todd McCarthy’s essay “Trailblazers.”

Note: Parts of this review appear in a review for an earlier release of this film.