Brutal Beauty: Tales Of The Rose City Rollers

The most impressive thing about "Brutal Beauty" is the cinematography. It's a beautifully shot film, and the production values are even more amazing when you consider it was almost certainly shot on a relentlessly tight budget. "Brutal" is full of vivid characters, and the narrative is forward-moving without ever feeling contrived or nudged along by the filmmaker. The "doughnut scene" is one of many highlights. This is a must-see for any derby fan, but it will also appeal to those who simply enjoy great documentary film-making. Highly recommended.

This review is in two parts: packaging and actual documentary.PACKAGING / DISCFor the price, I was expecting something more from the packaging. I know, the packaging doesn't make the movie. BUT, I paid the same price for LA's Roller Derby workout and it was at least a professionally mastered/pressed DVD. What I got here was a burned DVD with an inkjet-printed sticker on top. The sticker almost caused it to get stuck in my Macbook. The DVD box cover was printed off on a color laser printer, and the box didn't have shrinkwrap (I don't really care about these last two things, just reporting what I got in case you get wound-up about it.) So, for this current price, borrow it from a friend. If it was half the price, then I would say it was worth it, but this is a homemade DVD being sold at pro DVD prices.DOCUMENTARYIt was the trailer that got me to buy it. I saw it had some Bay Area Derby Girls footage in it, so I knew I had to get it: B.A.D. is my home team! The other reason I got it was to see what they had to say about what derby does for women, in the league and out of the league. Not a lot of that here, but that was sort of a longshot anyway. I also got it for player "White Flight". After seeing her play against Bay Area, she was my fave Rose City player. But, again I was bummed that there was little footage of her compared to the inordinate amount of footage of Marollin' Monroe going on and on... Anyway, White Flight, Smack ya Sideways, and Angry Wrench were the best part of the doc' and really had the 'new derby' attitude that is going to be Flat Track 2.0 in the coming years (I would have loved to see about 5-10 minutes more on each of those players.) In my eyes, Roller Derby 2.0 is more women empowerment (as a community), more respect as a "real national sport", and shedding the last bits of the old WWF-style.The overall production value of the documentary (the movie, not the physical DVD) was much better than I expected. Not super slick, but very well done with great video, audio and camera work. The music was, well, just okay. A local Portland artist named Boy Eats Drum Machine did the original music. Not overdone, not horrible, just there in a supporting role, and okay.In short, I was looking for more background on the players (that's just my thing), a little more of why they play and how it changed their lives. Example: Smack ya's story was great, but it left me wanting to know more. And I was hoping to hear from more players, but I guess not everyone can have the ability to allow a camera in their face and lives. Really, this doc' story arc was about Rose City's drive to go to Nationals over the span of about one season (with some historical imagery from previous seasons.)The details that are not listed on Amazon:- There are no interviews from roller derby players outside of Rose City. I was hoping for one or two from B.A.D., of course (it is a documentary, after all), or maybe from another team that plays them...- There were some interviews on their 2 "superfans", which was a nice addition.- Ubiquitous with derby, there is a good amount of swearing. So, if you have a delicate constitution or plan on playing this at your Sunday School, you have been warned. We're talking somewhere between PG-13 and R, heavily leaning toward an R rating for language. Not complaining, just informing you before there are reviews complaining about 'a pack of sailors on skates'.- Shot in Rose City's hangar, San Francisco's Fort Mason Herbst Pavilion, and at Denver playoffs/nationals.I knocked off one star for paying a professional-grade price and getting a homemade burned DVD with a sticker on top. Maybe the next printing will be professionally mastered and printed? Or the price will come down to reflect the burned DVD?I recommend this for those getting into the sport, and for Rose City fans, of course.

I LOVE THIS VIDEO. For people who don't understand WHY you love derby....this video captures the true spirit of commitment, determination, sport, sisterhood, family, and dedication. It explains that it's not just a hobby...it's a lifestyle...it's usually a 6 days a week job between training and promotional and travel...it even touches on the men in derby girl lives and how they support and encourage and stand by their women! I REALLY can't get enough. After breaking my ankle and feeling a little defeated and having people roll their eyes with the "of course you did...you shouldn't be doing that" look...I pop it in and I am revitalized and ready to roll as soon as I get this damn cast off! :)

I hear what the other review is saying about the packaging, but remember this is an independant film. Someone created this movie outside the traditional process.The story told through the interviews was very interesting. The girls' personalities are so huge they just jumped off the screen. I found myself really wanting these Rose City Rollars wanting to win the Nationals. I'm not the typical target audience for this sport, and I throughly enjoyed it. GREAT JOB!!!"

I have been involved with derby for two years with the better half now, and this is a fairly accurate representation of derby life as we know it. If you are in a league buy it and be entertained. If you are a fan buy it to get an idea of derby life.

I love this, it's a great showing of the hard work and love that derby can and does bring! Awesome. :)

I have never been a big fan of documentary films, but I grew up watching wrestling and roller derby every Sunday morning. So when I was curious when I received the DVD "Brutal Beauty: Tales of the Rose City Rollers", I was curious. I have seen the Hollywood spin on the sport starring Ellen Page (Whip It) and the early attempt with Raquel Welch (Kansas City Bomber), and let me tell you they can't hold Brutal beauty's jock!Tales of the Rose City Rollers follows a female roller derby team through a complete season as they travel and compete in the western United States. And what this documentary gives you, the viewer, is an all access pass that takes you into the lives of these women. You get to see how they battle through injury to go to work the following day to earn enough money to play the sport they love! Oh yeah, Roller derby doesn't pay the bills for these girls and they need to raise money to travel to matches! Most of the people around the Rose City Rollers are volunteers so that the girls can make enough money to make it through the season.Brutal Beauty takes you from the rink to the day job, then to the locker room and even into the operating room! Nothing is off limits in this film. What you won't get in this awesome DVD is a Hollywood starlet, enormous sets and lavish costumes.....THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!I am Karl, the Flick Fanatic, and with the resurgence of Roller derby in this country "BRUTAL BEAUTY: TALES OF THE ROSE CITY ROLLERS" is a must own DVD! As far as the quality of the documentary it will have you caring about these girls and also on the edge of your seat ready to hit somebody!