The Future Is Now
Philip J. Cook's new 4K UHD and Blu-ray release of Richard Fleischer's 1973 dystopian classic Soylent Green arrives at a time when its bleak vision of the future feels alarmingly prescient. Set in a New York City ravaged by overpopulation, climate change, and extreme wealth disparity, the film presents a world where the elite hoard resources while the masses subsist on processed food. The movie's enduring power lies not just in its shocking central revelation, but in its chilling accuracy as a warning that seems to have become prophecy.
Charlton Heston, who famously called Soylent Green "the best B movie ever made," stars as NYPD Detective Robert Thorn. The film opens as a noir-tinged police procedural, with Thorn investigating the murder of William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten), a board member of the Soylent Corporation, the primary supplier of food to the overpopulated populace. The corporation's flagship product, Soylent Green, is marketed as a sustainable food source derived from plankton, a claim that becomes the crux of the film's mystery.
A World Drenched in Despair
The film masterfully establishes its oppressive atmosphere through visual cues. A relentless heat wave permeates the city, with the cast often depicted as drenched in sweat, a stark contrast to the pristine environments of the wealthy. The color palette is predominantly drab, awash in grays and beiges, punctuated by occasional bursts of vibrant color that highlight rare luxuries like fresh fruit or a richly hued dress. This visual dichotomy effectively underscores the societal schism. The film's world-building is further enhanced by a montage created by Charles Braverman, which rapidly depicts the nation's industrial development and subsequent degradation, setting the stage for the Soylent-dominated future.
Thorn's investigation is aided by his "book," Solomon "Sol" Roth (Edward G. Robinson), an elderly former professor who serves as his research assistant. Their close bond forms the emotional core of the film, providing a human counterpoint to the grim realities of their world. Robinson delivers a poignant performance as Sol, whose reverence for knowledge and appreciation for real food highlight the depth of their society's decline. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Brock Peters as Chief Hatcher, Paula Kelly as Martha, and Lincoln Kilpatrick as Father Paul, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this dystopian society.
A Haunting Revelation
As Thorn delves deeper into the conspiracy, he uncovers a truth far more disturbing than he could have imagined. The film culminates in a harrowing journey to expose the Soylent Corporation's devastating secret. A pivotal moment occurs when Thorn learns the truth from Sol, a revelation that moves him to tears and leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. This emotional climax, coupled with Robinson's masterful performance in his final role, solidifies Soylent Green's status as a powerful piece of science fiction cinema.
Arrow Video's Blu-ray release offers a new 2025 commentary track with film historian Michael Brooke and author Johnny Mains, alongside an archival 2003 commentary with director Richard Fleischer and actress Leigh Taylor-Young. The release also includes vintage featurettes, the film's trailer, image galleries, and audio interviews with Heston and Fleischer. A booklet featuring contributions from Dr. Alexandra Heller-Nicholas is also included, though it was not available for review. Despite some minor shortcomings in the bonus features and a notable error in the press release, this release is a worthy addition for fans of the genre, offering a pristine presentation of a film that continues to resonate.