Marathon Man Blu-ray Review

In Warner's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Marathon Man," the meticulous work of cinematographer Conrad Hall is brought to the forefront, showcasing a visual aesthetic that diverges from his usually rich, painterly style. Instead, for this seventies paranoid thriller, Hall crafts a bleak and decaying landscape, reflective of the societal disillusionment of the era. This transfer captures the film's intentional undersaturation and natural grain with precision, preserving Hall's original vision without succumbing to overemphasis on these elements. The careful balance between detail and grain, particularly in scenes reliant on natural light and less sensitive film stocks of the time, reinforces the authenticity of the physical and emotional environments portrayed.

Warner's transfer excels in clarity and contrast, presenting a clean source without the distraction of specks, marks, or digital manipulation. The mild but distinct grain structure enhances texture, while ensuring that the film's muted color palette, from the wan urban decay to the vividness of blood and foliage, remains faithful to its intended appearance. The technical prowess extends to the handling of black levels and shadow delineation, where nocturnal scenes are enriched without significant loss of detail in darker areas. The overall visual presentation benefits from an apparent absence of digital noise reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement, allowing for a presentation that respects the film's original grain and texture.

Notably, this Blu-ray release achieves a fine balance in bitrate to accommodate the film's demanding visual elements, showcasing an average bitrate that supports both detailed close-ups and wider cityscape scenes without succumbing to artifacts. This meticulous attention to the film's transfer not only honors Conrad Hall's cinematographic contributions but also leverages modern technology to present "Marathon Man" in a quality that may exceed historical viewings, making it a must-see for both new audiences and longtime fans of this iconic thriller.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Marathon Man" presents an audio experience that is both a testament to modern remastering techniques and a tribute to the film's original sonic profile. Paramount’s choice to include both the remixed 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, originally crafted for its 2001 DVD release, and the film's restored original mono track, offers a comprehensive auditory experience. The 5.1 mix, while conservative in its approach, expertly utilizes the multi-channel format to highlight Michael Small's atmospheric score, a defining element of 1970s cinema. The remix carefully maintains clarity in dialogue and action at the forefront, with ambient sounds subtly enhancing scenes through the rear channels. The audio mix adeptly manages dynamic range, ensuring clear delivery without a hint of distortion, allowing for an immersive experience that highlights the film's intense moments alongside its quieter, more suspenseful scenes.

Paramount’s inclusion of the original mono track in DD 2.0 format pays homage to the film's initial theatrical release and offers purists an alternative listening experience. However, it’s in the details of the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that the Blu-ray truly shines. Every sonic element, from Dustin Hoffman's labored breathing and the crisp sound of creaky floorboards to the vibrant explosions and the ominous buzzing of Szell's drill, is rendered with exceptional clarity. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the soundtrack, where both diegetic sounds (like the metallic clink of a pinball machine) and non-diegetic music (including Schubert’s lieder and Small’s score) are presented with fidelity, enhancing the overall suspense and emotional impact of the film.

The restoration efforts have effectively removed age-related audio defects, resulting in a clean and intricate soundscape that supports "Marathon Man"'s visual restoration with equal proficiency. The track's remarkable dynamic range—from thunderous bass lines during action sequences to the delicate treatment of ambient effects—ensures that each aspect of the film's audio complements its narrative and visual components, culminating in a holistic cinematic experience. The superior mix not only matches but in several respects surpasses the visual quality of this release, illustrating the pivotal role that sound plays in the complete enjoyment of this classic thriller.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Marathon Man" not only delivers a stunning visual upgrade but also serves as a commendable repository for archival bonuses, cherishing the film's legacy. The extras, meticulously ported over from Paramount's 2001 DVD, transcends a mere nostalgic rehash by offering a comprehensive engagement with the film's creation and impact. From the original making-of featurette, dominated by Robert Evans' showman charm and offering rare snippets of John Schlesinger and Dustin Hoffman, to the in-depth retrospective documentary reuniting key players like Hoffman, Scheider, and Goldman, these supplements enrich our understanding and appreciation of this cinematic gem. The inclusion of rehearsal footage further demystifies the film's creative process, providing a raw look at the actors' methods and directorial decisions, unparalleled in most modern releases. Although an audio commentary track is notably absent, the collection remains an essential companion to understanding "Marathon Man"'s enduring allure.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Magic of Hollywood...Is the Magic of People: An intimate look behind the scenes with producer Robert Evans, and actors including Dustin Hoffman, presenting the making of "Marathon Man".

• Remembering Marathon Man: A retrospective documentary featuring detailed accounts from the cast and crew, reflecting on the film's production and legacy.

• Rehearsal Footage: Semi-improvised rehearsal scenes displaying the intensive preparation of actors Dustin Hoffman, Roy Scheider, and Marthe Keller.

• Theatrical Trailer: The original marketing trailer for "Marathon Man", showcasing how the film was presented to audiences upon its initial release.

John Schlesinger's "Marathon Man" emerges as a beacon of the thriller genre, entwining fear, paranoia, and persistence against a backdrop of Cold War and post-Watergate anxieties. This 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation highlights not just the chilling dental torture scenes that have become synonymous with cinematic dread, akin to Hitchcock's shower scene in "Psycho," but also the dense layers of narrative that span across espionage, familial tragedy, and a haunting chase against historical crimes. The movie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Roy Scheider, and Marthe Keller, is celebrated for its riveting storyline adapted from William Goldman's novel. While it delves deeply into the paranoia and survival instincts of the era, it also serves as a gripping exploration of individual trauma and resilience, showcased through the plight of a graduate student entangled in a Nazi war criminal's dark world.

At its core, "Marathon Man" is a traditional thriller beautifully masked in the revolutionary filmmaking techniques of the 1970s, offering both escapism and an intense cinematic experience. Schlesinger, with his unconventional choice for this genre, crafts a masterpiece that stands as vibrantly today as upon its release. The film adeptly utilizes its New York City locales, adding a gritty realism that complements its tense atmosphere. Enhanced by stellar performances, particularly Olivier's chilling portrayal of Dr. Christian Szell and Hoffman's compelling turn as Thomas "Babe" Levy, the film transcends mere entertainment to probe deeper themes of justice, legacy, and survival. The production details, from the crisp 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec to the immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, ensure that this 4K UHD Blu-ray not only honors the film’s original vision but also offers an exemplary home viewing experience.

Despite being set against the distinct backdrop of the 1970s, "Marathon Man"'s exploration of fear and morality remains timeless, with Schlesinger’s direction ensuring that the film's pacing and suspense are as effective now as ever. Its technical presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray complements the narrative intensity and provides a meticulous restoration that celebrates both its historical context and its enduring relevance. The combination of Goldman's intricate plotting and the ensemble's nuanced performances makes "Marathon Man" an essential acquisition for aficionados of the thriller genre, promising an experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is viscerally haunting.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Marathon Man" is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike, uniting stellar performance with supreme technical quality that stands the test of time. Paramount/Warner's offering of this 1970s espionage thriller ensures that the film's captivating story, directed with finesse by John Schlesinger and based on William Goldman's novel, is more gripping than ever. The narrative, which intricately weaves themes of espionage, familial scars, and vengeance, is brought to life by unforgettable performances from Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Roy Scheider, and Marthe Keller. Their portrayal elevates the movie far above its peers in the thriller genre, maintaining its status as a classic that transcends its era. The technical aspect of the release deserves equal acclaim; boasting first-rate video and audio quality that enriches the already engaging experience. The inclusion of bonus materials adds a layer of appreciation for the film's production and legacy.

While some may lament the absence of certain nostalgic extras, such as the hilarious gag reel footage featuring Hoffman and Scheider’s impersonations shared during late-night TV segments post-film release, the current extras still provide substantial value. Insights into the film’s making and its cultural impact can be gleaned from what is included, offering a well-rounded package for aficionados and first-time viewers. Given the depth of both story and character development, alongside superior technical presentation, this Blu-ray edition underscores the film's enduring appeal.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of “Marathon Man” is highly recommended for its unparalleled blend of a compelling narrative, superb performances, and exceptional AV quality. Despite the absence of some desired behind-the-scenes content, the release solidifies "Marathon Man’s" position as a seminal work in Hollywood’s thriller category, reaffirming its relevance to both contemporary audiences and long-time fans. It’s clear that while the film might be 37 years old, its legacy and ability to engage viewers firmly remain intact; it indeed hasn’t lost its legs.