Marty Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray re-release of "Marty" by Kino Lorber presents a technically rich and thoughtfully restored experience that caters to cinephiles through its dual aspect ratios: the 1.85:1 widescreen and the 1.37:1 full-frame formats, both sourced from newly created 4K masters. This reissue skilfully navigates the historical debate over aspect ratios by offering both, allowing viewers the flexibility to immerse themselves in the director's vision as intended in the theatrical release of 1955. The carefully remastered picture quality surpasses prior 2014 releases, boasting improved clarity, contrast, and an authentic film-like aesthetic, further enhanced by substantial cleanup of previous flaws such as nicks, lines, and blotches.

Encouragingly, the high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfers highlight notable elements of Joseph LaShelle's Oscar-nominated cinematography. The inky blacks, crisp whites, and nuanced grays enhance the depth and richness of the film's visual storytelling. This Blu-ray release adeptly captures details such as sweat beads and facial attributes with remarkable fidelity while retaining some minor blemishes for authenticity. Shadow delineation faces occasional challenges in nighttime exterior shots, which might appear a touch murky with fluctuating grain levels, but overall, this remaster faithfully honors the film's textural qualities.

"Marty" on Blu-ray is a prime example of cinematic restoration meeting technological advancements, providing film enthusiasts with an opportunity to relish this Oscar-winning classic in a format that closely aligns with its original theatrical presentation. With restored historical elements like the United Artists logo and enhanced imagery, this definitive edition not only outshines previous releases but also sets a benchmark for quality home video presentations of classic films.

The new Blu-ray release of "Marty" presents its audio through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, a marked improvement over earlier uncompressed PCM mono offerings. This upgrade results in a crisp and clear audio experience, crucially maintaining the film’s authentic soundscape. Dialogue is consistently distinct and well-prioritized, making interactions effortless to follow, without any regional accent distractions, even amid the subtle urban ambience of diners, bars, and city noises. The soundtrack’s orchestration—composed by Roy Webb with contributions from George Bassman—richly fills the listening space with no discernible distortion or age-related artifacts such as hiss or crackle.

The sound balance is notably efficient, blending music, dialogue, and crowd ambiance seamlessly, especially evident in scenes set at the Stardust ballroom. Roy Webb's score avoids mawkishness, enhancing rather than overshadowing script and performances. The transitional music and title song by Harry Warren are deftly integrated, with choral and orchestral renditions accentuating the narrative without undue prominence. Technical execution is superb, with encoding free of anomalies and minimal fluttering or popping issues, suggesting this edition will likely remain the definitive audio presentation of the film on home video.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track captures the essence of "Marty" beautifully, achieving a robust yet nuanced delivery that immerses the audience in its delicate storytelling. Such fidelity ensures that all sonic elements function cohesively, providing an audio experience that enhances the movie's tender narrative effectively and faithfully.

The Blu-ray extras for "Marty" provide a rich and engaging exploration of the film's production and historical context. The highlight is a comprehensive audio commentary by journalists/authors Bryan Reesman and Max Evry, who delve into the development of "Marty," its real Bronx locations, and Paddy Chayefsky's creative process. They offer insights on Ernest Borgnine's casting, contrasting his gentle portrayal with Rod Steiger's intensity in the original TV version. Discussion extends to the film's themes of masculinity and conformity, enhanced by comparisons to other cultural works. Technical details on Delbert Mann's collaborations with Chayefsky and the challenges faced under the Production Code enrich this vivid discourse. The package also includes the classic theatrical trailer featuring Burt Lancaster’s introduction, adding historical flavor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage trailer with Burt Lancaster's introduction.
• Commentary: In-depth analysis on Marty's production and themes by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry.

Delbert Mann's "Marty" (1955), emerging on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, is a cinematic milestone captured in high definition with commendable authenticity. With a script adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from his successful teleplay, "Marty" tackles universal emotions—loneliness, insecurity, and longing—with sensitivity and realism. The film, rooted as one of the first television-to-film adaptations, maintains a profound emotional resonance through its tale of two misfits, Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine), a Bronx butcher, and Clara Snyder (Betsy Blair), a schoolteacher. Their connection is raw and genuine, transcending the superficial norms of the typical Hollywood romance.

The Blu-ray edition presents "Marty" in both widescreen 1.85:1 and full screen 1.37:1 aspect ratios, maintaining the film's original integrity. Technically, it is delivered with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound, enhancing the intimacy of the narrative. The inclusion of valuable supplementary features such as an audio commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry enrich the viewer's experience further. Notably, this disc also contains a poignant additional scene of Clara that amplifies her character's depth.

Performance-wise, Ernest Borgnine's portrayal is a departure from his usual roles, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His nuanced depiction of Marty's vulnerability is compelling and heartwarming. Betsy Blair, overcoming blacklisting challenges, brings a quiet strength to Clara, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Delbert Mann's direction seamlessly bridges the adaptation from a stage to film, warranting his Best Director Oscar win. "Marty," besides its critical acclaim, is a testament to relatable storytelling, striking a chord with viewers through its truthful depiction of ordinary lives. It remains rightfully celebrated as one of only three films to ever seize both the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Best Picture Oscar.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Marty" serves as the definitive edition for this Oscar-winning classic, offering a substantial upgrade from previous versions. The film is presented in both widescreen and full-frame aspect ratios, satisfying audiences' longstanding requests for the elusive widescreen version. Sourced from an exclusive new 4K master, the release delivers a solid HD transfer, though a full 4K restoration would have further enhanced its visual fidelity. Nonetheless, the remastered transfers reveal the film’s nuanced textures and period-accurate details with a level of clarity that complements its timeless narrative.

"Marty," originally delightful in its portrayal of unique Bronx life, continues to resonate with modern audiences through its sincere depiction of ordinary yet profound human relationships. Through Paddy Chayefsky’s honest storytelling, the film explores themes of love and societal expectations with remarkable candor. The special edition celebrates this tenderness by including an informative commentary, enriching the viewer’s understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Audiences can vividly experience the intimate story of Marty struggling with love and loneliness, gaining insight into relatable dynamics that still echo today.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Marty" is an essential addition for cinephiles and fans, featuring a thoughtful assembly of technical prowess and enriching content. The choice between aspect ratios and the inclusion of a new commentary make this edition not only highly recommended but essential for those seeking a comprehensive appreciation of Delbert Mann’s touching portrayal of love. Despite reservations about the lack of full 4K restoration, the Blu-ray succeeds in presenting "Marty" as a reflective and heartwarming experience worth revisiting.