Marathon Man 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Marathon Man" delivers a significant video upgrade from its predecessors, with the restoration benefiting immensely from a 4K scan of the film's original 35mm camera negatives. This meticulous process, overseen by Paramount Pictures and involving both HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading, restores the movie's gritty, filmic appearance while enhancing clarity and detail in a manner that should please both purists and newcomers to the film. The balance of grain, which fluctuates naturally based on shooting conditions, reflects the intended appearance of this 1970s classic, capturing the essence of Conrad Hall's acclaimed cinematography with greater fidelity than ever before. The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a bitrate oscillating between 70 to 90Mbps highlight an image that, despite occasional variances in resolution or color temperature adjustments, offers a highly organic and immersive viewing experience.

Despite the undeniable improvements in clarity, contrast, and color handling granted by Dolby Vision HDR—with notably richer backgrounds and pronounced details in skin textures and environmental nuances—the release is not without its controversies. The most significant among these are the decisions made around color timing, with some scenes exhibiting shifts towards a pinkish hue or stronger turquoise and cyan tones than previous versions. These alterations, though they may startle purists hoping for a strictly faithful reproduction of the film’s original palette, often result in healthier skin tones and more vivid settings while enhancing the visual impact of certain key scenes. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that these color grading choices have introduced some inconsistencies in color balance and saturation, occasionally leading to moments where black levels appear somewhat crushed and where a few instances of lower resolution elements are noticeable.

In summary, while Kino Lorber’s release of "Marathon Man" on 4K UHD Blu-ray constitutes a clear upgrade with its Dolby Vision HDR offering deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a more nuanced color spectrum, it is not without its imperfections. The restoration’s enthusiastic embrace of modern color grading techniques may divide opinion among cinephiles due to its deviations from the film’s historical color scheme. However, the superior resolution, detail, and texture render it a recommended upgrade for most, offering a new way to experience the film’s intense suspense and gritty atmosphere with an authenticity that brings viewers closer to experiencing "Marathon Man" as it might have appeared in its original theatrical showing.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Marathon Man" features two primary audio tracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a restored original mono track presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The dual audio options cater to both modern home theater enthusiasts and purists longing for the film's original auditory experience. The 5.1 mix, consistent with earlier releases, delivers a broad and immersive soundscape, wherein dialogue clarity is excellently maintained without any clipping, and the score effectively amplifies the film's tension and paranoia. Notably, sound effects, though not abundant, are given adequate weight and presence—gunshots and explosions to ambient city sounds, thus preserving a rich atmospheric quality that arguably presents the film at its sonic best.

In contrast, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track offers a nostalgic alternative, purportedly bringing viewers closer to the film's original audio presentation. Yet, it naturally feels more confined when compared to its 5.1 counterpart, offering a slightly less dynamic range and a somewhat flattened tone. Despite these limitations, the mono track is praiseworthy for its fidelity to detail, handling explosive effects and the scoring's high-pitched elements efficiently. Dialogue in this track, while occasionally muted, does not suffer from age-related imperfections, ensuring an undisturbed viewing experience.

From a technical perspective, both audio tracks are meticulously cleaned of any age-related defects such as hiss or crackle, underlining the effort put into enhancing the film's audio for contemporary audiences without sacrificing its original essence. While the 5.1 mix excels in creating an enveloping audio experience with vivid details—from ambient effects subtly entering the rears to crisp distinct sounds enhancing scenes—the mono track serves as a commendable homage to the film’s origins, ensuring that "Marathon Man" remains sonically versatile for its viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Marathon Man" by Kino brings an impressive array of extras that cater to both film aficionados and those intrigued by the movie's production nuances. A standout inclusion is the engaging new audio commentary from film historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, available on both the 4K and standard Blu-ray discs. This commentary not only delves deep into the film's portrayal of New York City but also covers a myriad of topics including cast performances, production challenges, and the significant alterations from the novel to screen, providing a comprehensive understanding of the film's legacy and production intricacies. Supplementary content, such as archival footage, interviews with key cast and crew members, and a look into the rehearsal process, presents an enriching dive into the film’s creation, while vintage trailers and radio spots encapsulate its promotional history. These carefully curated extras are essential for fans and new viewers alike, offering a well-rounded exploration of "Marathon Man's" cinematic impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary: A lively discussion with film historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson covering various aspects of the film and its production.
• The Magic of Hollywood: Archival interviews and behind-the-scenes footage avec key figures including producer Robert Evans and actors Dustin Hoffman and Marthe Keller.
• Going the Distance: Remembering Marathon Man: A 2001 documentary featuring interviews with the film's major contributors discussing its conception and legacy.
• Rehearsal Footage: Insightful behind-the-scenes look at actors preparing for their roles, interspersed with interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original movie trailer providing a glimpse into how the film was marketed during its release.
• TV Spots: An impressive collection of 10 vintage television advertisements for the film.
• Radio Spots: Two vintage radio advertisements capturing the essence of the film's promotional outreach.

Adapted from William Goldman's pre-published 1974 novel and directed by John Schlesinger, "Marathon Man" (1976) is a compelling psychological thriller, espionage, and horror blend that holds its ground decades after its release. The film intricately weaves a tale around Babe Levy (Dustin Hoffman), a post-graduate student entangled in a dangerous game involving hidden Nazi war criminals and a sinister plot revolving around a fortune in diamonds. Schlesinger, taking an unconventional route, dedicates the film's considerable runtime to character development, especially Babe's, whose life is meticulously detailed against a backdrop of personal loss and political intrigue. The narrative builds slowly, aligning Babe’s traumatic past with a complex present that spirals into high stakes, resulting in a character-driven climax that has left a lasting mark on cinematic lore.

The performances are a cornerstone of the film's success. Roy Scheider provides a pivotal yet understated role alongside William Devane's portrayal of government operatives embedded in the murky depths of espionage. Laurence Olivier's portrayal of the Navi war criminal, The White Angel, is chillingly memorable, offering a mix of refined menace that stands out as a highlight of the film. Hoffman's commitment to the physical and emotional demands of his role synthesizes the movie’s thematic interests in fear, survival, and resilience under duress. This layered storytelling is matched by technical mastery; Conrad L. Hall’s cinematography and Michael Small’s haunting score amplify the film’s tense atmosphere, enveloping the viewer in a cloak of paranoia that is both period-specific and universally resonant.

"Marathon Man" remains a distinguished entry in the thriller genre, notable for its intricate plot mechanics, engaging character arcs, and thematic depth. The movie excels in delivering both suspense and a critical examination of historical atrocities filtered through a lens of personal vendetta and moral ambiguity. In an era filled with espionage narratives, it distinguishes itself through a unique blend of personal stakes and broader geopolitical undercurrents. The film not only showcases top-tier acting talents but also exemplifies storytelling craftsmanship that balances action with psychological depth, making it an enduring classic worth revisiting in its 4K UHD presentation.

Marathon Man's 4K UHD Blu-Ray release by Kino Lorber brings a noteworthy upgrade to this thrilling conspiracy classic. The movie, known for its intense storyline and outstanding performances by Dustin Hoffman, Lawrence Olivier, and Roy Scheider, stands the test of time due to its nail-biting suspense and a terrifyingly memorable dental torture scene. The Kino Lorber release offers an immersive viewing experience with Native 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, significantly enhancing visual depth and detail, making every frame more compelling. However, the quality of some sections has been criticized for inconsistent grading, which may diminish the overall enhancement for discerning viewers. Despite this, the superb audio quality and the inclusion of insightful commentary and a rich collection of extras make this release a considerable upgrade from previous versions.

The additional features of this release are especially notable for fans and cinephiles. The package includes a fascinating new audio commentary with author Nathaniel Thompson and documentarian Steve Mitchell, offering in-depth perspectives on the film's production, its depiction of New York City during the era, and insights into the cast and source material. Moreover, the Blu-ray disc contains exclusive extras such as vintage interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and an enlightening documentary titled "Going the Distance," which further enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of Marathon Man is a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Despite some critiques regarding visual inconsistencies, the enhanced visuals, original mono audio track, and wealth of special features including an engaging new audio commentary, make this release a commendable upgrade. It's a fitting homage to a film that continues to captivate audiences with its relentless tension, exemplary performances, and a gripping narrative that’s even more visceral in this polished format. Highly recommended for fans looking to experience Marathon Man in its utmost fidelity.