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Today's Date is:

MARTY

Reviewed by: B. Lou Goodwin
Genre: Drama
Video: Standard
Audio: Dolby Digital-English Mono, French Mono, Spanish Mono
Language: English, French, Spanish
Subtitle: English, French, Spanish
Length: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: 6-19-01
Studio: MGM
Commentary: None
Documentaries: None
Featurettes: None
Filmography/Biography: None
Interviews: None
Trailers/TV Spots: Theatrical Trailer included
Alternate/Deleted Scenes: None
Music Video: None
Other: Scene Selections, Subtitles
Cast and Crew: Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair
Screenplay by: Paddy Chayefsky
Produced by: Harold Hecht
Directed By: Delbert Mann
Music: NA
The Review: "Marty" is a sweet old-fashioned romantic movie. This is a perfect film for anyone who has ever been brushed off, ignored, or passed over when it comes to love. Marty is a big, lovable guy, who has no luck with the ladies. He always says the wrong thing or he misses the opportunity. Yet, everyone keeps pushing and pushing for him to find a girl and get married. One night, the whole world changes when he meets Clara, a lonely schoolteacher. Miracle of miracles, Marty finds the one girl who really listens to him and his dreams. His happiness is short-lived when he realizes that no one else likes his Clara and he is faced with a difficult decision. Should he listen to his family and friends or should he follow his heart? If you want to find out the answer, you'll have to watch the movie. If you still have doubts about renting this vintage classic, then take note that this movie was nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture. It won 4 of the 8 nominations. Also, this film was the first film to ever win both the Best Picture Academy Award and the Cannes Film Festival's Golden Palm. I, personally, love the sweetness of the characters. Unlike many of the modern romances, neither Marty nor Clara is exceptional in any way. They are both just ordinary people searching for love. They don't win the lottery or have magical potions sprinkled on top of their heads, they find each other because they never stopped looking. Marty and Clara are what they are and that is enough. The film, "Marty", always makes me want to try again to find my someone special, I think it will do the same for you.
Image and Sound There are two small glitches in the visuals of this film. In the scene where Marty goes to mass, the top of the church is blocked out for about two seconds. In an earlier section of the film, the top of the screen waves just slightly and only for a moment. These snags are minor and easily overlooked. The rest of the film has a clean, non-blurred presentation without scratches or fuzziness. I was quite happy that none of the shots seemed overly dark or bleached out. Occasionally, in restored black and white film, the lighting does not come through as the cinematographer intended but that does not seem to be the case here. As for the sound quality, the conversations were easily followed and understood. Unlike many movies from the 1950's, the sound did not drop off and the vocals weren't scratchy. Even in mono, the Dolby Digital cleaned up both the background music and the actor's voices to a more than acceptable level. Plus, the movie can be watched in English, French or Spanish and you have the option of subtitles in all three languages.
The Extras Don't miss the theatrical trailer attached to "Marty", it is hosted by Burt Lancaster. He was one of the backers of this film and he made a special effort to promote it to moviegoers. If you don't want to see the movie yet, I think the trailer will whet your appetite for more. The only other features included with this film are the subtitles in English, French, and Spanish and the scene selections. Both are, of course, appreciated benefits in watching a classic on DVD instead of a VCR tape.
Commentary None
Final Words: If you collect Oscar winning movies or if you just want a really good romance, buy "Marty'. It is a timeless classic that will be a favorite of your grandchildren's grandchildren. Another winning point is that it is a viewing experience free of violence, swearing, or nudity. You can enjoy this film with your 12-year-old or your grandmother without fear of distressing either of them. I know that I usually admonish film lovers to rent before buying but this DVD is a great buy and a great movie. A DVD collection of the classics would be incomplete without it.


Send all Comments to Teakwood Productions
 June 15, 2001