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By
NICK ZEGARAC
"Marty" is an oddity in Academy Award winning history. It is the first and only time a movie based upon a popular television show has won Best Picture.
It stars Ernest Borgnine as the title character, a lonely and shy butcher who finds unlikely romance with wallflower, Betsy Blair (Clara Snyder). The film examines their quiet and unassuming relationship as that of two outcasts in a society where everyone has someone to love except them. Esther Minciotti costars as Marty's mother. Her concern over her son's bachelorhood is quite comical, referring to girls as "tomatoes" and suggesting that her son "pluck one" that is ripe for the picking at a local dance. Joe Mantell and Jerry Paris costar as Marty's well-meaning friends, who inadvertently confuse Marty into dropping Betsy because she isn't attractive enough.
MGM/UA has presented "Marty" in a very nice looking full frame transfer. The B&W picture exhibits a relatively solid and stable gray scale that is nicely balanced. Contrast and shadow levels are adequate. Film grain is a bit heavy at times but does not distract. There is a lack of digital anomalies, except for a hint of edge enhancement that crops up now and then. The audio is mono but exceptionally well balanced. Only occasionally does it have a strident or tinny sound. There are no extras. |
