Marathon Man (UK)

Babe Levy is a twentysomething history student and athlete. His brother Doc is a successful businessman. When his brother turn up at his home with a fatal stab wound, Babe wonders whether his brother is the man he claims to be. After finding out from one of Doc`s associates that he was a government agent, Babe is then kidnapped and tortured by a vicious Nazi, Christian Szell. Babe has to find out a way out in order to survive.

The picture quality of this film is excellent throughout. The 5.1 remix is also very good and is quite effective particulary with the film`s score.

It seems Paramount are trying to improve in the extras department. While this is not a special edition, there is over an hour of extra material. First of all is the original trailer which lasts over 2 minutes. This is followed by an original 1976 featurette called "The Magic of Hollywood Is the Magic Of People". This lasts 20 minutes and is narrated by the film`s producer and former Paramount head Robert Evans. This contains some nice behind-the-scenes footage and some interview with director John Schlesinger.

Next is a 30 minute retrospective featurette which lasts 30 minutes. Featuring interviews with several members of the cast and crew, this is a very interesting featurette which reveals a lot about the film. Finally is 20 minutes of rehearsal footage mixed in with new interviews. This is also interesting to watch as we see the actor`s finding their feet in their respective roles.

Overall, this is an entertaining thriller with some great performances. Paramount should be applauded for doing a good job with this release. Well worth adding to your collection.