Mostly Martha
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 1st, 2003
Released Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Synopsis
Martha is the highly strung, control-freak chef at a top restaurant. Her organized life isthrown into chaos when her sister is killed in a car accident, leaving Martha to look after her littleniece Lina. Lina, understandably traumatized, refuses to eat. Meanwhile, Martha feels that herposition at the restaurant is threatened by newcomer Mario. Soon, though, she realizes that Mariohas other, more romantic goals in mind. Though witty, the film does not shy away from the realp…in Martha and Lina feel, and Martina Gedeck is thoroughly engaging Martha.
Audio
The soundtrack is available exclusively in the original German, in a 5.1 mix. The dialoguehas a good, clean sound and never distorts. The sound effects are low key, but, when called for,create a pretty solid environmental effect. The music’s mix is very powerful, but doesn’t drownout the dialogue.
Video
Solid, but unexceptional. There are some edge halos when Martha wears black, the imageis a tad on the soft side, and there is a very slight bit of grain. The colours are generally good,though the flesh tones are sometimes a bit pale.
Special Features
Nothing, not even a trailer.
Closing Thoughts
In many ways an old-fashioned melodrama, but wittily done, and extremely well performed.Worth seeing, even on a bare-bones disc.
