Nerdly » ‘Martin’ Blu-ray Review (Second Sight)

29th Mar2023

‘Martin’ Blu-ray Review (Second Sight)

by George P Thomas

Stars: John Amplas, Lincoln Maazel. Christine Forrest, Elyane Nadeau, Tom Savini, Sarah Venable, James, Roy, J. Clifford Forrest Jr. | Written and Directed by George A. Romero

George A. Romero is a name that is synonymous with the horror genre, and for good reason. His films, particularly his “Living Dead” series, have become icons of the genre and have influenced countless filmmakers. However, one of Romero’s lesser-known films, Martin, is just as worthy of recognition and analysis as his more famous works.

Martin tells the story of the titular character, played by John Amplas, who thinks – despite evidence to the contrary – he’s a vampire. Martin lives with his elderly cousin, Cuda (Lincoln Maazel), who buys into Martin’s belief that he is a cursed vampire and treats him accordingly. However, unlike the vampires of folklore and fiction, Martin does not possess any supernatural abilities. He must drug his victims with a sedative and then use a razor blade to cut their flesh and drink their blood.

The film explores themes of alienation, addiction, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Martin is a complex character who is sympathetic despite his monstrous actions. He is a victim of circumstance, born into a family with a history of mental illness and superstition. He is an outcast in society, unable to connect with those around him and struggling to understand his own identity.

Romero’s direction is masterful, as he creates a tense and foreboding atmosphere that permeates every scene. The film’s low-budget aesthetic adds to the sense of unease, as the grainy and washed-out visuals give the impression of a gritty, realistic world. The film’s score, composed by Donald Rubinstein, is also noteworthy, with haunting melodies that perfectly complement the film’s mood.

One of the most striking aspects of Martin is its exploration of the vampire mythos. Romero takes a realistic approach to the concept of vampirism, portraying it as a mental illness rather than a supernatural phenomenon. Martin’s desire to drink blood is portrayed as an addiction, similar to a drug or alcohol addiction. This approach is refreshing in a genre that often relies on supernatural explanations for its monsters.

The film also contains a critique of organized religion, as Cuda’s fanaticism and superstition are portrayed as harmful and dangerous. Cuda believes that Martin is Nosferatu and attempts to exorcise him using religious iconography. His extreme beliefs lead to violence and tragedy, highlighting the danger of blind faith.

Martin is not without its flaws, however. The film’s pacing is slow at times, and the dialogue can be clunky and unnatural. The ending is also somewhat ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered. However, these minor quibbles do not detract from the film’s overall impact.

In conclusion, Martin is a haunting and thought-provoking film that deserves more recognition than it has received. Romero’s exploration of vampirism as a mental illness and his critique of organized religion is both timely and relevant. John Amplas delivers a standout performance as Martin, a complex and sympathetic character who is both a victim and a monster. While the film may not be for everyone, those who appreciate slow-burning horror and psychological exploration will find much to enjoy in Martin.

Special Features:

A new Second Sight 4K restoration supervised and approved by Director of Photography Michael Gornick
UHD presented in HDR10+
Audio commentary by George A Romero, John Amplas and Tom Savini
Audio commentary by George A Romero, Richard P Rubinstein, Tom Savini, Michael Gornick and Donald Rubinstein
A new audio commentary by Kat Ellinger
A new audio commentary by Travis Crawford
Taste the Blood of Martin: A new feature length documentary including location tour
Scoring the Shadows: A new interview with composer Donald Rubinstein
‘J Roy – New And Used Furniture’: a short film by Tony Buba
Making Martin: A Recounting
Trailer, TV, and radio spots

Limited Edition Contents:

Rigid slipcase with original classic artwork
Soft cover book with new essays by Daniel Bird, Miranda Corcoran, Travis Crawford, Heather Drain, Kat Ellinger, Andrew Graves, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Elena Lazic, , Stephen Thrower, Jon Towlson, Simon Ward and Tony Williams
Original Soundtrack CD by Donald Rubinstein
5 collectors’ character art cards illustrated by Adam Stothard