Me, Natalie

This came and went so fast when it was released that I missed it entirely. And it's never had any kind of traction since then, especially on home video. So, bought some overseas DVD of it a few months ago, just to see it, enjoyed it for what it was worth but the transfer was horrible and full frame, i.e. not in its proper screen ratio of 1.85.So, I grabbed the Blu-ray. The movie is odd - filled with quips and voiceover and a heroine who is a little too nasty to people for her own good - she immediately acknowledges in voiceover that she's gone too far but that doesn't help us like the character. So, there's some funny stuff, some touching stuff, some romantic stuff - but it never quite all hangs together thanks to the inept direction of Fred Coe, who was a fine producer and terrible director. What shines here, and the reason for the five stars, is the acting. Patty Duke is terrific, as is Nancy Marchand as her mother, and there's Bob Balaban, delightful Elsa Lanchester doing her thing, and a brief appearance by Catherine Burns, along with the first screen appearance of Al Pacino. But the film belongs to Martin Balsam, who's wonderful as a loving uncle and Salome Jens as his erotic dancer fiancee is every bit as good. The transfer looks just like a release print would have looked back in 1969, which is fine, and it is, of course, in its proper ratio.

This is a good if episodic ugly duckling story with a decent script, humour, pathos and some excellent performances, particularly from the talented Patty Duke (Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner for "The Miracle Worker" (1962) and "fresh" from the giant turkey "Valley of the Dolls" (1967). Patty won a Golden Globe award for this and in the following year won an Emmy as Best Actress in "My Sweet Charlie", beating Dame Edith Evans and Shirley Jones. The film follows Natalie's life as a plain Jane from childhood to young adulthood and it ends with her liking herself she is and now approaching life with hope and calm and some confidence. This is after an affair with her very attractive "artist" neighbour James Farentino, and being shattered that her beloved uncle (Martin Balsam) does not match her high expectations. Good cameo by Al Pacino as a lowlife at the school fance. Also starring Nancy Marchand, Elsa Lanchester and Salome Jens.

Have so many sentimental memories tied to this film. Although the critics panned it, it captures the late 60's in some important ways. I especially related to Natalie's introversion, her coming of age and questioning of society, her place within it, and her own self-worth. Not really sappy at all, but an experience we all have to grown through. I think the critics who panned the film were far too harsh, or perhaps unable to confess that Natalie's journey is relatable to most folks.And I absolutely LOVED Mancini's musical score, finding it a perfect accompaniment, despite some critics calling it too brooding. Annh-- what do critics know anyway. The "In and Out of Love Montage" is brilliant from its quiet, simple Wurlitzer electric piano passage to its riveting, cataclysmic orchestral climax. As for the vocal solos, Rod McKuen's raspy, whispery voice seemed appropriate for delivering his own lyrics.The movie's a great time capsule, the music is unforgettable, Patty Duke's acting is right-on-the-money, and I'm so glad to finally have it on DVD (and the soundtrack on CD!) after all these years!

Let's cut to the chase - the packaging says 16x9 and yet the image is open matte full frame, which is lazy and stupid. Anyone with eyeballs can see it's open matte with way too much headroom and extraneous stuff in the bottom of the frame. But, as far as I can tell, this is the only legit release of this film. The film itself wants to to be funny and endearing but doesn't quite make it. Ms. Duke is great, as always, although even with the fake nose and teeth she's clearly not an ugly duckling. The voice-overs are a bit problematic, too. Supporting cast is great and the biggest plus is the Mancini score, which is brilliant. Fred Coe, who did not direct many films, was not to the cinema born and it shows.

Waited so long for this DVD to come out.A wonderful story about a plain Jane finding herself no matter what she looked like, although I do not think she was that homely! A wonderful performance by Miss Duke.The film transfer us excellent although there are no extras, it is a film not to be missed. Highly underrated.A beautiful score by Henry Mancini and Rod McKuen.well worth the price!

Ecstatic to have this on DVD! One of Party Duke's award winning performances finally comes to home video with this Australian (Region 4) import. I had read somewhere that it was region free but once I got the disc in my hand I realized it was 4. Imagine my delight when it played on my el cheapo Wal-Mart player! No features no subtitles but good picture/audio quality.

I love this movie and this is the only place I have found it. Thank you.

I have been waiting a long time for this film to be released on DVD. It is one of Patty Dukes best film work. Not to be missed.

Ok so hes only in this film very briefly, a few lines whilst dancing, but it is Pacinos first film and this Australian dvd (look for the blue and white rating box on the bottom left of the front sleeve) is currently the only official release its had. A must have for Pacino completeists.

リージョンが4と表記されていたが日本のプレイヤーで再生できた。画質はYouTubeにあがっているものよりはきれいだった。映画の冒頭の配給会社のロゴ？とナレーションが少しカットされている。英語字幕はなし。後から検索したところ2020年の5月にブルーレイ版が本国で出ているらしい。そちらには字幕やtrailerがあるようなのでAmazonで扱われるか日本版が出るかを待ったほうが良いと思われる。

中学生の時映画館でみて大好きになった作品です。当時は関連のレコード、ノベルスすべてかいました。VHSは持っていたのですが、デッキが使用できなくなり今回購入しました。字幕はありませんが大好きな作品なのでまた見られて良かったです。６０年70年代の映画は独特の雰囲気があり音楽もすばらしかったと思います。商品もさほど待たずに受けとれました。

古い作品なので映像は鮮明ではないが、それを上回る映像とマンシーニの音楽のマッチングが素晴らしく印象的な佳作となった。マンシーニの甘美なコーラスの使い方は、後年のバカラックやカーペンターズのバックコーラスにも一脈通じているようだ。

リージョンフリーのDVDデッキで観たのだが、途中で画像が消えてしまってそのまま(笑)　購入して数ヶ月してから観たので、文句を入れる気もしなかった。さすがアメリカからのお取り寄せ品だ、笑うしかない。