Director John Huston is certainly responsible for some film classics,(TREASURE OF SIERRA MADRE, AFRICAN QUEEN,etc.) and while “FAT CITY” doesn’t stand next to them, it offers enough style and fine acting to deserve a first, if not 2^nd  look. 

Stacy Keach gives a terrific performance as Billy Tellen, a former boxer, sparring more with demons from the bottle, rather than from the ring.  One day, while boxing with a newcomer(Jeff Bridges) at a YMCA, he’s impressed enough to send the kid over to meet his former manager for an evaluation, and as “FAT CITY” continues, most of its characters have the chance to evaluate their own lives.   

All of the characters in “FAT CITY” are plagued by demons of some sort, and in spite of its dark overtones, there’s a real sense of optimism buried deep within it.  Somehow these troubled, often disturbed, characters manage to fight the good fight every day, without giving up. In their day-to-day existence, this is no small feat! And, it’s impressive.  The acting by everyone is exceptional.  The ending may not please everyone, but it’s daring. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  Unfortunately, the image isn’t very impressive.  Although it’s obvious Huston wasn’t looking for an upbeat, “colorful” film, the image is far too drab in many spots, and the transfer is generally grainy. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included a Dolby Digital Stereo mix for this release.  While there aren’t any surround effects, the fidelity of this mix is impressive, and the limited front separation comes in handy, especially with the film’s music, in offering an important atmosphere to the film.