The Good German (2006) – Blu-ray Disc Review
(Included in the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Combo Set)
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: Blu-ray (BD-50)
Region: Region A (B, C untested)
Resolution: 1080p HD
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Video Codec: AVC / MPEG-4
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
This is the first-ever Blu-ray release of The Good German, and Warner Bros. has done a fine job sourcing the 1080p master. Presented in the original 1.37:1 “Academy” aspect ratio, the black-and-white image is richly cinematic with natural film grain, excellent contrast, and deep blacks. The transfer retains the film’s classic Hollywood style with wide-angle lenses, soft light, and vintage-style wipes. While some soft focus and haze are baked into the cinematography, overall clarity and shadow delineation are well preserved. This is a sharp, faithful presentation that elevates the film far beyond the quality of prior DVD releases.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is clean and focused, with much of the activity concentrated in the center channel, mirroring the style of 1940s films. Dialogue is clear and well-balanced, with ambient effects—street sounds, wind, and crowd noise—used sparingly in the surrounds. The highlight is Thomas Newman’s evocative score, which fills the room with warmth and emotional resonance. Though not aggressive, the track is dynamic and immersive in subtle ways.
Special Features – 0.5 out of 5
Sadly, Warner Bros. did not include any new features for the Blu-ray. Bonus content is limited to:
• Theatrical Trailer (2:25)
There are no featurettes, interviews, or commentaries, making this release a missed opportunity for deeper exploration of the film’s unique production design and inspirations.
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
The Good German finally arrives on Blu-ray with a handsome HD transfer, solid audio, and minimalist packaging. While the lack of extras is disappointing, the disc’s faithful visual and audio presentation more than make up for the long wait. Soderbergh fans and cinephiles will appreciate the throwback craftsmanship, now presented with the clarity it always deserved.
Recommended for completists and film historians.
$29.99
In stock
The Good German (2006) – Blu-ray Disc Review
(Included in the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Combo Set)
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 105 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: Blu-ray (BD-50)
Region: Region A (B, C untested)
Resolution: 1080p HD
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Video Codec: AVC / MPEG-4
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
This is the first-ever Blu-ray release of The Good German, and Warner Bros. has done a fine job sourcing the 1080p master. Presented in the original 1.37:1 “Academy” aspect ratio, the black-and-white image is richly cinematic with natural film grain, excellent contrast, and deep blacks. The transfer retains the film’s classic Hollywood style with wide-angle lenses, soft light, and vintage-style wipes. While some soft focus and haze are baked into the cinematography, overall clarity and shadow delineation are well preserved. This is a sharp, faithful presentation that elevates the film far beyond the quality of prior DVD releases.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is clean and focused, with much of the activity concentrated in the center channel, mirroring the style of 1940s films. Dialogue is clear and well-balanced, with ambient effects—street sounds, wind, and crowd noise—used sparingly in the surrounds. The highlight is Thomas Newman’s evocative score, which fills the room with warmth and emotional resonance. Though not aggressive, the track is dynamic and immersive in subtle ways.
Special Features – 0.5 out of 5
Sadly, Warner Bros. did not include any new features for the Blu-ray. Bonus content is limited to:
• Theatrical Trailer (2:25)
There are no featurettes, interviews, or commentaries, making this release a missed opportunity for deeper exploration of the film’s unique production design and inspirations.
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
The Good German finally arrives on Blu-ray with a handsome HD transfer, solid audio, and minimalist packaging. While the lack of extras is disappointing, the disc’s faithful visual and audio presentation more than make up for the long wait. Soderbergh fans and cinephiles will appreciate the throwback craftsmanship, now presented with the clarity it always deserved.
Recommended for completists and film historians.
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