The Informant! (2009) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime | Biography | Thriller | Comedy
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD (Single Disc)
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265 (65.06 Mbps)
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Though sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Warner Bros.’ new 4K release of The Informant! still marks a notable visual upgrade. The upscaled 2160p image, presented in the director-approved 1.78:1 aspect ratio, shows a clear advantage over the prior VC-1 Blu-ray with enhanced clarity, stability, and encoding. Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading further improve contrast and shadow detail in this intentionally blown-out, hazy cinematography by “Peter Andrews” (Soderbergh’s alias). While the film retains a soft, stylized digital look, the higher bitrate and tone mapping extract greater depth and color accuracy, particularly in low-lit and diffused sequences. Not a reference disc, but certainly the best the film has ever looked.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix appears to be a carryover from the original Blu-ray but performs well. Dialogue is consistently clear and centered, while Marvin Hamlisch’s eccentric score weaves through the channels with effective presence. Surround activity is restrained but appropriate for a dialogue-driven satire. Although the audio isn’t aggressive, the track is clean, well-balanced, and nicely mastered.
Special Features – 3.0 out of 5
• Audio Commentary – Director Steven Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns provide a dry, informative track full of behind-the-scenes insights
• Deleted Scenes (6:26 total) – Four short excised scenes
• Theatrical Trailer (2:27) – Newly included for this UHD edition
Note: Legacy language dubs and subtitle options from the 2009 Blu-ray are not included, and bonus features are no longer subtitled.
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
The Informant! remains one of Steven Soderbergh’s most offbeat films—a darkly comedic and oddly poignant look at corporate whistleblowing gone haywire, with Matt Damon delivering one of his most underrated performances. This new 4K disc may be an upscale, but it’s a high-quality one, bolstered by HDR and solid sound. With its director-approved transfer and legacy extras, Warner Bros.’ UHD release is a great way to revisit this bizarre true story. Recommended.
$29.99
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The Informant! (2009) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime | Biography | Thriller | Comedy
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD (Single Disc)
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265 (65.06 Mbps)
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Though sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, Warner Bros.’ new 4K release of The Informant! still marks a notable visual upgrade. The upscaled 2160p image, presented in the director-approved 1.78:1 aspect ratio, shows a clear advantage over the prior VC-1 Blu-ray with enhanced clarity, stability, and encoding. Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading further improve contrast and shadow detail in this intentionally blown-out, hazy cinematography by “Peter Andrews” (Soderbergh’s alias). While the film retains a soft, stylized digital look, the higher bitrate and tone mapping extract greater depth and color accuracy, particularly in low-lit and diffused sequences. Not a reference disc, but certainly the best the film has ever looked.
Audio – 4.0 out of 5
The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix appears to be a carryover from the original Blu-ray but performs well. Dialogue is consistently clear and centered, while Marvin Hamlisch’s eccentric score weaves through the channels with effective presence. Surround activity is restrained but appropriate for a dialogue-driven satire. Although the audio isn’t aggressive, the track is clean, well-balanced, and nicely mastered.
Special Features – 3.0 out of 5
• Audio Commentary – Director Steven Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns provide a dry, informative track full of behind-the-scenes insights
• Deleted Scenes (6:26 total) – Four short excised scenes
• Theatrical Trailer (2:27) – Newly included for this UHD edition
Note: Legacy language dubs and subtitle options from the 2009 Blu-ray are not included, and bonus features are no longer subtitled.
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
The Informant! remains one of Steven Soderbergh’s most offbeat films—a darkly comedic and oddly poignant look at corporate whistleblowing gone haywire, with Matt Damon delivering one of his most underrated performances. This new 4K disc may be an upscale, but it’s a high-quality one, bolstered by HDR and solid sound. With its director-approved transfer and legacy extras, Warner Bros.’ UHD release is a great way to revisit this bizarre true story. Recommended.
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