DVD Corner

The Good German 4K UHD Review

Style over substance. 

Set in Berlin in 1945 during the Potsdam peace talks, 2006’s “The Good German” begins with an American war correspondent (Jake) arriving in Berlin only to be swept up in a complex plot involving the murder of an Army driver (Tully), a missing German (Emil) who is sought by various countries, a Jewish prostitute (Lena) who is hiding secrets and wants to leave the country, cover-ups, and a Rocket Program. How does everything piece together? That would be telling.

Based on the novel by Joseph Kanon and adapted by Paul Attanasio, “The Good German” is a forgotten film by director Steven Soderbergh. Soderbergh has always been one to explore different genres and styles. He takes big swings but doesn’t always connect as is the case with “The Good German.” There’s potential abound with this B&W throwback which plays like a cross between a classic Hollywood production (namely “Casablanca”) and a film noir (“The Third Man”) but with more modern adult material (sex, language, and violence). Unfortunately, the B&W film feels a bit phony. Despite an all-star cast featuring George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, and Tobey Maguire, the whole affair feels unconvincing. Maguire is woefully miscast, Clooney is out of his comfort zone, the characterization is minimal, the neo-noir story feels like a rehash of better films, and the dialogue is often stiff and stagy. Only Cate Blanchett shines here as Lena who is harboring some dark secrets. 

On the plus side, “The Good German” does boast an Oscar nominated score by Thomas Newman and is a visual beauty thanks to the gorgeous B&W cinematography by Peter Andrews and the first rate production design. If only the script fared better.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 2160p. How does it look? Expect a stellar restoration that will undoubtedly please fans.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track delivers crisp audio.

Extras include a Blu-ray copy and a theatrical trailer.

May 12, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh, The Good German 4K UHD Review, Tobey Maguire