DVD Corner

Black Bag 4K UHD Review

“Black Bag” is a ho-hum spy film. 

Scripted by David Koepp, “Black Bag” is a spy film largely set in London. The story revolves around a British intelligence agent (George) who is tasked with finding a traitor within their ranks that stole a secret program known as Severus. The suspects are aplenty including the office psychiatrist (Zoe), satellite expert Clarissa, agent handler Freddie (who is Clarissa’s boyfriend), agent handler James, their boss (Arthur) and George’s own wife and fellow agent Kathryn. As George investigates, he discovers that a set-up is in play and that Severus is being used for a potential disaster. Who is responsible and why? All is revealed in the end.

Director Steven Soderbergh continues his exploration of other genres. Earlier this year he helmed a ghost drama (“Presence”) and now he’s tackling the “spy thriller” genre with “Black Bag.” Spy thriller is put in quotes because it’s not much of a thriller to be honest. It’s a slow and talky spy whodunit that feels more like an Agatha Christie story complete with sit down exposition to expose the real culprit (or culprits). It’s a shame the film never quite pans out because the potential is there. A story about married spies involving trust and lies is ripe with exploration. Unfortunately, Soderbergh opts to create a stylish, overwritten bore that desperately relies on its cast to keep it afloat.

On the subject of the cast, this is a real star studded film that features Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Pierce Brosnan, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, and Tom Burke. Fassbender (who is one of the best working actors) gives a very understated performance as George. Blanchett, as usual, shines as Kathryn and delivers the best performance in this motion picture. Marisa Abela continues to make a splash. She wowed as Amy Winehouse in “Back To Black” and is a total scene stealer here as Clarissa. Regé-Jean Page shows more versatility as the the mysterious James. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? “Black Bag” gets a perfectly glossy 4K transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? Expect a crisp and clear 5.1 track. David Holmes sleek score really pops here.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* 3 deleted scenes
* “The Company Of Talent”- A 10 minute general featurette on the film with film clips, set footage, cast interviews, and character and story discussions.
* “Designing Black Bag”- A 5 ½ minute featurette on the costume design.

May 31, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Black Bag 4K UHD Review, Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Rege-Jean Page, Spy Movie, Steven Soderbergh