Black Bag (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Rating: R
Film: 4/5
 
Plot
From Academy Award®-winning Director Steven Soderbergh, BLACK BAG is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) and his beloved wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.
 
My Thoughts
I love me a good spy thriller, and this one certainly delivers on nearly every front blending heart-pounding intensity with intricate character dynamics. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film showcases his signature flair for taut pacing and sharp dialogue, pulling viewers into a world of espionage where trust is a luxury no one can afford. Blanchett and Fassbender shine as seasoned operatives entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy, their chemistry crackling with both tension and understated vulnerability. The plot twists are cleverly executed, keeping audiences guessing without ever feeling contrived, while the sleek cinematography and pulsating score elevate every chase and confrontation into a cinematic spectacle.
 
Soderbergh was the cinematographer on the film under an alias of Peter Andrewes and I can’t say I loved his artistic choices. While filmed digitally on RED cameras, most of the film is overly saturated with plenty of hazy shots. I presume this was to convey the murky world the spies live in, it was very tough to watch. In fact, it literally hurt my eyes from the glare. There were a number of scenes that looked great though and were razor sharp—such as when the spies were polygraphed or when events outside of the spies view were involved.
 
The TrueHD 5.1 track is very dialog driven, but really opens up when needed and the LFE gets a nice workout. This is particularly the case during the film’s opening when Fassbender must walk through a London nightclub. Furthermore, there’s a particular gunfight scene that really sounds great.
 
Video 7.5/10
 
Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)
 
 
Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes
• The Company of Talent
• Designing Black Bag
• Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
Soderbergh’s deft hand ensures the film never lingers too long on any one moment, maintaining momentum while allowing quieter scenes to breathe. Black Bag is a masterclass in modern spy filmmaking, offering a thrilling ride that lingers long after the credits roll. The video presentation wasn’t to my liking, but I found the audio track to be quite good given the dialog-intensive nature of the screenplay. Definitely put this one in your viewing queue.
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers

Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

[SRW1000]

Thanks for the review, David.  I've had this one on our library list for a while now, so we're looking forward to it. 

[bmoney]

I could have sworn I’ve sent this but obv don’t remember so I guess I didn’t will have to give it a spin 


Thanks for the review.

[Craig Peer]

I like Steven Soderbergh films so I picked this up on 4K. Looking forward to watching it soon.