The Informant! Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p/VC-1 transfer of "The Informant!" on Blu-ray might not initially impress, but it gradually reveals the complexity of Steven Soderbergh's vision. Shot with Red One high-definition cameras paired with Double Fog filters, the film achieves a period aesthetic marked by rich, amber-hued oranges, deep blacks, and stark whites. Natural lighting and a blend of modest colors set the tone, with contrast remaining robust and stable. Detail levels fluctuate according to Soderbergh’s creative will, enhancing the atmosphere of this comedy-drama. Although mild compression artifacts, ringing, and aliasing emerge intermittently, they typically do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

The 1.78:1 image aspect ratio, slightly adjusted from the original 1.85:1, remains sharp despite soft lighting and purposefully blown-out contrasts contributing a hazy glow. Colors, especially flesh tones, tend toward the warmer side, a common trait in productions utilizing the RED ONE camera. The presentation is mostly devoid of grain and noise, courtesy of the digital medium. However, some compression artifacting is evident, particularly in areas of solid color. While instances of blocking and other minor imperfections occasionally disrupt the visual flow, they are not distracting enough to undermine the overall quality of the transfer for most viewers.

The audio presentation of "The Informant!" on Blu-ray, delivered via a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, embodies a careful and deliberate sound design that aligns well with the film's subdued tone. Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained, ensuring that conversations remain intelligible even during scenes with significant ambient noise. However, the sound mix does occasionally allow background elements, such as streetside ambience and chatter, to dominate, which contributes to an immersive yet predominantly front-heavy soundfield. This results in limited directionality and minimal use of the LFE channel and rear speakers. The soundtrack is particularly notable for Marvin Hamlisch's spirited and crisp score, which significantly enhances the overall auditory experience despite the lack of dynamic action sequences or elaborate sound panning.

In terms of technical execution, the audio fidelity is commendable. Dialogue tracks are crisp, ensuring that speech remains clear throughout the movie. While dynamic range is somewhat constrained—characteristic of the film's relatively standard comedy mix—this restraint complements the film's understated nature. The soundtrack rarely ventures beyond the front soundstage, with minimal surround activity and no expectation of dramatic audio effects like gunshots or explosions. While the track is devoid of technical faults in general, there was an isolated incident of a momentary audio dropout at time code 1:28:46 in the reviewed copy. This issue may not be prevalent in all retail copies but is worth noting for potential buyers. Overall, Warner's lossless audio track suits the film's narrative and stylistic intentions well, providing a clean and satisfying auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Informant!" features a commendable, albeit limited, collection of bonus content that supplements the film's primary offering. It includes four entertaining deleted scenes and an engaging audio commentary by director Steven Soderbergh and writer Scott Burns. The commentary provides an insightful dive into the creative process behind adapting Kurt Eichenwald's book, alongside discussions about the film's comedic elements, casting decisions, production nuances, and the distinct use of an unreliable narrator. Soderbergh and Burns maintain a friendly and informative dialogue, although their similar-sounding voices can occasionally cause confusion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes showcasing Mark's interactions with the FBI and his eventual firing.
• Director and Writer Commentary: Insightful commentary from Steven Soderbergh and Scott Burns discussing various aspects of the film's creation and adaptation.

"The Informant!" is a meticulously crafted dark comedy helmed by Steven Soderbergh. The film recounts the bizarre true story of Mark Whitacre (played by Matt Damon), a high-ranking executive at Archer Daniels Midland who turns whistleblower, only to entangle himself in a labyrinth of deceit and fraud. Adapted by screenwriter Scott Burns from Kurt Eichenwald's book, the narrative masterfully balances humor with tragedy. Whitacre, portrayed as an affable yet delusional character, keeps the audience questioning his motives throughout. While some viewers might find the protagonist and the film's tone off-putting, others will appreciate the sharp wit and complex character study.

Matt Damon's transformation into Whitacre is both comedic and unsettling. As a bumbling but eager FBI informant, Damon captures Whitacre’s duality—oscillating between well-intentioned naivety and self-serving deceit. The film’s first half is marked by an absurd yet engaging recount of Whitacre's undercover operations, filled with humorous asides and outlandish scenarios that test the boundaries of disbelief. The narrative becomes more somber in its latter part, revealing Whitacre's unraveling sanity. Soderbergh deftly uses dry humor and skewed perspectives to keep the audience both entertained and reflective, paralleling classic corporate thrillers in style and satire.

Soderbergh’s direction connects the audience with a unique blend of droll comedy and biting social commentary. The ensemble cast features comedians like Joel McHale and Patton Oswalt in surprising dramatic roles, with Scott Bakula delivering a standout performance as Whitacre’s long-suffering FBI handler. Complemented by a retro aesthetic and Marvin Hamlisch's jaunty score, "The Informant!" is both a homage to 70s thrillers and an exploration of modern corporate malfeasance. It’s worth noting that its nuanced humor may not cater to all tastes, but for those attuned to Soderbergh’s idiosyncratic style, the film offers an engrossing and intellectually stimulating experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Informant!" is a commendable presentation of Steven Soderbergh's sharp, farcical take on an unbelievable true story. Matt Damon delivers a stellar performance, anchoring the film with a sense of absurdity that perfectly matches the bizarre events it portrays. The video transfer is solid, successfully capturing the film’s unique color palette and distinct visual style, though it can feel intentionally subdued in some scenes. The TrueHD surround sound track offers a clear and balanced audio experience, effectively supporting the narrative without being overly dynamic.

The disc’s supplemental features are minimalistic, which could disappoint avid collectors and cinephiles looking for more in-depth content. However, the commentary by Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns provides ample insight into the film's production and thematic elements, making up for the otherwise sparse extras. The additional features could have been more extensive, but what is provided is of significant quality.

As is the case with most comedies, "The Informant!" will entertain some far more than others. For me, Damon, Soderbergh, and Burns have created an unforgettable farce; one inspired by a truly bizarre true story. For those who know what to expect, Warner's Blu-ray edition can be as rewarding as the film itself. Though its video transfer and TrueHD surround track can be underwhelming, it's all by design, making the disc's thin supplemental package the low point of the release. Even so, Soderbergh and Burns' commentary is extensive enough to take the sting out of any serious disappointment. I would definitely recommend watching "The Informant!" before committing any cash to a purchase, but anyone who enjoys the film itself will be pleased with its high-definition debut.