The Counterfeiters Blu-ray Review

"The Counterfeiters" Blu-ray presentation maintains a striking authenticity with its 1.85:1 aspect ratio and MPEG-4 1080p codec. Captured on hand-held 16mm film, the picture possesses a distinctive documentary-style aesthetic, heavily marked by grain. This graininess, particularly in dimly-lit or night scenes, may detract from the sharpness and clarity some viewers expect from modern high-definition formats. While colors are generally muted to align with the film's grave subject matter, bursts of vibrant hues later in the film stand out impressively, showcasing clean and natural skin tones. The overcast color palette, consisting mainly of whites, grays, blacks, and sepia, reproduces well but lacks dynamic life.

Detailing is notably rich in the well-lit scenes, such as those involving counterfeiting activities and hotel settings, where textures like the counterfeit bills and ornate ceilings are finely exhibited. However, darker scenes suffer from the excessive grain, occasionally leading to crushed blacks and obscured details. Despite the prevalent grain, compression artifacts and other encoding anomalies are absent, save for occasional minor edge ringing during high-contrast scenes. This video treatment fortifies the film's historical authenticity, echoing a sense of genuine period filmmaking.

While not a flawless demo-quality image, the Blu-ray transfer undeniably serves the film's artistic vision. It embraces a nostalgic imperfection suiting its harrowing narrative. Viewers accustomed to digital noise reduction might find the pervasive grain less appealing; however, this textured visual approach enhances the film’s tactile and visceral storytelling, making it an exceptional representation of its era and theme.

The Counterfeiters' audio presentation, featuring a lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track in German at 48 kHz, proves to be robustly adequate for the material it supports. However, it should be noted that there is no English audio track available, a minor inconvenience mitigated by the presence of English subtitles and the film's inherent focus on the original German dialogue. The track largely focuses on the frontal array of speakers, delivering clear and precise dialogue with remarkable consistency. The score, primarily composed by Marius Ruhland and supplemented by classical tangos from Hugo Díaz, showcases a lush midrange and analog-like instrument resonance, enhancing the overall immersion without overwhelming the viewer.

The surround channels are sparingly utilized, primarily providing subtle ambiance with noticeable enhancement during specific scenes, such as those set in a casino and initial camp hut whispers. The audio remains front-centric with periodic enhancements that widen the aural landscape, largely when the score introduces somber tones extending across the fronts. While deep bass is scarcely present throughout most of the movie, it strategically appears to underscore key moments of tension or dread, offering a dramatic LFE rumble that contrasts with the usual lack of low-frequency effects.

Though dynamically modest, the soundtrack ensures clarity and depth when necessary, avoiding exaggerated bass or aggressive surround usage typically reserved for high-octane action films. This approach maintains an organic and faithful reproduction of the film's source material, aligning with The Counterfeiters' contemplative and historically grounded narrative. In conclusion, this audio mix is technically accomplished and emotionally resonant given its intended purpose.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Counterfeiters" offer a comprehensive and engaging dive into the historical and production aspects of the film. The most remarkable material is Adolf Burger's contributions, providing a firsthand account of Operation Bernhard and his experience during WWII. This adds a poignant authenticity to the supplementary content. Director Stefan Ruzowitzky's commentary is rich in technical and production insights, though slightly uneven in pacing. Featurettes, including the Making of documentary and deleted scenes, complement the narrative with added depth. Interviews with the director, cast, and Burger himself are informative, shedding light on both creative choices and historical events. The BD Live functionality, although inconsistent, offers additional content access. Each feature provides unique perspectives, making the extras a valuable enhancement to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director, Stefan Ruzowitzky: Discusses locations, scenes, and thematic elements.
• Making of The Counterfeiters: Brief documentary featuring historical context and cast interviews.
• Interviews with Director Stefan Ruzowitzky, Adolf Burger, Karl Markovics: Detailed discussions on script, characters, and historical accuracy.
• Adolf Burger's Artifacts: Burger's recollections and original camp schematics.
• Q&A with Stefan Ruzowitzky: Insightful session on production and historical elements.
• 4 Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes that offer further character insight.
• Original Trailer: High-definition trailer for the movie.
• Previews: Trailers for other films and BD-Live functionality.

"The Counterfeiters" is an exceptional film that portrays the true story of Salomon Sorowitsch, a master forger who is confined in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. This deeply moving film delves into Operation Bernhard, a Nazi scheme to destabilize Allied economies through counterfeit currency. Karl Markovics delivers a riveting performance as Sorowitsch, embodying a complex character navigating moral dilemmas amidst brutal oppression. The film’s documentary-like style and powerful storytelling provide an intense, authentic glimpse into the harrowing decisions faced by Jews under Nazi rule.

Director Stefan Ruzowitzky’s decision to use documentary cinematography enriches the authenticity, making the viewer feel immersed in the historical context. The acting is outstanding, particularly Markovics, who captures Sorowitsch's quiet resilience and resourcefulness. The 1080p Blu-ray presentation heightens the grim atmosphere with its detailed visual fidelity, while the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track enhances the auditory experience, immersing viewers in both the mundane and traumatic cacophony of camp life.

"The Counterfeiters" stands out amongst Holocaust films not only for its unique storyline but also for its moral intricacies. It challenges viewers to reflect on survival and complicity under extreme conditions. The film skillfully balances the overarching historical tragedy with the nuanced personal conflicts of its characters. As a piece of cinema that is both emotionally and intellectually compelling, it remains mandatory viewing for those interested in history, ethics, and human resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.

"The Counterfeiters" Blu-ray release offers a profound cinematic experience, deeply rooted in history and human resilience. The Oscar-winning film chronicles master criminal Salomon Sorowitsch's forced involvement in the largest counterfeiting operation in history, under the Nazis. The Blu-ray presentation captures the somber tone through its intentionally grainy video quality, which lends an authentic period feel to the footage. Audio fidelity, while not excessively dynamic, is sufficient to support the intimate nature of the storytelling without distraction.

The technical merits of the disc are complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of bonus features. These extras go beyond superficial content, providing comprehensive behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process and historical context. Viewers gain a deeper understanding of both the technical and narrative aspects through these supplementary materials, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Of course this film takes the serious route, not playing on the dry witticism of earlier productions, and for a film of this nature, there really is no other route to take. The set itself is a fine affair; the video, although very grainy, perfectly suits this feature and the audio is never stress-tested. The extras have had some thought applied to them, offering up information other than the usual filming affair, which is always welcome. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys excellent acting and fine direction; at times it's a difficult watch, but not as much as "Schindler's List." After all, this is not a Holocaust movie in the strictest sense but more an insight into one part of the war which for too long has not had the attention it—and the counterfeiters—so rightly deserve.