The Bridge Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 with a 1080p transfer, Bernhard Wicki’s "The Bridge" offers an impressive visual experience on Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion. This new digital transfer, created in 2K resolution using an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original 35mm negative and duplicate negative, has undergone extensive restoration. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps were meticulously removed using MTI's DRS, with Digital Vision's Phoenix aiding in jitter, flicker, small dirt, grain, and noise management. The original monaural soundtrack was also impeccably remastered at 24-bit using Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX4, removing clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle.

The film's picture quality is particularly noteworthy. Clarity and image depth are strikingly impressive, with daylight scenes displaying superb sharpness (see screencaptures #3, 15, and 18). The nighttime sequences benefit from an exceptional range of balanced blacks and grays (see screencapture #19), highlighting the film's high-contrast black-and-white cinematography. The scanning process has ensured that grain is evenly distributed and well-resolved across the frame, devoid of any sharpening adjustments or significant artifacts. Despite a few minor in-frame wobbles, the overall image stability remains excellent. A clean image free from large debris, cuts, damage marks, and stains enhances the viewing experience.

In essence, this meticulous restoration and high-quality MPEG-4 AVC encoding allow "The Bridge" to be appreciated anew, preserving the aesthetic vision of its creator while making it accessible to modern viewers. This Region-A locked Blu-ray release showcases a remarkable technical presentation that retains the film's historical integrity. The result is a presentation that holds its own against contemporary visuals and contributes significantly to the film's atmospheric impact.

(Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release; a native Region-A or Region-Free Blu-ray player is required to access its content).

The Blu-ray release of "The Bridge" features a singular German LPCM 1.0 audio track, supplemented with optional English subtitles. The monaural soundtrack, while inherently limited, provides a surprisingly rich listening experience. Dialog is consistently sharp and articulate, sitting atop a soundscape that effectively balances robust sound effects with atmospheric subtleties. Notably, the soundtrack excels in eliminating background hiss and age-related imperfections, ensuring a clean and immersive audible experience.

The first half of the film predominantly features dialogue and gentle ambient sounds like the clatter of hoofs on cobblestones and background chatter, creating an engaging yet subtle atmosphere. However, it is in the second half where the audio shines, particularly during intense action sequences involving heavy gunfire and explosions. Although the monaural track does not envelop the entire room, it effectively fills the space with well-balanced sounds. Impressively, even amidst chaotic scenes, the dialogue remains clear and distinguishable. There are no reported audio dropouts or digital distortions, underscoring the track's high level of technical proficiency.

The Blu-ray release of "The Bridge" offers a compelling set of extras that provide deep insights into both the film and its historical context. The interviews with Gregor Dorfmeister and Bernhard Wicki provide firsthand accounts of the book's origins and the movie's production, respectively. Volker Schlöndorff’s reflections on the film's impact underscore its significance in the New German Cinema movement. Additionally, excerpts from the documentary "Against the Grain: The Film Legend of Bernhard Wicki" provide a closer look at the production’s history and recognition in the film industry. Each video segment is accompanied by optional English subtitles for non-German speakers, ensuring accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gregor Dorfmeister: Interview with author Gregor Dorfmeister discussing his novel, historical events, and socio-political conditions.
• Bernhard Wicki: Excerpt from a 1989 TV interview with director Bernhard Wicki about making the film.
• Volker Schlöndorff: Interview with director Volker Schlöndorff on the film's influence on New German Cinema.
• Against the Grain: The Film Legend of Bernhard Wicki: Documentary excerpt covering production history with behind-the-scenes footage.
• Leaflet: Featuring Terrence Rafferty's essay "Cannon Fodder".

Bernhard Wicki's 1959 film, "The Bridge" (Die Brücke), masterfully captures the harrowing final days of World War II from the perspective of a group of German teenage boys. The Blu-ray release by Criterion provides a pristinely restored version of this evocative antiwar film, presented in its original German with optional English subtitles. Set in a small German town, the narrative follows these young boys as they eagerly anticipate their conscription into the military, their naive curiosity and national pride leading them unprepared into the tragic reality of combat. Wicki’s direction maintains a documentary-like authenticity, capturing the mundane and profound moments of their lives with a poignant lack of melodrama.

The execution of "The Bridge" resonates with a strength seldom seen in war films, particularly from the perspective of the losing side. Exploring their personal lives imbues the film with an emotional depth that highlights the boys' youthful naiveté and burgeoning masculinity. As they navigate through school and innocent love interests, unaware of the grim future awaiting them, Wicki sets up an effective contrast against the apathetic rigor and brutal realities of their subsequent military training. The transition from their carefree existence to soldiers defending a vital town bridge against American forces underscores their psychological transformation and eventual disillusionment.

The battle sequences are both authentic and visceral, despite the absence of real tanks. The boys' fear and confusion are palpable, heightening the film's antiwar message through their firsthand experiences. A crucial moment unfolds when an American serviceman, recognizing them as children, offers a way out, yet his words tragically go misunderstood. This miscommunication underlines the futility and senselessness of war that Wicki poignantly drives home. Supported by incredible acting, especially from the young cast who embody a believable mix of trepidation and false bravado, "The Bridge" emerges as a timeless exploration of war's devastating impact on youth and society at large.

Bernhard Wicki's "The Bridge" is a seminal German war film that resonates deeply with viewers, capturing the brutal reality of conflict and its devastating impact on society. Widely acknowledged for its influence on the New German Cinema movement, this film remains poignant through its authentic portrayal of youthful soldiers caught in the maelitude of war. The recent 2K restoration enhances its visual appeal, breathing new life into its stark and harrowing imagery, and making it a must-have for any classical cinema aficionado.

Praised for its emotional and visual depth, "The Bridge" intertwines gripping character-driven drama with intense action sequences, creating a powerful narrative that leaves a lasting impression. The film balances its storytelling with technical artistry, evident in the quality of its recent Blu-ray release. The transfer maintains the film’s original texture while providing remarkable clarity, ensuring both longtime fans and new viewers experience it as intended. Additionally, the Blu-ray package includes compelling extras that delve further into the film's historical context and production nuances, enriching the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "The Bridge" is a cinematic cornerstone, depicting the harrowing truth of war with unflinching honesty and artistic precision. This beautifully restored Blu-ray edition not only enhances its visual grandeur but also solidifies its status as an essential piece of film history. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.