The Cat (1988) Blu-ray Review: This Cat Toys with the Audience

This 1988 German heist film has such a conventional first act that it seems almost miraculous when it develops into a twisty thriller rivaling the intensity of Michael Mann’s Heat. Two masked robbers enter a bank and take hostages, demanding three million marks as ransom. Unknown to the rapidly assembled police forces outside, the robbers have a third accomplice calling the shots from outside, the true mastermind of the operation determined to outplay the cops.

The mastermind, Probek, is played to super cool ‘80s perfection by Gotz George, rocking his finely tailored suit, macho mustache, and tinted glasses as the embodiment of a suave criminal who can’t possibly lose. It’s a delight to watch Probek control his two proxies inside the bank, as well as continually confound the cops outside, playing both sides as he composes his criminal masterpiece. And yet, the story is still fairly conventional until a wild card emerges: Probek’s seemingly devoted, secret girlfriend assigned to transport the ransom funds from the cops to a designated drop-off as a neutral third party. 

Director Dominik Graf skillfully ratchets up the tension throughout the film, easing us into the plot pot of water with its simple heist setup before turning up the heat so incrementally that we don’t even realize it’s boiling until it’s too late. The premise seems so straightforward as the robbers demand ransom and safe passage that it’s easy to miss Graf’s grand scheme. By the final act, viewers are guaranteed to be completely hooked as Graf lands the gut punch of his impeccably constructed ending.

The Blu-ray utilizes a new hi-def digital transfer newly graded by Radiance Films and overseen by Graf. The print is fairly clean, with some minor instances of debris still present, while grain is less than anticipated. Colors are as one would expect of any ‘80s crime drama, but remain consistent throughout scenes, with the entire film being well lit. Optional stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks are included, offering a bit fuller sound in 5.1 but keeping almost all focus on the dialogue-heavy center channel.

Bonus features include lengthy new individual interviews with Graf, the screenwriter, and the producer, along with a trailer and select scene commentary by Graf. As usual with Radiance Films, the Blu-ray sleeve is reversible, with original and newly commissioned artwork, while the 3000-copy limited edition includes a booklet with new essays about the film.