The Extended Edition of Der Untergang adds approximately of footage, bringing the total runtime to roughly 178 to 186 minutes , depending on the regional release.

However, not all versions of the film are created equal. The version that streams on most platforms or airs on television is often the theatrical cut (156 minutes). For the complete experience—the raw, unfiltered descent into the Führerbunker—fans search for the . Specifically, they want to watch The Downfall full version, which includes brutal scenes of the German military tribunal and extended character arcs.

Hirschbiegel employs a cinema-verité style, utilizing handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a sense of documentary authenticity. The Extended Edition benefits from this approach, as the additional scenes allow the audience to soak in the production design of the ruins of Berlin.