Beyond Outrage Blu-ray Review

Magnolia Home Entertainment's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Beyond Outrage" manifests excellence in technical execution, albeit on a single-layer BD-25 disc with an average bitrate of 17.50 Mbps. Professionally shot on film by Katsumi Yanagishima and finished on a digital intermediate, the transfer delivers a clean, sharp, and detailed picture. The image possesses a silky density with deep and solid blacks, contributing significantly to the atmosphere. The color palette is particularly striking: outdoor daytime scenes are tinted blue, imparting a cold, almost otherworldly vibe, whereas indoor yakuza locations boast rich, deeply saturated colors, symbolizing power. In sharp contrast, government facilities exude a dull and washed-out appearance.

In terms of video quality, the Blu-ray's 1080p resolution and 2.40:1 aspect ratio leverage Japan's scenery to full effect. High-definition clarity is evident in scenes shot along the coast, where the detail extends from foreground activities to the distant ocean backdrop. Depth is notably impressive; daytime visuals appear pastel-like and inviting, while nighttime shots effectively convey a chilling duality. Black levels are robust, free from crush, maintaining integrity during numerous darker scenes. The color reproduction remains warm and inviting during the day, transitioning seamlessly to cooler tones at night without banding or pixelation. Flesh tones stay natural and realistic unless narrative context alters them.

The high-definition transfer handles noise and artifacts admirably, with no visible anomalies present. The film's pacing—largely conversational with intermittent violent bursts—likely aids the compressionist in conserving bits for action-heavy sequences, mitigating any potential compression issues despite the unfortunate trend towards BD-25s. Overall, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Beyond Outrage" is a technical triumph, making judicious use of available resources to deliver an engaging and visually arresting experience.

The original 5.1 Japanese soundtrack for "Beyond Outrage" presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio is a refined auditory experience that enhances the atmospheric tension of the film. The sound design is deliberate and nuanced, particularly in quieter scenes where the stillness is punctuated by the exchange of dialogue. Uniquely, voices are allowed to move across the front soundstage, adding a spatial dimension to larger meetings. Specific environments, like a pachinko parlor, are meticulously crafted to immerse the viewer. Here, the cacophony of pachinko machines surrounds the listener until critical events necessitate a dramatic drop in sound, drawing attention to key moments before the din resumes. This meticulous attention to sonic detail extends to other settings, such as a baseball facility and an auto junkyard.

From a technical perspective, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track demonstrates impressive dynamics and low-frequency resolution. The score by Keiichi Suzuki adds a noirish, jazzy undertone that heightens the film's sense of foreboding. Dialogue reproduction is consistently sharp and clear, ensuring no loss of detail in critical conversations. While the film leans heavily on dialogue-driven scenes, occasional bursts of brutal violence are handled with precision, with gunfights delivering satisfying LFE impact. The subtle surround sound presentation adds ambient elements like distant seagulls or background chatter, contributing to an immersive yet understated auditory landscape.

In summary, "Beyond Outrage" delivers a sophisticated audio presentation that effectively enhances the viewing experience through careful mixing and strategic use of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 format. The sound design's attention to detail and dynamic range not only supports but enriches the film's gripping atmosphere and narrative tension.

The Blu-ray of "Beyond Outrage" includes a noteworthy extra feature that provides an exceptional in-depth documentary entitled "Making Of: Outrage Further Beyond." This substantial behind-the-scenes look spans 61 minutes and is presented in 480i quality with a 1.78:1 enhanced aspect ratio. The documentary offers extensive, candid interviews with the director and principal cast, capturing substantial work as Kitano blocks and develops crucial scenes. This feature vividly portrays the transformation of a script into visual storytelling, spotlighting the intense focus of the cast under a legendary director's guidance. The coverage is both comprehensive and engaging, making it a valuable addition for fans and cinephiles interested in the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

Making Of: Outrage Further Beyond: Detailed documentary with interviews and on-set footage. Trailers: Includes trailers for various Magnolia films and a promo for AXS TV. BD-Live: Access to additional Magnolia film trailers.

Beyond Outrage, directed by the multifaceted Beat Takeshi, continues the intricate narrative of its predecessor with an elevated sense of strategic deception and manipulation. The film mirrors the complexity of Shakespearean tragedies through its elaborate conspiracy and deceptive machinations, presenting a world of yakuza intrigue that feels as separate and timeless as a noble class. Kitano's direct storytelling, coupled with his poetic visuals, showcases gangsters in corporate-like meetings infused with ancient brotherhood traditions. This sequel crafts a calculated and sinister atmosphere, as seen in the tension-filled rivalries that climax in unexpected bursts of violence.

Kitano introduces several compelling characters and plot elements that enhance this meticulous gangster saga. Five years after the events of Outrage, tensions rise as Kato (Tomokazu Miura) and his underboss Ishihara (Ryo Kase) reforge the Sanno crime syndicate into a meritocratic regime, causing friction with the old guard. Opposing them is the Hanabishi clan led by Mr. Fuse (Shigeru Koyama). But the most intriguing addition is the Machiavellian Det. Kataoka (Fumiyo Kohinata), whose manipulative schemes involve orchestrating alliances and betrayals between gangs to weaken their power. His early release of Otomo (Beat Takeshi) from prison just to further his plots highlights his cunning nature. These strategic moves drive the story toward a frenetic crescendo where trust is a scarce commodity.

Despite its more reflective pacing compared to its predecessor, Beyond Outrage doesn’t shy away from the violence Kitano is known for, which is both creative and brutal. The verbal confrontations are just as intense, adding a layer of psychological warfare. Fumiyo Kohinata’s portrayal of Det. Kataoka stands out, rendering a deeply layered character whose motives are shrouded in ambiguity. As alliances are tested and betrayals mount, Kitano effectively builds an atmosphere where treachery lurks in every corner, setting the stage for an anticipated third installment.

Beyond Outrage" continues the narrative established in Kitano's earlier works, offering a slower paced yet equally compelling conclusion to the yakuza saga. While it may lack the frenetic violence of "Outrage," this film delves deeper into the psychological aspects of its characters. Kitano's restrained directorial approach allows for a more nuanced exploration of themes such as the fragility of traditional masculinity within the crumbling structures of organized crime. The film notably benefits from excellent performances across the board, with Kitano's portrayal and directorial precision standing out.

Technically, the Blu-ray is impressive, with high-quality visuals and audio that enhance the viewing experience. The included documentary provides valuable insights into Kitano's evolving interests and methods, specifically his shift towards focusing on the psychology of violence. However, some viewers might feel a bit shortchanged by the lack of additional supplements that could have further enriched the home viewing experience.

Long-time Kitano fans may be disappointed at the relative restraint of "Beyond Outrage" compared to some of the extreme violence for which Kitano's earlier films are known. Yet, it becomes evident that Kitano has grown more interested in the psychology of violence rather than the act itself. The actors' interviews reveal an intriguing theme of their enjoyment in portraying roles that allow them psychological freedom not typically available in real life. Kitano's yakuza films probe questions of manhood, as these characters, living outside of regular society, redefine traditional masculinity. In "Beyond Outrage," many of these traditional definitions are presented as collapsing, leaving audiences contemplating what, if anything, will replace them in the final chapter of this compelling trilogy.

Highly recommended for both fans and newcomers alike, "Beyond Outrage" is a must-watch that provides a deeper understanding of its characters and thematic undercurrents. Don't miss out on adding this Blu-ray to your collection, alongside its predecessor "Outrage.