Outside the Law Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, “Outside the Law” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Palisades Tartan. This high-definition transfer, derived from the same Studio Canal master utilized by Optimum Home Entertainment for their UK release, displays marginally better compression for the U.S. release, resulting in slightly tighter visuals when projected. Featuring a 1080p transfer, the clarity and contrast fluctuate as action shifts geographically from Algeria to France. The film employs a color scheme that evolves from soft, warm yellows to cold blues and grays, reflective of the narrative progression. However, the black levels remain uniformly unsaturated throughout, detracting from the film's overall visual impact. Mild edge-enhancement is noticeable but not overly disruptive, and minor artifacts and ringing patterns occasionally appear during the first half but are easy to overlook.

Contrarily, some viewers may find the video presentation significantly lacking due to severe encoding issues. Reports indicate pervasive blocking, banding, and aliasing, reminiscent of poorly compressed cable signals rather than a pristine Blu-ray transfer. Night scenes, in particular, exhibit distracting digital noise and blocking that degrade the viewing experience. Furthermore, banding issues during darker scenes are pronounced enough to visually distort the frame, likened to looking through a telescope tube. Accompanying these technical problems are poorly placed subtitles that straddle the frame's lower third, coupled with frequent subtitle timing discrepancies that disrupt dialogue coherence. These extensive encoding and subtitle issues severely compromise the overall video quality of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray of "Outside the Law" offers two primary audio tracks: French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English Dolby Digital 2.0. Both tracks include optional English and French subtitles, which neatly split between the image frame and the black bar beneath. The standout here is the French DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, particularly effective during action sequences. This track opens up the film well, creating an immersive soundscape with bullets convincingly whizzing through front and rear channels. However, while the track delivers clarity in dialogue and decent spatial presence during crowded street scenes and intense boxing matches, it does not provide the dynamic range that high-end systems might showcase.

Dialogue clarity remains a strong point, offering crisp and stable vocal tracks which are easy to follow. However, it's worth mentioning that while the English subtitles translate well, they could use some refinement. Rear channel activity is well-placed and proficiently aids in creating an atmospheric audio environment. Despite this, the overall impact falls short of awe-inspiring; the audio track performs adequately but does not elevate the viewing experience to a higher level of audio immersion.

In summary, the French DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is a capable inclusion for this Blu-ray release of "Outside the Law," effectively managing action scenes and maintaining clear dialogue throughout. While it does not offer any groundbreaking dynamic range or wow moments, it provides a serviceable listening experience that will guide you through the film efficiently.

The Blu-ray extras for "Outside the Law" provide a comprehensive deep dive into the film's production and thematic intricacies. The "Making Of" featurette delivers insightful commentary from director Rachid Bouchareb and actors Jamel Debbouze and Roschdy Zem, including behind-the-scenes footage of the elaborate sets. The "Deleted Scenes" gallery reveals additional narrative layers, such as an illuminating scene of Abdelkader's sentencing. The "Director Interview" showcases Bouchareb's creative vision and development process, while the "Cast Interviews" offer candid reflections from Sami Bouajila, Jamel Debbouze, and Roschdy Zem about their characters and the film's controversial message. Additional materials include the original theatrical trailer, a teaser, and trailers for other Palisades Tartan releases. These extras collectively enhance the viewing experience by providing rich context and deeper engagement with the film's content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Filmmakers and actors discuss the film's historical context.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes that add narrative depth.
• Director Interview: Insight into the director's creative process.
• Cast Interviews: Candid discussions with main actors.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Teaser: A short preview of the film.
• Trailers: Previews of other Palisades Tartan releases.

Rachid Bouchareb's "Outside the Law" (2010), selected to represent Algeria at the 83rd Academy Awards and nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, arrives on Blu-ray via Palisades Tartan. The film delves into Algeria's fight for independence from post-World War II French oppression. Through the lens of three brothers—Said, Messaoud, and Abdelkader—the narrative explores the lengths to which individuals go, transforming from law-abiding citizens to fervent freedom fighters. Said (Jamel Debbouze) turns to controlling prostitution to survive, while Messaoud (Roschdy Zem) and Abdelkader (Sami Bouajila) engage in violent measures to support the FLN's fight against French rule. The film remains careful not to lionize these characters, showcasing their moral complexities and making it clear that their road to independence is paved with brutal actions and ethical contradictions.

"Outside the Law" avoids romanticizing its protagonists or their cause. Bouchareb portrays the three brothers as men with flexible moral standards, deeply entrenched in a dirty war. While Abdelkader justifies killing Algerians who contribute economically to France, his actions reflect the broader struggle of fighting for a just cause via questionable means. Unlike Gillo Pontecorvo's "The Battle of Algiers," Bouchareb’s film focuses less on philosophical unity and more on tactical strategies. This approach borrows elements from classic crime films, drawing parallels to Sergio Leone’s "Once Upon a Time in America," where violent raids are depicted as necessary yet morally ambiguous.

The film's stark realism, especially in its visceral action scenes, may be challenging for some viewers. Though initially engaging, "Outside the Law" runs 138 minutes, sometimes feeling tedious due to its repetitive nature and the characters' descending likability. Despite these flaws, the film successfully captures the tumultuous period and the dark transformation of its characters, making it a compelling watch for those interested in historical dramas centered on liberation struggles.

The Blu-ray release of "Outside the Law" presents a complex picture. While Rachid Bouchareb's film covers an intriguing narrative, exploring the struggles and resistance movements of Algerian immigrants in 1950s Paris, its presentation on Blu-ray leaves much to be desired. The politics behind the story may not sit well with everyone, and the depiction is far from balanced compared to Bouchareb's earlier work, "Days of Glory."

Technically, the Blu-ray falters significantly. The video quality is troublesome, riddled with encoding issues that make it difficult to enjoy. Many reviewers have noted that this is one of the worst video presentations they have encountered on Blu-ray, plagued by pixelation, poor color gradation, and an overall lack of clarity that detracts from the viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "Outside the Law" offers a fascinating historical narrative, this particular Blu-ray release fails to do it justice. If you are considering adding this film to your collection, it might be worth looking into alternative releases that have better video quality and a richer selection of supplemental features, such as Palisades Tartan’s edition.