Alien Outlaw Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Alien Outlaw," offering a 1080p transfer in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio with MPEG-4 AVC encoding, reflects a commendable effort by Kino Lorber. Thanks to a fresh 4K restoration from the original 16mm camera negatives, the film showcases significantly improved detail and stability over previous releases. The color reproduction is notably vivid, with balanced white and black levels, and the darker scenes are rendered impressively without succumbing to black crush. While some nicks, scratches, and inherited editing quirks remain, they do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The presence of healthy film grain and occasional density fluctuations are expected attributes considering the film's original material.

Despite the presence of some soft spots and prominently grainy sequences, typical for 16mm film stock—especially evident during night scenes and alien landing shots—the restoration remains an enthusiastic upgrade. The clarity, depth, and delineation of the presentation are either very good or excellent, surpassing previous iterations seen even in Rifftrax-enhanced versions. The Blu-ray release is a testament to the effective balance struck between maintaining the film’s original texture and improving its visual components. Overall, it stands as a significant enhancement, elevating the film's viewability to new heights for fans and newcomers alike. This Region-Free Blu-ray release ensures compatibility across various players globally, broadening its accessibility to a wider audience.

The audio presentation of the "Alien Outlaw" Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This audio track, while not groundbreaking, delivers clarity in dialogue despite a predominantly front-loaded mix. The dialogue remains comprehensible, devoid of significant age-related anomalies such as cracks or pops, which can sometimes plague older soundtracks.

However, the auditory experience is somewhat hampered by the originally recorded score, which lacks the depth and excitement necessary to elevate certain scenes. The music suffers from a rather thin sound, leaving it underwhelming in moments that demand higher dynamic ranges. These characteristics reflect the limitations of the original production rather than the audio track itself.

Additionally, the soundtrack does showcase some pronounced sibilance with hard “S” sounds, and the mixing occasionally reveals obvious dubbing. These nuances add to the charm and authenticity of this low-budget feature. Despite these minor drawbacks, the attention given to prominent effects like gunshots and alien grunts enriches the auditory landscape, highlighting the unique quirks that define "Alien Outlaw".

The extras on the "Alien Outlaw" Blu-Ray offer a comprehensive dive into the making of this cult classic, providing significant value to fans and film enthusiasts alike. The two audio commentaries are standout features, offering a deep dive into various aspects of the film, from its inception to its filming locations. Phil Smoot's insights are particularly interesting, as he discusses the film's conception and the hurdles faced during production. The supplementary materials, such as the making-of featurette "They Came From the Swamps" and archival interviews, round out the offering by delving into personal anecdotes and historical context, painting a vivid picture of the production's journey. Overall, this curated selection not only enhances the viewing experience but also preserves the film's unique production history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary One: Director Phil Smoot discusses the film's inception and production details.
• Audio Commentary Two: Editor Sherwood Jones and cast discuss shooting experiences and contributions.
• They Came From the Swamps: A retrospective on the collaborative and production challenges.
• Interview with Sherwood Jones: Reflections on the film title and editing challenges.
• News Conference: Archival footage from a press conference post-screening.
• Behind the Scenes: Raw footage from the North Carolina shoot.
• Archival Interviews: Candid conversations with Lash La Rue and Kimberly Mauldin.
• Home Movie: Archival EPK for promotional purposes.

Phil Smoot's "Alien Outlaw" is a vivid foray into low-budget 1980s sci-fi, receiving a Blu-ray release under Kino Lorber's Kino Cult series. The film features several supplemental additions, including audio commentaries and new featurettes with key cast and crew members. Promising an endearing touch of retro nostalgia, the Blu-ray showcases vibrant cover art that perfectly aligns with the movie’s appeal to aficionados of cult classics. However, viewers should manage their expectations, as this film leans more towards whimsy than precision, echoing the essence of B-movies with a penchant for levity.

The plot follows Jesse Jamison (Kari Anderson), a talented firearm expert caught amidst an unconventional alien invasion in rural America. Smoot attempts to balance humor and action, yet uneven execution and a constrained budget manifest through improvised scenes and inconsistent acting. Lash LaRue, as the mentor figure Alex, adds a touch of nostalgic charm but cannot fully elevate the overall narrative. References to influences resembling works of genre staples like Mario Bava promise much yet deliver less than anticipated in terms of atmospheric depth and cohesive storytelling. Nonetheless, there are moments of inadvertent hilarity interspersed with one-liners that contribute to an endearing quality when viewed through the right lens.

Despite its simplistic narrative and rudimentary effects, "Alien Outlaw" remains a quintessential addition for enthusiasts of B-movie extravagance. Its blend of aliens clad in rubber suits, haphazard dialogue, and overtly stylized sexism render it an exuberant affair for genre fans preferring heart over high production values. Paired with Smoot's other 1985 effort, "The Dark Power," these films provide an entertaining double-bill that celebrates the regional film's raw creativity. Notwithstanding its cinematic shortcomings, "Alien Outlaw" delivers commendable moments of innocent mirth and serves as an engaging tribute to the bygone era of low-budget sci-fi cinema.

"Alien Outlaw" is a distinctive piece of regional genre filmmaking that may not stand strong as an independent feature, but gains value when paired with Phil Smoot’s companion film, "The Dark Power". It has a unique and quirky premise that emphasizes the low-budget feel through its visible constraints, presenting an earnest charm that appeals to a niche audience. While the direct comparisons to films like "Predator" and "The Most Dangerous Game" might be overstated, there are thematic connections that resonate, especially when considering Ron Ormond’s atypical directorial style found in "From Hollywood to Heaven: The Lost and Saved Films of the Ormond Family".

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber represents a significant enhancement with its 4K restoration, presenting a clear and refined audio-visual experience. This new restoration allows the film's distinct features and idiosyncratic flair to shine, accompanied by a selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. It's a celebration of low-budget creativity, capturing the essence of its regional cinema roots while providing valuable insights into the production’s context.

In conclusion, "Alien Outlaw" might not suit mainstream tastes but remains a compelling watch for those interested in exploring unconventional, low-budget offerings. Its release paired with "The Dark Power" and backed by thoughtful restoration and bonus content makes it an intriguing experiment for fans of niche cinema. Recommended for those seeking an offbeat selection that credits creativity and ambition over polished production values.