Outland Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Outland" is a much-needed upgrade over the previous DVD release, which was widely criticized for its soft, noisy image riddled with aliasing and interference. The Blu-ray transfer preserves the nuances of Hyams' dark cinematographic style, characterized by his deliberate manipulation of light to create true blacks that highlight intricate details even in shadowy scenes. Detail is meticulously rendered in both FX shots and regular scenes, allowing viewers to appreciate the rich textures of the Io mining facility, miners' quarters, and the marshall's office. Vivid colors contrast sharply with deep blacks and whites, ensuring that every element, from the bright green greenhouse to the bloody injuries, stands out without noise or artificial enhancement.

The 2.40:1 aspect ratio is commendably close to the original format and marks an improvement over previous letterboxed releases. Despite minor aging-related blurriness in some sequences, the image remains sharp and distinct overall, highlighting finer details like every wrinkle on Sean Connery's face and the intricate designs of the mining outpost. Contrast levels generally maintain a crisp brightness and consistent color fidelity, although some interior scenes suffer from inconsistent black levels, appearing murky at times and affecting shadow details. However, these issues do not detract significantly from an otherwise robust high-definition presentation that enhances the cinematic appeal of "Outland."

Conclusively, while some minor imperfections persist due to the film's age and photographic style, this Blu-ray transfer offers a substantial qualitative leap from its DVD predecessors. No evidence of detail-stripping or degraining is visible, ensuring an accurate representation of "Outland" as seen in 1981. The attention to detail and fidelity to the original film make this Blu-ray edition a must-have for fans and a notable achievement in high-definition video restoration.

The audio presentation of "Outland" on Blu-ray is a standout, drawing from its original 70mm six-track mix, which was known for its sonic superiority. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track retains the immersive qualities of this original mix, offering an authentic and engaging experience. The surround ambiance is exceptionally well-executed in large environments, specifically in scenes set in the colony saloon, miners' barracks, and depots. The bass extension is notably deep and organic, particularly evident during shuttle landing sequences, contributing to a cohesive sound experience that doesn't feel artificially enhanced. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, and Jerry Goldsmith's evocative score is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the sound design without overpowering other elements.

The surround sound design, pioneering for its time, anticipated modern 5.1 systems. Although comprehensive use of rear channels may be infrequent, the soundfield's balance and channel separation are meticulously crafted. The blend of off-screen effects and directional audio creates a convincing sense of spatial immersion. Goldsmith's score, bleeding into the rear channels, significantly enhances the listening experience, allowing the music to envelop the audience. Vocals remain clear and prioritized with an expansive dynamic range that is both wide and cleanly rendered. Additionally, the low-frequency effects are hearty and precise, offering a robust response that defies the film's age. The overall audio presentation on this Blu-ray makes for a compelling and lossless listening experience.

The extras provided on the Blu Ray of "Outland" offer a captivating glimpse behind the scenes of this classic film. The standout feature is the Commentary by Writer-Director Peter Hyams, where Hyams delivers vivid and detailed recollections of the production process, despite having not revisited his work in years. His engaging anecdotes, such as Connery’s demand to see the dailies, provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process, including lighting, casting, widescreen framing, and Connery's exceptional ability to elevate a scene. This new commentary stands out as exceptionally entertaining and informative. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is included, though no other new features are added.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Writer-Director Peter Hyams: Vivid details and insights from a 30-year-old shoot, featuring engaging stories and technical filmmaking aspects.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview emphasizing the ultimate adversary theme.

Peter Hyams' "Outland" skillfully transposes the archetypal western to a grim, industrial future on Jupiter's moon, Io. The film narrates the tormented journey of William T. O'Niel (Sean Connery), a federal marshal who stands against corporate corruption in a desolate mining colony. By integrating workaday grit and blue-collar realism inspired by Ridley Scott’s "Alien" and "Blade Runner," the film crafts an immersive narrative that sheds light on capitalism's unrelenting grip in a frontier setting. Despite its sci-fi façade, the plot adheres to classical western motifs, depicting rugged miners concerned with basic survival rather than extraterrestrial threats. This spatially confined, atmospheric tension is augmented by Hyams’ directional precision and Steven Goldblatt’s cinematography, delivering a compelling visual experience.

The plot unfolds with O'Niel grappling with familial estrangement while investigating mysterious miner fatalities traced back to a drug operation. Frances Sternhagen's Dr. Lazarus serves as a foil and anchor, her rapport with Connery grounding the narrative in moral and emotional stakes. The duo’s evolving camaraderie against Mark Sheppard's (Peter Boyle) villainous managerial persona embodies the classic hero-villain dynamic, but set within meticulously designed futuristic interiors. Hyams' decision to cast Sternhagen without altering the script written for a male character added a unique dimension to the film, while Stuart Baird's editing techniques ensure action sequences remain coherent yet dynamic.

"Outland" benefits from practical effects pre-dating the CGI era, relying on models and optical work to create a gritty realism that sometimes eludes modern digital methods. Hyams' viscerally kinetic long shots and practical set designs cultivate an intense spatial sense, tracking characters through labyrinthine confines in sequences that compellingly defy temporal bounds. As Jerry Goldsmith's ethereal score amplifies the bleak mechanical ambiance, "Outland" emerges as a distinctive blend of genres and a resilient narrative on corporate avarice and moral fortitude, transcending its ostensibly simple premises.

'Outland' on Blu-ray, written and directed by Peter Hyams, retains its standing as a cult classic, blending sci-fi and western genres in an engaging manner. Sean Connery's portrayal of a steadfast lawman set against the backdrop of an off-world mining colony adds a nostalgic yet captivating touch to this 'High Noon' in space narrative. This Blu-ray release boasts a significant upgrade in both audio and video quality compared to previous home video versions, ensuring a visually stunning and aurally immersive experience for viewers.

The video transfer is notably enhanced, with a clean, sharp image that highlights the film’s atmospheric setting and detailed production design. Colors are richer and more vibrant, while black levels are deep and true, essential for the film's many dimly lit scenes. The audio presentation is equally impressive, with a clear, dynamic range that brings out the nuances of the film’s score and sound effects, further immersing the audience into the gritty, tense world of ‘Outland’.

However, it’s worth noting that the Blu-ray features only one exclusive supplement. While this is a slight drawback for those expecting a plethora of extras, the merit of owning this upgraded transfer far outweighs the sparse bonus content. The meticulous improvement in A/V quality alone makes this edition worthy of inclusion in any collection.

Fans of Outland have waited a long time. I'm not going to say the wait was worth it, because frankly Warner shouldn't have taken so long to redo the transfer and reissue the title. But at least, when they finally did, it was done right. Highly recommended.