Outside the Law Blu-ray Review

"Outside the Law" comes to UK Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition video transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, ensuring an immersive viewing experience faithful to its theatrical presentation. The transfer exhibits commendable detail, manifesting even in darker sequences, though clarity and contrast levels fluctuate as the narrative transitions from Algeria to France. The film employs a variable color scheme reflective of its shifting locales and eras: dusty, sun-bleached yellows dominate early Algerian scenes, while Parisian settings showcase a mix of cold, dilapidated shantytowns and vibrant night streets illuminated by warm streetlamps.

Edge enhancement is subtly present but minimally distracting; minor artifacts and occasional ringing are discernable yet do not significantly impact the viewing experience. The high-definition transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, maintains a relatively consistent detail level throughout, despite the absence of high saturation in black levels. The changing settings—from Algeria's deserts to Paris's contrasting nightlife and slums—are effectively conveyed through evolving color palettes from warm earth tones to cooler grays and greens. Contrast falls short of perfection, lacking the "3D-pop" characteristic of high-end demos, but remains sufficient for delivering a compelling visual presentation.

While "Outside the Law" does not qualify as demo-quality material, it proves to be a respectable and engaging representation of the film on Blu-ray. The artifacts' presence is generally minor, with occasional light edge-enhancement evident yet non-intrusive. Stability remains solid throughout, contributing to the overall satisfactory experience of this Blu-ray release from Optimum Home Entertainment.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Outside the Law" features two distinct tracks: a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a French LPCM 2.0 mix, with segments in Arabic. Fortunately, Optimum Home Entertainment provides accurate English subtitles embedded within the movie image. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out with its well-balanced dynamic range, integrating clear and coherent dialogue throughout. While the film leans heavily on dialogue-driven scenes, the action sequences are executed with notable depth, utilizing the LFE channel and surrounds to enhance immersive moments, such as the intense Setif massacre and various explosive gun battles.

The surround channels are intelligently employed, providing a robust yet nuanced sonic experience that enhances both the quieter, dramatic moments and the more action-oriented scenes. Although the score may not leave a lasting impression, it effectively complements the film and leverages the surround system. Despite not being demo-quality, the track comes close, offering solid, engaging audio—albeit not one designed to push your audio equipment to its limits. The nuanced dynamics and stable dialogue presentation make the French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track a commendable effort worth experiencing.

The Blu-ray disc of "Outside the Law" includes a select but high-quality set of extras, which enhance the viewing experience with insightful behind-the-scenes glimpses and directorial perspectives. The main highlight is a comprehensive Making-Of Featurette where director Rachid Bouchareb, along with key cast members such as Jamel Debbouze and Roschdy Zem, delve into the inspiration behind the film, detailed thematic discussions, and provide substantial behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, an engaging 12-minute interview with the director further unpacks his goals and thematic focus, implicitly prepared to continue in an eventual trilogy conclusion. The original theatrical trailer offers a succinct glimpse into the film’s essence. It’s important to note that all extras are presented in French with English subtitles, and the content is encoded in PAL format, necessitating a Region-Free player for North American viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: An in-depth featurette exploring inspiration, themes, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Interview: Director’s detailed discussion on film's goals and thematic focus.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer with subtitles.

Rachid Bouchareb's "Outside the Law" is a harrowing, era-spanning historical war drama that offers an intense and complex portrayal of the Algerian War. The film explores the nuanced moral landscapes inhabited by its characters, drawing comparisons to thematic elements from other crime epics such as "The Godfather" and "Once Upon a Time in America." Through a meticulous narrative structure, Bouchareb chronicles the lives of three brothers who embark on disparate paths following the upheaval in their small Algerian village. The film carefully navigates their journey from Algeria to France, shedding light on their involvement in the FLN and the fraught struggle for Algerian independence within French territories. This meticulous attention to historical context serves as both an educational and emotionally impactful experience for viewers, making it a compelling piece of cinema.

Presented in French and Arabic with English subtitles, "Outside the Law" commands attention with its powerful storytelling and morally ambiguous characters. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutality on both sides of the conflict, refusing to propagate any simplistic narrative where one side is wholly justified. Messaoud, Abdelkader, and Said's actions encapsulate the harsh realities and complexities inherent in their cause, revealing individuals driven by necessity rather than nobility. The Blu-ray release from Optimum Home Entertainment offers a solid presentation with decent video and audio quality, complemented by relevant supplemental features like the original theatrical trailer, a making-of featurette, and an insightful video interview with Bouchareb.

Unlike its predecessor "Days of Glory," “Outside the Law” abstains from romanticizing its protagonists. The film immerses itself into the gritty and often ethically murky operations undertaken by FLN members, reflecting their ideological and tactical diversities. The narrative seamlessly interweaves historical fact with artistic storytelling, making it a superb exposition on Algerian resistance efforts on French soil. As controversial as it is compelling, Bouchareb's masterful direction ensures that the film remains grounded, providing an unflinching look at a war that continues to reverberate through both Algerian and French histories.

Outside the Law, directed by Rachid Bouchareb, is an ambitious film that attempts to weave together political intrigue, crime drama, and family dynamics within its narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial rule, the film follows three brothers who take divergent paths in their fight for freedom. While the movie features a strong cast and some compelling scenes, it often buckles under the weight of its multifaceted storyline.

The Blu-ray edition delivers crisp visuals and an immersive audio experience, capturing the essence of 1960s Paris and Algeria with remarkable detail. The high-definition transfer is excellent, presenting vivid color palettes and intricate textures, which contribute significantly to the viewing experience. The sound design is equally commendable, offering clear dialogue and well-balanced ambient sounds that enrich the film's atmosphere. Special features on the disc provide additional insights into the historical context and production process, enhancing appreciation for the film's ambitious scope.

However, despite these technical achievements, Outside the Law struggles to maintain narrative cohesion. The film's pacing is uneven, and its attempt to juggle multiple genres results in a lack of depth in its storytelling. The emotional impact of the brothers' journey is often diminished by abrupt tonal shifts and a script that tries to cover too much ground without giving each element its due attention.

In conclusion, Outside the Law is a technically proficient Blu-ray release that will likely appeal to those interested in historical dramas and films focusing on anti-colonial movements. Nevertheless, its attempts to be a multi-genre epic leave it feeling disjointed and scattered. While there are moments of brilliance, particularly in its visual and auditory presentation, the overall execution falls short of expectations. For a more focused and impactful experience from Rachid Bouchareb, his previous work Days of Glory is a better recommendation. RENT IT.