Outside The Law (1920) Eureka Masters of Cinema Blu-ray Review

#todbrowning #lonchaney #silentfilm #mastersofcinema #blurayreview

I review the Eureka Masters of Cinema Region B release of the nearly lost classic OUTSIDE THE LAW (1920). Universal has done another MIRACULOUS 4K restoration of a silent classic featuring Lon Chaney Sr. This was an early collaboration for Browning and Chaney as a gangster film whcih was really a vheicle for Priscilla Dean. Once you get past the speedbump of this not being the typical Browning-Chaney collaboration we expect and that Chaney has a minor role and a second smaller part (that is unfortunately a racial stereotype) this is a remarkable film filled with great moments and surprisingly modern ones. There is a great sense of atmosphere, interesting depth added to our lead characters, Chaney is mesmerizing, the final fight sequences are really gritty and bloody-and if that were not enough Priscilla Dean stands out as truly endearing and feisty throughout.

The film was cut for a 1926 reissue and then unfortunately thought lost until a lone print turned up in a barn in the 70's. Since then a secondary 16mm source has been able to be utilized but overall this restoration is stunning. There are sadly two areas of nitrate decomposition in the final act that does mar the climax but it really amazing we have this film at all. This is a major building block for both Browning and Chaney and remains remarkably effective today. The Eureka Blu-ray release is extremely well done with fantastic encoding, exclusive supplements and a very affordable low asking price. This has my HIGHEST recommendation and belongs on any shelf of silent, Chaney or Browning fans.

Order from Eureka directly here: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/outsi...
Or from Orbit DVD here: https://www.orbitdvd.com/products/out...

00:00 Film Discussion
18:00 Picture Quality
22:50 EXCELLENT disc encoding by Eureka
23:34 Audio Quality
24:11 Packaging and Artwork
25:59 Supplemental Features
29:26 Final summary