NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (October 2020): Kino have transferred Tod Browning's Silent Era Outside the Law to Blu-ray. This is from a Universal Pictures restoration, although I don't have a lot of details. But it is probably the one that premiered during the 2017 San Francisco Silent Film Festival. PR Newswire states "After a worldwide search by NBCUniversal Global Media Operations, the best quality source elements were found at the Library of Congress who loaned a 35mm safety dupe negative for the restoration. Assistance was also provided by The Packard Humanities Institute at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The 4K digital restoration was completed by NBCUniversal StudioPost." For the most part it looks extremely impressive. The contrast does fluctuate during the centre of the frame and I suspect some warping. There is also extensive damage is a couple, of scenes (see below.) But black levels seen heightened and although it can appear frail - it looks impressive in-motion. This film is 100-years old - but the 1080P image quality is miraculous throughout most of the feature presentation. 

NOTE: We have added 64 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master stereo track (24-bit) comprised of an orchestral score by Anton Sanko. I really liked it - you can hear a variety of wind and string instruments - even a subtle harp. It can get quite boisterous - almost James Bond-like. It suits the film experience wonderfully. The Kino has original English Intertitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Anthony Slide (author of Nitrate Won't Wait: A History of Film Preservation in the United States.) He discusses the 'yellow face' make-up, how Outside the Law is difficult to categorize - early example Film Noir?, a Feminist film? not your average Browning melodrama, the frequent use of the ' little person actor' John George, the appearance of 15-year old Anna May Wong and much, much, more. He was a pleasure to listen to. There is also a 10-minute alternate ending - where the footage comes from a 16mm "Show-at-Home" print of Outside the Law (and is believed to have been adapted from the 1926 re-issue cut of the film). It is comprised completely of alternate takes, with significantly less nitrate decomposition. This print eliminates the climactic fight scene and replaces it with a different conclusion. It has music composed and performed by Andrew Earle Simpson. Kino include a 9-minute split screen footage comparison highlighting the restoration. 

Tod Browning's Outside the Law is a keen crime thriller. It has the director/writer's edginess with an aggressive conflict in the finale and Chaney's dual performance. It has plenty of wicked grimaces and bedroom eyes from Priscilla Dean (Silky Moll.) I was entertained. The Kino Blu-ray offers an impressive presentation - restored image and great score - plus the commentary, alternate ending etc. Silent Era aficionados shouldn't hesitate for a moment. This is a desirable Blu-ray - an absolute 'keeper'.

Gary Tooze