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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (September 2025): Kino have transferred Cliff Owen's The Wrong Arm of the Law to Blu-ray. It is cited as being a "2023 HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative". The visual style leans into a semi-realistic portrayal of 1960s London, blending studio-bound interiors with on-location exteriors to ground the farce in tangible settings. Technically, the film's black-and-white cinematography by Ernest Steward (Some Girls Do, The High Commissioner, The Avengers (TV Series,) Deadlier Than the Male, The Brides of Fu Manchu, The Face of Fu Manchu, Ten Little Indians) captures London's gritty yet quaint underworld with crisp detail, as seen in the restoration's 1.66:1 transfer, which offers balanced contrast and no visible wear. The contrast is nicely balanced in 1080P, retaining shadow detail without softening black levels, and the print is remarkably clean, free from dust, debris, or signs of wear, providing a pin-sharp visual experience that enhances the comedic timing and bustling London settings. While minor improvements could be made to grain exposure and black management in select scenes, the overall video quality is impressive, making this restoration a significant upgrade for fans of classic British cinema.

NOTE: We have added 68 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. The film's auditory landscape complements the visual farce, using ambient noises sparingly to avoid overwhelming the comedic timing, and incorporates subtle sound cues - such as the merry-go-round's creaks in a key negotiation scene - to heighten absurdity. While age-related limitations are evident in occasional thinness during dynamic sequences and shrill reproduction of high-pitched sounds, there is no distracting background hiss or distortion, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience that prioritizes the witty banter and ensemble performances. The lossless rendering delivers clear dialogue, effects, and music throughout, with the jazzy score by Richard Rodney Bennett (Secret Ceremony, Billy Liar Figures in a Landscape Far From the Madding Crowd, Heavens Above!, The Witches, Equus, The Man Who Could Cheat Death,) coming through warmly and effectively to complement the film's satirical tone. . Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The extras on the Kino Blu-ray start with a new audio commentary by film journalist Laurence Lerman (Filmshul,) which provides insightful analysis of the film's production, performances, and cultural context. This is complemented by "The Long Arm of the Screenwriter," a 20 minute interview with co-screenwriter John Antrobus, where he reminisces about his career, collaborations with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and the development of the script, offering valuable behind-the-scenes anecdotes despite its modest production quality. Rounding out the package is the original theatrical trailer, a lively promotional piece that highlights the film's humor and star power, making for a concise but engaging set of supplements that enhance appreciation

Cliff Owen's The Wrong Arm of the Law stands as a quintessential example of British comedy from the post-Ealing era, blending sharp wit, farcical elements, and a satirical take on crime and law enforcement in early 1960s London. Starring Peter Sellers (Two Way Stretch, Heavens Above!, The Party, Being There, Hoffman, Mr. Topaze, Dr. Strangelove) in a dual role as the suave Cockney crime boss Pearly Gates and his alter-ego, the French couturier Monsieur Jules, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Lionel Jeffries (Sudden Terror, Camelot, First Men in the Moon, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as the bumbling Inspector "Nosey" Parker, Bernard Cribbins (Frenzy,) as the twitchy Nervous O'Toole, and Nanette Newman (The Whisperers, Seance on a Wet Afternoon, The Wrong Box, The League of Gentlemen) as Pearly's seductive girlfriend Valerie. At its core, the film explores themes of unlikely alliances and the blurred lines between law and disorder, portraying the criminal underworld as a structured "brotherhood" akin to a trade union, complete with democratic meetings, employee benefits like luncheon vouchers, and even educational film screenings of heist classics like "Rififi" (1955). The Kino Lorber Blu-ray of "The Wrong Arm of the Law" is a warmly recommended release for enthusiasts of 1960s British comedy, combining a high-quality 4K-sourced restoration with solid audio and meaningful extras that celebrate the film's witty script and stellar cast, including Peter Sellers in one of his finest pre-Pink Panther roles. The new commentary adds fresh perspective to the package, making this US edition a worthy addition to any collection, especially given its accessible pricing and faithful presentation of a classic caper that endures through its sharp satire and timeless humor. Recommended.

Gary Tooze