- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,397
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Tod Browning's (yes, that Tod Browning) 1920 Outside the Law is a film that almost wasn't.
It only survives in 35mm due to the work of our Library of Congress, copying possibly the only extant 35mm nitrate print.
Universal has supported this restoration (with the financial aid of others), as they've been doing in the recent past, working to save what remains of their silent legacy.
While the packaging proudly announces that this is a Lon Chaney starring vehicle, that's not quite accurate.
It's a Priscilla Dean starring vehicle, with Mr. Chaney and Mr. Chaney playing secondary roles.
For those saying "Priscilla who?" Ms Dean began in film in 1912, the same year as Mr. Chaney, and appears in about 50 short films before moving (as did the industry) into 3, 4, and 5 reelers. Outside the Law was somewhere around her 70th film.
As to Mr. Chaney, appeared in around 80 short films, plus a few short feature between 1912 and 1916, and about 20 more features (and shorts) before 1920 and Outside the Law.
That's a lot of nitrate. How many survive today, both discovered and undiscovered in anyone's guess.
But most of you are reading this to find out two things.
Is Outside the Law worth my viewing time, and what does it look like.
The film is pure gangster melodrama. It has one of the most annoying child actors ever to grace the great silver sheet. You'll see. The story holds up, and overall it's an interesting travel back 100 years to the silent era.
As far as overall quality, Kino's new Blu-ray is just fine.
Imagery is a bit contrasty, as one would presume, but still with decent depth and gray scale. It's never a problem. At around the fifty minute mark - presumably reels 5 and 6, we find ourselves within the wonder, majesty and purity of nitrate decomp and decay. Never overwhelming, but very obvious, it's something that you get used to and may (as do I) consider it a friend, that makes it known that what you're viewing has survived by chance.
It's never troubling.
The score by Anton Sanko works nicely to tie everything together.
It should go without saying that your purchase supports film restoration.
As an side, there was also a 1930 talkie version, with Mary Nolan and Edward G. Robinson (before his move to WB), directed by one Tod Browning (yes, that Tod Browning).
Image – n/a
Audio – n/a
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
It only survives in 35mm due to the work of our Library of Congress, copying possibly the only extant 35mm nitrate print.
Universal has supported this restoration (with the financial aid of others), as they've been doing in the recent past, working to save what remains of their silent legacy.
While the packaging proudly announces that this is a Lon Chaney starring vehicle, that's not quite accurate.
It's a Priscilla Dean starring vehicle, with Mr. Chaney and Mr. Chaney playing secondary roles.
For those saying "Priscilla who?" Ms Dean began in film in 1912, the same year as Mr. Chaney, and appears in about 50 short films before moving (as did the industry) into 3, 4, and 5 reelers. Outside the Law was somewhere around her 70th film.
As to Mr. Chaney, appeared in around 80 short films, plus a few short feature between 1912 and 1916, and about 20 more features (and shorts) before 1920 and Outside the Law.
That's a lot of nitrate. How many survive today, both discovered and undiscovered in anyone's guess.
But most of you are reading this to find out two things.
Is Outside the Law worth my viewing time, and what does it look like.
The film is pure gangster melodrama. It has one of the most annoying child actors ever to grace the great silver sheet. You'll see. The story holds up, and overall it's an interesting travel back 100 years to the silent era.
As far as overall quality, Kino's new Blu-ray is just fine.
Imagery is a bit contrasty, as one would presume, but still with decent depth and gray scale. It's never a problem. At around the fifty minute mark - presumably reels 5 and 6, we find ourselves within the wonder, majesty and purity of nitrate decomp and decay. Never overwhelming, but very obvious, it's something that you get used to and may (as do I) consider it a friend, that makes it known that what you're viewing has survived by chance.
It's never troubling.
The score by Anton Sanko works nicely to tie everything together.
It should go without saying that your purchase supports film restoration.
As an side, there was also a 1930 talkie version, with Mary Nolan and Edward G. Robinson (before his move to WB), directed by one Tod Browning (yes, that Tod Browning).
Image – n/a
Audio – n/a
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
Last edited:
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