Jacques Deray (The Outsider) directed this gritty seventies action classic featuring an iconic cast that includes Jean-Louis Trintignant (The Conformist), Ann-Margret (52 Pick-Up), Roy Scheider (Marathon Man), Angie Dickinson (Dressed to Kill), Michel Constantin (The Cop), Umberto Orsini (Violent City) and Ted de Corsia (The Killing) as they battle each other for their lives from the back alleys of downtown Los Angeles to the posh mansions of Beverly Hills. Trintignant is a hitman imported from Paris to kill L.A.’s biggest mafia boss. His unknown employer: the mafia boss’s own son and the son’s beautiful wife (Dickinson). Having done his job, the hitman looks for his reward. It comes, in the form of another hitman (Scheider), sent in to kill him and thus remove any links to the murder. Sexy Ann-Margret is Trintignant’s only ally as he and Scheider play a murderous game of cat-and-mouse. Nail-biting suspense, exciting high-speed chases and one of the most unique and climactic gun battles ever filmed are only part of The Outside Man, boasting an ultra-cool score by Michel Legrand (The Thomas Crown Affair). This special edition includes both the English and French versions of the 1970s thriller.
For thoughts on The Outside Man, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/EebQYEN6tQ8?si=s9E7AdGOP6YXQXNV&t=1600]
Video Quality
The Outside Man comes to Blu-Ray with a new digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratios for both the English and French versions derived from a 4K restoration of the 35mm Original Camera Negative conducted by Gaumont. The transfer looks incredible from beginning to end as you capture the gritty ‘70s sheen to perfection. Digital noise never becomes an issue throughout. Print damage appears to be completely absent with clarity and detail rendering impeccably. The Los Angeles locale is packed with little details in the environment that render with immediacy.
There is the slightest loss of fine detail in some of the more dimly lit areas, but this does not register as a persistent issue. Black levels hold up well with notable detail in shadows and next to nothing in the way of crush. Colors appear to be naturally saturated in a way that unlocks the nuances of the environments and elements of the production design. Skin tones are natural and consistent with subtle facial features easily noticeable in closeup. This new presentation is an incredible effort from Kino Classics.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray disc comes with a formidable DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track for both the English and French versions of the film in their intended languages. Dialogue is featured prominently in the mix without any signs of being drowned out by competing sounds. The track maintains a favorable balance with all parallel elements so that exchanges come through clearly. Environmental sounds are a consistent part of ratcheting up the tension, and every element is rendered without issue. There do not seem to be any major instances of age-related wear and tear. The score sounds steady throughout most of the film with only certain peaks sounding a bit shrill. This audio presentation delivers everything that is asked of it.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Film Historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson provide a very entertaining and informative commentary track that explores the restored uncut version, where this fits into the career of Jacques Deray, the background of the performers, the themes being explored by the auteur, the aesthetic of the feature, the international reception, and much more.
- Trailer: The discs offer the English Trailer (1:51) and French trailer (3:14) for The Outside Man is provided. There are also trailers provided for Charley Varrick, Newman’s Law, Violent City, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Marathon Man, and 52 Pick-Up.
Final Thoughts
The Outside Man is a very compelling thriller that builds with double-crosses and palpable intrigue that is given vivid life by some very talented performers. Jean-Louis Trintignant delivers his expected best as a Frenchman alongside a bevy of charismatic Americans who make his life quite difficult. Jacques Deray lends a confident hand behind the camera so that all of the elements coalesce into a very satisfying whole. Kino Classics has delivered a Blu-Ray with a stellar A/V presentation, two versions of the film, and an insightful commentary track. If you are a fan of anyone involved, this is an easy pick-up. Recommended
The Outside Man is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
