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Out - The Complete Series - Special Edition [1978]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £9.93 (subject to change)

Shows how British TV crime drama should be done
Review date: 2008-10-21 Rating: 8 out of 10

Frank Ross wants to know who and why he was grassed up; a simple and well worn premise which obscures the depth and quality of Euston Films' first post Sweeney crime drama. Tom Bell's steely portrayal of an obviously highly intelligent South London gangster manages to be menacing and sympathetic. He has a lot on his conscious after his miserable criminal lifestyle drove his wife into an institution and his son into care.

His old partners in crime have had enough and have mostly moved on. The performances don't veer into stereotypes and while deliberately staying clear of the Sweeney's chases and shoot outs, the narrative makes this drama just as exciting. Ross says virtually nothing for the first 15 minutes of episode one but thanks to Bell's outstanding performance you know exactly what he is thinking and feeling.

This is one of Euston Films' finest moments and no-one will accuse writer Trevor Preston of nostalgia on the commentary when he says ITV has lost its dramatic edge for original ideas, taking risks and leaving fine writers to get on with their job. Most people who grew remembering this wonderful era of British crime drama now have to turn to US cable networks like HBO to view modern equivalents.

It is a shame that more care wasn't taken in the presentation of this DVD. The quality of the film and sound could do with a clean-up as well as editing out the advert cues.


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Reviews


When I want **** from you, I'll squeeze your head
Review date: 2007-10-16 Rating: 8 out of 10

Previously available on budget dvd & like Preston's follow up series "Fox", Network have released this memorable serial (not a series) with 2 commentaries by Preston, director Jim Goddard & producer Barry Hanson. No restoration has been done so if you have the older Clearvision release, the commentaries & PDF scripts are the only reasons to upgrade.

It has to be said that the commentaries are somewhat depressing, all 3 men are rather negative & Preston in particular seems to have a chip on his shoulder, still there are a few interesting facts to be heard, such as discovering that Tom Bell could not drive.

As for the serial itself, it showcases Preston's trademark ear for rhyming slang & oneliners brilliantly...the scripts are terrific (if camp) & most of the performances are excellent (though Brian Cox's stwange accent was a mistake, sounding rather silly, his dyed blonde hair also looks ridiculous). Bell whispers & hisses to superb effect, Bryan Marshall looks every inch the bent copper & Brian Croucher is perfectly cast as Frank Ross's friend Chris Cottle. The serial is chock full of truly memorable scenes & dialogue...I must've re watched a dozen times (like "Fox").

Like Preston's other work "Fox", "Out" is overly melodramatic at times & oddly unintelligent in its treatment of mental illness. "Operatic" is how I'd describe the tone at times, though I'm sure the semi humourous style was intentional. The superb music also deserves a mention and Derek O'Connor's typically superb performance makes Brian Cox look like a pantomime villain. Excellently directed by Preston regular Jim Goddard, though he does make a somewhat pretentious remark in the commentary, citing "Un Chien Andalou" very humourously. Interestingly, Jean Pierre Melville's "Le Samourai" is also namechecked. Though "Out" has most in common with "Get Carter" (Preston went on to work with "Carter" director Mike Hodges).

Note that the dvd cover pictured is not the cover you will receive, the design has since changed.

Thoroughly recommended to those who enjoy hard boiled London dialogue (not East End, as Preston sets his stories in his native South London...Clapham way) & muscular performances, plus stylish direction. "Out" is exciting, involving, suspenseful & the dialogue is as good as it gets. Ought to be far better known & appreciated.

Where oh where has this been hiding?
Review date: 2007-10-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

Shame on you Euson Films for having this complete treat and keeping it to yourselves! This is a work of art! BAFTA winner in 197? and worth every penny. Imagine the Sweeny with MUCH better story lines, MUCH better actors and a MUCH better conclusion... and you are nowhere near mate! Full of late 70's scenes (you know what I mean!), Cockney geezers, east end violence, John Junkin doin'some fishin', shooters, shaaags, ponces, etc etc etc.
It is in all honesty nice to see something that was clearly forgotten a long tome ago (and I love this old stuff and I cannae remember it) that is actually brilliant. Period. If you love dramas, thrillers, London gangland stuff, of just a very good gripping drama...buy this. I have only had it a few weeks. An it has been viewed more than once. GO ON MY SON!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Tom Bell
Brian Croucher

Creators:
Tom Bell (Primary Contributor)
Brian Croucher (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626258344
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-01-29
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 300 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1978
Language: English (Original Language)

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