Say what you want about Nic Cage, you gotta admit he is the hardest working man in Hollywood. Sure, most of these erstwhile (often Direct-to-DVD) efforts Cage has been associated with (DRIVE ANGRY, RAGE, TRESPASS, STOLEN, SEASON OF THE WITCH, FROZEN GROUND, LEFT BEHIND..….wow, it’s a long, long list) fall squarely in the sub-B-movie category, but there is the occasional diamond in the rough. Last year’s JOE made my top ten list and the work he did in BAD LIEUTENANT PORT OF CALL should have won awards. In his newest, the 12th-century China-set adventure OUTCAST, Cage plays “The White Ghost” and time he isn’t the leading hero. And it’s no gem. Hayden Christensen, the blank slate blamed for crippling the second wave of STAR WARS films is the main protagonist of OUTCAST and he plays Jacob, the stoical, taciturn, gritty, wandering badass with measured assurance. The role actually suits him – considering his lack of acting skills and emoting capabilities. Cage makes up for it by chewing the scenery as only Cage can and the result is a fast-paced blend of aggressive action, cheesy dialogue and deliriously crazed overacting. OUTCAST is stale and not very good – but if you keep your expectations low (don’t we all when we see Cage’s mug on a DVD cover these days?), it’s not terrible either.
In OUTCAST , when the heir of the Chinese imperial throne becomes the target of assassination by his despised older brother, the young prince’s only hope is the protection of his sister, and the reluctant aid of a war-weary Crusader, Jacob, who must overcome his own personal demons and rally the assistance of the legendary Crusader-turned-bandit, Gallain (aka: The White Ghost – played by Cage) to return the prince to his rightful place on the throne. Stunt coordinator turned Director Nick Powell knows a thing or two about action, which is evident from the skill with which he directs the many sword fights, hand-to-hand combats, chase sequences, and battles scenes. As far as plot and characterization go though, OUTCAST certainly brings nothing new to the table but Powell sets a quick pace. The dull moments are brightened by the unexpectedly likable team of Cage and Christensen and action fans will be pleased with the blood and high body count.
OUTCAST is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Entertainment One with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1. Powell and cinematographer Joel Ransom have delivered a gorgeous film, especially considering its middling budget. Some of the footage is downright ravishing, with beautiful teal waters, crisp reds in the flags and other heraldry, and awesome depth of field. The fine detail is exceptional, especially in close-ups. Close knit patterns like the chain mail on the warriors’ costumes resolve easily, with no aliasing or moiré. Many scenes are also shot in low light, but there is still plenty of detail. When the film segues to brighter lit scenes, the image pops magnificently. Colors are superbly saturated and very accurate looking. On balance, an outstanding hi-def presentation.
OUTCAST’s lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is of equally high quality, with superb surround activity brow beating the listener in the battle scenes while the dialogue is very cleanly presented and well prioritized. Fidelity is top notch, range is extremely wide, and there are no issues of any kind to report.
The extras include a “making of documentary”, interviews with cast and crew, the theatrical trailer and previews of other movies released by Entertainment One/Phase 4 Films.
