Above the Law [Blu-ray] [2009] [US Import]

Towards the end of 2009, the old Video Recordings Act (VRA) was found to have a loophole in it, meaning that it was not enforceable in UK courts as it was originally intended to be. As a result, at least for a short while, the UK censors the BBFC could not legally enforce the need for submitting film companies to have their film classified by them. Thereafter, a handful of discs released during this time were released with unofficial BBFC ratings, having never been formally classified. This is one of them.

"Above the Law" (to use its proper title) was uncut in UK cinemas in 1988 but all subsequent UK home video/DVD releases have been censored. The bar fight at the beginning of the film was missing a couple of heavy blows, along with some some drug use and the final fight was missing a nasty arm break. The UK Blu-ray restores all this footage, whilst cheekily sporting an 18 rating. The BBFC, to date, have not passed this uncut version with an 18 rating (although under their new 2009 guidelines they would). One can assume this is mastered from the US Blu-ray, as not only is it Region Free but it also features on screen it's original title, "Above the Law".

Of course, there is a chance that this is a mishap on behalf of the distributor, Warner Bros., as they have formally submitted uncut version of "Eraser" and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and had them passed by the BBFC. Whatever the reason, I recommend that Seagal fans wanting to see the film in it's uncut glory purchase it now, before it is pulled from the shelves and replaced with a cut version.

(On a similar note, the UK Blu-ray of "Spider-Man 2" is alleged to be uncut too, having being sourced from an international master. The good thing about the Blu-ray specs being the same worldwide is that things like accidental uncut releases will likely happen from time to time!)

As for the film, it's a solid first film for Steven Seagal. He plays the lead role with assured confidence and has a remarkable screen prescence. The story is engaging enough but the plot ends up being a little too convoluted. However the fight scenes are terrific and Andrew Davis' direction is solid. It's not as thrilling as "Under Siege" but it's a great debut feature for Seagal.

3 stars, plus an extra 1 for being uncut :)

One of Seagal's best. A piece of work former CIA operative turned cop gets vicious with thugs who are, oo, very nasty pieces of work. There are some great fights & good lines, great supporting work from Pam Grier and Sharon Stone.

The martial arts work is top and there is plenty of high quality B movie cheese. Great stuff & superb entertainment.

I know this is an old film (1988) but last night in bed I saw it for the first time ever and I was impressed.

I wasn't execting much with it being STEVEN SEAGAL's debut but he picked a good film to make his debut with. There isn't many fights but the story is good enough to justify that. The other actors: SHARON STONE and PAM GRIER are good in this film too.

Chicago cop Nico Toscani (STEVEN SEAGAL) is onto something big. Suspects collared in a drug raid are allowed to walk free and Nico himself is asked to turn in his badge, he may be off the force - but he isn't out of action. STEVEN SEAGAL with this film is smashing his way into the top ranks of action stars as he tracks ex - CIA opratives trafficking drugs ... and plotting a political assassination.

Director ANDREW DAVIS (THE FUGITIVE) unleashes the fury all over the Windy City as Nico and partner JAX (PAM GRIER) close in on a psychotic crimelord.

I really enjoyed this film and I think I will buy more of his films (including the straight to dvd films). A good action film.

Thank you for reading my review.