Above the Law

Above the Law introduces Nico Toscani, an Italian American ex-CIA operative and aikido expert working as a Chicago police detective. The film's plot revolves around Toscani's investigation into a drug lord linked to political corruption, including allegations involving torture and a senator. The story combines martial arts action with a crime thriller narrative set against the backdrop of Chicago's urban landscape.

Director Andrew Davis, who later gained recognition for films like The Fugitive, helmed this project early in his career. Steven Seagal's aikido skills were a defining feature, differentiating his fight choreography from other action stars of the time. The supporting cast includes Pam Grier, Henry Silva, and Sharon Stone, the latter appearing before her breakthrough roles in the 1990s.

Production was handled by Warner Bros. Pictures, ensuring a wide theatrical release and subsequent availability in multiple physical formats. Collectors can find Above the Law on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and laserdisc, reflecting its ongoing appeal to fans of 1980s action cinema. Each format represents different eras of home media technology, allowing collectors to appreciate variations in packaging and presentation.

The film's blend of Cold War-era CIA intrigue, martial arts sequences, and Chicago cityscapes has contributed to its cult status among genre enthusiasts. As Seagal’s debut, it remains a significant piece for collectors interested in the origins of his filmography and the evolution of action cinema in the late 1980s.