Escape From New York

Introduction

In 1988, when crime rose 400%, the authorities erected a wall around Manhattan Island, turning it into a huge jail, ruled by the convicts, chiefly The Duke (Isaac Hayes). Nine years later, when the President's plane is hijacked and crashes into a building on the island, they send in Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to rescue him, as he's the only man who can.

To ensure the dangerous criminal Plissken's co-operation, he is injected with two tiny bombs on a timer, giving him 23 hours to get the President (Donald Pleasance) out of Manhattan, when they will deactivate the devices and give him a pardon.

With the clock ticking, Plissken must battle his way across New York against the most violent criminals in America, rescue the President and escape before his arteries explode.

Video

Well presented in the original aspect ratio of anamorphic 2.35:1, this has a decent picture which could be better had it been completely remastered but, in its current state, looks fairly good. The CG effects and model work probably looked outstanding in 1981, but are fairly primitive by today's standards. Despite this, they work within the film.

Audio

There are two Dolby Digital tracks: 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo. Whilst there's nothing wrong with the stereo, the 5.1 has the edge. Unsurprisingly, John Carpenter's score is excellent.

Extra Features

Being old mates, the commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell is both enjoyable and informative as they joke and reminisce.

Return to Escape from New York is an interesting 23 minute retrospective containing interviews with many of the principal cast and crew.

The 'New and exclusive' John Carpenter interview is an amiable and revealing half hour chat about his career to date.

There are three trailers and the film's original beginning, 'Snake's Crime' included.

Conclusion

Post-September 11th 2001, it's very strange seeing the Twin Towers in films, especially when the plot concerns a hijacked plane hitting a Manhattan skyscraper and several key scenes take place on and in the WTC!

Whenever a contemporary post-apocalyptic film is made, such as Doomsday or District 13, you immediately recognise they are heavily influenced by Escape from New York. Snake Plissken is such a great character and one of the all-time anti-heroes with his distinctive look and 'f**k you' attitude.

It may be a stretch to believe that Donald Pleasance is the President of the USA, but it doesn't really matter, as other characters like Brain, Maggie and The Duke and his crazy pimped-out pink Cadillac with chandelier headlights and mirror-ball are just brilliant.

Escape from New York is one of those films you can put on at any time and enjoy every minute - it doesn't demand your full attention, or to be taken seriously; it's a joy to watch.

This is available to buy individually, or as part of John Carpenter: The Collection.