Escape From New York (Special Edition)
(John Carpenter; 1982)
(MGM)
-Overview-
In the future, crime has risen over 400 percent, and the entire island of Manhattan has been converted to a penal colony where criminals are sent to remain forever. When the President of the United States crash lands inside the confines of the prison and taken hostage, the Government turns to the only man who can go in quietly and extract him.
Certainly one of Carpenter’s better films, chock full of action and macho bravado. Escape is dark and gritty with that bleak early 80’s feel to it and it all adds to the atmosphere of the film quite nicely. Plenty of rather bloodless violence abounds, but no T&A to speak of unfortunately (save for Adrienne Barbeau’s bouncing boobies). If you haven’t gotten around to viddying this one, do so at all costs, and if you’re a fan of the film, be sure to pick up this 2 disc set, as it will prove to be the definitive version of the film.
-Sound-
Dolby 5.1 surround. Brilliant job on the sound. You can really get immersed into the action with all those footsteps behind you and helicopters flying through your living room.
-Picture-
Flawless print. Anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1.
-Special Features-
- Commentary by director John Carpenter and Kurt Russell
- Commentary by producer Debra Hill and production designer Joe Alves
- Theatrical trailer
- Brand-new high-definition film transfer
- New 5.1 audio
- Deleted opening sequence: the never-before-seen 10-minute bank robbery scene with commentary by John Carpenter and Kurt Russell
- "Return to Escape from New York": all-new featurette
- Making of John Carpenter's "Snake Plissken Chronicles" comic
- Exclusive comic book
- Photo gallery
-Packaging-
Gorgeous packaging with beautiful gatefold sleeve. Proud to have this as part of my collection.
Sound: 10
Picture: 10
Packaging: 10
(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)