Escape from New York Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of “Escape from New York,” presented by Scream Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1, offers a mixed bag of improvements and enduring limitations. As noted by numerous reviewers, there is a noticeable brightness increase in this new 2K scan of the inter-positive, struck from the original negative. This has resulted in subtle enhancements in sharpness, clarity, and shadow detail compared to earlier versions, albeit within the constraints of the source material. The transfer maintains a detailed grain structure which, while contributing to a film-like quality, also reveals baked-in imperfections such as occasional drops in clarity and sporadic debris.

A contentious point among reviewers is the degree of these changes' perceptibility. While some note minor improvements in overall detail, others highlight persistent issues such as blooming in computer graphics and occasional lens flares obscuring details. The color palette has shifted slightly cooler, moving away from previous red hues, which adds a different dimension to the viewing experience. However, Dean Cundey's characteristic dark cinematography is largely preserved, with profound blacks that still exhibit minimal crushing. Enhanced color reproduction includes more pronounced blue filters and popping colors in specific scenes, like the President’s red pod sequence.

Despite these refinements, viewers should temper their expectations. While the 2K transfer exhibits care with no evident tampering, inherent flaws such as a recurring thin blue line disrupt certain scenes, and not all dirt and debris have been eliminated. Additionally, online discussions point to perceived compression issues causing splotchy grain at times, although this might be attributed to the source rather than mishandling. Overall, while this is arguably Scream Factory’s best rendition yet, the improvements are modest and primarily contextualized by the film's original aesthetic and production quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Escape from New York" offers an exemplary audio presentation with both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 options included. The 5.1 mix effectively utilizes discrete channelization, enhancing the immersive experience through precise dialogue, impactful effects, and a rich dynamic range. This track supports the prominent synth-laden score by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth, enriching the low-frequency elements and overall fidelity. Notably, action scenes benefit greatly from this track’s clarity and detailed prioritization, ensuring that background noise does not overshadow primary audio elements.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix is an intriguing inclusion, providing a stereo sound alternative that is almost on par with the 5.1 mix in terms of support for the low end. The 2.0 mix is particularly praiseworthy for its authentic reproduction of the original cinematic experience, offering crisp and clean audio with no obvious glitches or dropouts. The nuanced layers of Carpenter’s score are vividly captured, and dialogue remains consistently clear and intelligible. The balanced volume levels and faithful representation of the original sound make this mix an excellent option for purists.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio presentations reflect a meticulous attention to audiophile standards, with both tracks showcasing wide dynamic ranges and high fidelity. While the 5.1 mix provides a more encompassing surround experience, the 2.0 mix delivers a robust performance faithful to the film’s original release. Both tracks contribute to an elevated auditory experience, ensuring that both casual viewers and discerning audiophiles will find something to appreciate in this updated audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Escape from New York" offer a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes. The new audio commentary with actress Adrienne Barbeau and Director of Photography Dean Cundey is informative and entertaining, adding depth to the viewing experience. Ported from the 2003 Special Edition DVD, the audio commentaries from Director John Carpenter, actor Kurt Russell, Producer Debra Hill, and Production Designer Joe Alves provide invaluable insights and delightful anecdotes. The second disc features detailed featurettes like "Big Challenges in Little Manhattan," offering interviews with visual effects experts Dennis and Robert Skotak, and "Scoring the Escape," where Composer Alan Howarth discusses his collaboration with Carpenter. Also included are vintage featurettes, interviews with key cast and crew, deleted scenes, theatrical trailers, and expansive photo galleries. Each extra adds valuable context and historical depth to this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Adrienne Barbeau and Dean Cundey: Insightful track led by Sean Clark.
• Audio Commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell: Ported commentary featuring dynamic duo.
• Audio Commentary with Debra Hill and Joe Alves: Rich with production anecdotes.
• Big Challenges in Little Manhattan: Interviews with visual effects experts.
• Scoring the Escape: Composer Alan Howarth on his musical collaboration.
• On Set with John Carpenter: Still Photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker shares her observations.
• I Am Taylor: Interview with actor Joe Unger.
• My Night on Set: Filmmaker David DeCoteau recounts his set experiences.
• Deleted Scene: The Original Opening Bank Robbery Sequence: With optional commentary.
• Return to Escape from New York Featurette: Vintage EPK with cast and crew interviews.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original theatrical trailers.
• Photo Galleries: Movie Stills/Behind the Scenes: Comprehensive collection of images.
• Photo Galleries: Posters and Lobby Cards: Visual promotion material.

John Carpenter's 1981 film "Escape from New York" creates a dark and chaotic vision of Manhattan as a walled-off prison, reflecting the gritty and turbulent atmosphere of New York in the 70s and 80s. Blurring lines between dystopian thriller and escapist action, the movie sees the island-turned-prison break all societal norms when the President (Donald Pleasence) crash-lands inside its boundaries. Carpenter's trademark cynicism is evident, adding layers of anti-government subtext inspired by post-Watergate sentiments. The plot unfolds with Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a former Special Forces hero turned criminal, navigating the underbelly of this lawless city to rescue the President within a 24-hour deadline, complicated by a countdown device implanted in his neck.

Russell's portrayal of Snake Plissken is iconic, with his laconic coolness drawing clear inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name. Despite its B-movie budget, the film’s strength lies in its character-driven story and tense atmospheric setup rather than relentless action sequences. The supporting cast, including Lee Van Cleef as the police commissioner Hauk and Isaac Hayes as the Duke of New York, aptly complements Russell's stoic antihero persona. This intricate blend of gritty realism and dystopian fantasy forms a captivating narrative that remains impactful despite production limitations evident even by 1981 standards.

While the low-budget aesthetics might have aged, the film's enduring appeal is bolstered by Carpenter's world-building and iconic score, co-created with Alan Howarth. Filled with memorable performances from a commendable supporting cast like Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine, and Harry Dean Stanton, "Escape from New York" exemplifies Carpenter’s distinctive vision. The new Shout! Factory release enhances viewing with a remastered 2K scan and rich supplemental materials, cementing the film’s status as an enduring cult classic with relevant socio-political undertones.

"Escape from New York," directed by John Carpenter, is expertly crafted, blending B-movie ambience with a compelling dystopian narrative. Featuring evocative production design and standout performances, it delivers a consistently entertaining experience. While it might not be an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster, it effectively captures the essence of Carpenter's vision, making its brisk 99-minute runtime fly by. The new Blu-ray edition offers an occasionally problematic video transfer compared to the previous MGM release, but it compensates with a robust selection of new supplements, including extensive bonus features and interviews that enhance the viewing experience.

This Shout! Factory release boasts a meticulous 2K scan that may spark debate among die-hard fans regarding its fidelity to the original. Nonetheless, the addition of both new and previously available bonus materials makes this edition particularly appealing. For fans of Snake Plissken, this Blu-ray is a must-have. It not only preserves the gritty charm and humor of the original film but also augments it with enriching extras—essentially rendering previous DVD and Blu-ray versions obsolete. It solidifies its place in the expanding collection of John Carpenter special editions.

In conclusion, "Escape from New York" thrives through its gritty, action-packed narrative and remains a beloved cult classic. The new Blu-ray release transcends expectations with its comprehensive bonus features and improved presentation. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, this edition promises an engaging and fulfilling viewing experience. Highly recommended for any discerning collector’s library.