Escape From New York SE DVD

Escape From New York DVD

Reviewed by SuperNova

DVD released by MGM

Post Apocalyptic - 1981
99 minutes
English
Rated R

Written and Directed By: John Carpenter

Assistant Writer: Nick Castle

Produced By: Larry Franco and Debra Hill

Staring: Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes, Season Hurley, Harry Dean Stanton and Adrienne Barbeau

Plot:

In 1981 director John Carpenter of Halloween fame created a film that set forth in stone a future post apocalyptic world of macabre and devastation. The story revolves around a character named Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) who has been brought up on charges of robbing a bank in Carpenter’s vision of forthcoming 1997 New York. To quell the rampant crime epidemic, the government is forced to turn Manhattan Island into one extensive maximum security prison. Heavily guarded and surrounded by barricades the once beautiful Island was home to thousands of Americans, but now has become a sanctuary for death and murder. Beneath the thick black underlining of smoke, criminals are content to fend for themselves, for the only rule on Manhattan Island is survival because once you go in you never come back out.

Unfortunately for the US government, the President (Donald Pleasence) and Air Force One have been highjacked, while flying high above New York City, by an opposing imperialist group of soldiers hoping to begin a new insurgency. Unable to break down the door to the flight control room, the President has no choice but to be escorted into a pod, for the safety of America depends on him. Armed with a tracking device on one hand and a handcuff connected to a briefcase containing important information on the other, the President and the crew aboard Air Force One brace for a landing inside the fiery hell of Manhattan Island. As soon as the plane crashes and the pod sets down a militia is quickly conceived to go recover the President. With their guns drawn they arrive expecting him to be handed over to them, but instead find themselves in the difficult position of bartering with a felon who wants no part of the armed forces and dispatches them by claiming if they don’t leave in thirty seconds they’ll never see the President again.

Meanwhile back at security headquarters Snake Plissken is being ushered in shackles for a sentencing. The government going over their options, secretly pieces together a maniacal scheme seeing Plissken going in and rescuing The President of the United States. If Snake agrees his charges will be dropped and he’ll be a free man, but if he decides against it, he’ll be no different from all the other maniacs lying in wait on the island. With an “I couldn’t give a damn attitude” Snake acquires the task and has approximately twenty two hours to complete his mission, for the fate of the world rests upon his shoulders and if he fails, so too will America.

Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Composer, Writer, and Director John Carpenter with the help of Nick Castle managed to create one of the most beloved and often template based movie formulas for post apocalyptic thrillers. With a minuscule budget of just five million dollars It’s hard for some to understand the following Escape From New York has received, which is understandable as the main character in the film Snake Plissken is perfectly portrayed by Kurt Russell as an anti patriotic malicious hero. It’s in this character of Snake that most Americans feel connected to, living in a liberal society Plissken seems to be the only pessimistic delinquent not confined inside the walls of Manhattan Island. It’s his persona that demands respect and sketches on paper who Plissken really is. In many ways Snake is America with a flag supporting the red, white and blue draped across his shoulder. He stands for freedom and lives to fight for a better tomorrow, representing what the United States used to be before the crime rate surge. His actions may be termed dishonest and untrustworthy, but deep down inside Plissken is every bit of a man as you and I. When called upon to serve his country in a time of crisis no matter how difficult the situation or how misguided the system may be, we’ll step up because we are proud of who we are and though at times our attention may not focus on important crucial matters like it should, we love our country for what it has done and appreciate those who‘ve helped us get there.

John Carpenter poured every bit of talent he absorbed through his prior filmmaking experiences and allowed it to seep out before us on screen. Through Escape From New York he created a film that seemed to embody all the aggression, anger and resentment he had towards authority figures. By crafting a world of deceitfulness based upon corruption within politics and even national security, John was able to express and depict civilization bounded by its own choices. This film closely resembles a western where a loner cowboy rides into a depleted town looking for salvation only to find trouble everywhere he turns. Carpenter has expressed time and again his love for the particular genre and even manages to incorporate its characteristics into most of his movies. Though the savior of ‘Escape’ has no moral values to promote the liking of a stable future for us all, it’s in Snake that we somehow discover a sense of hope and freedom through his actions. Plissken represents a tired America, fed up with fabricated promises and the lack of any new procedures being considered. He may be anti in his stance, but Snake is the only man who has enough courage to actually take a stand. It is the proceedings that provide such accomplishments for the film. When you have a character in a story that everyone wants to relate to regardless of their fundamental beliefs it’s almost a given for success.

It might be hard to understand, but John Carpenter is Snake Plissken as much as Kurt Russell is Snake Plissken. While Kurt Russell gives Snake his identity, John Carpenter is the one who directs him and portrays Plissken in a state of vigilance. I personally am not a huge fan of the movie, just somewhat neutral in my own testament. It’s a very solid film without much monstrosity to intervene. Not a lot of bad evolves from the film, which is a task all of its own when creating future imposed science fiction films. Computer generated effects are often innovative at the time of the film’s release, but as years pass they can be rendered laughable, thankfully such is not the case here. Even working within his constrained budget Carpenter managed to illustrate a purposed futuristic New York City almost effortlessly. Even though the effects are uniquely choreographed, it’s the set pieces that achieve making New York so believable. The set design crew was lucky enough to find a section of waterfront in St. Louis, Missouri that had caught fire and destroyed most of the properties. They used this scenic misfortune to their best advantage and created a darkly disturbing, rubble and dread filled, atmospheric nightmare.

‘Escape’ is accompanied by an A-list group of actors ranging from Hollywood veterans like Lee Van Cleef, Donald Pleasence and Harry Dean Stanton to captivating performances by fresh faces by the likes of Isaac Hayes, and Kurt Russell. I can’t say enough about the character Kurt molded. Snake gives meaning to a crumbling society that would have otherwise resulted into a one dimensional America. He may not be an idealistic male protagonist, but that’s what makes Snake Plissken so human. Most will recall this being the film that started John Carpenters and Kurt Russell’s movie friendship, but in actuality it started when the two collaborated on the movie Elvis. It proved successful and both would go on to team up with The Thing, Big Trouble In Little China and Escape from L.A. Lee Van Cleef as some of you may know was a spaghetti western favorite starring in over a dozen roles. Lee’s character Hauk brings a demanding presence to the film and in many ways he completes the character of Kurt Russell. He’s serious, bold and takes risks that define his determination. Isaac Hayes, soul singer of such classics as “Never gonna give you up” and “The theme from Shaft” was acquired to play the role of the supporting villain, ‘The Duke of New York.’ Hayes is a powerful actor and during certain moments can possess a larger than life quality about his appearance. He’s cunning, smart, and best of all portrays this subtly.

The rest of the cast members are equally unique, and I can’t go without mentioning Adrienne Barbeau who is a very talented actress and plays a wonderful supporting lead female here. John Carpenter’s direction is top notch and the cinematography is beautiful mapped out. John used the pan o cam heavily in this film and at that time it was a relatively new thing, he took a lot of risk and their ambitions paid off. It may not be heavy on the artillery, but it’s the complexity of Snake and the world he’s deployed in that more than compensates for the lack of action. With innovative computer generated effects that still to this day look fantastic and a well rounded out cast, there’s no reason why anyone should pass up owning this DVD.

Audio:

Escape from New York is accompanied here by a Dolby Digital 5.1 track a French mono track and the added options of English, French and Spanish subtitles. The English 5.1 soundtrack is probably one of the best audio tracks I’ve ever heard that not only incorporates big vibrant sounds when characters speak, but it also drastically enhances John Carpenter and Alan Howarths musical score. It’s crisp, clear and very lively. The bass transmits much depth while the front and center speakers boost luscious quality in the overall tone. John Carpenter’s score with the accompaniment of Alan Howarth is a high octane synth inspired wave of music that transcends to what is taking place on screen brilliantly. The heavy bass beats manage to capture the rhythm of the viewer’s heart while their ears are immersed with catchy melodies configured around tension filled moments.

Video:

The new high definition transfer, while sufficiently improved over the previous release, still suffers from minor grain. I believe this is because the film itself is quite dull with the color palette from the type of world the movie exists in. However MGM does restore depth to the picture quality. Interior shots are well lit and expand upon presenting flesh tones in all their glorious distinction. Most notably are the blacks in the nighttime shots which predominately create a sense of trepidation and apprehension to the overall atmosphere of Manhattan Island. Released in its widescreen theatrical format of (2.35:1) and enhanced for 16:9 TVS MGM’s Special Edition of Escape From New York is without a doubt the finest this film has ever appeared.

Special Features:

MGM originally released Escape From New York on DVD back in 2000 in a rather grainy and mute bare bones release offering just a theatrical trailer alongside the film. With this ‘Special Collectors Edition’ DVD MGM has supplied no shortage of supplements for the fans of the movie. In this two disc set we get the much anticipated and often talked about deleted original opening bank robbery sequence that features a ten minute long semi prologue introduction to Kurt’s character of Snake Plissken wandering through an underground subway station trying to escape from the police. Much has been talked about regarding the quality and source this scene was culled from. Back in 1994 when the Pioneer Laserdisc featured this same sequence as a supplement on the disc the picture quality was far more impressive than presented here. Perceptibly taken from a video source (though I could be wrong and it very well may be the 35mm reel) this introduction to Snake also features the advantage of a commentary track with actor Kurt Russell and director John Carpenter. As far as the scene goes the trim is certainly respectable. Examined within the film it seems to take away the distinguishing personality of Plissken and in a way he becomes too human. Also it manages to establish a bit of incoherency in the plot, as a viewer we don’t know if the police are good or bad and thus can’t really take sides when faced to. The commentary is a wonderful add on and certainly insightful to listen to John and Kurt up to their old tricks again.

“Return to Escape From New York” is a featurette running roughly twenty three minutes in length and concentrates on cast interviews and their overall enjoyment in being involved with the movie. It’s thoroughly engaging as we learn about specific set designs, on the set experiences and so much more. Everyone appears to have fond memories of making the film and they consider it an honor. Sadly Donald Pleasence passed away in 1995 and his presence here is deeply missed. I would have liked to hear John speak about his involvement regarding the soundtrack and perhaps what his inspiration was for it. Overall a really decent featurette that paints a smile across your face. The “Making Of John Carpenter’s Snake Plissken Chronicles” Gallery is a condensed look at how the comic book process takes place with regards to transforming ideas from the brain onto paper. The development is long and very detailed and requires a lot of patience especially for those who sketch the artwork. Completing generally one drawing a day these artists use photos to match every fine detail before sending the sketches off to be digitized and inked. It’s a remarkable supplement on a subject that most take for granted.

Fans were luckily enough for MGM to acquire not one but two commentary tracks. The first features producer Debra Hill and production designer Joe Alves. The second commentary track features director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell. While both tracks focus on the technical aspects of the film, it’s John Carpenter and Kurt Russell’s commentary that really shines the most. I thoroughly enjoy commentaries where the people talking are themselves and are comfortable enough to say what is in their mind. Sometimes you just don’t need to know everything about the movie and would much rather prefer to listen to a couple of friends recollect about their experience with the film and so willingly express their enjoyment. Kurt and john are these two friends and it seems like with every commentary they meet up on they always bring passion, life and even laughter into the mix. It’s never a boring or dull listen and stands up to repeated viewings. Rounding out the disc is typical DVD fare featuring several teaser trailers, a theatrical trailer, a photo gallery and liner notes by director John Carpenter.

The packaging consist of a slipover cover and a tri-fold two disc set, with a pocket conceiving a first edition copy of John Carpenter’s Snake Plissken chronicles comic book and an advertisement for a future Escape from New York video/pc game from the company Namco. A vastly superior and sleeker looking design this time around that will surely please even the most unappeasable of fans. In closing, some have questioned the ability of John Carpenter as of late, from his directing, to his writing and even right down to his choice of actors. I’m not going to sit here and bash John Carpenter because of where his career is now or where it went ten years ago, to me John has always been a consistent artist. He makes movies because he couldn’t see himself doing anything else and truthfully I wouldn’t want to see him doing anything else. His talent is an admirable achievement and his level of dedication is a staple point for all the times he’s had to work inside a restrained budget. Sometimes I believe people forget all that he’s accomplished throughout his illustrious career. Nobody wants to reward or praise an individual for past accomplishments anymore, it seems like we are always concerned about failure and even enjoy encouraging it. No longer do we look forward to future films without scorning them or anyone affiliated with the picture. Give it a rest, we’re all human.

Deleted Scene: Original Opening Bank Robbery Sequence

“Return to Escape From New York” Featurette

2 Feature Length Audio Commentaries

Liner Notes By John Carpenter

“Making Of John Carpenter’s Snake Plissken Chronicles” Gallery

Exclusive Comic Book

Photo Gallery

Trailers

Conclusion:

Though I’m not a devoted fan of Escape From New York like most cult enthusiasts, I will admit its following is well deserved and certainly would never take anything away from John Carpenter and the movie he created. Truly innovative at the time of its release New York is best adored by those looking for a hero who doesn’t sacrifice his beliefs just to be examined as a likeable guy. A great soundtrack, a terrific cast and best of all, set designs that leave you in astonishment are just the few things that wait for you inside Manhattan Island.

Movie ***½/*****
Audio ****/*****
Video ***½/*****
Supplements ****/*****