Escape From New York [20th Century Fox] - BD Review

Looking at the post apocalyptic take on Manhattan Island as a prison in the new BD release of "Escape From New York" shows the intense wonderment of kitche that John Carpenter could bring to his movies. The low-tech but seemingly slick progression of the film is highlighted by the fact that the characters don't hide who they are, whether they be leaders, charlatans, criminals or just simple cabbies. Kurt Russell (occupying one of the signature roles of his career in Snake Plisken) personifies the progression of counter-capitalist provision that was becoming prominent in the early 80s. The looming towers of the WTC hang in the black pitch darkness surrounding the island. The transfer highlights the primitive perspective of the visual effects but also embraces its beauty. The wonder at times is that in certain scenes you can see forebearing elements of say "The Matrix" with early use of Steadicam. Like "Blade Runner" and "Tron" which were also made in 1982, there is a dystopian roughness to the proceedings. What stands apart in this transfer is the dark textures of the night which almost register with too much viscosity making them at times hard to see. The landing on top of the World Trade gives the progression definite pause. With actors such as Isaac Hayes and Hary Dean Stanton offering a bit of genre progression with the always uplifting Ernest Borgnine stating all but the obvious and Lee Van Cleef adding old school Hollywood pedigree, John Carpenter's opus of the journey (which undeniably still pales next to "The Thing") still packs an effective wallop which makes it a dexterious addition to any BD Collection. Out of 5, I give it a 3.