Escape from New York

Escape From New York is presented in both widescreen and full-screen formats on this MGM double-sided DVD edition. The widescreen format is enhanced for widescreen televisions (anamorphic). Overall, the film quality is average. There is a fair amount of grain throughout but nothing that is ultimately distracting. Detail is good, despite the dark conditions of much of the film . The Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround soundtrack is also serviceable, if not outstanding. Good clarity in the dialogue is maintained in the dialogue, and the soundtrack, featuring music by director John Carpenter, sounds better than ever. Unfortunately, MGM has provided a bare-bones package to go with the film. The only extra feature is a theatrical trailer. Considering the classic commentary by Carpenter and star Kurt Russell on The Thing, it is disappointing that a commentary for Escape could not be arranged. Overall, this DVD represents the best that Escape From New York has ever looked or sounded, but with such bare-bones treatment, it is hardly definitive.