**Part of my 2022 Sci-Fi Tuesdays**

Just a rewatch because of a newly acquired 4K Limited Edition set from Studio Canal. These releases are something else…

And… Still like it, and still recommend you watch it. Read the old review for details.

**Old review below...**

This is one of the best movies Carpenter has ever made. Russel, Van Cleef (with an earring no less) and Borgnine wrapped up in one of the most atmospheric action flicks you'll ever see.

The action in Escape from New York leaves a bit to be desired, and it rarely, if ever, raises the tension up to adrenaline-pumping levels. BUT...there is something with this movie that makes it stand out from the rest of the early 80s action movies. The lighting, the music, the set. It all works so darn well together, and when it is fronted by a total badass like Kurt Russel, it just works.

The story is ok, but not great. It falls a bit short of its potential and manages to actually be a bit tedious when it drags on. The funny thing is that it doesn't actually ruin the experience in any way...

You might compare this movie to the an Eastwood spaghetti western. Lee Van Cleef might have something to do with that, but Russel incorporates a lot of the qualities that Eastwood used in the now-so-famous westerns.

I don't know quite how to explain this, but this movie is a really good watch, even though it lacks both in the excitement and story. Watch it at night with the lights down to get greater detail in the dark set and the full experience.