Escape from New York (Original title)John Carpenter's Escape from New York (Alternative title)
Dates: 04 August 1980 (Production), 10 July 1981 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirector: John Carpenter
Synopsis: In (a future) 1997 Manhattan Island has been turned into a vast maximum security prison. When the US President's plane Air Force One is hijacked by a workers' terrorist group, the government sends former soldier turned criminal Snake Plissken into New York to locate and rescue the President. With less than 24 hours to complete his perilous mission, Plissken flies in by glider to land atop the World Trade Center and then begins to navigate the burnt out city with its crazed, murderous and treacherous denizens, before time runs out.
Genres: Science Fiction, Action and Adventure
Subjects: Future, New York City, Prisons, Hostages
Releases
Date: 10 July 1981Country: USARelease type: TheatricalFormat: not specified - Colour - Metrocolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 99 mins Length: 8895 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 24 September 1981Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 99 mins Length: 8895 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Barber International Films Ltd.
Date: 1987Country: United KingdomRelease type: Non-TheatricalFormat: VideocassetteDistributor: Embassy
Title: Rushes: Fistful of five: DystopiasArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A listing of five films that show a dystopian vision of the future: METROPOLIS, ALPHAVILLE, 1984, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and AVALON.
In: Empire n205 July 2006 Pages: 111-116,118
Title: In conversation with Kurt RussellAuthor: BRAUND, Simon Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: In-depth interview with Kurt Russell about his life and career. Includes a brief critique of his five best film per- formances.
In: Empire n210 December 2006 Pages: 184-185
Title: At Home: The Top 10: Prison breaksAuthor: BRAUND, Simon Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Brief critiques of the ten best prison escape scenes in film s.
In: Sight and Sound v16 n1 January 2006 Page: 89
Title: Escape from New YorkAuthor: LEYLAND, Matthew Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n197 November 2005 Page: 164
Title: At Home/Movies: The real sin cityAuthor: SMITH, Adam Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: DVD review for: ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK Special Edition and The WARRIORS Special Edition.
In: Film Review n663 November 2005 Page: 112
Title: Escape From New York: Special EditionAuthor: BAUGHAN, Nikki Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v85 n4 April 2004 Page: 22,24
Title: DVD PlaybackAuthor: HEMPHILL, Jim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n229 January 2004 Page: 46
Title: DVD DungeonAuthor: GINGOLD, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Premiere v17 n5 February 2004 Pages: 96-97
Title: Home guideArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v10 n7 July 2000 Page: 61
Title: Video reviews: retailAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n134 August 2000 Page: 139
Title: SoundtracksAuthor: [NJ] Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Soundtrack review.
In: Music from the Movies n29 October 2000 Page: 60
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: [PH] Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Score Monthly v5 n6 July 2000 Pages: 47-48
Title: Escape from New YorkAuthor: STAVRAKIS, Chris Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of the score for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK.
In: Music from the Movies n28 August 2000 Pages: 60-61
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: [PH] Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Soundtrack review for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, music composed by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth.
In: Empire n123 September 1999 Page: 138
Title: DVD to buyArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n156 September 1996 Pages: 20-25
Title: Coming Back to EscapeAuthor: FERRANTE, Anthony Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with John Carpenter and Deborah Hill about the development and production of JOHN CARPENTER'S ESCAPE FROM L.A., and about making sequels in general
In: StarBurst n219 November 1996 Page: 56
Title: VideofileArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: video note
In: Cinefantastique v28 n2 September 1996 Pages: 24-25
Title: Filming the OriginalAuthor: BEELER, Michael Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of an extended feature on ESCAPE FROM L.A., a retrospective of the original ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK
In: Creative Screenwriting v2 n4 Winter 1995 Pages: 69-75
Title: Review essay: escape from New YorkAuthor: KAYE, Samantha Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An analysis of the "mythic structure" in the script for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK i.e. the means by which the audience is continually made to feel suspense at the likelihood of the death of the action hero, "Snake" Plissken.
In: Film Directions v5 n19 1983 Page: fd7
Title: [Film Directions - v5 n19 1983: no known title]Language: English
In: Films v1 n10 September 1981 Page: 32
Title: [Films - v1 n10 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmmakers Monthly v14 n11 September 1981 Pages: 27-30
Title: [Filmmakers Monthly - v14 n11 September 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article on the use of Panavision's Panatar lenses and computerized fire effects in the film, with comments from De Cundey, director of photography.
In: Cinefantastique v10 n4 Spring 1981 Page: Spring 12
Title: [Cinefantastique - v10 n4 Spring 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n20 1981 Page: 75
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n20 1981: no known title]Language: French
In: Variety 17 Jun 1981 Page: 14
Title: [Variety - 17 Jun 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n246 September 1981 Pages: 56-57
Title: [Positif - n246 September 1981: no known title]Language: French
In: Ciné-Revue v61 n25 18 Jun 1981 Pages: 18-21
Title: [Ciné-Revue - v61 n25 18 Jun 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article and stills.
In: Motion Picture Product Digest v9 n3 8 Jul 1981 Page: 10
Title: [Motion Picture Product Digest - v9 n3 8 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n306 22 Aug 1981 Page: 19
Title: [Screen International - n306 22 Aug 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n17 1981 Pages: 16-25, 58
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n17 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Synopsis, series of interviews with producers and actors, and article on the shooting of the film.
In: Cinefantastique v11 n3 September 1981 Page: 47
Title: [Cinefantastique - v11 n3 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: StarBurst n38 1981 Pages: 16-19
Title: [StarBurst - n38 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n572 September 1981 Pages: 174-175
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n572 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming n325 October 1981 Pages: 37-38
Title: [Films and Filming - n325 October 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n244 7 Jun 1980 Page: 6
Title: [Screen International - n244 7 Jun 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 13 Aug 1980 Page: 42
Title: [Variety - 13 Aug 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n14 1980 Page: 58
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n14 1980: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
Description: Brief credits and summary.
In: Screen International n247 28 Jun 1980 Page: 6
Title: [Screen International - n247 28 Jun 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Page: 6
Title: [ - : no known title]
In: Pages: 34-37
Title: [ - : no known title]
Author: Gottlieb-Walker, Kim Pages: 176 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8901 FeetBFI identifier: C-814000
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8931 FeetBFI identifier: C-50953
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8901 FeetBFI identifier: C-814000
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-50954
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Dates: 04 August 1980 (Production), 10 July 1981 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirector: John Carpenter
Synopsis: In (a future) 1997 Manhattan Island has been turned into a vast maximum security prison. When the US President's plane Air Force One is hijacked by a workers' terrorist group, the government sends former soldier turned criminal Snake Plissken into New York to locate and rescue the President. With less than 24 hours to complete his perilous mission, Plissken flies in by glider to land atop the World Trade Center and then begins to navigate the burnt out city with its crazed, murderous and treacherous denizens, before time runs out.
Genres: Science Fiction, Action and Adventure
Subjects: Future, New York City, Prisons, Hostages
Releases
Date: 10 July 1981Country: USARelease type: TheatricalFormat: not specified - Colour - Metrocolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 99 mins Length: 8895 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 24 September 1981Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 99 mins Length: 8895 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Barber International Films Ltd.
Date: 1987Country: United KingdomRelease type: Non-TheatricalFormat: VideocassetteDistributor: Embassy
Credits
(93)
Production Company: Avco Embassy Pictures, Production Company: International Film Investors, Production Company: Goldcrest Films International, Production Company: City Films, Producer: Larry Franco, Producer: Debra Hill, Associate Producer: Barry Bernardi, Associate producer (spec visual effects): Aaron Lipstadt, Production Manager: Alan Levine, Production manager (spec visual effects): Charles Skouras Iii, Production office co-ordinator: Chip Fowler, Location Manager: Barry Bernardi, Production liaison (spec visual effects): Mary Ann Fisher, Production Assistant: Geoff Ryan, Assistant Director: Larry Franco, Assistant Director: Jeffrey Chernov, Screenplay: John Carpenter, Screenplay: Nick Castle, Director of Photography: Dean Cundey, 2nd Unit Photographer: Jim Lucas, Camera Operator: Raymond Stella, 2nd unit camera operator: Douglas Knapp, Frank Ruttencutter, Special Visual Effects: New World Studios, Special visual effects (project sup): R.J. Kizer, Special visual effects (photography): James Cameron, Special visual effects (photography): George Dodge, Special visual effects (photography): Dennis Skotak, Austin McKinney, Special visual effects (elicon camera): Ken Jones, Special visual effects (elicon camera): Steve Elliot, Julia Gibson, Flicker Box Technician: Steve Mathis, Rotoscope: Steve Elliot, Matte Artist: James Cameron, Matte Artist: Jena Holman, Matte Artist: Robert Skotak, Special Effects: Pat Patterson, Special Effects: Eddie Surkin, Special Effects: Gary Zink, Special effects (supervision): Roy Arbogast, Miniatures (construction): Brian Chin, Miniatures (engineer): Tom Campbell, Graphic designer: Arthur Gelb, Graphic displays: John Wash, Motion Graphics, Editor: Todd Ramsay, Production Designer: Joe Alves, Set Decorator: Cloudia, Costumes: Steven Loomis, Men's costumes: Mel Sawicki, Women's costumes: Katrina Bronson, Make-up: Ben Douglas, Makeup supervision: Ken Chase, Titles/Opticals: Pacific Title, Music composed and performed: John Carpenter, Alan Howarth, Sound Recording: Thomas Causey, Stereo sound recording: John Mosley, Special synthesizer sound: Alan Howarth, Sound Re-recording: Bill Varney, Sound Re-recording: Gregg Landaker, Sound Re-recording: Steve Maslow, Sound Editor: David Lewis Yewdall, Sound Editor: Warren Hamilton, Stunt Co-ordinator: Richard Warlock, Stunts: Richard Warlock, Stunts: Bob Minor, Stunts: Bill Hart, Stunts: Jesse Wayne, Stunts: Loren Janes, Stunts: George Sawaya, Stunts: Gloria Fioramonti, Stunts: Sandra Gimpel, Stunts: Mike H. Mcgaughy, Stunts: Jim Winburn, Stunts: Ted White, Stunts: John A. Moio, Stunts: Tony Brubaker, Stunts: Jack Verbois, Stunts: Fred Lerner, Stunts: Bill Lane, Stunts: Harvey Parry, Stunts: Buff Brady, Stunts: Mags Kavanaugh, Stunts: Jack Tyree, Stunts: Kent Hays, Stunts: George P. Wilbur, Stunts: Mike Johnson, Stunts: Eddie Hice, Stunts: Roydon Clark, Weapons adviser: Syd Stembridge
Cast
(48)
Kurt Russell ('Snake' Plissken), Lee Van Cleef (Bob Hauk), Ernest Borgnine (Cabbie), Donald Pleasence (President), Isaac Hayes (The Duke of New York), Season Hubley (girl in Chock Full o' Nuts), Tom Atkins (Rehme), Charles Cyphers (Secretary of State), Harry Dean Stanton (Harold Helman, 'Brain'), Adrienne Barbeau (Maggie), Joe Unger (Taylor [scenes not used]), Frank Doubleday (Romero), Jon Strobel (Cronenberg), John Cothran Jr (1st gypsy), Garrett Bergfeld (2nd gypsy), Richard Cosentino (gypsy guard), Robert John Metcalf (3rd gypsy), Joel Bennett (4th gypsy), Vic Bullock (1st Indian), Clem Fox (2nd Indian), Tobar Mayo (3rd Indian), Nancy Stephens (stewardess), Steven Gagon (1st Secret Service man), Steven Ford (2nd Secret Service man), Michael Taylor (3rd Secret Service man), Lonnie Wun (red bandana gypsy), Dale House (1st helicopter pilot), David R. Patrick (2nd helicopter pilot), Bob Minor (duty sergeant), Wally Taylor (controller), James O'Hagen (computer operator), James Emery (trooper), Tom Lillard (police sergeant), Borah Silver (theatre manager), Tony Papenfuss (theatre assistant), John Diehl (punk), Carmen Filpi (bum), George 'Buck' Flower (drunk), Clay Wright (3rd helicopter pilot), Al Cerullo (4th helicopter pilot), Ox Baker (Slag, ring fighter), Lowmoan Spectacular, Ronald E. House, Alan Shearman, Joseph A. Perrotti, Roger Bumpass, Ron Vernan (dancer), Jamie Lee Curtis (voice of opening narrator/computer)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(40)
In: Sight and Sound v18 n1 January 2008 Page: 11Title: Rushes: Fistful of five: DystopiasArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A listing of five films that show a dystopian vision of the future: METROPOLIS, ALPHAVILLE, 1984, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and AVALON.
In: Empire n205 July 2006 Pages: 111-116,118
Title: In conversation with Kurt RussellAuthor: BRAUND, Simon Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: In-depth interview with Kurt Russell about his life and career. Includes a brief critique of his five best film per- formances.
In: Empire n210 December 2006 Pages: 184-185
Title: At Home: The Top 10: Prison breaksAuthor: BRAUND, Simon Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Brief critiques of the ten best prison escape scenes in film s.
In: Sight and Sound v16 n1 January 2006 Page: 89
Title: Escape from New YorkAuthor: LEYLAND, Matthew Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n197 November 2005 Page: 164
Title: At Home/Movies: The real sin cityAuthor: SMITH, Adam Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: DVD review for: ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK Special Edition and The WARRIORS Special Edition.
In: Film Review n663 November 2005 Page: 112
Title: Escape From New York: Special EditionAuthor: BAUGHAN, Nikki Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v85 n4 April 2004 Page: 22,24
Title: DVD PlaybackAuthor: HEMPHILL, Jim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n229 January 2004 Page: 46
Title: DVD DungeonAuthor: GINGOLD, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Premiere v17 n5 February 2004 Pages: 96-97
Title: Home guideArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v10 n7 July 2000 Page: 61
Title: Video reviews: retailAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n134 August 2000 Page: 139
Title: SoundtracksAuthor: [NJ] Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Soundtrack review.
In: Music from the Movies n29 October 2000 Page: 60
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: [PH] Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Score Monthly v5 n6 July 2000 Pages: 47-48
Title: Escape from New YorkAuthor: STAVRAKIS, Chris Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of the score for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK.
In: Music from the Movies n28 August 2000 Pages: 60-61
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: [PH] Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Soundtrack review for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, music composed by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth.
In: Empire n123 September 1999 Page: 138
Title: DVD to buyArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n156 September 1996 Pages: 20-25
Title: Coming Back to EscapeAuthor: FERRANTE, Anthony Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with John Carpenter and Deborah Hill about the development and production of JOHN CARPENTER'S ESCAPE FROM L.A., and about making sequels in general
In: StarBurst n219 November 1996 Page: 56
Title: VideofileArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: video note
In: Cinefantastique v28 n2 September 1996 Pages: 24-25
Title: Filming the OriginalAuthor: BEELER, Michael Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of an extended feature on ESCAPE FROM L.A., a retrospective of the original ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK
In: Creative Screenwriting v2 n4 Winter 1995 Pages: 69-75
Title: Review essay: escape from New YorkAuthor: KAYE, Samantha Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An analysis of the "mythic structure" in the script for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK i.e. the means by which the audience is continually made to feel suspense at the likelihood of the death of the action hero, "Snake" Plissken.
In: Film Directions v5 n19 1983 Page: fd7
Title: [Film Directions - v5 n19 1983: no known title]Language: English
In: Films v1 n10 September 1981 Page: 32
Title: [Films - v1 n10 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmmakers Monthly v14 n11 September 1981 Pages: 27-30
Title: [Filmmakers Monthly - v14 n11 September 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article on the use of Panavision's Panatar lenses and computerized fire effects in the film, with comments from De Cundey, director of photography.
In: Cinefantastique v10 n4 Spring 1981 Page: Spring 12
Title: [Cinefantastique - v10 n4 Spring 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n20 1981 Page: 75
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n20 1981: no known title]Language: French
In: Variety 17 Jun 1981 Page: 14
Title: [Variety - 17 Jun 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n246 September 1981 Pages: 56-57
Title: [Positif - n246 September 1981: no known title]Language: French
In: Ciné-Revue v61 n25 18 Jun 1981 Pages: 18-21
Title: [Ciné-Revue - v61 n25 18 Jun 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article and stills.
In: Motion Picture Product Digest v9 n3 8 Jul 1981 Page: 10
Title: [Motion Picture Product Digest - v9 n3 8 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n306 22 Aug 1981 Page: 19
Title: [Screen International - n306 22 Aug 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n17 1981 Pages: 16-25, 58
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n17 1981: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Synopsis, series of interviews with producers and actors, and article on the shooting of the film.
In: Cinefantastique v11 n3 September 1981 Page: 47
Title: [Cinefantastique - v11 n3 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: StarBurst n38 1981 Pages: 16-19
Title: [StarBurst - n38 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n572 September 1981 Pages: 174-175
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n572 September 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming n325 October 1981 Pages: 37-38
Title: [Films and Filming - n325 October 1981: no known title]Language: English
In: Screen International n244 7 Jun 1980 Page: 6
Title: [Screen International - n244 7 Jun 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 13 Aug 1980 Page: 42
Title: [Variety - 13 Aug 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Écran Fantastique n14 1980 Page: 58
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n14 1980: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
Description: Brief credits and summary.
In: Screen International n247 28 Jun 1980 Page: 6
Title: [Screen International - n247 28 Jun 1980: no known title]Language: English
In: Page: 6
Title: [ - : no known title]
In: Pages: 34-37
Title: [ - : no known title]
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(1)
Title: On set with John Carpenter: the photographs of Kim Gottlieb-WalkerAuthor: Gottlieb-Walker, Kim Pages: 176 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8901 FeetBFI identifier: C-814000
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8931 FeetBFI identifier: C-50953
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8901 FeetBFI identifier: C-814000
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-50954
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status