30 Years Later, Deranged Post-Apocalyptic Sequel Gets 4K Upgrade
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IN SHORT
John Carpenter's 1996 film 'Escape from L.A.', a sequel to 'Escape from New York', is receiving a new 4K UHD SteelBook edition. The film, known for its satirical and campy tone, was a critical and commercial flop upon release but has gained a cult following. The new edition offers a visual upgrade, though its dated special effects are noted.
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Key Numbers
30 yearsanniversary of Escape from L.A.
1996year Escape from L.A. was released
2013year Escape from L.A. is set in
9.6magnitude of earthquake in Escape from L.A.
2000year of earthquake in Escape from L.A.
three and a half out of four starsRoger Ebert's rating for Escape from L.A.
Who's Involved
John Carpenter
Director and co-writer of Escape from L.A.
Kurt Russell
Star and co-writer of Escape from L.A.
Debra Hill
Producer and co-writer of Escape from L.A.
Roger Ebert
Film critic who praised Escape from L.A.
President Adam
Fictional character, ruler of dystopian L.A. in the film
Key facts
John Carpenter's 'Escape from L.A.' is receiving a new 4K UHD SteelBook edition.
The film was released 30 years ago and was a commercial flop.
Critics were divided, with some calling it cartoonish and cheesy, while others praised its satirical and over-the-top action.
The movie is set in a dystopian 2013 Los Angeles, a prison colony ruled by a totalitarian theocratic state.
The new edition offers a 4K upgrade for the film's visuals.
Thirty years after its release, John Carpenter's cult classic 'Escape from L.A.' has received a new 4K UHD SteelBook edition. The 1996 film, starring Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, was the director's third collaboration with Russell and a follow-up to the successful 'Escape from New York'. Despite being a box office flop and receiving mixed reviews, with Variety calling it 'cartoonish, cheesy, and surprisingly campy', the film has garnered a dedicated following. Critic Roger Ebert notably gave it high praise, describing it as a 'go-for-broke action extravaganza that satirizes the genre'. The movie is set in a dystopian 2013 Los Angeles, which has become a penal colony following a massive earthquake. Its narrative features Plissken navigating a city separated from the mainland, populated by individuals exiled for violating new morality laws enacted by a televangelist-turned-politician president. The new 4K UHD release from Paramount aims to enhance the film's visual presentation, though its dated special effects are acknowledged as part of its unique charm. While a previous Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory offered more extensive special features, the SteelBook edition appeals to collectors commemorating the film's 30th anniversary.
↳ Why This Matters
The release of 'Escape from L.A.' on 4K UHD provides an opportunity for fans to revisit a cult classic film known for its satirical take on post-apocalyptic themes and its distinctive, over-the-top style, while also offering a glimpse into cinematic predictions of the future from 30 years ago.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Escape from L.A. was released in 1996.
The film is set in a dystopian 2013 Los Angeles, which has been turned into a prison colony after a massive earthquake.
Upon release, the film was a flop and received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it cartoonish and campy, while others, like Roger Ebert, praised its satirical and action-packed nature.
The new edition offers a 4K upgrade for the film's visuals, appealing to collectors celebrating the movie's 30th anniversary.
What Happens Next
01The 4K UHD SteelBook edition of 'Escape from L.A.' is now available.
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