Escape From New York poster
Escape From New York

What’s Aged the Best?

Frank Doubleday’s Romero, the score, deleted material, fatal catchphrase, military base, Kurt Russell, and soundtrack lead the praise.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:18Read transcript
  • Romero is praised as perfectly balanced between an extreme look and an ordinary accountant-like voice.
  • His first-line physical flourish and the finger exchange remain memorable.
  • The deleted bank-robbery opening is valued as an extra seven minutes for fans.
  • Every character who tells Snake they heard he was dead eventually dies, creating a recurring kiss-of-death phrase.
  • The Gulf Fire plane and the Duke’s car are added to the list of designs that still hold up.
  • Hawk’s military installation and its sweeping helicopter-preparation shots remain an unimproved dystopian base design.
  • Kurt Russell’s Snake performance is judged capable of making him a star even if released today.
  • The synth score remains futuristic, frightening, and musically influential.