Escape from L.A. 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

A pristine 4K master features a precise, thin grain structure. That's easily resolved by Paramount's encode. Firm, consistent resolution keeps the detail flowing, enough to make the early digital effects stand out, if not lacking in sharpness. Fidelity pops from clothes, faces, and wide shots.

Dolby Vision plays well with the black levels, giving the imagery depth and sustained density. Cinematography favors darker imagery, meaning those shadows count for a lot. Highlights don't have intense peaks, but have their moments. This isn't a disc showing extensive visual range.

While the palette favors grimy, dim tones, there's energy to the flesh tones and the occasional primary where possible. Escape from L.A. still looks pure '90s, organic, natural, and unaltered by modern grading.

Audio

Paramount issues a LOUD and aggressive DTS-HD 5.1 track for this 4K release. Keeping this at standard reference level is a risk as the hefty volume will punish any speakers. Sadly, this doesn't transfer over to the low-end. A 9.2 earthquake in the opening frames barely rumbles the room. There's depth, if not much, and most of the heft comes via the score.

The design is such to show off early surround tech, sweeping audio around the soundstage even if it doesn't make sense. Doors open in view of the camera, and the sound fills every channel. Escape from L.A. aims for total aural chaos, taking every opportunity to push audio through the positionals, stereos and rears, usually at the same time. It's akin to early Pro Logic extension, more annoying than pleasant.