...sentimental and stereotyped, yet we are able not only to suspend our disbelief but to root for it all the way.
In a coincidental injustice, the film was nominated for a slew of Oscars in 1994--Picture, Actor (Morgan Freeman), Writing, Cinematography, Film Editing, Music, and Sound--but won none.
Do be aware, however, that despite the film's more uplifting charms, it deals primarily with a depressing subject, and it is not without its darker side. Bloodshed, rape, sexual situations, and strong profanity earn it a rightful R rating. "It's a Wonderful Life" it's not.
Video:
Because of the length of the film, Warner Bros. offer it on a dual-layered disc with a non-obtrusive changeover. The projection is in widescreen, about 1.77:1 in ratio across a standard television. The picture quality is mostly clean and clear, with good color separation. Very little grain is noticeable, even in darker passages.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, however, works extensively more in the front channels than in the rear, which have little to do beyond reproduce a few moments of dining hall ambiance or crickets in the wind. This is mainly a story of narration and dialogue, so don't expect anything spectacular from the sonics.
Extras:
Besides a stills gallery there are no real bonus items to speak of, surprising considering the broad public interest in this film and how long Warners took to bring it out on DVD. English and French are the language and subtitle options; there are scene selections, of course; and a theatrical trailer.
Parting Thoughts:
Anybody who likes "Shawshank," and that's just about anybody who's seen it, might also enjoy another prison picture of equal merit, Paul Newman's "Cool Hand Luke" from 1967. The older film, available on DVD, explores similar themes of personal worth but takes it a step further in a parable of New Testament proportions. Both films have the benefit of being thoughtful and entertaining without being overly preachy.
"The Shawshank Redemption" is not a great film in the canon of Hollywood classics, but if you give it a chance, it can easily become one of your favorite films.
Do be aware, however, that despite the film's more uplifting charms, it deals primarily with a depressing subject, and it is not without its darker side. Bloodshed, rape, sexual situations, and strong profanity earn it a rightful R rating. "It's a Wonderful Life" it's not.
Video:
Because of the length of the film, Warner Bros. offer it on a dual-layered disc with a non-obtrusive changeover. The projection is in widescreen, about 1.77:1 in ratio across a standard television. The picture quality is mostly clean and clear, with good color separation. Very little grain is noticeable, even in darker passages.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, however, works extensively more in the front channels than in the rear, which have little to do beyond reproduce a few moments of dining hall ambiance or crickets in the wind. This is mainly a story of narration and dialogue, so don't expect anything spectacular from the sonics.
Extras:
Besides a stills gallery there are no real bonus items to speak of, surprising considering the broad public interest in this film and how long Warners took to bring it out on DVD. English and French are the language and subtitle options; there are scene selections, of course; and a theatrical trailer.
Parting Thoughts:
Anybody who likes "Shawshank," and that's just about anybody who's seen it, might also enjoy another prison picture of equal merit, Paul Newman's "Cool Hand Luke" from 1967. The older film, available on DVD, explores similar themes of personal worth but takes it a step further in a parable of New Testament proportions. Both films have the benefit of being thoughtful and entertaining without being overly preachy.
"The Shawshank Redemption" is not a great film in the canon of Hollywood classics, but if you give it a chance, it can easily become one of your favorite films.
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[release]3529[/release]