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"Hope
is a good thing"
I
suppose if you are reading this, you really don't need me
to explain anything at all about The Shawshank Redemption.
Though plagued by a rather cumbersome title and hard-sell
marketing campaign when it was released back in the fall of
1994, the film earned raved reviews and top marks at test
screenings, as well as snagging 7 Academy Award nominations.
But the film still managed to all but disappear off of cinema
screens in a matter of weeks, and just was never able to reap
the box office success most thought it deserved.
But,
thanks to the afterlife of home video, Shawshank has quickly
emerged as one of the most-loved films of the past couple
of decades, ranking up there with Gone With The Wind and Citizen
Kane on the Top 100 Films Of All Time over at The International
Movie Database. They say some films improve on the small screen,
and while I don't know if that is necessary true, without
a doubt The Shawshank Redemption is living proof that a film
can definitely find its audience on video.
If
you've never seen the film, it is honestly best left to be
discovered for yourself. I remember seeing it in the theater
(with about 12 people) and knew next to nothing about the
film other than it wasn't your typical Stephen King adaptation.
Though I was very impressed with it and even shed a tear or
two by the end (I hid in the back so no one would see me),
my respect for the film grew even more over time, like it
has for so many others. However, given the instant-epic status
being thronw on Director Frank Darabont's follow-up, The Green
Mile, I hope the same fate doesn't befall Shawshank that has
hurt (in my opinion) other recent blockbusters such as Titanic
and Forrest Gump. Namely that the popularity and overexposure
of a perfectly good film can begin to be a detriment, as audiences
are so sick of hearing about that they just tune out.
So,
I am just not going to talk anymore about he film. Just see
it for yourself (it is definitely worth at least a rental),
and if you have seen it, you already know what you think.
This new DVD has been highly-awaited by so many for so long
that it is almost hard to believe it is finally being released.
But sure enough, here it is, and although it is a clear winner
in the audio and video departments, the lack of additional
features combined with the long wait time may result in disappointment
for some...
Video: How Does The Disc Look?
So,
I bet you want to know how the transfer is, don't you? One
of the positive aspects of the long wait for this disc is
that Warner has gone back and made a new high-definition master
of tbe film, which has resulted in this quite sparkling 1.85:1
anamorphic widescreen transfer. Though the previous laserdisc
(and don't even ask about the VHS tape) was marred by grain
and color bleeding, this new DVD is rock solid. The film has
a very earthy feel to it, and the predominantly orange, brown
and blue hues come over very well. There is minimal edge enhancement,
blacks are spot on, and the print is free of nicks and scratches.
There is just a tad bit of grain, but it seems to be a part
of the film element and is not distracting. Warner seems to
have taken great care during the author, as there are no compression
artifacts apparent that often crop up on some of their other
$19.95 releases. A really, really nice transfer.
Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?
The
previous distributor of The Shawshank Redemption, Columbia
Home Video, was widely criticized for only including a 2.0
surround mix on the previous laserdisc release. Thankfully,
Warner has corrected that oversight by providing a new 5.1
Dolby digital mix for the new DVD, and the film is the epitome
of elegance in terms of sound design. No flashy pyrotechnics
or rumbling action set pieces, just a beautiful score, subtle
use of the surrounds and a well-balanced mix of the dialogue
and effects. Certainly what is being spoken is just as important
as the music and the visuals, and care seems to have been
taken here to never overwhelm the words. Bass is very good,
and the sound is never harsh or edgy. Surrounds are used often,
though they may be a tad too subtle for some. A very warm
feel is achieved here, and the musical passages perhaps shine
the brightest. A
French 2.0 Surround track is included, as are English Captions
and French Subtitles.
Supplements: What Goodies Are There? Perhaps
one of the most hoped-for special editions ever on DVD, alas
there aren't very many additional materials included. Frank
Darabont has stated publicly that he "doesn't have anything
more to say" about the film, and judging by the extras,
I guess not. There is a rather lightweight photo gallery of
some production stills picked personally by the director,
though there is no real text to accompany the photos, and
it is not particularly informative. Also included is a theatrical
trailer and some cast & crew bios. A film with such a
rich production history and the world's most famous novelist
behind it certainly seems a natural for the special edition
treatment. Indeed, the lack of a commentary by anyone at,
say, Stephen King, producer Niki Marvin or any of the actors,
does seem like a missed opportunity...
Parting Thoughts
The
Shawshank Redemption has gone far beyond a mere sleeper hit
to the status of a modern classic. Well-loved by audiences
just about everywhere, the film speaks for itself. Though
Warner's disc lacks extensive supplements, the transfer and
to a lesser degree the sound mix are first-rate, and at $19.95,
it is certainly well worth it. Recommended.
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