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The Shawshank Redemption 4K UHD Review

“The Shawshank Redemption” is a bonafide classic.

Based on the Stephen King novella “Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption,” the 1940’s set “The Shawshank Redemption” is not a horror tale like most of King’s stories. Instead, it’s a prison drama/prison escape story although it’s much more than that. At its heart, it’s a character study about an aging man (Red) who is in prison for life and a newly imprisoned banker (Andy) who is convicted of murder. Red is known as the guy who can get anything into the prison and he procures 2 items for Andy that will come into play later in the story. The rest of the film is primarily about their friendship, the harsh and corrupt Shawshank State Prison, money laundering, and freedom.

Despite poor box office at the time of its release in 1994, “The Shawshank Redemption” has had one of the most unlikely legacies of any film, well, ever. Not only is it one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but it’s gone on to be one of the most celebrated films of the past 30 years. Sure, it’s been played to death on cable at this point, but that doesn’t ruin what is an emotional story about humanity, connections, hope and friendship.

When it boils down to it, this is just a perfect production all around. Writer/director Frank Darabont is a master storyteller in front of the camera and behind it. He tells King stories arguably better than any filmmaker. Roger Deakins is, of course, one of the best cinematographers around and it shows in each frame of this movie. Thomas Newman’s score is a sweeping gem that stays with you. And then there’s the cast. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins have rarely ever been better than they are here. They truly make these characters come alive and you really buy into their friendship. The supporting cast comprised of veteran character actors Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton and William Sadler is aces too. Simply put, it’s a creative matchmade in heaven and the result is a genuinely great film.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? This is a noticeable upgrade from the Blu-ray. It may not be a glossy new transfer, but the print (and the colors) are pristine.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Sadly, there’s no audio upgrade, but this is still a satisfactory 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Commentary by Frank Darabont
* “The Shawshank Redemption” trailer
* Stills of Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, supporting cast, Tim and Morgan, Behind The Scenes and Storyboards.
* “Shawshank Collectibles”- An ad for Sideshow products.
* “The SharkTank Redemption”- A spoof movie.
* An episode of “The Charlie Rose Show” with Frank Darabot, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.
* “Hope Springs Eternal: A Look Back At The Shawshank Redemption”- A retrospective featurette
* “Shawshank: The Redeeming Feature”- A making of featurette that also covers the reaction to the movie. 

September 10, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movies, Morgan Freeman, Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption, The Shawshank Redemption 4K UHD Review, Tim Robbins