Search - The Shawshank Redemption on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1994 DVD Release: 12/21/1999 Format: DVD - Soft-Matted WSE for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 22 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 5 Genres: Drama, Escape Film, Prison Film, Buddy Film See Also: The Shawshank Redemption [Special Edition], The Shawshank Redemption, The Shawshank Redemption, The Shawshank Redemption [Widescreen] [Digibook Packaging] [Blu-ray]

In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red. Based on a story by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption was the directorial debut of screenwriter Frank Darabont. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Tim Robbins - Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman - Ellis Boy "Red" Redding
Bob Gunton - Warden Samuel Norton
Bill Sadler - Heywood
Clancy Brown - Capt. Byron Hadley

Frank Darabont's critically acclaimed, quietly popular 1994 debut The Shawshank Redemption comes to DVD in a simple presentation that features a widescreen, anamorphic transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio, a stills gallery, and the theatrical trailer. With an understated, well-crafted film like this one, the focus should be on the finished work, but a Darabont commentary, filmography, "making of" featurette, and other extra features would make a nice counterpart to the film's restraint. Hopefully, Warner Home Video will see fit to release a deluxe version of The Shawshank Redemption that gives the film the treatment it deserves. ~ Heather Phares, All Movie Guide