Distributed by
Pioneer LDCE

Cat.no: PLFEB 34801

Cert: 15

Running time: 140 mins

Sides 3 (CLV)

Year: 1994

Pressing: UK, 1996

Chapters: 64 (21/26/17)

Sound: Dolby Surround

Widescreen: 1.85:1

Price: £29.99

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Director:

Frank Darabont

Producer:

Niki Marvin

Screenplay:

Frank Darabont (Based on the short novel "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King.)

Music:

Thomas Newman

Cast:

Andy Dufresne: Tim Robbins (The Player, Bob Roberts, Jacob's Ladder)
Red: Morgan Freeman (Outbreak, Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves, Seven)
Warden Norton: Bob Gunton (Broken Arrow, Ace Ventura 2)
Heywood: William Sadler (Die Hard 2, Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey)
Captain Hadley: Clancy Brown (Highlander, Blue Steel)
Tommy: Gil Bellows (Love And a .45, Silver Strand)
Brooks: James Whitmore (Asphalt Jungle, Battle Cry)

City Banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) was sent to the Shawshank maximum security prison in 1947 after being convicted of two brutal murders, receiving a double life sententence, and he finds out that when you're there for life, that's exactly what they take from you.

The film follows the fortunes and tragedies of a few of the main inmates, starting with Andy's first day along with the other new arrivals, where the prisoners take bets to see which new "fish" will crack first under the pressure on their first night inside.

As time goes by, Andy forms an unlikely friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman, who also narrates the story), a prison "fixer" who can get anything you want, including Andy's request for Rita Hayworth. Andy also finds himself in favour with the Warden and the guards when he can use his banking expertise to help corrupt officials boost their personal wealth.

The picture on the disc is first-rate with colours standing out very well, from the bright blue sky on the outside, to the dull brown interiors giving you a feel of the inside, and a clever shot occurs as you follow Andy's eyes take one last look at the sky before going inside for the first time.

The Dolby Surround soundmix is effectively used mainly to set the ambience, especially when the inmates try to tease the new "fish" at the start of the film, and later when Andy decides to give a global broadcast to an Italian opera record across the tannoys.

A wonderful score from Thomas Newman sets the mood for each scene it is used in.

The disc is very well chaptered with 64 in all, including the original theatrical trailer. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Bert Film and Best Actor.

In all, a disc well worth including in any collection for its fine acting, direction and story.

Review copyright © Dominic Robinson, 1996.