Rating: 
Summary: One of the best movies ever deserves a better DVD.
Review: If I were to rate this based on the movie alone, it would get 5 stars, no contest. But the fact that the DVD is so unremarkable drags the rating down much lower than the movie deserves. Keep reading and you'll see my reasons.I cannot praise the movie well enough, since it is one of my all time favorites. It tells the story of Andy Defresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who was wrongfully convicted of murder, and spent 19 years in prison for it. During his time, he befriends a pretty, but intellegent, crook (Morgan Freeman), and their bond solidifies as the years grow. Dufresne himself makes a difference in almost all the prisoner's lives, by showing that the cruelty of the prison cannot darken his will and spirit. It is an inspiring movie, it's almost hard to believe that it is based on a Stephen King story. Everything about the movie fits, the acting, the writing, and the entertainment. It is an exceptional movie. Why is it that Warner decided to release this great movie in DVD devoid of quality extras. Next to one theatrical trailer, some totally uninteresting filographies, and a paper-thin photo gallery, there is nothinh else of interest beside the movie itself. There are no commentaries, no featurettes, and no insight from the filmmakers. Basically, everything you would want is not included on the DVD. But worse yet is the packaging. I don't know why Warner thinks that it's a good idea to sell DVDs in those cheap "Snapper" cased (The thin cardboard with a plastic frame that 'snaps' on the side), because it will not last long without getting dinged and scratched. As a principle, I refuse to buy movies in "Snapper" cases. This was the one exception. If you already have the VHS version, the only real incentive to get the DVD is the anamorphic widescreen transfer, which gives the picture a crisp, clear look. The sound quality is also nicely kicked up, and it's a special benefit to those with surround sound, because it's the next best thing to actually being in the theatre. One of the biggest qualms I have with the standard of DVDs today is that second-rate movies get the 2-disc "all inclusive" DVD treatment, while brilliant movies like "The Shawshank Redemption" get the minimalist, barren treatment. I am hoping that they will release a special edition DVD sometime in the near future, because this is not the "definitave edition" of the movie. Fingers crossed.
Rating: 
Summary: It's hard to believe this film didn't win Best Picture!!!!!
Review: One of the best films I've ever seen. Unfortunately I did not get to see this film in the theaters. When this film was released in 1994 I had grown tired of the "prison" movie. I had already seen TANGO & CASH (T&C) and LOCK UP (LU) both of these films starred Sylvester Stallone. I had also seen Death Warrant (DW) with Jean Claude Van Damme and figured that this would just be another run of them mill movie about a guy wrongfully imprisoned. Eventually I rented this film and boy was I wrong! Unlike the earlier mentioned films this was not an action flick but an emotional story about the hardships of prison life and the struggle an inmate encounters trying to maintain hope of eventually leaving the prison. I so enjoyed this movie that I obtained the original novel and found that while there are some changes to the story they are relatively minor and do not detract from the theme of the story. In my review I will compare the book to the film. 1. In the book Andy Dufresne is in jail until 1975. In the movie he is only in jail until 1967. 2. In the book Andy's poster at the time of his departure is one of Linda Ronstadt. In the movie it is Raquel Welch. 3. In the book Andy served time under several wardens and head guards. In the movie Warden Norton was in office for Andy's entire prison stay as was the head guard Byron Hadley. Actually in the book Byron Hadley was the head guard when Andy arrived in Shawshank and had retired by the time Norton became warden. 4. In the book Red is describe as Irish and although no reference is made to his race I assumed he was white. In the movie Red is black being portrayed by Morgan Freeman, and the character Red indicates that he is Irish. While this does not contradict the book I think by making Red an African American it differed from most readers conception of Red. However, Morgan Freeman did such a fine job in the role of Red it is impossible for me to think of anyone else in that role. 5. In the book Andy, with help from a friend in the outside world, invests all his money prior to his arrest under a false identity so that when he leaves Shawshank he has money to start over with. In the movie Andy departs with Warden Norton's ill gotten gains to start his new life. 6. In the book no warden commits suicide and no prisoner is killed after the warden stages a fake escape attempt. Both these acts occur in the move. There are other small differences between the movie and the book but none that alter the overall story. I would suggest to all that this story is worth reading and watching. There is a reason that it is ranked so high in IMDB's ranking chart. Just a bit of trivia for Stephen King fans. The character of Andy Dufresne also has a key cameo role in Stephen King's book APT PUPIL. It is Andy Dufresne that unknowingly helps escaped Nazi henchman Kurt Dussander set up a life in America. This occurs while Andy is working at the Maine bank prior to going to Shawshank.
Rating:
Summary: Shawshank Redemption- a must see
Review: The Shawshank Redemption is an emotional bomb. Filled with love, hate, sorrow, and happiness, all viewers will be emotionally drained. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play a dynamic duo. The friendship and love created by these characters will cause tears to come to your eyes. The Shawshank Redemption takes place in federal prison. Tim Robbins plays Andy, a banker, who tells his story about his time in prison and his escape. Andy is a character who is loved by all. His achievements in prison out weigh those of persons in the free world. Andy hurdles many obstacles in prison but always seems to be heroic in actions. He helps a mate get his GED, he helps the warden launder money, and most of all he helps other prisoners find what makes them special. A heart warming film, The Shawshank Redemption receives two thumbs up.
Rating:
Summary: An amzing movie
Review: This is my number one favorite movie. It's got so much strength behind it. The story is amazing and the actors are just as great! You will cry tears of sadness, you will cry tears of joy.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Poetic
Review: Not only is this one of the best films ever made it exemplifies the poetic writing of one of our most under-appreciated writers: Stephen King. The writing in this movie is outstanding and Morgan Freeman's narration is beautiful. I could watch this film again and again and still feel its powerful message. Poetry and poetic justice. A MUST SEE!!
Rating:
Summary: Hands down
Review: At the time of this writing, 549 people have reviewed this movie and it ranks 5 full stars. Why? Because it is, hands down, the best movie I have ever seen. Period. If you are thinking about buying it, stop thinking about it and do it.
Rating:
Summary: A few comments
Review: I just had a few comments. One interesting thing about this movie is that it occasionally shows up as the #1 movie on lists of the 100 top movies of all time--a movie that many people probably wouldn't have thought of for that rarefied honor. But whether or not it deserves such an august place in movie history, there is no doubt that the Shawshank Redemption is one of the most engaging and memorable films of recent years, and perhaps of all time. It's one of my favorite movies, and one of the few movies I have been able to watch more than once. For me, that's extremely rare and is another indication of how good the movie really is. The movie has a great story, great acting by Robbins and Freeman, and a great ending. You can't ask for much more in a film, and whether or not I would vote it the #1 position or not, I think The Shawshank Redemption is truly a superb movie and good enough to be on any serious movie afficionado's must-see list.
Rating:
Summary: Really like the movie - Hate the Language...
Review: I really enjoy the story, but the uncut language is hard for me to sit through. I occasionally see this movie on TV (without the language) and enjoy it very much.
Rating: 
Summary: The movie is great -- how about the DVD?
Review: If you're considering buying the Shawshank Redemption on DVD, you probably already know that this is an excellent movie about having and finding the inner strength to overcome life's obstacles. You probably don't need to be convinced that this is one of the most moving and effective adaptations from a book to film ever made. You also know that each role is exceptionally well-cast and well-acted. You already want the movie for the movie's sake. What you don't know is why you should buy the DVD vs. VHS vs. renting. I have both the VHS and DVD. The VHS gave me the movie, so does the DVD offer enough more to warrant the additional purchase? Probably not. The DVD provides a wide-screen view, alternate language tracks, a photo gallery of stills taken during the shoot (nothing exciting here), short Bios of maybe 4-5 of the major players (Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, director, etc), and trailer. No additional/deleted scenes or commentary by anyone. If you want the wide screen feel, go for the DVD. If you just want to play the movie on demand, the VHS is fine. Owning both versions is redundant.
Rating:
Summary: Yummy! The most delicious film I've ever seen!
Review: Bare with me for a moment if you will. I do have a point. Think back to when you were a kid. If you're a guy, then you'll know all about our know-holds-bar attitude towards keeping away from the little girls, after all, they did have "kooties." Well, remember that time you first discovered you thought little Jennifer or Emily was kind of.....cute? The other boys would pick on her and call her a kootie-face but you stood up for her, ever though it meant envoking the wrath of every guy-friend you had during that time. Well, years later, when little Jenny or Emily grew up and became a complete hottie and she didn't forget the way you took up for you? Remember the feeling you had when everyday she passed you in the halls and gave you the smile that she saved only for you? Well, that's the way Shawshank will make you feel at the end: complete satisfaction my friend, complete satisfaction, even if it meant feeling low in some points. The film takes you into ...(or so it seems for Andy Dufresne) but before it's all said and done, leaves you on the doorstep of heaven, and just in time for the gate to swing open. Yes, this is one of those yummy films. In it, we can feel the complete desperation of Andy Dufresne(played perfectly by Tim Robbins) and we can see deep into his heart, witnessing his pain, his agony, and helplessness. Just about the time when we feel all's lost for poor Andy, we get to take one of the sweetest breaths of fresh air that a movie has ever handed out. It's just plain tastey! The plot is the stuff of Pulitzer Prizes. Dufresne is accused of killing his wife, thrown in jail for life, and forced to deal with a group of corrupt guards, a gang of rape-minded prisoners, and a warden who is the embodiment of evil. Sound like fun? Believe me, it is. Andy meets up with "Red" Redding(played magnificently by Morgan Freeman) and soon the two become very good friends. After a few years of getting raped and abused by other inmates, Dufresne learns that his special knowledge(bank management) can go a long way in helping him keep from being assaulted anymore. He helps the guards with their taxes and becomes the warden's assistant, only this means he has to deal with dirty money and soon, a dramatic climax develops. Hands down my favorite movie of all time, The Shawshankk Redemption(first set in the fourties) will leave you standing up in applause by the time the end credits role around. The cast is electrifying, the plot flawless, and the musical score a complete gem(done handsomely by Thomas Newman). NOTE: How much do I love this film? Tons. Enough to go find out where it was really shot. Mansfield, Ohio, ladies and gentlemen, is the town where the prison actually resides. Every part of the film was shot in or around Mansfield and yes, I plan on going there very soon. ENJOY!
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