The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

A stunning 4K steelbook edition of The Shawshank Redemption.

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest cinematic achievements in motion-picture history. Based on the short novel by Stephen King (It, Carrie), The Shawshank Redemption is an epic tale featuring first-rate performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. A timeless classic.

Charged with murdering his wife and her other lover (despite his claims of innocence), Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) becomes close friends with fellow inmate Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman) while staying in the Shawshank State Penitentiary (while serving two consecutive life sentences). As the two prisoners bond with each other, hope and redemption become possible through their own determination for good-will. An exploration of the human spirit told with superb vitality.

The performances are at the heart of The Shawshank Redemption. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are both exceptional in the film. The story required a great deal out of both actors – putting the cast to the test. Robbins performance is nuanced and layered. Freeman imbues his performance with a great sophistication that helps the storytelling come to life.

The production design by Terence Marsh (The Hunt for Red October, The Green Mile) is stunning to behold: presenting the filmmaking with layers of creativity. The large scale production design has a impressive scope. There is superb artistry throughout the production design.

A timeless classic.

The costumes by Elizabeth McBride (Thelma & Louise, Fried Green Tomatoes) make an impression as well. The designs are well-suited to each character in the film. The Shawshank Redemption is full of creative costumes establishing the time and mood of the piece. McBride did a superb job.

The lush cinematography by Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049, No Country for Old Men) is one of the greatest assets of the filmmaking. Deakins is one of the most gifted cinematographers in cinema: crafting so many compelling visuals that audiences are easily transported by the story. A visually sumptuous effort, Deakins delivered one of his most creative efforts with The Shawshank Redemption.

The music score composed by Thomas Newman (1917, Skyfall) provides The Shawshank Redemption with a sense of poetic grace which carries throughout the filmmaking. Newman provides a score that never seems over-the-top. Instead, Newman provides the film with a real sense of depth and pathos.

Written for the screen and directed by Frank Darabont (The Mist, The Green Mile), The Shawshank Redemption is a masterpiece that ranks among the best films ever made. Darabont delivered one of his greatest efforts with the film (his first of several feature-films adapting the works of Stephen King: The Green Mile and The Mist would follow). There is magic in every frame – and Darabont proves himself a master craftsman.

The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 4K UHD from Warner Bros., The Shawshank Redemption is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The film is presented with a native 2160p 4K scan. For additional information regarding the picture-quality, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.

The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The lossless audio presentation is provided in high-resolution 24-bit depth. For additional information regarding the audio-quality, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.

The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The collectors steelbook is a must-own for fans of The Shawshank Redemption. The release features a memorable image of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and fellow inmate Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman). The steelbook design has a nice purple hue. The art-work shines: a noteworthy design that suits the film well.

On-disc supplements remain the same as the standard edition. For additional information regarding supplemental features, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.

The Shawshank Redemption 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

One of the best films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption is ranked as the #1 film ever-made on IMDB. A classic tale, The Shawshank Redemption offers powerful storytelling, compelling characters, and exquisite filmmaking. The Shawshank Redemption is a timeless masterpiece. The 4K UHD steelbook offers fans an enticing collectible edition. Steelbook enthusiasts won't be able to resist. Highly recommended.