Author Stephen King is generally known as the king of horror, and many of his novels have gone on to become very successful horror films. And it is that generalization that catches most people off-guard when they find out that one his short stories was the inspiration for '
The Shawshank Redemption', one of the greatest films ever created. Sure, "film critics" are more likely to select films such as 'Citizen Kane' or '
Casablanca' as the best of the best, but movie watcher lists, such as
IMDb's Top 250, will place this modern masterpiece at the top.
Why has this film risen to the ranks of '
The Godfather' and '
One Flew Over the Cuckcoo's Nest'? Its because this drama presents a story of hope and brotherhood that inspires viewers to rethink their own barriers in order to achieve at a higher level. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) has his life stolen from him, but instead of being beat down by overwhelming circumstances, he continues to rise above them and never gives up hope. He is, in short, a leader. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is out on Blu-ray today.
For this wonderful film, Warner Brothers presents a beautiful VC-1 encode that shines in many places where the DVD failed. Blacks are rich and colors, when they appear, are deep and vibrant. The soundtrack too gets star treatment, with a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack that really heightens the emotional state of the film. Bravo to WB for making sure this classic got the proper treatment.
On the new release front, Universal releases '
Wanted' today, and I have to admit that I was surprised by this film. The story, while by no means deep, did keep my interest long enough to bridge the amazing action sequences. The Blu-ray release is, of course, excellent. If you haven't caught on by now, Universal has become the most impressive studio as far as Blu-ray releases, and 'Wanted' is no exception. Video looks great and the soundtrack is extremely dynamic. I thoroughly enjoyed the disc, and I imagine that any action film fan will as well.
Also of note for new release today is the second film in '
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian'. I am a huge fan of these books, having read them in grade school (and once again before the first film came out), so I have a great appreciation for Disney creating these films. I still feel, however, that director Adam Adamson is trying way too hard to duplicate the success of 'Lord of the Rings' and should stick closer to the books. But regardless, the films are enjoyable and its sure to be a popular title this holiday season.
As far as "true" classics are concerned, Fox today releases the original '
The Day the Earth Stood Still: Special Edition on Blu-ray while Warner releases '
Casablanca: Ultimate Collector's Edition'. Its studio dedication to preserving the classics that really shows their dedication to the format.
Fox is also releasing both X-Files films ('
Fight the Future' and '
I Want to Believe') and Warner releases some of Mike Myers' best work with the '
Austin Powers Collection: Shagadelic Edition'.
And finally Sony is releasing a Will Ferrell hit ('
Stranger than Fiction: Special Edition') and a miss ('
Step Brothers') on Blu-ray today. Will Ferrell's performance in 'Stranger Than Fiction' is exemplary, and gives me hope that he will soon begin rejecting horrible comedy scripts and get into some serious drama work. Seriously.
Oh, and because I can't believe how popular this film still is, Fox is releasing '
Home Alone' to begin the month with a holiday themed bang.
Next week:
The Dark Knight'. 'Nuff said.
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today,
click here.