Rent The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

4K mastering a little disappointing. An archetypal prison movie but not but not first.. - The Shawshank Redemption review by MM

I had never seen this film before so was keen to see it in a 4K master. The transfer is a little disappointing and I wonder if that would really be much to see in terms of improvements in quality over standard Blu-ray. The film detail was fuzzy and lacked definition..

The film itself Seems to be the archetypal prison movie. Well I can appreciate that in its day it was probably groundbreaking by today’s standards The film less so. The film of innocent man going to prison and through a series of ordeals becomes a different man has been well trodden and maybe this film is the grandfather of all of those films but it followed a parcel already trodden by films like Cool hand Luke . you can virtually protect every plot point in the story and maybe that that’s because it’s been copied by everyone else. I think however the subject matter has been finally polished by subsequent movies and done a little better. I did find it very engrossing And it held my  attention. Are usually watch all the extras as I often find them very interesting. This film had an audio commentary but I didn’t listen to it. Hope that’s because I didn’t want to watch the movie a second time and was not that interested in it. For that reason I give this film four points. I certainly wouldn’t put this in a list of the best films of all time And scratch my head towards the way it has such a reverential status.

One of top films ever. - The Shawshank Redemption review by NC

This film is at top of so many review lists. Mostly by the public/viewers, not the trade. So well acted and directed and edited, with great story line that makes sense. No weak links. Everyone seemed to know they had to match what was going on...........

Overrated? - The Shawshank Redemption review by JD

Does anyone actually rate this as there fav film ever? Possibly not. And when watched the whole plot is extremely fantastical.

And of course, how does it stack upto modern expectations? Yeh, it lacks a lot of what movie makers think a modern movie should be.

But it has to be said, this is a text book example of how to make an entertaining film. Its an utter masterpiece that will be revered in 50 years as it was 20 years ago, or today.

Its flaws are obvious, but they are compromises on the trip to brilliance. Without the compromises the film wouldn't be as great as it is.

I dont often give out 5 stars, and yes, this is not my fav film or possibly even in my top 5. But id never argue this films position at the top of most list.