Warner

Region 1 - NTSC

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.92 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 6.17 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Warner

Warner (SE)

English DD 5.1, French DD 2.0

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• VOB file dates: 10/07/99
• Trailer 2:12
• Cast & Crew Bio Text Screens
• 30 Production Still Photos
• 1 Awards Text Screen
• Static Menu Screens

DVD Release Date: 12/21/99
Snapper Case

Chapters 40
 

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• VOB file dates: 08/12/04
• Disc 1; Trailer 2:11
• Commentary by dir. Frank Darabont
• Disc 2; Hope Springs Eternal - 2004 Doc. 30:59
• Shawshank: The Redeeming Feature - 2001 BBC Doc. 48:12
• Charlie Rose Show - 2004 Interview 42:18
• Sharktank Redemption - 2000 short parody film 24:43
• Still Gallery of Cast and Production Photos
• 2 Storyboard Galleries
• Shawshank Collectibles promo 1:04
• Animated Menu Screens
• No Insert
 

Chapters 40

Colors on the new edition are slightly different from the original. They are more vibrant and seem to have a brownish hue to them. The new SE is sharper but has that kind of anamorphic dulling (pasty-waxy looking skin tones) that is prevalent with current re-releases. I have no way of knowing which editions colors are more accurate, but suffice they vary little (aside from vibrancy) - so it could be considered negligible. The new SE is cropped significantly on the top edge and marginally so on the left and bottom. The new SE has an additional subtitle option (Spanish). Audio is the same on both editions.

Obviously the biggest differences are in the extras and commentary offered on the new SE. I have heard complaints that the featurettes are real fillers on the SE, but the Darabont commentary is well worth the listen. This alone makes the SE worth replacing the old edition for. I only wish they could re-release without cropping edges - I always wonder when this will end (ex. on a future 'Ultimate SE' will there be even more cropped off?). I guess no one ever complains so they continue - perhaps it makes there production abilities easier. I don't know. Anyway, I'm sure many think I am knit picking, so bottom line - YES - we endorse the new SE!

- Gary W Tooze

NOTE : There is also a 'The Shawshank Redemption (Deluxe Limited Edition)' DVD which is the same 2 disc DVD set packaged along with the movie soundtrack CD, the 96 page book published by the BFI and a movie cell. It is $15.00 more.