The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is released as a special tenth anniversary three disk box set and is an appropriately reverential, comprehensive package. The set includes the film itself, thankfully, as well as a number of revealing documentaries, interviews and other bonus features.

The technical quality is excellent throughout, with slick menus and navigation, and a crisp audio track that makes the most of Thomas Newman's powerful score. There is an informative commentary from the engaging Frank Darabont, as well as subtitles, and an audio description track for the visually impaired.

The extras are impressive and include cast and crew biographies, memorable quotes and two theatrical trailers: the original and one made for the rerelease. There's an invaluable, well-researched documentary from film critic Mark Kermode, as well as a round table discussion of the film by Darabont, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, plus another documentary about the production process.

As if this weren't enough (when, in fact, it is), there's a third disk, which has extended interviews with many of the cast and crew, and footage from the making of the film. By this point, there's very little new information being shared, but given the devotion Shawshanks seems to inspire, no doubt some fans will appreciate this extra material.

Overall, this is a first-class package, which has obviously been put together with great care. At under £20, it represents good value and will enrich the DVD collection of any film lover.