Why Is 'Shawshank Redemption' Still Minting Money?

[Lily Sawyer]

Shawshank wasn't a monster hit at the box office when it came out but it's legend began growing not long after. I remember reading that it was the most rented/purchased video cassette when it initially hit home video way back in those ancient times, and it has now cemented it's status as a bona fide cinema classic. But continuing to make money isn't unique to Shawshank. Most movies continue to get returns long after their theatrical run, from cable and network showings, dvd sales and rentals, etc.
I think I remember reading that Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra movie took thirty odd years to make money on it's gargantuan budget.

To expand on this: it wasn't a huge hit out the gate, but once it had been nominated for seven Academy awards (Nominees & Winners for the 67th Academy Awards | Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences), it started to make money. Video and DVD sales are astonishing in the U.S. and the U.K.: 1 out of 5 households reportedly owns a copy of Shawshank.

 

[GNTLGNT]

There will always be artists who create things that will endure. We may never hear of any of them.

...again, Adam Sandler films...

 

[Tim D.]

it might not have bowled over the box office but it was nominated for several awards and was the darling of several critics,

And speaking of critics, Leonard Maltin used to be one of the few critics that I ever bothered to listen to, until I bought one of his dvd and video guides one year. The guide gave the Shawshank movie a two and a half star rating and said something to the effect that it was predictable and derivative, like much of Stephen King's work

 

[skimom2]

Great story, fantastic shooting script, and fine actors. It has something extra though: Shawshank walks a very fine line in the way it is hopeful without ever becoming maudlin. And it is violent without becoming horrifying. Perfect film, really, to appeal to both sexes and most demographics. Darabont deserves a shining star somewhere for accomplishing that feat.

 

[VampireLily]

And speaking of critics, Leonard Maltin used to be one of the few critics that I ever bothered to listen to, until I bought one of his dvd and video guides one year. The guide gave the Shawshank movie a two and a half star rating and said something to the effect that it was predictable and derivative, like much of Stephen King's work

Huh. Predictable and derivative.... just like Leonard Maltin?

 

[EMARX]

It is a damn fine story, and Darabont didn't fiddle with the source material too much.

 

[GNTLGNT]

Huh. Predictable and derivative.... just like Leonard Maltin?

...I knew that would bring her out, with fangs & claws bared....garsh, that's hot!...

 

[VampireLily]

...I knew that would bring her out, with fangs & claws bared....garsh, that's hot!...

i love you, you dork.

 

[GNTLGNT]

i love you, you dork.

 

[Terry B]

Interesting video report on the ongoing financial revenue streams the movie continues to generate.


Why Is 'Shawshank Redemption' Still Minting Money? | Watch the video - Yahoo Finance Canada

Twenty years after it was released and flopped, "The Shawshank Redemption" has turned in a money machine. Russell Adams reports on Lunch Break with Tanya Rivero. Photo: Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection.

Plus this article has some new tidbits - King returned Darbont's cheque uncashed and Bob Gunton says his daughter will continue to receive royalties after he has passed away.

The Shawshank residuals - Yahoo Finance Canada

Pretty amazing legacy brought about by a great movie, cast, creative crew, and the timing of Shawshank going to home video when that industry was a big revenue generator for the studios.

A story not likely to be repeated again.

Who says it was a flop?

 

[blunthead]

Lot's of the most popular, most successful movies are not so upon release. Examples include Casablanca, It's a Wonderful Life, Vertigo, Phantasia, and I'm not sure about Gone with the Wind. Sometimes attention brought to them via Oscar nominations and wins changes peoples assumptions, but often it's a matter of time before a society has grown to appreciate the work.