The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)

4 Comments

1. nicolaos

   October 23, 2010 at 4:48 am

   Review by nicolaos for The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)
   Rating:
   In 1938 Australian-born motion-picture actor Errol Flynn won the heart of Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland) and defeated his evil foes as Robin Hood in “The Adventures of Robin Hood”, a legendary motion picture about a Saxon knight who steals from the rich and gives to the poor oppressed people of England, based on the wellknown english medieval legends. Released in 1938, the film won 3 Academy Awards for art direction, film editing, and musical score, and it was nominated for that of Best Picture. It was also Selected for Registry by the National Film Preservation Board (1995). “The Adventures of Robin Hood” is listed among Warner Bros. Studio’s classic films and biggest hits and solidified Flynn’s image as the dashing young swashbuckler hero who always saves the day.
   Robin Hood (played by Errol Flynn) fights against the villainous Prince John (Claude Rains), who took control of the kingdom as regent when King Richard (Ian Hunter) was captured in Austria during his return from the Holly Lands after Third Crusade’s end . Prince John conspires with Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone) and certain Norman Knights against his brother Richard the Lionheart so to become a King and oppresses the poor, yet faithful to Richard, Saxons. Robin Hood and his brave men waylay caravans that travel through Sherwood Forest, including one carrying Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland). Robin Hood woos Maid Marian and helps King Richard regain his throne. Even based on legends, the movie has a quiet accurate historical set and a very interesting depiction of the conflict between Norman conquerors and Saxon vassals, in medieval England.
   In my opinion this is one of the greatest film ever made in Hollywood. Undoubtebly it’s the definitive Robin Hood version, where Errol Flynn surpassed Douglas Fairbanks who had played the same role in 1922. Kevin Costner’s remake of this movie and newest version (1991) on the same medieval legend, although is quiet interesting and entertaining, seems to be inferior and mediocre in all comparison to this excellent, and brilliant large-scale epic.
   Flynn’s accent, (which sounded very English to most Americans), and the fact that he brought athletic exuberance, dashing good looks, and a sense of boyish fun, made him a natural choice to star as Sir Robin of Locksley. He plays one of his best roles with bravado and charisma ,appearing his great talent that made him a legend. Olivia de Havilland (who’s really of Norman descent!!) gives an other great performance as the definitive Maid Marian, a sweetly beautiful romantic Norman heroine who’s loyal to Richard and Robin’s love interest.
   Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone, Melville Cooper (the coward High Sheriff of Nottingham) and Montagu Love (as the Bishob of Black Canons) are simply perfect as villain conspirators and Rathbone displays his great talent in swordfighting in the magnificient final fencing between Gisbourne and Robin Hood which is one of the most famous scenes in cinema’s history. Great and brilliant performances too from Alan Hale(Little John),Eugene Pallette (astonishing as Friar Tuck), Una O’Connor (Bess), Herbert Mundin(Much the Miller’s Son) and Patrick Knowles(Will Scarlett) as Locksley’s loyal companions.
   Curtiz’s direction is marvellous and authentic, art direction and costumes are splendid, Korngold’s music score is unique and the Cinematography Color is astonisingly beautiful so that deserved to be awarded.
   The movie is excellent and give it all the stars that I can.

   Reply
2. Elwood Conway

   October 23, 2010 at 4:38 am

   Review by Elwood Conway for The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)
   Rating:
   Yes this movie looks wonderful in High Definition. Every detail comes through on the transfer, which is better than even the two disc high resolution remastered special edition. On top of that, some of the extras are in HD. The Looney Tunes in HD look AWESOME. If you can, make this movie one of your first HD purchases. Every classic motion picture should look this good in your home.

   Reply
3. peterfromkanata

   October 23, 2010 at 4:06 am

   Review by peterfromkanata for The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)
   Rating:
   There are a small number of films in the history of Hollywood that can actually be considered perfect. “The Adventures of Robin Hood” with the incomparable Errol Flynn is one of them. With over a hundred reviews already, there is little for anyone to add. I will, however, provide a brief summary as to why this film is indeed perfect, a term I use very rarely.The cast–the greatest of all swashbucklers at the peak of his charm and athleticism, Errol Flynn– Olivia De Havilland, a lovely woman, a fine actress and an ideal partner for our hero–Basil Rathbone, oozing evil from every pore–Claude Rains, conniving and sinister as always–Eugene Palette, a jovial yet formidable Friar Tuck–Alan Hale as rough and ready Little John–and on and on–even the most minor character is just right.The sets and costumes–absolutely gorgeous–the archery contest is just one of many scenes where technicolour shows its stuff !The Directors–Messrs. Keighley and Curtiz could not have brought this legend to life more expertly.The Music–unforgettable Korngold score.Add all these ingredients and you have true cinema magic !Warner Bros–the DVD is marvellous, and the extras on the second disc ( detailed in other reviews ) provide more treats for the lucky viewer. What a beautiful job !So–if you have that dreary Kevin Costner/Robin Hood DVD, throw it on the trash heap, and revel in the real thing ! A triumph !

   Reply
4. Robert Morris

   October 23, 2010 at 3:21 am

   Review by Robert Morris for The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)
   Rating:
   Although James Cagney was the original choice, Flynn proved to be the definitive Robin Hood. It is possible but unlikely that a better portrayal of the 12th century folk hero will ever be filmed. The screenplay is based on the works of Sir Walter Scott. The cast is superb. The direction crisp and sure, once Warner Brothers replaced William Keighley with Michael Curtiz. In the latest DVD version, both image and sound are restored to their original clarity. Apparently no expense was spared to give this film production values of the highest possible quality. Although renowned for his indelible portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, Basil Rathbone could just as easily play the villain which he does in this film as Sir Guy of Gisbourne. His climatic sword fight with Flynn allows both to match wits as well as blades as they make their way throughout the castle. This exciting sequence offers probably the best example of the talents of cinematographers Sol Polito and Tony Gaudio. Special credit should also be given to Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s rousing musical score. He also composed the scores for two other films directed by Curtiz and starring Flynn, Captain Blood (1935) and The Sea Hawk (1940). Given the rapid development of various digital technologies, we now tend to take special effects in films for granted. Almost anything seems possible. Not so 65 years ago when The Adventures of Robin Hood was filmed. Curtiz and his crew had to solve all manner of problems to recreate not only Sherwood Forest but an entire medieval society. What they achieved is stunning. Indeed, forests have played an important role throughout centuries of British literature, from Beowulf to Harry Potter. Being a child when I saw this film for the first time, I was enchanted by the idea of escaping into lush green woods where I could pretty much live the way I wanted to with my friends. Not have a care in the world. I envied Robin Hood and his companions. Many decades later, lush green forests still have for me a special appeal which I really can’t adequately explain. Perhaps it all began with this film.I am eager to observe the reactions of my grandchildren to the Two-Disc Special Edition. Of course, they will have little (if any) interest in the truly special features which include a commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer, Warner Night at the Movies (1938) introduced by Leonard Maltin, a new documentary, Welcome to Sherwood (2003), outtakes and the studio’s annual year-end blooper reel, a “Robin Hood Through the Ages” featurette, “A Journey to Sherwood Forest” travelog, another documentary Glorious Technicolor (1998), two shorts: “Cavalcade of Archery” (1946) and “The Cruise of the Zaca” (1952), “galleries” which display historical art, costume design, concept drawings, cast/crew photos, and publicity, and the audio only of “The Robin Hood Radio Show” and Korngold piano session. However, I expect them to enjoy this film almost as much as their grandfather once did…and still does.

   Reply