Most wanted edition indeed. What this set does not provide in special features it more than makes up for in picture quality. It’s highly recommended to fans of Disney’s version of Robin Hood.
Disney’s Robin Hood was made in 1973 in what some consider a dark period of the family friendly corporation. Some actually deride the film, but I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for it. This version of the classic tale tells it with animals instead of people. Recycled animals at that since you’ll recognize characters from the Jungle Book redraw to be at home in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) is the loyal subject of King John, who is away fighting the crusades. While he’s gone the throne is occupied by the sniveling, no good Prince John (Peter Ustinov) and his serpentine servant Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas).
Prince John is a whiney baby that sucks his thumb when he doesn’t get his way and starts taxing the people to death. This prompts Robin into action and he (you guessed it) steals from the rich to give to the poor. He’s aided in this quest by Little John (Phil Harris), Friar Tuck (Andy Devine), and his band of merry men. He’s thwarted in the quest by the Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram) and his bumbling deputies Nutsy (Ken Curtis) and Trigger (George Lindsey).
Of course, there’s love along the way with the fetching Maid Marion (Monica Evans). The whole affair is narrated by and watched over by Alan-A-Dale (Roger Miller), but you guys know the story already right?
I’m not sure why some folks dislike or hate this version of Robin Hood. I could see why Robin Hood purists might not like the fact that the characters are played by animals (or Kevin Costner with non-existent accent). However, the show is fun in my opinion. The vocal work is outstanding with special kudos going to the Disney villains. I always love the villains. Peter Ustinov, Pat Buttram, and Terry-Thomas are just wonderful.
Robin Hood and Little John walking through the forest
Phil Harris is still Baloo, even though he’s supposed to be Little John, and that’s a good thing. Andy Devine’s distinctive vocal style also puts a smile on your face. I think that my favorite (besides the villains) would have to be Roger Miller and his wonderful songs. Great stuff in my opinion.
Though this version was not really given the full Platinum treatment, they make up for it in a beautiful new digital transfer. The colors that looked faded in the original DVD release look beautiful and vibrant here. This alone is worth the upgrade.
Robin Hood is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.75:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions. The disc has the Disney Fastplay system on it (just pop it in and it will play the movie and video based special features). Special features include a 4 minute alternate ending, but don’t get too excited. It’s shown in with artwork and somebody else doing the vocal work.
There’s also two DVD games and you can select to play three songs from the film (Oo-de-lally, Love, and The Phony King of England) by themselves. Next is a still gallery that you can skip through yourself or chose video gallery and it will go through the gallery with a narrator (this selection runs about 8 minutes). Finally there’s the 8 minute black and white Mickey Mouse short “Ye Olden Days.”
Though this version seems to skimp on special features and definitely aims them at the kiddies, I’d still have to recommend it to Hood fans because of the improved picture quality.
The crown sits not easily on Prince John's head
I would’ve liked to have seen more historical (of the Disney studios that is) perspective or perhaps an interview with surviving vocal cast, but we can’t have it all I suppose. It’s still a recommended purchase.
Robin Hood (Most Wanted Edition) is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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