DVD Reviews

Beyond Sherwood Forest - DVD Review

By June L. Feb 27, 2010, 17:21 GMT

12th Century England: It is a deadly time of dark tyranny, black magic and the outlaw archer known as Robin Hood. But when the Sheriff of Nottingham unleashes a winged monster upon the nearby town and woods to massacre Robin’s men and capture Maid Marian, hearts run cold with fear and streets red with blood. Before he can rob from the rich or give to the poor, can The Prince ...more

Robin Hood (Robin Dunne) must either battle dragon (Katherine Isabelle) or find a cure for the curse that binds her in the grotesque flying reptile form. 

The Sheriff of Nottingham (Julian Sands) uses the dragon to frighten villagers into giving even more taxes and Maid Marian (Erica Durance) refuses to marry someone chosen for her, and has run away seeking her freedom.  It is a typical day in Sherwood Forest.

I like Robin Hood. For starters, the actual legend is a fine blend of the heroic and romantic.  It seems to inspire people to manufacture further and greater adventures for the characters, so much so that through the ages there have been multiple “takes” on the story. 

In my lifetime, I’ve seen two television series, several Disney versions, a daughter of Robin Hood taking up the family business, multiple theatrical films, and now Robin Hood and a dragon.  Admittedly, some of these renditions have been better than others, but if you are fond of the legend, all have their good moments. 

Given that Beyond Sherwood Forest was shot on a schedule of 21 days and actors had to do quite a bit with green screen, I think it comes off pretty well as entertainment. 

Robin Hood, Little John and Gareth are sympathetic characters, outlaws, but with humor and ethics.  The Sheriff is cruel and ominous, his selfishness is only surpassed by his heartless treatment of the dragon and others.  Prince John is sleazy and simply disgusting in actions and appearance. I do think his bad skin was a bit much, we would have hated him for his deeds without giving the poor guy small pox or whatever.

Maid Marian has not only beauty, but nerve with a backbone of steel, and skills beyond tapestry weaving.  She is both feminine and strong.  With the CG dragon, and the dark woods, and the fantasy element to the story, it is simply another adventure of the bold outlaw and his merry band. 

It is watchable and enjoyable, even with some silly moments and less than inspiring dialog.  The character development is minimal, resting on the idea that we all have some clue as to who Robin Hood is, and what he stands for and so the story is a sideline from the original. 

An inventive bard’s contribution to the evening’s entertainment, a fantastical story about our favorite hero, Robin Hood.

Beyond Sherwood Forest is presented on single disc in widescreen format with a running time of 93 minutes.  In addition to the film feature, there is a behind the scenes look at the production. 

Director Peter Deluise gives his take on the filming, the fast schedule, and gives audiences a hint as to how creative one must be in working with live actors and CG animation.  All in all, an enjoyable adventure in the greenwood….and beyond.

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