Movies Reviews

Robin of Sherwood: Set 1 – Blu-ray Review

By June L. Jun 9, 2011, 15:05 GMT

The centuries-old legend of Robin Hood was never more vividly brought to life than in this acclaimed British series. Combining real history with elements of magic and mysticism, and set against a backdrop of gritty medieval realism, Robin Of Sherwood has captivated fans of all ages. Heading up the superb ensemble cast are Michael Praed ("Dynasty") as Robin of Loxley, Ray Winstone ("Sexy Beast") as seething-mad Scarlet, and Nickolas Grace ...more

In spite of multiple productions of Robin Hood in both movies and television, this 1980’s BBC series remains the all time favorite of many.  Acorn Media has released Set 1 in Blu-ray format with a variety of extras that should please everyone. 

If you are new to the series this is a wonderful introduction, and if it is an old favorite you will want to own this beautifully produced set.
 
Robin of Sherwood: Set 1 stars Michael Praed as the young hero Robin of Loxley, with Judi Trott as Marian, Clive Mantle as Little John, Ray Winstone as Will Scarlet, Peter Llewellyn Williams as Much, Phil Rose as Friar Tuck, Mark Ryan as Nasir, and John Abiner as Herne the Hunter.  The Sheriff of Nottingham is played by Nickolas Grace and Sir Guy of Gisborne by actor Robert Addie. 

In this version, written by Robert Carpenter, the Sherwood Forest group is much younger than in any other production.  At the time of filming, most were in their early 20’s and gave energy and enthusiasm to their fine dramatic performances.  Swashbuckling adventure, with undercurrents of magic and the use of English locations and outdoor settings make this series exceptional. 

Remembering that these were the days pre-computer, the stunts and special effects blend flawlessly into the action, enhancing the mystic legendary feelings while bringing the historic time period to life realistically. 

Robin of Sherwood is beautifully boxed in a multiple disc keeper case.  A forty page booklet is included, written by Simon Wells and full of information on the production.  It is illustrated with beautiful stills from the Series. 

There are four discs included in the set, three contain the episodes (some in two parts) in the order in which they were meant to be seen.  Each disc includes a bonus feature, and several episodes contain a commentary with Richard Carpenter and early series Director Ian Sharpe. 

The fourth disc is filled with bonuses, “Nothing Forgotten” The Making of Robin of Sherwood, which has two documentaries that have been remastered, new featurettes with director Robert Young and actors George Baker and Philip Jackson on the episodes “The Prophecy” “The Sords of Wayland” and “The Greatest Enemy”. 

Outtakes, stills galleries and PDF’s of several scripts and Richard Carpenter’s original story make this a treasure all Robin Hood fans will wish to own.
 
Visit the DVD database for more information.