Rating: 
Summary: A BRILLIANT CLASSIC REBORN ON DVD!!!
Review: The Adventures of Robin Hood Special Edition really shows you how great DVDs can be if the movie studios take the time and care to do them right. Here we have a 65 year old movie, and it gets better treatment on DVD than most new releases.This was the movie that would really make Errol Flynn the star and the quintessential swashbuckler of all time. Flynn plays Robin Hood, fighting the oppressive Normans and helping the poor Saxons. The grerat cast includes Claude Rains as evil prince John, BAsil Rathbone as the Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Alan Hale Sr. as Little John, and Olivia De Haviland as Maid Marian. Many other great character actors are there too. An exciting, colorful movie done in vivid and gorgeous technicolor which gets a great transfer on DVD. Flawless audio and video. This alone would make it great but Warner Home video has spared nothing to make a great DVD. This two disc set is loaded with special features. There's a commentary track by film historian Rudy Behlmer with great annecdotes about the movie. Critic Leonard Maltin gives us a grear "Warner Bros. Night at the Movies". You see the movie just as you would had you gone to the theatre back in the 1930's with a newsreel, musical short, trailers, cartoon, and then, of course the feature film. This is a fantastic touch. There's a brand new documetary made in 2003 about the making of the movie and including interviews with surviving members of the crew. There are a couple of Robin Hood related warner Bros, cartoons starring Bugs Bunny and DAffy Duck. There's a great WArner Bros blooper reel which was an annual thing Warner Bros. put together. Lots of great outtakes from some old classic movies including Robin Hood. Great on-going gag of Basil Rathbone trying on different helmets for his role as Sir Guy. A Hisotry of Robin Hood on-screen featurette... A collection of Trailers from Flynn's other movies. And there's a lot more. i cannot give this a higher recommendation. Hopefully other classics will receive such treatment on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful presentation of an epic masterpiece
Review: The Adventures of Robin Hood...this is, in my opinion, one of the best movies ever made. This Academy Award winning film flawlessly tells a story based on English legend, about Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn), a noble Saxon forced to take up arms against the Normans as the Prince John, the king's brother, tries to take the throne in his King Richard's absence. In turning outlaw, Robin's following grows, as the Normans levy harsh taxes and exact brutal retribution against the Saxon population if they are unable to sate the greedy and uncaring reign of Prince John, played by Claude Rains. Basil Rathebone plays Sir Guy of Gisbourne, a Norman noble supporting Prince John's absconding of the throne and vying for the hand in marriage of Maid Marion, a charge in the King's care, who falls in love with Robin once she sees that he is no mere thief, but a protector and provider of the people being oppressed by her Norman countrymen. This film is a perfect example of every element of a movie coming together. The immaculate direction, perfect casting, exquisite music score, sharp and witty dialogue, beautifully expansive sets and scenery and highly detailed, colorful costumes...you are literally transported back to the 12th century as the movie draws you in and keeps your attention throughout. Errol Flynn becomes Robin, with his sly smile and cheerfully upbeat nature, even in the face of such adversity. The lovely Olivia deHavilland is Maid Marian, with her expressive eyes and loving nature. Claude Rains brings to life the character of Prince Richard perfectly, as the back stabbing opportunist trying to steal the throne. My favorite though has to be Basil Rathebone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne. He really creates a character the viewer loves to hate. Given this was a 65th anniversary release of the movie from Warner Brothers, I was very pleased to see that they did right by the film. Not known for their including special features, Warner Brothers provides so many wonderful bits including making of features, outtakes, a look at other screen adaptations of the Robin Hood story, classic cartoons, historical materials, photo galleries, and so much more. I have only touched the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, so view the product page to see a complete listing. One thing I found exceptionally interesting was the recreation of a night at the movies, basically allowing us to see what it was like to go to the movies back in the late 30's, presenting newsreels, a cartoon, and other goodies prior to showing the feature. Quite an interesting experience to see how the movies were actually a full night of entertainment for people back in the day. If you like spectacular epics with thrilling action and adventure, with a dash of comedic element, then this movie is for you. Heck, if you like movies in general, then treat yourself and your family, as they just don't get any better than this. Cookieman108
Rating:
Summary: Stupifiying presentation
Review: Absolutely the best DVD I,ve ever seen.If anything,it was better than the theatrical presentation that I saw 2 years ago.The documentaries and special features alone are worth the price,particularly the "History of Technicolor".
Rating:
Summary: The Classic Adventure/ Epic of Robin Hood
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Nobody Buckles the Swashes Like Errol
Review: "You speak treason!"
"Fluently."
- Maid Marion and Robin Hood, respectively Still one of the best lines between love interests in cinema history. I've been watching this movie since I could talk. When the VCR would boot up, I'd put on my blanket/cape, leap on my plastic rocking horse, grab my cardboard sword, and act out the best Robin Hood movie ever made as it played out on the screen. 'Course, I don't do that any more (not sober anyway), but when I first saw the DVD edition of the Errol Flynn classic, it truly made me feel like a kid again. And that's something that I can say for a handful of other movies, if that many. Many have tried to recreate the magic of this movie over the past sixty years, but none has been able to come close to being as good. Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood. But this 1938 film told the definitive story of the knight who turned rebel when the evil Prince John and his #1 lackey, Sir Guy of Gisborne (played to perfection by Basil Rathbone) cross the line in villianhood. It's not just Errol Flynn's irrepressable performance as the legendary outlaw that makes the film. Olivia Dehavalen (yes, I KNOW I spelled that wrong) played the slightly unorthadox, for the time, Maid Marion, and the rest of the cast, from Much the Miller to Little John to Friar Tuck were perfectly cast and marvelously performed. It wasn't just the wonderful duels or tense chase scenes, it was the people who populated this world that made you truly BELIEVE, despite the green tights, that this was the true vision of Robin Hood. The DVD was worth the wait. The video looks better than it has. . . well, ever. There have been numerous restorations on this movie (it was made more than 60 years ago), but this is by far the best. The colors leap off of the screen, from the greens of the forest to the pearly white of Flynn's smile. It doesn't look like a contemporary film by any means, but honestly, it doesn't really need to. Like a good wine, this film silmply gets better with age. The audio is equally impressive, from the redone score to the cleaned up audio track. Gone are the muffled and indistinct voices of a dated VHS. Every line comes out crips and clear thanks to the digital sound, and the music makes you want to join in the swashbuckling just for the fun of it. This is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the Robin Hood legend, and especially for anyone who saw Prince of Thieves (ick), just to see what England's greatest archer was really like. They truly just don't make movies like this anymore.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the best, bar none, of the Golden Age!
Review: ...and I'm happily not alone in sharing that opinion, judging from the many, many other reviewers here-thank goodness!
I owned an edition with many of these extras in the laserdisc format, and it's terrific that it's now been released on DVD with even more fun goodies...although it could be simply the film itself, nothing else on this DVD-and believe me, you'd be more than satisfied. This is one of those "classic" films that are so famous you might feel you know it already-even if you haven't seen it. And, you may dismiss it out of hand if you HAVEN'T seen it as "corny" or kitchy-DON'T!
I've been lucky enough to see this in a theatre recently with an audience which included lots of pretty jaded kids-exactly the demographic you'd expect to be embarrassed at the thought of sitting through an "old" movie like this...and they cheered along with the diehard film buffs and old-timers. In fact, I defy anyone to dislike this film...it's just got everything, as has been pointed out elsewhere here: a terrific script, brilliant Technicolor(literally eye-popping!), beautiful scenery and costumes, one of the very greatest of film scores by an acknowledged master-and especially, crucially, the cast: Errol Flynn is funny, athletic, gorgeous, and witty in a role that-well, how can it have been easy to attempt playing? Even in 1937 "Robin Hood" was a fairy tale of a story...but Flynn pulls it off brilliantly. Every single actor in the cast, in fact, is spot-on perfect casting. And it mightn't have been that way: listen to Rudy Behlmer's peerless commentary(the standard to which all other golden age commentaries should be held)and discover a primer in filmmaking, studio politics, the history of the legend of Robin Hood, and more...amazing! This is definitely one of those "satisfied or your money back!" experiences; Warner Bros. could risk it, because no one would want a refund. Have a ball!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant !
Review: 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 !
Rating:
Summary: A "Classic" Restored
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing But Fun
Review: The Robin Hood story has been made into several movies. This isn't even the first. This may be the best, though. Tremendously rousing & fun. Flynn makes a likable & enjoyable Robin. The villians are all deliciously evil. There really isn't a false note in the entire production. Worth owning even without the wonderful extras.
Rating:
Summary: Marvelous!
Review: One of Hollywood's greatest achievments is given the "red carpet" treatment here. The "no expense spared" restoration of this screen classic is a marvel to see and to hear. And the extras on these two jam-packed DVDs truly take advantage of the possibilities of this medium. Shorts, a running commentary, galleries, a classic Looney Tunes cartoon, even a "blooper" reel. Those old time stars certainly had foul mouths when they "dried up"! The real treasures for me are the two Korngold extras. First, the complete "premiere" live coast to coast radio broadcast concert of highlights from Korngold's masterful score, played by the Warners orchestra under the composer's direction. The performance is narrated in grand style by Basil Rathbone, in the rousing, theatrical manner of the day. Imagine this happening today with a "classical" film score! The other most enjoyable highlight for me are twelve scenes from Korngold's greatest film scores, played at the piano (and sung!) flamboyantly by the composer, to an enthusiastic audience. It sounds like a private party, and we have a front-row seat.
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