 "The ultimate original!" | 2009-10-07 |
| - Reviewed By orbmagnet |
Almost everybody knows the story of Robin Hood, and what he does for a living. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor, and he does a heck of a good job (unlike Dennis Moore). And so there are numerous movies that have been about this medieval legend. We have the animated Disney version, the 1991 Patrick Bergin version, the 1991 Kevin Costner version, the 1993 Mel Brooks parody, and most recently, the 2006 BBC series. Here, we have the 1938 Errol Flynn version. This is considered to be the greatest film adaptation, and it's not very hard to see why. It looks pretty outdated in today's world, but it's still something to look forward to. There are colorful costume designs, dazzling cinematography, and an impressive music score. But the real standouts here are Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland as Robin Hood & Maid Marian. The critics are correct: these two people give the greatest performances in this film and, in fact, the entire universe of Robin Hood films. This is the true Robin Hood: sly and charismatic. And this is the true Marian: kind, but troubled. Forget Kevin Costner's version. This is the ultimate film adaptation. Watch and enjoy it . . . and after that, watch the hysterical Mel Brooks version as well.
Grade: A |
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| "A classic of cinema" | 2009-10-01 |
| - Reviewed By User: A22MZ78ZVU9TK3 |
The picture quality is fantastic for a film that is over 70 years old, each frame is a joy to behold. The heart and warmth of this movie shines through, and even though the story is camp nonsense it is accomplished with a knowing affection that was produced by the best the Hollywood system had to offer. Modern, soulless American action movies aimed at the teen market, could well learn a thing or three about how to make a classic that can stand the test of time.
The Blu-ray disc also has a great many extras, many duplicated from the DVD Two-Disc Special Edition released a few years ago.
Buy this on Blu-ray to add a little class (and fun) to your collection. |
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| "Still the best film about Robin Hood" | 2009-09-12 |
| - Reviewed By User: AXKSUH82WP9EY |
| Good natured, entertaining, Errol Flynn, action, humor, what more could you want from a swashbuckler? |
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| "Great film and great product!" | 2009-09-12 |
| - Reviewed By User: A26W6YBT7HSKVE |
| I have started buying Errol Flynn movies. I was pleasantly suprised that this was a very good transfer with good sound and a great story. I would compare it to the Court Jester in quality. |
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| "The greatest swash-buckler of all time." | 2009-09-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1D1XCIQ6FTWTD |
| This is one of my favorite movies of all time. A little bit of that classic Hollywood Camp but still the greatest of the Flynn films. This is light years ahead of Kevin Costner's tale. Blu-Ray only makes it better. And, if you like this, get "They Died With Their Boots On." You will love it. The same cast in place in the story of George Armstrong Custer. |
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| "Blu-Ray brings this classic to vivid life!" | 2009-07-31 |
| - Reviewed By starla20 |
The ultimate Errol Flynn swashbuckler. Olivia de Havilland in all her glory. A milestone in Technicolor photography. THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD is all this and more. Based on the original Robin Hood ballads and stories, we follow Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) as he fights the corrupt rule of Prince John (Claude Rains) and Sir Guy (Basil Rathbone), and wins the fair hand of Lady Marian (Olivia de Havilland).
Warners originally intended ROBIN HOOD to be a vehicle for James Cagney, after he played Bottom in their all-star production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1935. When he later walked away from the studio following a dispute, the part went to virtual unknown Errol Flynn who'd scored a surprise critical and financial success in "Captain Blood" that same year. Olivia de Havilland, Flynn's "Captain Blood" leading lady, was reunited with him for what would be their second of eight wonderful co-starring assignments.
This is a movie that we really couldn't appreciate fully until the Blu-Ray release. The BD uncovers all the tiny details in sets and costumes, like the green crushed velvet of Errol Flynn's cape, the sheen on Basil Rathbone's blue satin collar; and the ruddy complexions of the actors. This is the exact same Ultra Resolution print that was seen in Warner's most recent double-disc Special Edition DVD set, but the upscaling to BD brings this masterpiece to life in a way that we have never really experienced before.
The stacked extras are identical to the standard Special Edition DVD release but are very worthwhile. Highlights include the TCM documentary "Glorious Technicolor" narrated by Angela Lansbury which charts the history of the greatest colour film photography system; and "Welcome to Sherwood!", an exhaustive documentary detailing the history and production of the ROBIN HOOD shoot. |
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![The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) [HD DVD]](product_images/4923000/4923168_medium.jpg)
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