The Adventures Of Robin Hood [DVD] [1938]

In 1938 Hollywood decided to revisit the legends of Sherwood forest, bringing the adventures of everyone's favourite outlaw to the silver screen with Errol Flynn and glorious technicolour. Nottingham would never be the same again.There have been many Robin Hoods over the years, some of whom have even managed to speak with an English accent. But for my money Flynn's portrayal is the most entertaining (though I have yet to see Russell Crowe or Douglas Fairbanks' portrayals). With a cheeky smile and easy manner he charms his way across the screen and into Maid Marian's heart. With some spectacular stunts and entertaining sword play he saves the day, the girl and the King's throne. It Hollywood fantasy at its most absurd, but it does exactly what it sets out to do and delivers 98 minutes of fun that leaves you wanting more.We all know the story. King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting the Crusades, leaving his evil brother (Claude Raines) in charge, aided and abetted by the dastardly Sir Guy (Basil Rathbone). They soon hatch plans to drain the Saxon peasants dry and steal the throne for John. Up steps Robin of Loxley, who sets himself up as the people's, and the King's, champion. Going round the countryside saving the helpless peasants, he meets and falls for Maid Marian (Olivia De Havilland, and who can blame him?). There is a series of skirmishes with John and Guy until the film reaches the big climactic final showdown, which features one of cinema's most famous sword fights between Flynn and Rathbone.When I first took up fencing, my instructor used to shout at me to stop `Flynning' it and fence properly. It was when I saw this film that I realised what he meant - the fencing is very showy, and anyone really fighting like that would be run through in nothing flat. But boy, is it entertaining! Added to which is the inventive camera work, where only the antagonists shadows are seen. It's a fitting climax to the film.One other mention must go to the score - it's big, epic, sweeping and suits the action admirably.If the film has any drawback it is the hamminess of some of the villain's performances. Raines and Rathbone are a little too pantomimish at times, almost twirling their moustaches and laughing evilly. It fits in with the general feel of the film though.This is an excellent release of the film. It is presented in a beautifully cleaned up picture, with the colour really vivid and alive. The soundtrack has been treated with similar care and comes through really clearly. The two discs are stuffed with extras, documentaries about the film and the technicolour process, contemporary short films and cartoons. Some are interesting, some not so. They are all garnish to the main feast which is the excellent film.So, buckle up your swash, put this in the DVD player and sit back for 98 minutes of good old fashioned family entertainment!

I didn't have particularly high expectations for this dvd I must confess I've never been a fan of Errol Flynn, but I have to say I was blown away by it and will be keeping an eye out for other films of his from now on, I was also very happy with the quality of the dvd extras especially a night at the movies 1938 and of course the making of documentary, a wonderful night's entertainment.

correct as described.

Not watched this DVD yet . But watched it many times on VHS . VHS recorder broken so needed for Sunday Afternoon Viewing . Something with a little action to stop me falling asleep . ?

Best version Robin Hood ever made.

This is the Hollywood version of our classic hero and Errol Flynn was certainly the right choice as the documentary telling how this film came about looks at how certain actors tied to Warner Brothers were put into everything and they were looking at James Cagney to play the title role, could you see him in green tights?With Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marion, Basil Rathbone as Guy of Gisburne and Claude Rains as the evil Prince John this is the definitive film version of our beloved hero, also for those who loved the Roy Rogers film Trigger the horse first appears here with Marion riding him before his partnership with the cowboy that cemented them in movie history for all time!Forget the horrible films that were made later with actors not portraying the character with a British accent if you want to experience the movie then you can't go wrong with this classic that's an enjoyable romp on those gloomy rainy days!Robin Hood is one legend that will never be forgotten and Errol Flynn made his unique portrayal for those to come later hard to follow.This is a 2 disc setDisc one has the film and audio commentaryDisc two has loads of bonus features that includes making of documentary, blooper reel, outtakes, newsreel, musical short and cartoon, music only audio track, more vintage cartoons and much more

Enjoyable watch, considering it was made in the late 1930s.

Have always thought Errol Flynn's "Robin Hood" was the best version. Great to have it in my movie library, can watch it whenever I want!