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In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve done a lot of complaining about kids’ movies over the past year or so. It just seems as though I’ve seen the same animated movie over and over and over (with just a couple of exceptions). So, at times like this, it’s always good to go back to the classics—the ones you know won’t let you down—like Disney’s Robin Hood.
The 1973 animated film takes the classic Robin Hood story and sets it in the animal world. After Prince John (voiced by Peter Ustinov) gets his sidekick, Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas), to hypnotize the king and send him off on the Crusades, John takes over the country, forcing the people to pay higher and higher taxes. And, thanks to the Sheriff (Pat Buttram), the Prince’s loyal subject, the people of Nottingham barely have anything left. Their only hope is Robin Hood (Brian Bedford)—who, with his friend and cohort, Little John (Phil Harris), robs from the rich and gives to the poor. And as Prince John tries to capture Robin and put him in prison, Robin keeps doing what he can to help the people of Nottingham—while winning the heart of his old sweetheart, Maid Marian (Monica Evans).
Robin Hood was actually the first movie I ever saw—so it holds a bit of sentimental value for me. But I also like it because it’s classic Disney animation. It takes a familiar story and makes it fun—with silly characters (like Sir Hiss, or the Prince, who’s little more than a big baby) and songs that will have you singing along. Watching it again as an adult, I love the folksiness of Roger Miller (known for such classics as “King of the Road,” “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd,” and “Dang Me”) as the rooster minstrel—and once he starts singing, it’s inevitable that I’ll have his songs in my head for days.
Granted, Robin Hood isn’t Disney’s best animated movie. The story does meander a bit, and the animation isn’t as breath-taking as it is in other films. It’s not as dreamy and enchanting as, say, Cinderella. And it’s definitely not as fast-paced and action-packed and pop-star-filled as today’s kids’ movies. It doesn’t try to cram every minute with action and jokes and songs. It’s just a lovable, laid-back, down-to-earth animated classic that’s a worthy addition to your DVD collection—if only to give it a little variety.
While you’ve got the DVD in your player, be sure to play a few of the games included on the Most Wanted Edition (I especially enjoyed “Rescue Maid Marian”)—and don’t miss the alternate ending (which I actually like better than the real ending).
Blu-ray Review:
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, this Disney classic has been released from the infamous Disney Vault in a new Blu-ray edition—complete with a striking digital restoration.
Extras on the disc include the alternate ending, Mickey Mouse short, and fun sing-alongs found on the DVD release. You can also view an art gallery full of stills from the film or follow along with the adventures of Robin Hood and Little John in the Robin Hood storybook. Or, for a look at long-lost movie-making history, you can also check out the deleted storyline, “Love Letters,” which follows Prince John’s plot to trap Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
The new release may not be loaded with behind-the-scenes footage and fancy special features, but the hi-def restoration—and those catchy, sing-along songs—make it worth picking up this lovable fairy tale and enjoying it with the whole family.
