Robin Hood [1973] - DVD ( - Dir: Wolfgang Reitherman)

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Customer Reviews of Robin Hood [1973]

Stampy
England
7th January 2009

Preaching and highly amusing Disney tale
Robin Hood and Little John fight the forces of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John and help feed the poor.

Walt Disney is quite possibly the greatest story teller of all time. Not only do his animated pictures excite and entertain us, they all have an encoded message that preaches towards its family audience. From the being in the right place Jungle Book to the circle of life in the Lion King Walt has become legendary.

This 1973 animation has an equally impressive story and message as his previous releases with a memorable score and riveting narrative.

Retelling the infamous story of outlaw Robin Hood and his adventures in Sherwood Forest, this adaptation isn't afraid to go political for its message. We see a strong issue driven narrative that sees the greedy Prince John take from the poor to feed his wealthy life and the torments that the poor residents go through is almost tear worthy.

Although being very political and issue driven, the film is not without entertainment and fun value.

Seeing Robin Hood dress up in humorous disguises such as a gypsy, a stalk and a vulture will have the kids engaged to the narrative. The fact that the characters are all animals makes the film easy to view and appreciate without taking away the importance of its preaching politics.

The humour is a fantastic advice to portray the personalities of the characters such as Prince John's baby sequences and Lady Kluck's ambitious and forceful antics, watch out for the football parody, one scene which never fails to steal the moment.

Being Disney and an animation, this is a great introduction into the life of the poor and rich which children should really appreciate.

Simple and with enough information to contain this is a gateway to a better understanding of grown up issues for the younger viewer.

The animation is as usual top notch from Disney but story aside the element which steals the limelight is the beautifully written score.

Combining so well with what is happening onscreen; Robin Hood finds the right mood at the right time to make it believable and equally enjoyable.

Not as strong as Jungle Book or Lion King per say but there is nothing to be faulted.

10/10

K. D. Squire
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
29th September 2008

Classic disney at its utmost best!
when asked what my favourite film is ill invariably say disneys Robin hood and the blank looks on the questioners face normally is just a comon occurance that until they have seen the film they dont understand why its so good!

Children and adults alike will love this film, ok the graphics are dated but for 1973 they are very good, the story is jolly, heart warming and a great take on an old fable.

The characters are all animals which makes a change, they are all voiced amazingly and fitting to the animal in every way! The film isnt long but with small children thats ok and the music gets stuck in your head for a good day after seeing it!

Its a definate classic for families and for the disney lover this is a must have. if you havent seen it wtch it youll love it i guarentee!

Lou Knee
England
31st January 2008

Enjoyable enough if you're happy with second rate Disney animation
Kids probably won't be as critical, or be as concerned about the dramatic decline in quality of animation or screenplay from a once very prestigious stable. Following on from the altogether better Jungle Book, Robin Hood takes a similarly fun and loose look at this classic tale, with another musical screenplay with plenty of gags and laughs. It is a long way from the mannered and precise screenplays of the early to mid Disney classics, and the animation, as it was in JB, is fluid and lively at best, but has none of the charisma or magic of the classic Disneys. This one was going to have to come up with some outstanding songs and voicework if it was to match the memorably exuberant Jungle Book. But it didn't.

Django
Spain
7th October 2007

The foxiest Maid Marian ever!
This was the first film I ever saw at the cinema, way back in 1973 when I was a small boy (when I did not know or care about aspect ratios). I used to live near Sherwood Forest so this film and the legend of Robin Hood were, and still are, very special for me.

It is great to see this film again on DVD in a re-mastered special edition. I found the picture and sound quality to be very good indeed even though I watched it on a small portable player. The film features some excellent actors doing the characters' voices - Peter Ustinov and Terry Thomas are perfect as Prince John and Sir Hiss and Phil Harris is a cool Little John even though this character seems to be a bit of a rehash of Baloo, the bear from Disney's version of The Jungle Book.

The animals chosen to play the human characters are an excellent choice. Robin Hood is a cunning fox and Maid Marian is of course a sexy vixen (Monica Evans has one of the most beautiful voices you will ever hear) and The Sheriff of Nottingham is a greedy fat wolf. A special mention must also be given to country singer Roger Miller as Alan-A-Dale (a rooster in this film) who narrates the tale and provides several of the songs.

The extras on this disc include a couple of fun games which younger children will enjoy and an unused alternative ending, albeit in storyboard form. I think it is a matter of opinion whether or not this ending would have been a better one than the one they actually used. I personally think this alternative ending is a bit dark compared to the tone of the rest of the film but it is interesting to be able to see it all the same.

To summarise Disney's Robin Hood, I would say that it is a great story with a host of wonderful characters, excellently voiced, and featuring some catchy songs that will have you singing along or whistling. This is my favourite Disney movie and it is still one of my favourite films of all time. If you have not seen it, it is definitely worth checking out - especially in this superb DVD version.

fantasy escapist
Essex, UK
20th August 2007

Ye Olde Entertainment.
Not having seen this film since I was 7, and missing most of it when it was last on TV earlier this year, I jumped at the chance to buy this on DVD and I wasn't disappointed.

The film itself, while the sketchy-type, with incomplete backgrounds and reused animation doesn't have the look of something from a completed studio film, but it's the charm of the character of Robin, as a fox as well as lots of other animals taking on the roles associated with the tale that captures your attention. It's quite funny as well, and one of my fave lines is: 'seize the fat one!' and the chase that follows it, :D.

Songs in this, especially 'Love' is quite good and memorable while the others are amusing more than anything. The plot is good and all in all, it's an entertaining film 7/10.

Extras, which include an alternate ending which is a little frightening at first when our hero appears to be in trouble is interesting to see, as is the Micky shorts(Ye Olden Days) and one of the games, Rescue Maid Marian(which may seem a bit confusing until you get the hang of it) and a picture gallery of conceptual art among other stuff. I'd also give these a 7/10 too.

Overall, a satisfying SE DVD.