Peter H. Titchmarsh 2008-02-20

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

The Video cover shown is NOT for the animated version described - it is for the film (not animated) version of the Walt Disney film circa 1950? The film was a 'classic' starring Richard Todd, Joan Rice, Peter Finch and Hubert Gregg. I have seen it many times and have the VHS version as shown on your site. I had trouble finding a copy!

J. Davis 2007-08-24

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Given the worthy actors in this film it isn't quite bad enough to be terrible, but it is an embarrassment. Richard Todd usually turns in a good performance, but here, as Robin Hood, he is one-dimensional and completely unconvincing, as are James Hayter (Friar Tuck) and James Robertson Justice (Little John). Peter Finch as the Sheriff of Nottingham turns out the best acting performance, but that's relative -- he's just the best of a bad bunch. As to Joan Rice as Maid Marian, the less said the better -- 'inept' is less enough.

This is essentially a British film, but stamped 'Disney', replete with cardboard castles and imitation countryside. Perhaps it was made for children. I know I enjoyed it as a 10-year-old at the Essoldo in Salford, though it was the singing of Elton Hayes as the minstrel that has enhanced my recollection of it. His role holds up well, and while the songs may not be classics, they are evocative and partly redeem this cheap celluloid effort.

Taran Wanderer 2007-08-03

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

When King Richard Caeur de Lion leaves his throne behind to take on a crusade, his place is taken over by his greedy younger brother, Prince John. With his two henchmen, Sir Hiss and the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John manages to bring the land into a deep depression with citizens starving and living in gray misery. However, not all is lost for the poor, helpless people of Nottingham, the kind outlawed Robin Hood and his faithful companion, Little John have made a promise to keep their hopes alive by "borrowing" from the rich to give to the poor. A promise they manage to keep without getting into deep trouble until the very day they attempt this against Prince John himself. Being terribly humiliated before his own minions, Prince John seeks revenge and offers a grand reward for Robin's capture.

Unfortunately for Prince John, he doesn't have too many Englishmen on his side other than his clumsy minions, so he thinks it's best to take matters into his own hands by setting traps for Robin Hood. First an archer tournament, first price being a Golden Arrow and a kiss from Maid Marian, in which good ol' Robin participates under disguise and afterward the hanging of good Friar Tuck, however, Prince John's traps fail with the absence of intelligent warriors to carry them on, so with smart tricks and fun-filled treats, Robin Hood manages to scape Prince John and eventually, bring peace back to Nottingham.

Although the structure for this picture is rather weak, it is saved by the fact that it was never really meant to be strong in the first place. "Robin Hood" the second animated feature produced by Disney after Walt's death was supposed to be a break from full-blown animated musicals and live more as a soft and fun comedy. Despite it's poor animation techniques, the film remains lively and colorful, with soft, crazy villains rather then dark, demon like ones and lively, forgettable songs rather then timeless melodies. Who can forget the clever opening number that inspired the famous and crazy Hamster Dance? The vocal work is excellent, Phil Harris and Peter Ustinov steal the show! If viewed technically, Robin Hood will disappoint its viewers, but for those searching for good, clean fun for the entire family, this is a great pick!

Sarah Gibson 2007-05-20

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

This is a fabulous version of Robin Hood.
As a little girl my dad recorded this for me off the TV and every time I was ill I watched it untill i knew it off by heart!
I am 21 now and it was great to watch it agian recently. Still every bit as magical.
A definate timeless classic -for children big and small!!

KTS 2007-03-05

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

Some say Disney is childish--but I have to disagree. An avid Robin Hood fan, I was overjoyed when this was shown on the TV not so long ago.

The characters are all animals, which adds a new dimension to the famous Robin Hood legend--all the characters with their own special little personalities from Skippy the Rabbit to the very wolfish sheriff of Nottingham.

However, the story is perfect for children to learn about the legend of Hood, for it has all the classic Disney elements such as catchy songs and fantastic imagery.

Overall one of the great Disney films, with a very fine Marian vixen to add to the entertainment. Recommended to both adults and children alike!