THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD [1938 / 2008] [Premiere Collection] [Blu-ray + DVD] [UK Release] Spectacular! One Of The Most Splendid Entertainments Ever Devised! The Best-Loved Bandit of All Time!
Dashing Errol Flynn triumphs in this lavish, fast-paced Technicolour® adventure version of the Robin Hood legend in this 1938 production of ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ Doing many of his stunts himself, Errol Flynn is at his most athletic and romantic, but originally the role was intended for James Cagney. Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marion and perennial villain Basil Rathbone as the aristocratic Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Claude Raines as Prince John and a boisterous who’s who of actors that pulled out all stops for the production. Plus Warner Bros. reunited Michael Curtiz, as their top-action film director. Welcome to Sherwood Forrest!
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1939 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Art Direction for Carl Jules Weyl. Win: Best Film Editing for Ralph Dawson. Win: Best Music for an Original Score for Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Nominated: Best Picture. 1995 National Film Preservation Board, USA: Win: National Film Registry for ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ motion picture. 2017 Online Film & Television Association: Win: Online Film and Television Hall of Fame for ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ motion picture.
FILM FACT No.2: ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ has been acclaimed by critics since its release. In 1995, the film was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. Alan Hale Sr., who plays Little John, had played the same character in the Douglas Fairbanks's 1922 version of the film and went on to play him again in ‘Rogues of Sherwood Forest’ and released by Columbia in 1950, a 28-year span.
Cast: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Patric Knowles, Eugene Pallette, Alan Hale Sr., Melville Cooper, Ian Hunter, Una O'Connor, Herbert Mundin, Montagu Love, Leonard Willey, Robert Noble, Kenneth Hunter, Robert Warwick, Colin Kenny, Lester Matthews, Harry Cording, Ivan F. Simpson, Lowden Adams (uncredited), Frank Baker (uncredited), James Baker (uncredited), Sidney Baron (uncredited), Lionel Belmore (uncredited), Wilson Benge (uncredited), Charles Bennett (uncredited), Hal Brazeale (uncredited), George Bruggeman (uncredited), George Bunny (uncredited), David Cavendish (uncredited), Phyllis Coghlan (uncredited), Zebedy Colt (uncredited), D'Arcy Corrigan (uncredited), Nick De Ruiz (uncredited), Jack Deery (uncredited), Eddie Dew (uncredited), Jimmy Dime (uncredited), Harold Entwistle (uncredited), Herbert Evans (uncredited), Austin Fairman (uncredited), Jack Gordon (uncredited), Frank Hagney (uncredited), Alec Harford (uncredited), Ivo Henderson (uncredited), Holmes Herbert (uncredited), Howard Hill (uncredited), Peter Hobbes (uncredited), Leyland Hodgson (uncredited), Harold Howard (uncredited), George Huggins (uncredited), Olaf Hytten (uncredited), Charles Irwin (uncredited), Robert M. Parrington Jackson (uncredited), Dick Johnstone (uncredited), Crauford Kent (uncredited), Paul Kruger (uncredited), Marten Lamont (uncredited), Carole Landis (uncredited), Connie Leon (uncredited), Frank McCarroll (uncredited), Charles McNaughton (uncredited), Thomas R. Mills (uncredited), Charles Morton (uncredited), Leonard Mudie (uncredited), Joseph North (uncredited), Antonia Oland (uncredited), Paul Power (uncredited), Bob Reeves (uncredited), Georges Renavent (uncredited), Dick Rich (uncredited), John J. Richardson (uncredited), Gerald Rogers (uncredited), Victor Romito (uncredited), John Roy (uncredited), Janet Shaw (uncredited), Reginald Sheffield (uncredited), Cap Somers (uncredited), Ray Spiker (uncredited), Robert St. Angelo (uncredited), Ernie Stanton (uncredited), Val Stanton (uncredited), Robert R. Stephenson (uncredited), William Sundholm (uncredited), John Sutton (uncredited), Cyril Thornton (uncredited), David Thursby (uncredited), Trigger [Maid Marian's Horse] (uncredited) and Claude Wisberg (uncredited)
Directors: Michael Curtiz and William Keighley
Producers: Hal B. Wallis (uncredited), Henry Blanke (uncredited) and Jack L. Warner (uncredited)
Screenplay: Norman Reilly Raine (original screenplay: based upon ancient Robin Hood legends), Rowland Leigh (original screenplay: based upon ancient Robin Hood legends and Seton I. Miller (contributor to treatment) (uncredited)
Composer: Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Costumes: Milo Anderson
Cinematography: Sol Polito, A.S.C. (Director of Photography) and Tony Gaudio, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Technicolor Photography: William Howard Greene
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Audio: English: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
French: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Spanish: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French and Spanish
Running Time: 101 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions + DVD: PAL
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Warner Home Video
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: With the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938] we are informed that it is the year of Our Lord 1191 which Richard, the Lion-Heart, Richard I of England set forth to drive the infidels from the Holy Land, he gave the Regency of his Kingdom to the trusted friend, William Longchamp – Richard the Lionheart’s Chancellor, instead of his treacherous brother, Prince John, King of England. Bitterly resentful, Prince John, King of England hoped for some disaster to befall Richard, the Lion-Heart, Richard I of England so that he, with the help of the Norman Barons, might seize the throne for himself. And then the luckless day for the Saxons . . . The great cold hall of Nottingham Castle, the stronghold of Sir Guy of Gisbourne, knew an unaccustomed warmth night, for Prince John, King of England and his friends who were there to celebrate a promising future. But Prince John, King of England reign became even more murderous. Terror spread among the helpless. Saxons who knew that resistance meant death. Soon death became preferable to oppression and the defiant oath became more than a thing of words.
In the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,’ Errol Flynn stars as Lord Robin of Locksley, a Saxon nobleman who's enraged at the mistreatment of his people and the world-domination ambitions of his government. When King Richard the Lionheart [Ian Hunter] leaves on a crusade, England falls into the hands of his megalomaniacal and simpering brother Prince John [Claude Rains], who is only out to fill his pockets with Saxon money. He abuses the people, overtaxes them, and leaves them impoverished and enraged. Robin takes on their cause as a leader, becoming an outlaw for resisting Prince John's will. Soon, Robin is making a fool of the prince and wooing the beautiful Norman Maid Marion (Olivia de Havilland). But can he win out over John and return King Richard to the throne?
And the whole robbing-from-the-rich-giving-to-the-poor thing couldn't be clearer: "To them this is heaven," Robin explains to Marion after ambushing the royal entourage and taking their riches and giving them to the starving Saxons. "Suits for rags, kindness instead of riches, and limitless food instead of hunger. Why, they're actually happy." It's hard to imagine a blockbuster Hollywood film today offering such lofty sentiments. Politics aside, it's a rare action movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that definitely adds to the fun here. Even during fight scenes, the music is light and upbeat. Compared to other man-against-his-government films such as the dour Shooter, Robin Hood is refreshing. And don't forget to enjoy the amazing costumes, it's delightful that in Medieval England, Marion still manages to float through Sherwood Forest in a collection of silk, lamé, satin, and chiffon ball gowns.
‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ film, has the incredibly dashing Errol Flynn in one of his signature roles and was the perfect leading man; and then there is the unbelievably alluring Olivia de Havilland, who is simply a vision of grace; and on top of all that we have the eye-popping Technicolor palette which I regularly show to those unfamiliar with classic Technicolor to prove to them that the colours were more beautiful "back then" and last, but certainly not least, the beyond rousing, the amazing Oscar-winning composed film score of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, which the layers theme upon theme, brings out the subliminal hero in all of us, and that's just for starters.
Errol Flynn was the perfect leading man. Though he was quoted later as having been "bored" by the role, after achieving stardom with earlier, similar efforts like 'Captain Blood' [1935] and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' [1936], you wouldn't know it from his performance. No one could charge into a room, swish a sword and charm the ladies like he could and they didn't coin the phrase "in like Flynn" for nothing. So iconic is Errol Flynn's “Robin Hood” portrayal that it is parodied in satires, especially like Mel Brooks' ‘Men in Tights.’
The supporting cast is also really wonderful. Olivia de Havilland is a gorgeous, sly, and feisty Maid Marian. Errol Flynn was reportedly a bit of a troublemaker on set, reserving most of his goodwill only for Olivia de Havilland. Whatever the case, their chemistry is palpable on screen, winning, and rather sexy. Basil Rathbone, the world's most famous Sherlock Holmes, is wisely cast against type as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisbourne. His performance is consummate in its wickedness and subtle wit, with Basil Rathbone easily holding his own against Errol Flynn. Also look for a terrific ensemble of famous character actors, including Melville Cooper as the hilarious, snivelling High Sheriff of Nottingham. On top of all that, Warner Bros. stable standby Claude Rains as somewhat fey Prince John, and Alan Hale, Sr. (a dead-ringer for his son, of the future “Gilligan's Island” skipper Alan Hale, Jr.) as Little John.
It's interesting that ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ continues to be considered the definitive telling of the classic tale, because based on the behind-the-scenes dramas that plagued its production; it should have been a disaster. William Keighley was the original director, hired mainly because he had worked with Errol Flynn a year prior on ‘The Prince and the Pauper.’ Despite the studio's high hopes, his early dailies were underwhelming, and was promptly replaced by another director, Michael Curtiz and veteran of such hits as ‘The Perfect Specimen,’ ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and ‘Captain Blood’ (the latter two again with Errol Flynn), and Michael Curtiz's influence helped give the film its now famous light-hearted spirit and dazzling derring-do with Errol Flynn at the helm. ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ certainly ranks up there in a career filled with staggering achievements.
Ultimately, even those familiar with the Robin Hood character and the legend, but unfamiliar with this particular version, will find something to love here. The film leaves nothing of the legend out, the splitting of the arrow, the fight with Little John and the Sherwood Forest feast, not to mention the swordplay, the romance, and the plundering... well it’s all here in great quantity and flair. ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ may not have modern special effects, airbrushed models instead of actors, and fast-cut editing, but even since the film was released in 1938, it remains cinema’s reigning wonderful swashbuckler film.
‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ hits the high points in a fleet 102 minutes: political intrigue, scenes from the class struggle, male bonding, romance, and justice dealt against justice in bold strokes. Warner Bros, big-budget production is among the first colour features ever made, and the vibrant Technicolor still dazzles, with verdant Sherwood Forest assisted by liberal application of green spray paint. The spectacle carries over into impressive stunt work (fights by Fred Cavens, archery by Howard Hill), striking art direction by Carl Jules Weyl, and dramatic photography (particularly the extreme high and low angles) by Sol Polito and Tony Gaudio. Topping it all off is the awesome lush Erich Wolfgang Korngold film music score that helped to set the standard for film music.
Production concerns led to a handoff from director William Keighley [‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’] to Michael Curtiz (Casablanca), but you'd never know it from the miraculous finished product, a rousing, high-spirited family entertainment rightly regarded as one for the ages.
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Warner Home Video presents the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ that I really enjoyed compared to the inferior DVD release that was at the time the only way to view this Technicolor film and of course shown in the standard 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Restored under the auspices of the "Ultra Resolution" process, this technological wonder allows for clean-up and re-alignment of vintage Technicolor negatives, returning them not only to their former glory but far surpassing any previous presentation in terms of clarity, colour purity, and sharpness. The results of Warner Bros. advancements have earned praise far and wide, and I'm certainly a huge fan. I continue to be amazed at how fantastic the recent Warner Ultra Resolution titles like ‘Singin' in the Rain,’ ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘The Searchers’ look, and now ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ can be safely added to that luminaria list. The only reason I'm not giving ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ a full five-star rating is because it may be just a smidgen less perfect, and not quite as sharp, as the absolute top tier of Warner Bros. Ultra-Resolution titles, and the title still holds up as the absolute reference standard, and ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ looks totally fantastic and this UK release is to me far superior image quality compared to the USA Blu-ray release I had in my collection and this UK Warner Home Video release definitely gets a five star rating from me.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Due to the age of ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ and its audio elements, and the lack of the original master audio recording needed to create a full 5.1 surround remix, ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ is brought to us in the 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio experience, as was with the inferior DVD version, there just isn't much you can say about this mono mix. Overall, fidelity is fine, but the most apparent improvement is the high end, gone is that shrill, ear-piercing flatness one usually associates with old mono mixes. Mid-range and low bass could still have used a bit of a boost, however. This is most noticeable on the brass-filled music score, which sounds rather flat. Dialogue holds up very well, though, if somewhat pinched. But like the image, any deficiencies in the audio are hardly excessive, and after a few minutes, you won't even notice. But a word of warning, put your amplifier setting in the STEREO mode, as if you have it in the Dolby Surround mode, it sounds totally awful, I just wish with this awesome Technicolor film, they could of spent some extra money on upgrading the sound to at least 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. Despite this, this UK Blu-ray release audio experience is far superior to the USA Blu-ray release I had in my collection and also definitely gets a five star rating form me and well worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Rudy Behlmer: Here Film Historian Rudy Behlmer introduces himself and proceeds to inform us lots of fun film facts and anecdotes about the movie THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,’ and out of interest, Rudy Behlmer is the Author of “Inside Warner bros. [1935 – 1951]. Rudy Behlmer’s name should be very familiar to any film fan of classic cinema, as he has contributed to numerous DVD supplements and documentaries. Admittedly, Rudy Behlmer audio commentary track can be a little dry sometimes and obviously he is so well prepared he seems to be obviously reading off of an already-written material, but you can't argue with the breadth and depth of his knowledge. Rudy Behlmer sticks to the film at hand, and covers just about every aspect of the production for the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,’ from conception to casting to shooting of the film to the release of the film. Rudy Behlmer the ubiquitous film historian and scholar Rudy Behlmer, we are thrown pretty much head-first into the realm of the Warner Bros. Studio during its hectic and full-throttle heyday. Mimicking the sheer volume of information that he bestowed upon some of the Universal classic horrors, Rudy Behlmer may attack his topic with a completely warts 'n' all approach, but his delivery is little dry to be properly savoured all in one go. But what he may lack in spontaneity, he more than makes up for with such an amazing wealth of fact, anecdote and technical explanation. Well researched and, no doubt, rehearsed as well, his commentary is typical of all those of his that I have heard before in that it both fascinates and irritates all at once. But, taken in small doses at a time, there is much of worth to discover and it is well-recommended on the whole. Perhaps this is not for casual viewers, but die-hard fans of the film should give it a listen.
Special Feature: WARNER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: Here we get to view six special featurettes which can be viewed separately or alternatively Play All and they are as follows:
Introduction by Leonard Maltin [2008] [1080p / 480i] [1.37:1] [2:39] This is basically entitled “Warner Night at the Movies" and is introduced by the ubiquitous Leonard Maltin, and talks about the film theatre programme that people would see after watching the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,’ as it would have been exhibited at the time of its original release. Here we get to view short clips of the coming attractions that includes a trailer for the film ‘Angels With Dirty Faces;’ preview of the Universal Newsreel with the U.S. Army on manoeuvres; preview of ‘Katnip Kollege’ cartoon that was more of a musical than a comedy; we get a short clip of the Vitaphone ‘Freddie Rich And His Orchestra.’ So all in all, this was a great introduction of what you will view in the following special features.
Theatrical Trailer [1938] [1080p] [1.37:1] [3:22] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the black-and-white film ‘Angels With Dirty Faces.’
1938 Universal Newsreels [1938] [480i] [1.37:1] [1:21] Here we get to view the 1938 Universal Newsreels, that features the U.S. Army with their perfect Howie Machine-Gun Carrier, which looks like a little metal raft on balloon wheels, with a stock midget auto motor hung on the rear for motive power and a 30 calibre machine gun mounted at the front. Plus, we get to see a short newsreel about the German Army invading Austria.
VITAPHONE Presents Freddie Rich and his Orchestra [1938] [480i] [1.37:1] [11:05] Here we get to view a Vitaphone black-and-white presentation which features the Freddie Rich and his Orchestra, plus Nan Wynn, Guitarist Joe Sodja and the Three Symphonettes aka the Bennett Sisters Trio, and also features an amazing Art Deco background set.
Vintage Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies Cartoon ‘Katnip Kollege’ [1938] [1080p] [1.37:1] [7:26] At the Katnip Kollege, we see a roomful of cats taking a course in Swingology. Everyone swings except Johnny, who can't cut it and has to sit in the dunce chair. Miss Kitty Bright tells him to look her up when he learns how to swing. Finally, listening to the pendulum clock at night, Johnny gets the beat. He rushes out to where everyone is playing and sings "Easy As Rollin' Off a Log" to Kitty Bright. She joins in; he grabs a trumpet for an instrumental break, with the complete band. They both fall off a log; she covers him with kisses. Voice Cast: Mel Blanc [Vocal Talents] (uncredited), Johnnie Davis [Johnny Cat] (uncredited), George MacFarland [Mr. Jones] (uncredited), Poley McClintock [Frog Voice Vocal] (uncredited), Cliff Nazarro [Vocal Talents] (uncredited), The Pied Pipers [Vocalists] (uncredited), Mabel Todd [Kitty Bright] (uncredited) and Dave Weber [Vocal Talents] (uncredited). Directors: Cal Dalton and Cal Howard. Producer: Leon Schlesinger. Screenplay: Dave Monahan. Composer: Carl W. Stalling (uncredited).
‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938] [1080p] [1.37:1] [101:55] When you select this special feature, you instantly get to view the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,’ which I find very strange, because when you load up the Blu-ray disc, it automatically plays the film anyway, so very strange.
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FROM THE VAULTS: Here we get to view five special featurettes which can be viewed separately or alternatively Play All and they are as follows:
Breakdown of 1938 [1938] [480i] [1.37:1] [12:45] With this special feature, Warner Bros. Studio shows us their notorious and hilarious annual year-end blooper real, that is entitled “THE WARNER CLUB” and it is meant to poke fun at the flubs and bloopers that occurred on the set of some of the major Warner Bros. pictures of 1938. What I do not fully understand, why we constantly see Basil Rathbone keeps putting on his head different helmets with specific numbers. Contributors include: Eddie Acuff [Dunk Glover] (uncredited), Katharine Alexander [Mrs. Rogers] (uncredited), Fay Bainter [Hannah Parmalee] (uncredited), Robert Barrat [Harrington] (uncredited), Ralph Bellamy [Philip Chester] (uncredited), Mel Blanc [Porky Pig voice] (uncredited), Humphrey Bogart [Turkey Morgan / Ed Hatch / Kid Galahad] (uncredited), George Brent [Buck Cantrell] (uncredited), Sheila Bromley [Gladys Wagner] (uncredited), Claudette Colbert [Tatiana] (uncredited), Walter Connolly [Carter Hibbard] (uncredited), Richard Cromwell [Ted Dillard] (uncredited), Bette Davis [Mary Donnell / Julie Marsden] (uncredited), Glenda Farrell [Torchy Blaine] (uncredited), Louise Fazenda [Mrs. Greevey] (uncredited), Errol Flynn [Robin Hood] (uncredited), Henry Fonda [Jack Merrick / Preston Dillard] (uncredited), Dick Foran (uncredited), Kay Francis [Lady Chase-Wayne / Claire Landin] (uncredited), Marjorie Gateson [Sophie Prescott] (uncredited), Gregory Gaye [Prince Boris] (uncredited), Edmund Goulding (uncredited), Eddie Graham (uncredited), Bonita Granville [Nancy Drew] (uncredited), Fernand Gravey [Rene] (uncredited), William Haade [Detective] (uncredited), Raymond Hatton [Joe Macy / Maxie] (uncredited), Hugh Herbert [Silas Jenkins / Maurice Giraud] (uncredited), Ian Hunter [Lloyd Rogers] (uncredited), Isabel Jeans [Paula] (uncredited), Allen Jenkins [Shiner Ward / Duke Dennis] (uncredited), Paul Kelly [Steve McBride] (uncredited), Tom Kennedy [Gagahan] (uncredited), Anita Kerry [Agnes Melady] (uncredited), Patric Knowles [Patterson Buckley] (uncredited), Margaret Lindsay [Amy Dillard] (uncredited), John Litel [Inspector Lane] (uncredited), Al Lloyd [Race Driver] (uncredited), Carole Lombard [Kay Winters] (uncredited), Anita Louise [Emmy Page] (uncredited), Wilfred Lucas [Race Judge] (uncredited), Mary Maguire [Ann] (uncredited), Michael Mark [Cafe Owner] (uncredited), Robert J. Mauch [Danny] (uncredited), Frank McHugh [Popeye Bronson] (uncredited), Paul Muni [Emile Zola] (uncredited), Pat O'Brien (uncredited), Hugh O'Connell [Professor] (uncredited), Eugene Pallette [Friar Tuck] (uncredited), Nat Pendleton [Joe] (uncredited), Mary Philips (uncredited), Dick Powell [Elly Jordan] (uncredited), Dick Purcell [Tex Boyden] (uncredited), Claude Rains (uncredited), Marcia Ralston (uncredited), Marjorie Rambeau (uncredited), Basil Rathbone (uncredited), Ronald Reagan (uncredited), Addison Richards [Warden] (uncredited), Rosalind Russell (uncredited), Daniel Boone Savage [Noah Webster] (uncredited), Ann Sheridan [Maxine] (uncredited), Penny Singleton [Cookie Shannon] (uncredited), Verree Teasdale (uncredited), Rudy Vallee (uncredited), Emmett Vogan [Outlaw] (uncredited), Patricia Walthall (uncredited), Ben Welden (uncredited), Sammy White [Performer] (uncredited) and Walter Young (uncredited).
Vintage Warner Bros. Short: ‘Cavalcade of Archery’ [1946] [1080p] [1.37:1] [8:32] This short was directed by Howard Hill and the screenplay narration is by Roger Q. Denny, and we see Master Bowman Howard Hill who is known as the “World’s Greatest Archer” and displays his remarkable and very professional skills in this Technicolor ‘Cavalcade of Archery.’ Seven years after using his talents to great advantage in the classic swashbuckler film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938], Howard Hill once again steps in front of the camera in this enjoyable light-hearted little film. Although the silly narration by Knox Manning sometimes intrudes, it never obscures what Howard Hill is able to do with his arrows aimed at a variety of targets, including bottles, a gourd, an apple and even a prune. Often overlooked or neglected today, the one and two-reel short subjects were useful to the Warner Bros. Studio as important training grounds for new or burgeoning talents, both in front and behind the camera. The dynamics for creating a successful short subject was completely different from that of a feature length film, something akin to writing a top-notch short story rather than a novel. Economical produced in terms of both budget and schedule and capable of portraying a wide range of material, short subjects were the perfect complement to the Warner Bros. Studio feature films. But I must Howard Hill is absolutely brilliant with his skills in archery and could definitely give Robin Hood a good challenge.
Vintage Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies Cartoon ‘Rabbit Hood’ [1949] [1080p] [1.37:1] [7:57] Sherwood Forest is studded with signs saying "No Poaching" and "Not even an egg!" and Bugs Bunny tries to swipe a carrot from the king's carrot patch, but is caught crimson-fisted by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Just then, a goofy Little John announces, "Don't you worry, never fear, Robin Hood will soon be here!" so Bugs Bunny announces, "Lo, the king approacheth!" As the sheriff bows for the king, Bugs bops him and runs. The sheriff chases Bugs Bunny around the king's Royal Ground, where the rabbit imitates a real estate salesman and sells the sheriff the land. The flim-flam works so well that the sheriff is building the second story of a house before he finally gets wise. The sheriff corners Bugs Bunny, who comically introduces Little John to him. Next, Bugs pretends that the king is coming; this time, he disguises himself as His Highness and bestows knighthood on the sheriff. Bobbing him with his staff with each word, Bugs Bunny declares the sheriff "Sir Loin of Beef, Earl of Cloves, Baron of Munchausen, Milk of Magnesia, Quarter of Ten." The groggy sheriff sings "London Bridge" as he falls into a freshly-baked layer cake. Little John finally introduces Robin Hood: a live-action shot of Errol Flynn, causing an astonished Bugs Bunny to shrug and say, "Eh, it couldn't be him!" Contains actual footage of Errol Flynn as Robin Hood in the 1938 film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ Errol Flynn's price for using his image was reportedly only a copy of this cartoon for his collection. Voice Cast: Mel Blanc [Bugs Bunny / Sheriff of Nottingham / Little John]. Director: Chuck Jones. Producer: Edward Selzer (uncredited). Screenplay: Michael Maltese. Composer: Carl W. Stalling (uncredited).
Vintage Warner Bros. Short: ‘The Cruise of the Zaca’ [1946] [480i] [1.37:1] [18:67] ‘The Cruise of the Zaca’ is a short documentary on 16mm about a trip taken by Errol Flynn in 1946 on his boat the “Zaca” to collect specimens with his father, Professor Flynn. The trip was done in association with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography of the University of California and took place off the east coast of Mexico and in the West Indies. Errol Flynn leaves his house on Mullholland Drive by helicopter captained by Paul Mantz and goes to the Scripps Institute. Errol Flynn goes on board the “Zaca” and visit San Benito Island, the Panama Canal and Jamaica. The trip started in August 1946. On board were Errol Flynn’s father, his wife Nora, and John Decker, Howard Hill, Professor Carl Hubbs, Charles Gross and Jerry Corneya. After a month of sailing, many of the group left, including Errol Flynn's wife and father, but Errol Flynn pushed on through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean to Cap Haitien. Before going through the Panama Canal and Errol Flynn stayed in Acapulco where the “Zaca” had been hired to appear in the film ‘The Lady from Shanghai’ [1948].
Vintage Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies Cartoon ‘Robin Hood Daffy’ [1949] [1080p] [1.37:1] [6:39] Daffy Duck is the legendary outlaw Robin Hood playing a lute. As he plays and sings, he trips down a lake bank. Porky Pig as Friar Pork (a parody of Friar Tuck) is watching and laughing. Daffy tries to prove his skill with a quarterstaff, "Ho! Ha ha! Guard! Turn! Parry! Dodge! Spin! Ha! Thrust!" but strikes himself in the bill. He revisits the routine in his head and when he reaches "Thrust" again, his bill snaps upwards again. Daffy Duck tries his staff routine again, but while he is spinning, Friar Pork stops it with a small stick, spinning Daffy Duck back into the lake. A humiliated Daffy Duck leaves, but Friar Pork follows him and asks if he knows the whereabouts of Robin Hood's hideout as he wants to join his band of outlaws. Daffy Duck proudly announces that he is Robin Hood, but Friar Pork refuses to believe him. To prove himself, Daffy Duck will rob a rich traveller and give his money "to some poor unworthy slob." Eventually the rich traveller, oblivious to Daffy Duck's failed attempts to rob him, reaches his castle unharmed. The frustrated Daffy Duck gives up and, with a shaven head and wearing a habit, joins Friar Pork, calling himself Friar Duck and Daffy Duck's bill snaps back up yet again. Voce Cast: Mel Blanc [Daffy Duck as Robin Hood / Porky Pig as Friar Tuck]. Director: Chuck Jones. Producer: John W. Burton (uncredited). Screenplay: Michael Maltese. Composer: Milt Franklyn.
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SPLITTING THE ARROW GALLERIES: Here we get to view ten separate special featurettes and they are as follows:
Historical Art: Here we get to view 22 black-and-white and colour illustrations set in the period of historical Robin Hood. To advance the images, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.
Costume Design: Here we get to view 40 black-and-white and colour clothing designs for the actors in the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ To advance the images, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.
Scene Concept Drawings: Here we get to view 21 amazing black-and-white concept illustrations for scenes they envisaged for the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ and we also get a glimpse of the illustrator artist himself. To advance the images, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.
Cast & Crew: Here we get to view 32 black-and-white images of behind-the-scene of all the cast and crew on location that were involved in the making of the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ To advance the images, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.
Publicity & Posters: Here we get to view 17 black-and-white and colour images of all the publicity items like posters and lobby cards relating to the release of the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ To advance the images, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.
Glorious Technicolor [1998] [1080p] [1.37:1] [60:05] This wonderful documentary on the glorious Technicolor process, and is narrated by Dame Angela Lansbury, which is based on the book “Glorious Technicolor: The Movies' Magic Rainbow” by Author Fred E. Basten and we get to hear about the evolution of this vivid filmmaking of the process and history of the glorious Technicolor photography in motion pictures, in particular the Technicolor company's work and is showcasing the history of Technicolor. This excellent documentary is a Turner Entertainment Company presentation and it is terrific from start to finish. It begins, not surprisingly, with the earliest colour processes and moves right to the history of the Technicolor Company and the Hollywood films made using this film stock. In addition, it discusses the supplanting of the three-strip process with the later Eastman process. All of this is very, very interesting for a film aficionado like myself and my only complaint, and it is a minor one, is that there WERE alternative processes to Technicolor and both the Two and Three-strip film process. For some unknown reason the Cinecolor and other early rivals are not mentioned is a bit baffling. We get to see a plethora of clips from Technicolor films, that includes ‘The Toll Of The Sea’ [0000], ‘The Black Pirate’ [1926], ‘Show Of Shows’ [1929], ‘The Hollywood Review of 1929’ [1929], ‘If I Haven’t Got A hat’ [1935], ‘Nerlsery Rhymes’ [1933], ‘The Rogue Song’ [1930], ‘La Cucaracha’ [1934], ‘Becky Sharp’ [1935], ‘The Trail of the Lonesome Pine’ [1936], ‘Technicolor Screen Test 1939’ [1939] ‘The Garden Of Allah’ [1936], ‘A Star Is Born’ [1954], ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938], TRAVELTALKS – The Voice of the Globe’ [1938], ‘The Wizard of Oz’ [1939], ‘Gone With The Wind’ [1939], ‘Three Little Words’ [1950], ‘The Gang’s All Here’ [1943], ‘Million Dollar Mermaid’ [1952], ‘The Yearling’ [1946], ‘The African Queen’ [1951], ‘Moulin Rouge’ [1952], ‘Moby Dick’ [1956], ‘An American in Paris’ [1951], ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ [1946], ‘Black Narcissus’ [1947], ‘The Red Shoes’ [1948], ‘North By Northwest’ [1959], ‘Funny Face’ [0000] and ‘Bathing Beauty’ [1944]. After achieving great popularity in the 1940’s, the process began to fall out of favour and after the 1960’s, no studio was using it. The documentary is broken up into the following headings: THE SCIENCE OF TECHNICOLOR; THE FORGOTTEN PIONEER; FAIRBANKS TO THE RESCUE; INDEPENDENT SPIRITS; MR. SELZNICK TAKES THE PLUNGE; FROM OZ TO TARA; TECHNICOLOR STARDOM; TECHNICOLOR ARTISTS; TECHNICOLOR IN ENGLAND and THE BUSINESS OF SHOW. Contributors include: Dame Angela Lansbury [Narrator], Esther Williams, Arlene Dahl, Evelyn Keyes [Suella O’Hara from ‘Gone With The Wind], John Alton [Cinematographer] (archive footage), Jack Cardiff [Cinematographer], Vittorio Storaro [Cinematographer], Eugen Sandow (archive footage), Annabelle Moore [Dancer] (archive footage), Cammie King Conlon [Step-daughter of Dr. Herbert Kalmus], Dr. Richard J. Goldberg [Technicolor research scientist 1953 – 1965], Robert Gitt [Preservationist, UCLA Film and Television Archive (Voice only), Fred E. Basten [Author of Glorious Technicolor: The Movies' Magic Rainbow], Douglas Fairbanks (archive footage), Ron Jarvis [President of Technicolor Worldwide Filmgroup], Oswald Morris [Cinematographer], David O. Selznick (archive footage), Daniel Selznick [Son of David O. Selznick], Jerry Maren [Munchkin in ‘The Wizard of Oz’], Ingrid Bergman (archive footage), William Tuttle [M-G-M Make-Up Department 1936 – 1969], Vivien Leigh (archive footage), Leslie Howard (archive footage), William Cameron Menzies (archive footage), Herbert T. Kalmus [President of Technicolor] (archive footage), Tony Duquette [Collaborator and Friend of Vincent Minnelli] (archive footage), Thelma Schoonmaker-Powell [Film Editor / Widow of Michael Powell], John Alton [Cinematographer for ‘An American in Paris’] and Kim Hunter.
Welcome to Sherwood!: The Story of ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [2003] [480i / 1080i] [1.37:1] [55:44] Here we have another vintage Warner bros. Pictures documentary on the making of the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ and is narrated by Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian] and takes us behind-the-scenes during production of the Warner Bros. classic ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ – from the development of the script to the dramatic sword fight choreography. We also get to learn more about the history of the Robin Hood legend and what prompted Warner Bros. to make the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.’ In addition, we learn how close James Cagney came to bouncing around Sherwood Forest in green tights instead of Errol Flynn and what happened to the horse Olivia de Havilland rode in the film and why two men are credited with directing the film. The documentary includes colour home movie footage of the cast and crew on location plus interviews with film historians such as Rudy Behlmer, Bob Thomas, Leonard Maltin and Robert Osborne. One thing the documentary doesn't go into is the relationship between Errol Flynn and director Michael Curtiz. In all the two men made 12 films together, including ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and ‘Captain Blood’ and the film that made Errol Flynn a star. Despite their long history and the string of hits they made, they hated each other profusely. Contributors include: Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian], Joseph I. Breen [Director of Motion Picture Producers & Distributors Association (archive footage), Leonard Maltin [Film Historian], Paula Sigman [Literary Historian], Bob Thomas [Film Historian], Robert Osborne [Film Historian], Bob Anderson [Sword Master], Gene Allen [Warner Bros. Art Director] and John Mauceri [Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra].
Robin Hood Through The Ages [2003] [1080i / 480i] [1.37:1] [6:50] Here we get to a brief history of Robin Hood of earlier screen adaptations, most notably the 1922 Douglas Fairbanks silent version entitled ‘Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood’ [1922] with Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian] who describes everything you view because it is without sound and it is an extra extended bonus from the previous main special feature and it ends abruptly without warning.
A Journey to Sherwood Forest [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [13:00] This is an assemblage of behind-the-scene on-set footage and 16mm black-and-white and colour home movies made during the films production of ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938] and once again it is with Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian] who describes everything you view because it is without sound and once again it is an extra extended bonus from the previous main special feature and again it ends abruptly without warning.
Outtakes [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [8:00] Here we get to view a huge archive collection of historical material and also with a clutch of rare and never-before-seen ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ 1938 filmed footage and once again we have Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian] who describes everything you view because it is without sound. We also get to view the slate used at the start of filming that has the different names involved with the filming and especially the directors Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, as well as the second directors and once again Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian] describes everything you view because it is without sound, but near the end of this special feature we get scenes from the film with Robin Hood and Maid Marion with sound and this is the final extended bonus from the previous main special feature and again it ends abruptly without warning.
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Theatrical Trailers: Here we get to view 12 Original Theatrical Trailers which can be viewed separately or alternatively Play All and they are as follows:
‘Captain Blood’ [1953] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:32]
‘The Prince and the Pauper’ [1937] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:01]
‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938] [1080p] [1.37:1] [3:59]
‘Dodge City’ [1939] [1080p] [1.37:1] [3:17]
‘The Private Life of Elizabeth and Essex’ [1939] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:31]
‘The Sea Hawk’ [1940] [480i] [1.37:1] [2:25]
‘Dive Bomber’ [1941] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:17]
‘They Died With Their Boots On’ [1942] [480i] [1.37:1] [2:49]
‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ Reprise [1938] [1080p] [1.37:1] [1:50]
‘Objective, Burma!’ [1945] [1080i] [1.37:1] [2:17]
‘Kim’ [1950] [1080i] [1.37:1] [2:51]
‘The Master of Ballantrae’ [1953] [480i] [1.37:1] [2:37]
PLEASE NOTE: The quality of some of the trailers is of very poor quality. Running Time: 36:29
Special Feature: Music Only Track: With this special feature, you can watch the film ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ but the bonus is that it showcases just the Eric Wolfgang Korngold’s amazing and thrilling composed film score. But first you have to press the Music Only Track wording with the ENTER button on your remote control and a quill appears, then you have to scroll down to the very bottom where it says PLAY MOVIE and then press the ENTER button and then the film starts automatically. So good luck and enjoy hearing the glorious and spectacular composed film score by the equally talented composer Eric Wolfgang Korngold.
Special Feature: 5/11/1938 National Radio Broadcast “The Robin Hood Radio Show” [Audio only] [1938] [1080p] [1.78:1] [28:34] "The Robin Hood Radio Show" was broadcast in America on the 11th May, 1938 and is quite a bit of nostalgia and starred Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone.
Special Feature: Erich Wolfgang Korngold Piano Sessions [Audio only] Here we get to hear a few outtakes of Erich Wolfgang Korngold with his piano sessions and plays 12 of his own compositions for the different films he worked on and they are as follows:
Love for Love from ‘Escape Me Never’ [1947]
Main Title from ‘Kings Row’ [1941]
Love Theme from ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938]
Finale from ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ [1938],
‘The Nocturne from ‘The Sea Wolf’ [1941],
Love Theme from ‘The Sea Hawk’ [1941],
Love Theme from ‘Kings Row’ [1941],
Tomorrow from ‘The Constant Nymph’ [1942],
Panama Theme from ‘The Sea Hawk’ [1940],
The Ship from ‘Captain Blood’ [1935],
Love Theme from ‘The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex’ [1939]
Love Theme from ‘Anthony Adverse’ [1936].
BONUS: On some of the recordings near the end, you actually hear Erich Wolfgang Korngold humming and singing along as he plays the piano. Running Time: 16:36
Finally, ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ is a lively, rousing adventure. Sure, it's from 1938, with plenty of silly costumes and hairstyles, but who cares when it's so much fun? This Blu-ray is totally magnificent. Warner Home Video continues to impress with its “Ultra-Resolution” re-masters and the image transfer in particular it is a real stunner and there are so many extras here it could take you days to get through them all. If you are at all a fan of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, then this Blu-ray is an absolute must-own. For a film that features beautiful lush Technicolor images, vivid pageantry and thrilling performances, that today can be hard to come by. The special features alone provide a delightful peek behind the curtain into a time when cinema began to shine its brightest. The Blu-ray of ‘THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD’ does it justice in celebrating the frivolity that is Robin Hood Hollywood style, especially with the very charismatic Errol Flynn at its helm and again when I first viewed this film I feel in love with it 100%, as I think it is the best portrayal of this type of genre showing the "Ye olde" history of England in that time period and has not been bettered and now I have the ultimate version that I have now added to my Blu-ray Collection. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
