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The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition) | Year: 1938 Classification: Action/Adventure Directed: - William Keighley - Michael Curtiz Actors/Actresses: - Errol Flynn - Olivia de Havilland Flynn's Greatest on DVD at Last! The pinnacle of Errol Flynn's string of swashbuckling adventures...The most expensive film Warners had ever made (until 1938), and in glorious Technicolor, to boot...The film with the most cherished of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's many film scores...The film that literally set the standard for every 'Robin Hood' and 'Knighthood' movie since...One of the greatest films, not only of the 1930s, but of all time...THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD is, in EVERY sense of the word, a CLASSIC, and the new DVD edition is LONG overdue! The story of Sherwood Forest's favorite bandit had been a movie staple since silent films (Douglas Fairbanks' acrobatic 1922 version was regarded as one of his finest roles), and the WB, riding high on a string of hits by Fairbanks' younger and sexier successor, Errol Flynn, knew they had all the elements in place to create a grand entertainment that no other studio could match! Originally intended for James Cagney, the property had languished for three years, until Errol Flynn exploded onto the scene, and the studio knew they had the actor 'born' to play the role. Not wishing to run into legal problems with United Artists, who'd produced the 1922 film, an original script, incorporating ancient legends, medieval ballads, a popular 19th century stage production, and a bit of Howard Pyle, was written by Norman Reilly Raine and Seton I. Miller (with some uncredited assistance by Rowland Leigh). Casting nearly all of their "British Colony" in speaking roles, the studio brought back Alan Hale to reprise his 1922 role of Little John (an excellent choice, as Flynn and Hale had terrific rapport), casted rotund comic actor Eugene Pallette (Guy Kibbee was the first choice) as a gravelly-voiced Friar Tuck, and wisely chose Claude Rains to play the fey Prince John, and Basil Rathbone (whose duel with Flynn in CAPTAIN BLOOD was a film highlight) as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisbourne, Maid Marion's Norman suitor, and Robin's arch-nemesis. In the role of Marion, could anyone OTHER than Olivia de Havilland have been cast? Flynn and de Havilland had already done two films together (and would do four more, after ROBIN HOOD), and their chemistry was so perfect that 1930s screen magazines were always hinting of a romance between the two (there wasn't; they were simply friends). Not that the production was problem-free; the original director, William Keighley, was axed after the location shooting was completed, as the studio didn't like his approach to the script and actors; Michael Curtiz, who had 'made' a star of Flynn, in CAPTAIN BLOOD, was quickly brought in, adding his sense of drama, lighting (the <BR>'light-and-shadow' climactic duel between Robin and Sir Guy was a Curtiz 'trademark'), and style. Both Curtiz and Keighley would share the 'Director' credit when the film was released. THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD was Warners' biggest box office hit of 1938, became a multiple Academy Award winner, and it's luster has only in A beautiful presentation of an epic masterpiece The Adventures of Robin Hood...this is, in my opinion, one of the best movies ever made. This Academy Award winning film flawlessly tells a story based on English legend, about Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn), a noble Saxon forced to take up arms against the Normans as the Prince John, the king's brother, tries to take the throne in his King Richard's absence. In turning outlaw, Robin's following grows, as the Normans levy harsh taxes and exact brutal retribution against the Saxon population if they are unable to sate the greedy and uncaring reign of Prince John, played by Claude Rains. Basil Rathebone plays Sir Guy of Gisbourne, a Norman noble supporting Prince John's absconding of the throne and vying for the hand in marriage of Maid Marion, a charge in the King's care, who falls in love with Robin once she sees that he is no mere thief, but a protector and provider of the people being oppressed by her Norman countrymen. This film is a perfect example of every element of a movie coming together. The immaculate direction, perfect casting, exquisite music score, sharp and witty dialogue, beautifully expansive sets and scenery and highly detailed, colorful costumes...you are literally transported back to the 12th century as the movie draws you in and keeps your attention throughout. Errol Flynn becomes Robin, with his sly smile and cheerfully upbeat nature, even in the face of such adversity. The lovely Olivia deHavilland is Maid Marian, with her expressive eyes and loving nature. Claude Rains brings to life the character of Prince Richard perfectly, as the back stabbing opportunist trying to steal the throne. My favorite though has to be Basil Rathebone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne. He really creates a character the viewer loves to hate. Given this was a 65th anniversary release of the movie from Warner Brothers, I was very pleased to see that they did right by the film. Not known for their including special features, Warner Brothers provides so many wonderful bits including making of features, outtakes, a look at other screen adaptations of the Robin Hood story, classic cartoons, historical materials, photo galleries, and so much more. I have only touched the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, so view the product page to see a complete listing. One thing I found exceptionally interesting was the recreation of a night at the movies, basically allowing us to see what it was like to go to the movies back in the late 30's, presenting newsreels, a cartoon, and other goodies prior to showing the feature. Quite an interesting experience to see how the movies were actually a full night of entertainment for people back in the day. If you like spectacular epics with thrilling action and adventure, with a dash of comedic element, then this movie is for you. Heck, if you like movies in general, then treat yourself and your family, as they just don't get any better than this. Cookieman108 great movie ....second DVD is amaaazing! This is more a review of the package than the movie , which is a classic and extremely well presented on disc one....vivid colors , crisp images....not a complaint there....and the bonus features are very good....a comprehensive set of Errol Flynn movie trailers...WB night at the movies....(an exhausting Rudy Belmer commentary track that will have you gasping for air).<BR>the SECOND disc is just ridiculous in its amount of archival coverage..<BR>a wonderful documentary on the movie<BR>a great feature on the history of Technicolor....<BR>two very fun looney tunes cartoons with a Robin Hood theme...<BR>outtakes from the movie!<BR>home movies shot during filming!<BR>a long lost Errol Flynn movie about yachting..<BR>and a positively thrilling short film about archer Howard Hill...<BR>and more.<BR>HOURS of fun and informative viewing on disc two alone!<BR>Warners should be congratulated for such a comprehensive set ....buy this and encourage them to keep this type of content coming!!! 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