Robin Hood (Special Edition) (DVD)

...on the sofa, watching Disney's Robin Hood.

I can't imagine there are many people who don't know the story of Robin Hood, but in Disney's 21st animated feature film, the story is brought to life by the animal kingdom.

With England at war and King Richard gone to fight in the crusades, the country is left in the dastardly hands of Prince John and his snaky servant, Sir Hiss. Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham are ...
...but of course the charming Robin Hood is there to counter the bad guys and come to the rescue.
Accompanied by his faithful friend, Little John and aided by Friar Tuck and the people of Nottingham, Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Along the way, of course, he wins the love of Lady Marian and gets into some almost inescapable scrapes...

The film's story is its biggest strength, being at the same time familiar ... more

One of my fondest childhood memories will always be (strangely enough) being ill and home from school, wrapped up in blankets on the sofa, watching Disney's Robin Hood.

I can't imagine there are many people who don't know the story of Robin Hood, but in Disney's 21st animated feature film, the story is brought to life by the animal kingdom.

With England at war and King Richard gone to fight in the crusades, the country is left in the dastardly hands of Prince John and his snaky servant, Sir Hiss. Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham are collecting huge taxes that the people of Nottingham just can't afford, but of course the charming Robin Hood is there to counter the bad guys and come to the rescue.
Accompanied by his faithful friend, Little John and aided by Friar Tuck and the people of Nottingham, Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Along the way, of course, he wins the love of Lady Marian and gets into some almost inescapable scrapes...

The film's story is its biggest strength, being at the same time familiar and exciting. Disney brought the tale to life with their wonderful animal adaptation, aptly casting Robin Hood as a fox, Prince John as a snivelling lion, the Sheriff of Nottingham as a wolf and Friar Tuck as a badger.

The voice talents prove to be the film's other strength. The well-loved voice of Phil Harris (best known as the voice of Baloo in The Jungle Book) as Little John throughout the film brings warmth to the character. Brian Bedford's characterisation of Robin Hood is roguish and charming, whilst Peter Ustinov makes a spectacularly spoilt and whiny Prince John.
Disney fans will recognise several voices throughout the film: Pat Buttram (as the Sheriff of Nottingham) and George Lindsey both provided voices for The Aristocats. Barbara Luddy (Mother Rabbit) was the voice of Kanga in the old Winnie the Pooh cartoons.

As for the songs in the film, there aren't many. First we have 'Whistle-Stop', which really is just whistling (very upbeat and cheerful) to accompany the credits.
'Oo-de-lally' is probably one of the best known, accompanied by a great scene where Robin and Little John are chased by the Royal Guard.
'The Phony King of England' is a great jolly song, poking fun at Prince John.
'Love', the song sung by Robin and Maid Marian, is pretty but unremarkable.
Finally we have the song 'Not In Nottingham', which is quite downbeat but beautiful.

The Special Edition DVD comes with bonus features:

- Animated bonus short "Ye Olden Days"
- Deleted scenes featuring Alternate Ending
- Robin Hood art gallery
- Robin Hood's Merry Games: Archery trivia Challenge / Rescue Maid Marian
- Disney song selection

I can't say that the bonus material influenced my decision to buy the DVD, but the "Ye Olden Days" short was nice to watch and the other features are a good way to pass some time.

Because I know a lot of people like to see them, I'll include a cast list:

Robin Hood (a Fox) - Brian Bedford
Maid Marian (a Vixen) - Monica Evans
Little John (a Bear) - Phil Harris
Prince John (a Lion) - Peter Ustinov
The Sheriff of Nottingham (a Wolf) - Pat Buttram
Sir Hiss (a Snake) - Terry-Thomas
Friar Tuck (a Badger) - Andy Devine
Lady Kluck (a Chicken) - Carole Shelley
Alan-a-Dale (a Rooster) - Roger Miller
Trigger & Nutsey (Vultures) - George Lindsey and Ken Curtis, respectively
Church Mice - John Fiedler and Beulah Bondi
Mother Rabbit - Barbara Luddy
Sis (a Rabbit) - Dana Laurita
Tagalong (a Rabbit) - Dora Whitaker
Skippy (a Rabbit) - Billy Whitaker
Toby (a Turtle) Richie Sanders
Otto (a Dog) - J. Pat O'Malley
Captain of the Guard (a Crocodile) - Candy Candido

In all, I'd say this is a must for any Disney collection. The film is filled with fun and humour, I'm sure it will be enjoyed by old and young alike! It's certainly one that I've never grown tired of. 

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