The Adventures of Robin Hood Blu-ray Review

Warner's release of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" on Blu-ray showcases a remarkable commitment to quality, presenting the classic film with an outstanding level of detail, clarity, and vibrancy, thanks to the state-of-the-art Ultra Resolution process used in its restoration. This process has not only cleaned up and realigned the original Technicolor negatives but has also enhanced them to surpass their original splendor, resulting in a presentation that vividly outshines previous versions. Colors are exceptionally vivid, almost to the point of looking painted onto each frame, displaying a richness that breathes new life into the film’s over seventy years old footage. The original Academy flat ratio of 1.37:1 is maintained, with a 1080p/VC-1 encode, ensuring that the film's visual presentation respects its historical context while leveraging modern technology to achieve unmatched clarity and color purity.

The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the boosted brightness and contrast levels, which give the film a fresh, dynamic look without betraying its source material's integrity. The preservation of film grain, minimal though visible, along with the restrained use of digital noise reduction, strikes a perfect balance between eliminating distractions and maintaining the essential texture that defines the cinematic experience of "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Scenes such as the great feast in Sherwood Forest showcase an incredible depth and detail that rival contemporary releases, with lush greens, radiant reds, and deep purples making each moment on screen a feast for the eyes. While some may notice the 'hot' appearance due to the heightened contrast and saturation, it rarely detracts from the overall visual fidelity, which stands as a testament to Warner's dedication to quality in its Ultra-Resolution titles.

Despite minor observations that the sharpness might not reach the pinnacle seen in other Warner classics restored through Ultra Resolution, such as "Singin' in the Rain", this Blu-ray release of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" earns near-universal acclaim for its video quality. It exemplifies how advanced restoration techniques can significantly enhance the viewing experience of classic films for modern audiences, making it an essential addition to any Blu-ray collection. The balance between preserving artistic integrity and embracing technological advancements results in a version that honors the original's vibrant Technicolor vision while showcasing details and clarity unimaginable during its initial release.

The audio presentation of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" on Blu Ray, while commendable for its cleanliness, illustrates a cautious approach from Warner in the remastering process, particularly noticeable in its Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono output. This decision showcases reluctance to fully utilize Blu-ray's high-definition capabilities, underscoring a missed opportunity to elevate the aural experience for enthusiasts willing to invest in superior quality versions of classic films. Noteworthy is the mono mix's assignment to the front left and right channels rather than the center channel, a choice that seems outdated in the contemporary home theater setup, where a center channel speaker is common.

The fidelity of the audio is respectable given the age of the source material, with a significant improvement in the reduction of the high-end sharpness typical of older mono mixes. However, the sonic depth remains constrained, as evidenced by a lack of robustness in the mid-range and low bass frequencies, particularly impacting the resplendence of the film's iconic brass-filled score. The dialogue maintains clarity, albeit with a slight compression that could detract from the overall richness.

Despite these criticisms, it's essential to recognize the efforts made to clean and present the original audio without introducing overprocessing or artificial enhancement that could compromise its authenticity. The subtle enhancements do contribute to a more pleasant listening experience than might be expected from a film of this era. Yet, there is a palpable consensus that Warner could further leverage modern audio restoration techniques and Blu-ray technology to unearth and amplify the intricacies hidden within such historic recordings, ensuring that classics like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" are experienced with a sound quality that more closely matches their visual restoration achievements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" stands out not only for its cinematic charm but also for the rich tapestry of extras detailed with a historical and technical depth that enriches the viewing experience beyond the film itself. This release boasts an extensive collection of supplements, including high-definition content, that caters to both casual viewers and die-hard fans. Highlights include an engaging audio commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer, a nostalgic "Warner Night at the Movies" alternate viewing mode introduced by Leonard Maltin, and two documentaries ("Glorious Technicolor" and "Welcome to Sherwood") that offer a deep dive into the film's production and the era's technological advancements. Additional treasures include outtakes, a closer look at earlier adaptations in "Robin Hood Through the Ages", home movie clips from "A Journey to Sherwood Forest", radio show archives, and a music-only track featuring Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score, presenting a comprehensive package that pays homage to the enduring legacy of this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary track by Rudy Behlmer.
• Alternate Viewing Mode (HD): Experience the film with vintage extras.
• Welcome to Sherwood: A deep dive into the making of the film.
• Glorious Technicolor: Documentary on the history of Technicolor.
• Robin Hood Through the Ages: A look at earlier adaptations.
• Video Archive: Includes outtakes and bloopers.
• A Journey to Sherwood Forest: On-set footage and home movies.
• The Robin Hood Radio Show: Audio-only featurette.
• Erich Wolfgang Korngold Score: The complete Oscar-winning music score.
• Still Gallery: Splitting the Arrow (HD): A navigatable photo gallery.
• Rabbit Hood: Featuring Bugs Bunny.
• Robin Hood Daffy: Featuring Daffy Duck.
• Two Short Films: "Cavalcade of Archery" and "The Cruise of the Zaca".
• Theatrical Trailers (HD): Includes trailers for Errol Flynn films.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" underscores both the longevity of a classic tale and the wonders of modern technology seamlessly converging to breathe new life into this 1938 masterpiece. Warner's release pays homage to Errol Flynn's iconic portrayal of the eponymous hero with a 1080p transfer that vividly underscores the lush technicolor vistas of Sherwood Forest and the detailed costume design, bringing the pageantry and excitement of the era to a contemporary audience. The film, directed by Michael Curtiz following William Keighley's initial efforts, triumphs in capturing the essence of Robin Hood’s legendary exploits with Flynn's swashbuckling charisma front and center, further bolstered by strong supporting roles from Olivia De Havilland as Maid Marian and Basil Rathbone as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisborne.

Despite advancing years, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" endures as the quintessential interpretation of the Robin Hood legend, attributed in part to Flynn’s engaging performance which has become the yardstick against which all subsequent renditions are measured. The film adeptly balances high adventure with romance and humor, delivering a spectacle that transcends the technological constraints of its time. Key moments like the iconic archery contest, Robin's encounters with Marian, and the timeless struggle against tyranny are presented with an earnestness that resonates well today. This Blu-ray edition does not only preserve but elevates these moments with unparalleled clarity and color fidelity, making it an essential addition to any collection.

Warner has indeed hit an in-the-park home run with this release, encapsulating the charm and adventure of Errol Flynn's Robin Hood for new generations to enjoy. As modern audiences grapple with dated dialogue and stylings, the film's moral backbone and sheer entertainment value shine through, proving its worth as a family-friendly classic that navigates the passage of time with grace. Michael Curtiz's directorial finesse elevates the narrative, maintaining its kinetic energy and emotional depth, further solidified by a cast that brings the timeless tale to life. In this Blu-ray release, “The Adventures of Robin Hood” not only gets a technicolor transfusion but asserts its relevance, maintaining its position as cinema's definitive swashbuckler amidst an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

Warner Brothers continues to demonstrate commitment and prowess in preserving and honoring classic cinema with its Blu-ray release of "The Adventures of Robin Hood." This release sees the 1938 classic, starring the incomparable Errol Flynn, given the meticulous restoration it deserves. The film is presented in a stunning video transfer that utilizes Warner's Ultra-Resolution remastering process, ensuring that every frame exemplifies cinematic beauty of the era. Moreover, the release is packed with a plethora of special features, making it a treasure trove for cinephiles and fans of the legendary outlaw’s adventures. This offering is not merely a testament to the film’s enduring appeal but also to Warner's dedication to quality in bringing its extensive back catalog to modern audiences in the best possible format.

The essence of this Blu-ray goes beyond its technical achievements; it successfully captures the spirit, energy, and charm that have made "The Adventures of Robin Hood" a beloved fixture in film history. Featuring Errol Flynn in one of his most iconic roles, the movie's vibrancy, adventurous storyline, and classic Hollywood glamor are enhanced by the sheer quality of this release. Despite the film's age, elements like costumes and hairstyles, which might seem dated by today's standards, only add to the nostalgic charm and are embraced rather than diminished by the high-definition presentation.

In conclusion, Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" is an exemplary addition to any collection, striking an ideal balance between historical fidelity and contemporary viewing standards. For those who cherish cinematic history, or for anyone looking to experience this timeless adventure in the best quality available, this release is highly recommended. It not only pays fitting homage to Errol Flynn's legendary performance but also underscores Warner's ongoing commitment to preserving cinematic heritage for future generations.