Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" presents a paradox of sorts in its video quality, encapsulating both a leap from past DVD releases and falling prey to notable technical imperfections. On the positive side, the 1080p/VC-1 transfer does illuminate Douglas Milsome's vibrant cinematography, showcasing sun-soaked scenes where textures in the natural environments, elaborate costumes, and characters’ physical features stand out with appreciated clarity. This crisper detailing, particularly visible in the rich forest settings where much of the action unfolds, offers fans a noticeably enhanced visual experience as compared to earlier formats. However, this emphasis on texture does come at a price, occasionally marred by an over-zealous use of edge enhancement that can detract from the overall image integrity.

Conversely, the transfer is hampered by a slew of detracting elements that arguably detract from its potential excellence. A persistent issue is the inconsistent application of digital noise reduction, leading to a presentation that at times appears overly smoothed or 'sandblasted', resulting in muted skin tones and a loss of definition across various scenes. Nighttime sequences and densely shadowed areas suffer from poor delineation, obscuring details and diluting the film’s darker moments. Furthermore, artifacts and micro-blocking sporadically disrupt the viewing experience, especially during the film’s pivotal large-scale action scenes. These technical mishaps underscore a missed opportunity for a truly stellar high-definition restoration, hinting at what seems to be a hastily re-purposed DVD transfer rather than a dedicated effort to fully harness the original print's cinematic splendor.

In sum, while "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" on Blu-ray marks an upgrade in terms of texture and general visual presentation over previous home video iterations, it's plagued by several technical shortcomings. Fade tones, occasionally inauthentic skintones due to digital processing, and a lackluster handling of less luminous scenes highlight a mixed bag that could have been significantly improved with a more thorough and careful restoration. The disc’s presentation oscillates between moments of vivid clarity and frustrating opacity, leaving viewers with a sense that a more polished homage to this swashbuckling adventure eagerly awaits in the wings for future consideration.

The audio presentation of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" on Blu Ray, delivered through Warner's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, is a commendable yet imperfect effort that accentuates the cinematic experience, despite betraying the film's age with its varying levels of quality. Dialogue, while not exemplary in clarity, remains intelligible and appropriately prioritized above the fray, even amidst the film’s most tumultuous scenes. However, inconsistencies in voice levels and occasional environmental noise intrusion, alongside overt looping, detract from an otherwise immersive soundscape. Directionality leaves room for improvement as it succumbs to the film's original sound design compromises, occasionally opting for channel saturation over pinpoint accuracy. Despite these discrepancies, the audio track boasts an assertive LFE channel support that lends a tangible heft to the action sequences - arrows impact with vigor, and every clang of sword on sword resonates with intent.

The surround sound experience provided by the TrueHD track effectively envelops the viewer, utilizing the rear channels to their full potential to craft an engaging and dynamic auditory environment. Scenes set within the forest or during fast-paced carriage chases are particularly invigorated by this surround activity, enhancing the film's ambiance and augmenting its more dated visual elements with a layer of auditory polish. While the soundscape may not reach the zenith of clarity or dynamic range when compared to contemporary audio tracks, it performs admirably within the constraints of its source material, bringing an added layer of excitement and immersion to a film that might otherwise feel outmoded.

Although the track could undoubtedly benefit from a more comprehensive overhaul to achieve audio excellence, it ultimately succeeds in providing a gratifying listening experience. The mix energetically supports both the dialogue and action, ensuring that viewers are consistently engaged, if not wholly transported, by the auditory elements of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Despite its flaws - notably a lack of precision in sound staging and occasional clarity issues - the track’s robust LFE support, combined with an involved surround mix, crafts an experience that fans will find enhances the viewing experience considerably.

The Blu-ray release of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" provides an extended 155-minute cut alongside a collection of special features carried over from the 2003 Extended Edition DVD, albeit in standard definition. Viewers can delve into two engaging audio commentaries; one pairs director Kevin Reynolds with Kevin Costner for an insightful conversation, while the other features Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and the screenwriting-producing duo of John Watson and Pen Densham in a more laid-back yet informative discussion. The extras offer a mixed bag: Pierce Brosnan hosts the slightly cheesy but nostalgic "The Man, The Myth, The Legend," there are somewhat grainy cast interviews in "One-On-One with the Cast," an isolated score option, a live Bryan Adams performance, and a compilation of trailers and TV spots. Despite its lack of updated supplemental features for Blu-ray, this collection will satisfy fans with its depth and breadth, underpinned by an excellent score.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentaries: Engaging insights from director Kevin Reynolds, Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and more.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Pierce Brosnan navigates through Robin Hood's cultural impact with a mix of film clips and commentary.

One-On-One with the Cast: A series of interviews with key cast members discussing their roles and production experiences.

Isolated Score: An opportunity to experience the film's score without dialogue or sound effects.

Live Bryan Adams Performance: A live rendition of "I Do It For You" at Slade Castle.

Trailers and TV Spots: A collection of promotional material from the early '90s.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," despite its release amidst a summer of cinematic giants in 1991, has managed to carve out its a niche in the hearts of its fans, distilling the essence of adventure with a dash of whimsy and darkness. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the film embarks on a bold reimagining of the classic Robin Hood saga, transplanting the age-old tale into a grittier, more grounded landscape while endeavoring to maintain the grandeur and spectacle associated with the legend. Despite being marred by some performance inconsistencies—most notably Kevin Costner's infamously erratic English accent—the movie benefits immensely from strong supporting roles. Alan Rickman's portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham is particularly memorable for its intense, scene-chewing vitality, embodying villainy so convincingly that it arguably sets the standard for the character. Morgan Freeman's Azeem, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's Marian, and a host of others add significant depth to the narrative, making up for any lack in Costner's lead performance.

The technical aspects of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" have both their merits and shortcomings. Michael Kamen's evocative score stands out, infusing each scene with an emotional weight and timeless appeal that endures well beyond the film's runtime. Conversely, Kevin Reynolds' directorial choices, characterized by erratic camera work and a penchant for extreme close-ups, have not aged as gracefully, presenting a visual style that feels more dated than innovative by today's standards. The Blu-ray release, exclusively featuring an extended cut, prompts criticism for not including both versions of the film, stifling viewer choice and raising questions about the utilization of Blu-ray technology's capabilities.

Overall, while "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" may stagger under contemporary scrutiny, particularly in terms of pacing and thematic exploration which seem tame by modern action movie standards, it remains a compelling entry within its genre. The movie’s fortitude lies in its character-driven storytelling, bolstered by stellar performances in supporting roles and a rousing musical score that continue to enchant audiences. Its weaknesses—chief among them, Costner's accent and some elements of dated production design—are often overshadowed by a nostalgic charm and the sheer audacity of its darker, yet undeniably adventurous spirit.

The Blu-ray release of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" garners mixed feelings, offering both a sense of nostalgia and a palpable touch of disappointment. The highlight of this release is its TrueHD audio track, which, despite harboring certain issues, showcases a significant improvement over previous versions and stands as the disc's primary strength. However, this is somewhat undercut by the video transfer, which does not meet the expectations for a definitive Blu-ray experience. Described as average, it seems to be a carryover from an earlier DVD release rather than a fully realized upgrade. The special features included are also lackluster, contributing to an overall presentation that may leave fans and newcomers alike feeling underwhelmed. Despite these drawbacks, for those deeply connected to the early '90s pop culture zeitgeist or with a high-quality sound system to fully appreciate the audio upgrade, this release might still hold appeal.

Technical aspects aside, the emotional resonance of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" for its audience cannot be entirely dismissed. It remains a piece tethered to a specific period in cinematic history, capable of stirring a certain nostalgic fondness. However, the lack of significant visual enhancement and the somewhat disappointing array of special features suggest a cautious approach. It’s advisable to rent or find this Blu-ray on sale rather than investing with high expectations for a revelatory viewing experience.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" revisits Kevin Costner’s adventurous romp with better audio quality, it falls short of being an essential upgrade. The combination of an average video transfer and uninspired special features makes it difficult to recommend outright. For enthusiasts of the film or those captivated by its place in early '90s cinema, there may be value in experiencing the improved sound mix. However, a discerning viewer should weigh their nostalgia against the tangible aspects of this edition before making a purchase or rental decision.