Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves 4K UHD Review
“Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves” doesn’t quite hold up.
Based on the classic British folk legend, “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves” is a 1991 action-adventure film penned by Pen Densham and John Watson. Set in 1194 during the Third Crusade, the story begins with Robin of Locksley in a Jursalem prison. With the aid of a Moor (Azeem Al Bakir), Robin breaks out of prison. 4 months pass and Robin returns home to England. Azeem follows him owing him a life debt. It is not a happy homecoming, however, as Robin discovers his father has been murdered and that the Sheriff of Nottingham has oppressively ruled in King Richard’s absence. Robin has new missions now with protecting Marian (to honor his friend Peter) and to fight against the Sheriff. Robin gets help from a group of outlaws hiding in the Sherwood Forest in robbing from the rich, giving to the poor, and trying to stop the Sheriff from claiming the throne.
Back in 1991 “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves” was a big box office hit and I remember it being quite the event as a child (I even had some of the action figures). Revisiting it now for the first time in decades, the Kevin Reynolds directed blockbuster is a rather strange take on the heroic character.
The first thing that really struck me on this rewatch is just how grim and violent it is. It is certainly not the fun adventure that “The Adventures Of Robin Hood” is in any way shape or form. That Errol Flynn classic is still the best cinematic version to date. ‘Thieves’ also includes a lot of bizarre elements that were created for this film like the witch, Little John having a big family, and Robin and Will Scarlett being brothers (don’t ask).. The character of Azeem was also created for this film, but the Morgan Freeman character is one of the more intriguing new elements here to be sure. Of course, perhaps one of the biggest talking points is Kevin Costner as Robin. Sure, he was at the peak of stardom then, but casting a non-British actor who doesn’t even speak with a British accent was a puzzling choice to be sure. He’s also rather bland in the titular role.
‘Thieves’ does have its moments. Michael Kamen’s rousing score is a timeless classic, Alan Rickman steals every scene he is in as the scenery chewing Sheriff of Nottingham, the physical sets and exciting non-CGI action are always a joy to behold, and the film’s somewhat ambitious in exploring larger themes about religion.
Note: This set contains the theatrical cut and the 12 minute longer extended cut.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? This is a top notch 4K restoration. The Sherwood Forest and location shooting really dazzles here in particular. You can’t ask for a better transfer of an archival title.
Audio Track: 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? Both tracks deliver sound sharp.
Extras:
* 2 commentary tracks. One by Kevin Reynolds and Kevin Costner and one by Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Pen Densham and John Watson
* Theatrical trailer and TV spots
* Publicity stills and behind the scenes image galleries
* A music video for Bryan Adams song “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.”
* “Here We Are Kings”- A 67 making of featurette with interviews
* “Robin Hood: The Myth, The Man, The Movie”- A TV special hosted by Pierce Brosnan.
* “One-On-One With The Cast”- Separate 1991 interviews with Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elaizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, and Alan Rickman.
* 5.1 Music Soundtrack Cues of Michael Kamen’s grand score.
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