One of the greatest things about doing DVD reviews for the studios is that you get a mountain of DVDs to watch. Sometimes, these DVDs turn out to be real stinkers. But then there are times when you get the gems.

The classic animated films of Walt Disney are definitely the gems in the bunch. Sure, they’ll toss in a couple lame direct-to-DVD sequels into the mix, but when the original films are released from the vault, it offers a great opportunity to relive their fun.

I saw “Robin Hood” when I was a kid, like most children in America. Before DVDs, the Disney company released the films in the theaters every few years, tapping into a new breed of viewers on each run. While “Robin Hood” isn’t the undying classic like “Pinocchio,” “Snow White” or “Sleeping Beauty,” it did represent an era of Disney animation.

In the 60s and even into the 70s, the Disney animated films took on a different feel. Instead of the crisp animation from the old days, these movies took on a rougher, more rustic look. You could see the pencil lines in the cells, and the characters were drawn in a very fluffy, cuddly manor. Other films of this era include “The Jungle Book” and “The Aristocats.”

“Robin Hood” is a simple retelling of the tale with the expected Disney animals. Instead of humans, Robin is a fox, Little John is a bear and Prince John is a Lion. The film opens somewhat untraditionally with a minstrel rooster singing a song of Robin Hood. (Internet junkies might recognize the one of the songs as a slowed-down version of the Hamster Dance.)

The film unrolls into a rough retelling of the Robin Hood legend. He’s a freedom fighter who robs from the rich and gives to the poor. Prince John has seized control of the throne and is levying heavy taxes on the land. The film climaxes with an archery contest, in which Robin Hood dresses up so he can compete.

The most interesting thing I found in this film was the casting against type of many of the characters. Sure, Phil Harris’s raspy voice was perfect for Little John, but Pat Buttram was not the logical choice for the Sheriff of Nottingham. While the character is portrayed as an obese wolf, his voice is not what I expect. Similarly, Peter Ustinov as Prince John was an odd choice. He’s just so cuddly to play a villain.

However, these casting choices are not bad. They all work in the film, and it’s a cute piece of family entertainment.

The new “Most Wanted Edition” DVD comes with two set-top games as well as three sing-along songs. There’s an old black-and-white Mickey Mouse cartoon called “Ye Olden Days,” which features Mickey and Minnie as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. However, the most interesting bonus feature on the DVD is the alternate ending, which features Robin Hood getting injured in his final flee from the castle.

I may not remember “Robin Hood” as my favorite animated Disney films, but I do remember it fondly, and like many of these old classics, it’s fun to revisit with my own kids.



Specifications: New digital transfer. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Wide screen (1.75:1), enhanced for 16x9 televisions. French and Spanish language tracks. English language subtitles for the hearing impaired.