Robin Hood (DVD)

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To make matters worse, much of what passes for plot is mere movement, mostly slapstick chasing around. The uninspired soundtrack music doesn't help much, either, making the whole enterprise seem even more like an ordinary children's TV show. The director, Wolfgang Reitherman, did better work in "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" "The Sword and the Stone," and "The Jungle Book."

There are precious few thrills involved with this animated "Robin Hood," few moments of humor, very little romance, and for action only running to and fore. It's bright and colorful, to be sure, with an emphasis on cuteness throughout, so tots will probably like it. And if you saw it as a kid, you might find it interesting for nostalgic reasons. Everyone else might want to go with Disney/Pixar's 2006 "Cars," released on DVD at about the same time as "Robin Hood." The difference in quality is remarkable.

Video:
The movie's intended theatrical ratio of 1.75:1 nicely fills out a 1.78:1 widescreen television, although I sensed some slight cropping of the image at the top and bottom of the screen. The problem with what the slipcover boasts as a "new digital transfer" is that it looks sort of rough. It's not just grainy--it is that in places--but just plain rough. Colors are not as deep or as bright as in a newer Disney animated film or one that the studio has fully restored. Plus, there are any number of age signs in the print, various spots and flecks. So, not only is the artwork mediocre, the print and the transfer are pretty ordinary, too.

Audio:
Did I say the video was ordinary? Ditto for the sound. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is certainly clean and clear enough, but it doesn't do much more than reproduce a midrange response in the center channel. The stereo spread is narrow, the bass and treble are limited, the dynamics are soft, and the surrounds are almost devoid of content. Voices show up OK most of the time, but there are occasions when they appear to be in an entirely different acoustic from the rest of the aural effects.

Extras:
Among the several bonus materials on this "Most Wanted Edition" is, first, an alternate ending, about four minutes long, and done up mostly in still, rough sketches. Next is a "Disney Song Selection," with three songs from the movie and on-screen lyrics. There is also an option that provides on-screen lyrics within the movie. Following that are two games, an "Archery" trivia game in which the player answers a series of questions about the film and a "Rescue Maid Marian" game in which the player has to find hidden objects in various locations related to the film. Then, there is a stills gallery of artwork and a video gallery of artwork from the film. Finally, there is a seven-minute, 1933, black-and-white bonus cartoon, "Ye Olden Days," starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse in an adventure that surpasses the one in "Robin Hood."

To conclude the bonus items, there are fifteen scene selections and a chapter insert, English, French, and Spanish spoken languages, English captions for the hearing impaired, and Sneak Peeks at eight other Disney titles. The keep case comes enclosed in a handsomely embossed slipcover that misrepresents the movie's animation as looking much better than it actually appears in the movie.

Parting Shots:
The Disney filmmakers seem to have had only kids in mind when they made "Robin Hood," rather than aiming their arrows a little higher and hitting a few older folks, too. I have no doubt youngsters will enjoy the film, especially because it's filled with all manner of cute, cuddly creatures. But it will probably bore most grown-ups to tears. I'd rate the movie a 6/10 for younger children, a 4/10 for adults.

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