The story of Robin Hood has been a staple of movies and television for decades. Form Errol Flynn’s flawless Technicolor romp through the backlot in The Adventures of Robin Hood, to the edgy new adaptation currently on BBC, the story has been a perfect way for a filmmaker to stamp a unique vision on the story. Some, like Kevin Costner’s horrific take, are destined to be forgotten, but most have been well-received. One of the most acclaimed takes on the legend was a short-lived BBC series from the early 1980s. Robin of Sherwood, filmed on location in England, is a gritty, action-packed version that takes an almost mythical stance, evoking pastoral imagery
Michael Praed, known to '80s American-TV watchers as Prince Michael on Dynasty, stars as Robin of Loxley, the legendary Robin Hood. His character dies after the 13th episode, and he’s replaced by Jason Connery, son of Sean Connery. Sean had previously played Robin Hood in the 1976 movie Robin and Marian. Jason’s character is Robert of Huntingon. The transition between the two actors is well handled, and Connery is up to the task at replacing Praed. Ray Winstone (The Departed, Sexy Beast) plays that villain of villains, the Sheriff of Nottingham. It’s right up there with Alan Rickman’s portrayal.
This complete collection is a perfect way to capture the full feel of the show. There is an underlying mystical aspect, missing from most other versions. Occult undertones abound, from black magic to folk beliefs. The gritty nature of the sets and costumes really evoke the feel of the time, probably more so than any other version. It’s the realism, that keeps the magic aspect from becoming too far-fetched. The action is well choreographed, with enough blood to keep fans of the version currently airing on the BBC satisfied.
The picture quality is fair, not as sharp as many current productions, but there’s always been this grainy quality to many BBC shows from the '80s. I don’t know if it’s the style, but it actually kind of fits the settings of Sherwood. The sound quality is good, and the extras are well worth the price of the set. The DVD collection contains a wealth of special features. In addition to 14 commentary tracks, there are four documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, a making-of documentary, outtakes, and a documentary about the musical scored, composed by the acclaimed modern Celtic band Clannad.
Once again, this is an Acorn Media release. Acorn has become the single best source for British television in the US, and they continue to impress with their diverse selections.
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