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From Amazon.co.uk
The 1984 incarnation of Robin of Sherwood had a crucial ingredient that the traditional tale previously lacked: magic. Creator Richard Carpenter combined his knowledge of Medieval England with a rich store of Arthurian-style folklore to create a world where wizards and witches rub shoulders with Norman knights and Anglo-Saxon peasants. Michael Praed's enthusiastic performance in the lead is matched by the sheer energy of all involved. There may be pauses for a spiritual tête á tête with forest demi-god Herne the Hunter, but swordplay and archery are never far behind. Wrapped in the forest's gorgeous greens and pools of shadow the show maintained a perfectly believable look, supported by what should have been (but wasn't) glaringly anachronistic music from Clannad. Best of all, however, is the crackling dialogue that still makes for compelling (and magical) viewing, especially when it comes from guest actors such as John Rhys-Davies as King Richard.
On the DVD: Contained here are all six episodes of Season One. The two-part pilot is a terrific introduction to the familiar characters such as Ray Winstone's roughhouse Will Scarlet and unexpected new ones such as Mark Ryan as Nasir, "the Boba Fett of Sherwood". Camaraderie on-screen and off was legendary. It's rare to see a cast having so much fun.
This exceptional three-disc box set features one of the best extras packages any TV show has been given. The original 4:3 picture is enhanced for 16:9, but the new Dolby Surround track is the real delight (the show was broadcast in mono). Quickie fare includes key cast biographies, Clannad's promo video, 175 photos and eight minutes of genuinely hilarious outtakes. The real meat comes from the misty-eyed yet fact-filled commentaries from creator Richard Carpenter and director Ian Sharp on four of the episodes. They're only just eclipsed by a brand-new hour-long documentary interviewing everyone involved. Finally, the 1983 Electric Theatre Show 25-minute documentary on the making of the show explores the character's origins and previous screen incarnations. The third disc includes everything shot for that documentary, adding up to several hours of raw footage.--Paul Tonks
Product Description
All six episodes from the first series based on the legendary outlaw. In 'Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (Parts 1 and 2)', Robin (Michael Praed) meets the men who will form his rebel band after being unjustly imprisoned by Guy of Gisburne. After making his escape, he rescues Lady Marion from sorcerer the Baron De Belleme. 'The Witch of Elsdon' sees the Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace) attempting to use alleged witch Jennet of Elsdon to render Robin and his men powerless. In 'Seven Poor Knights from Acre', Robin has to take on the Knights Templar when their leader accuses him of stealing a sacred emblem. 'Alan A Dale' sees Robin and his men helping out a newly arrived minstrel with a broken heart, and finally in 'The King's Fool' Robin is invited to fight at the side of King Richard.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I don't know if many of you remember this TV series, but it was/is probably the best version of Robin Hood ever made. Using a combination of mysticism, English history, and folklore, it told the story of Robin in the Hood, who, with John, Marion, Will, Naseer, Much and Tuck, fought the powers of Darkness (and the Sheriff, of course) under the guidance of Herne the Hunter. The soundtrack was provided by Clannad, and adds to the incredible atmosphere of the series. The stories are very well written, and the acting superb (especially Will Scatlock aka Scarlett). I have the entire series 1 and 2 on VHS, and have watched it many times. I never expected it to come out on DVD, though, but, the Saints be praised!! Very highly recommended!!!
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is my favourite tv series of all time, and is by far the best screen adaptation of Robin Hood there has ever been. The action/adventure you'd expect with a Robin Hood series is wholly evident, but it's the extra element of magic that really makes this stand out from the rest. And not forgetting the very young, enthusiastic cast who brought so much vibrancy to the series with stars such as Michael Praed (Dynasty) as Robin, Clive Mantle (Casualty, Alien 3) as Little John and the fantastic Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Nil By Mouth) as Will Scarlet. The series starts off with a two-parter, 'Robin Hood and the Sorcerer' which culminates in a sinister confrontation with the evil Simon de Belleme and a ferocious battle with the sheriff's men. Then we have 'The Witch of Elsdon' which is about a white witch who the sheriff blackmails into poisoning the outlaws. 'Seven Poor Nights From Acre' is about Robin's desperate attempts to rescue Much from the clutches of a pack of vicious warriors. 'Alan A Dale' comes next, a tale about a young minstrel who's sweetheart faces the prospect of marrying the sheriff!!! This episode tells a lighter, more humerous story. Finally, we have 'The King's Fool', when King Richard, played by John Rhys-Davies (Sallah from the Indiana Jones movies) arrives in Sherwood and causes all kinds of problems for the outlaws. Throughout all of these intelligently told stories, there is a perfect mix of swordplay and magic, surrounding characters who
you'll come to love. Even the baddies are fantastic! You think Alan Rickman is funny as the sheriff in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves? You obviously haven't seen Nickolas Grace playing the same role in this series. Superb.... Read more ›
you'll come to love. Even the baddies are fantastic! You think Alan Rickman is funny as the sheriff in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves? You obviously haven't seen Nickolas Grace playing the same role in this series. Superb.... Read more ›
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By "dan145"
Format:DVD
One of the fondest TV memories of my childhood. I can remember how no matter where we were, I would always make my parents rush back so we could catch Robin of Sherwood (much to their annoyance when I would rush straight back out to play football with my mates!).
Sure some of the special effects look dodgy by today's standards - but saying that there are feature films from 10/15 years ago (RoS is 20yrs old!) that look equally dodgy and they were made on ten times the budget! As with all great TV it is all about the story telling and character creation, few do it better than Richard Carpenter. The first two series were especially good, whereas the third suffered not only from its length and Jason Connery's 'wooden' acting, but the fact that various writers were brought in to write some of the episodes. None could recreate what Carpenter managed in Series 1 & 2.
When you buy DVD's from your childhood you do so because you want to revisit that time in your life but at the same time you pray that what then seemed like the greatest programme ever hasn't been destroyed by time and, more importantly, your now critical adult mind!! When I played episode 1 and the HTV logo appeared soon followed by the great opening shot of the Norman horses crossing the river on a raft, I knew it had stood the test of time. I find the production values of the entire series amazing - 3 series shot on a small budget but which incorporated techniques worthy of a major motion picture. Shot on film, in beautifully realistic locations there has been little to equal it, let alone surpass it, since.
A lack of repeats has definitely increased the nostalgia rating but 20 years on classic television continues to be classic television. A masterpiece.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By C. S. Taylor
Format:DVD
If you were to pick one of the best television series of the 1980's It would have to be HTV's Robin Of Sherwood.
The series combines many great themes swashbuckling action,mysticism,scorcery,the lot..
If you have never seen this series,and you like your Robin Hodd & his merry men dressed in skin tight thights,then alas this version of Robin Hood is not for you.
The costumes look realistic and earthy but above all the characters are convincing and the stories very well contructed.
I hope this 1st series sells well so that the makers of this DVD will release all the other series to complete what in my opion is one of the finest TV series ever made.
"MAY HERNE PROTECT YOU"
The series combines many great themes swashbuckling action,mysticism,scorcery,the lot..
If you have never seen this series,and you like your Robin Hodd & his merry men dressed in skin tight thights,then alas this version of Robin Hood is not for you.
The costumes look realistic and earthy but above all the characters are convincing and the stories very well contructed.
I hope this 1st series sells well so that the makers of this DVD will release all the other series to complete what in my opion is one of the finest TV series ever made.
"MAY HERNE PROTECT YOU"
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
My all time favourite TV series gets a much deserved DVD release.I never tired of repeated viewings of this 80's classic.My old vhs copies crumbled long ago so my swash was definitley buckled to find these enhanced versions.
There are loads of extras including a souped up surround sound audio track,(the series came out in good old mono..ahhh those were the days..),
and a brand new 'making of' documentary to complement the rusty looking 'shot back in the 80's' one( Were hairstyles and fashion SO bad back then!??!)
Its interesting to see how the cast have faired since 1983..some going on to great success after this...but Michael Praed is still too goddam handsome for his own good,(how I envied him wayback when!!) All in all an excellent package,( you get the benefit of an extra dvd if you buy the box set. Its full of extra behind the scenes footage shot for the 'making of' film)and one I would heartily recommend to any R O S fan wether you have it on vhs or not. Roll on series 2 and 3!!
There are loads of extras including a souped up surround sound audio track,(the series came out in good old mono..ahhh those were the days..),
and a brand new 'making of' documentary to complement the rusty looking 'shot back in the 80's' one( Were hairstyles and fashion SO bad back then!??!)
Its interesting to see how the cast have faired since 1983..some going on to great success after this...but Michael Praed is still too goddam handsome for his own good,(how I envied him wayback when!!) All in all an excellent package,( you get the benefit of an extra dvd if you buy the box set. Its full of extra behind the scenes footage shot for the 'making of' film)and one I would heartily recommend to any R O S fan wether you have it on vhs or not. Roll on series 2 and 3!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh this is wonderful
Partly remembered this series, brought back great memories to me and what a wonderful adaption of Robin Hood. Looking foreward to getting series two.
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Alun Healing
5.0 out of 5 stars
The original
Although I prefer the second series of this show, this is the original and starts with the history of the outlaws and how they came together and then moves onto their struggles... Read more
Published 6 months ago by _andy
5.0 out of 5 stars
love this
classic robin hood series i remember this in my teens loved it then and still do te theme music i love to if you are a fan of robin hood tv and films i feel wirth the buy
Published 18 months ago by shidoshi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robin of Sherwood.
This is still my favourite version of Robin Hood. While Robin and Marian may be a little too neatly groomed, the absence of 'men in tights' & the haunting score by Clannad make... Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2011 by Felicity Morte
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just so very good
I don't know if Robin Hood (Robin in the hood) ever really existed, but I find this series (all 3 series in fact) so very entertaining, visually beautiful and atmospheric. Read more
Published on 20 April 2009 by mt tutor
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good version
This is not exactly realistic but gives a reasonable impression of life in that time unlike the more recent TV series which really was a modern drama in medieval drag (a sort of... Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2008 by W. Hutchinson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Low-budget '80s TV series
I guess you have to have seen this in the '80s. I didn't, and I can't quite relate to these rave reviews. Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2007 by Anne K
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best portrayal of the legend so far
Like many I saw this series for the first time as a teenager. I've always had a fascination with all things British, especially this period of history, so this was a special treat... Read more
Published on 25 Dec 2006 by SM
4.0 out of 5 stars
Robin i' the Hood still makes for good viewing
To my mind, this telling of the tale of Robin Hood is the most interesting amongst the many commited to film. Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2005
4.0 out of 5 stars
Robin of Sherwood
I preferred Michael Praed as Robin (of Loxley) later replaced, when Michael went off to America, by Jason Connery (Robert of Huntingdon) - no disrepect to JC. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2005
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