I do like the romance between Robin Hood and Lady Mary. They have a simple love that feels genuine and mature. It's feels they known each other for a long time and that doesn't happen often in animation
This is one of my favorite Disney films; certainly in the top five. Yeah, it's not complex but for what it is, a fun romp, it does everything amazingly well. Likable characters, funny yet sill threatening villains, good pacing, and some of the best action sequences ever to be put to film. The climax alone is one of the most suspenseful endings to a Disney film. Only rivaled by Sleeping Beauty and The Black Cauldron.
I know others might disagree, but this movie has captured my heart. The nostalgia for me is unbelievable and I would love to personally see a 2nd film perhaps about the return of a Villanova or about robins kids. Unfortunately because of its not so great success I don't see it coming any time soon. Any one have any ideas?
I to loved this movie as a kid. I also noticed the recycle forage as a kid and adult but for some reason it didn't really bother me, still don't today. I really love the characters particularly Robin Hood and Prince John (If you listen closely to Prince John and Sir Hiss arguments they almost sound like a married couple) and I particularly love the jail break scene. All in all it's one of my favorite Disney films.
Spoiler alert for Zootopia! Do not read the rest of this comment if you haven't seen Zootopia. It's interesting to hear how Robin Hood was originally considered to have the main villain be a goat, because Zootopia kind of brought that idea back, except it was a cute little sheep who turned out to be the villain.
Also, the "Phony King of England" song sung by Robin Hood's Merry Men (Little John, Friar Tuck, Otto, etc.) - despite reusing repurposed footage (from _Snow White_ & _The Aristocats_ & _The Jungle Book_ most notably) - was also based on what Disney's PR department said was a song created from the era when _Robin Hood_ was rumored to have taken place with the questionable title "The BASTARD King of England" (with the name naturally changed to a family-friendly title instead). Plus, _The Fantastic Mr. Fox_ re-use of "Love Goes On & On" was clearly an homage, since foxes were that movie's primary characters as well, just as they were with _Robin Hood_ (and were also in _Fox & the Hound_ as well).
Thanks for always putting so much research into the history of how these films came to be and how the history at Disney influenced the behind-the-scenes; it's so good to see a new review from you!
+Joe The Disney Guy I am sure that "Chicken Little" (2005) and "Zootopia" (2016) take place in the future of the 1973's "Robin Hood"; what is your opinion about this?
An interesting concept, to be sure. Don't know how much I ascribe to it (it's like the Pixar theory to me, I like my movies separate) but it's definitely plausible
Joe The Disney Guy There is the schema of the Disney Cinematic Universe: disneytheory.com/2014/09/11/this-timeline-puts-every-disney-movie-in-chronological-order/ (You just have to place "Robin Hood", "The Wind in the Willows", "Chicken Little" and "Zootopia" in a parallel timeline placed somewhere in this cinematic universe. (disneytheory.com/2016/08/05/do-zootopia-and-robin-hood-take-place-in-an-alternative-disney-universe/))
Awesome review once again Joe! I hadn't even learned of the recycled animation until friends like Animat and the Lawn Gnome had mentioned it. Also, I agree that you got to hate someone like the sheriff especially after he steals Skippy's coin. Still, I feel that one likely has to hate someone like Gaston or even Scar for say killing the Beast just to have Belle or killing Mufasa just to become king respectively. Anyway, great review once again! This one likely has a B+, maybe A-, in my book! Looking forward to the Winnie The Pooh, Rescuers, etc.
Fun facts: Peter Ustinov dubbed the voice of prince John in the german localisation but strangely enough he didn’t lend his voice to king Richard Lionheart.
just wanted to drop in and say I've been binging your videos and I really enjoy the work you do. It's really hard to bring anything new to the table when discussing Disney and you do a great job of being entertaining and informative. I hope you continue with the Black Cauldron and beyond.
I never saw Phil Harris as playing the same character 3 times in 3 straight movies in a row. Baloo was carefree but stepped up when it really mattered. O’Malley was a bit bad boy interested in a pretty girl with a caring heart (going out of his way to save Marie despite nearly drowning not even five minutes later), and Little John was cautious yet loyal.
It's great to see you back, Joe! I enjoyed this review. I learned a lot from it! But, there was an audio glitch at the mentioning of Peter Ustinov's name during the development segment.
+BigBossMan538 Ha, so that's actually not an audio glitch. Me, being the not smart person I am sometime, originally recorded his name as Brian Ustinov and caught the mistake while I was editing, so that was my attempt at fixing it, but glad you enjoyed otherwise!
Your point about Reynard, a villain, being the primary focus of a Disney animated movie - 1:08 - reminds me that this was not the only time Disney had this problem when developing a story. Production on “Frozen” declared Elsa as not being sympathetic as a villain and then changed her character (and the story) to be more likable. “Zootopia” originally focused on Nick Wilde, who, though not exactly a villain, was still unlike the self-righteous Judy Hopps. It makes me wonder if Disney is ever going to successfully make an original, animated film whose protagonist is actually a villain (and no, not like the live-action “Maleficent”, a twist on one of their own IPs... NOR Wreck-It Ralph, whose character was said to be a "bad guy" in the game, but honestly was just a guy who wanted to be respected and in the end became the hero), because I would like to see a straight-up villain movie!
Disney won't straight-up DO a villain movie, because its villains are supposed to be just that, irredeemable baddies with no moral conscience whatsoever. That's why you have things like _Frozen_ which is the _Snow Queen_ given essentially a _Wicked_ overlay (using "Adele Dazeeem" Idina Menzel as "Snow Queen" Elsa who, much like "Wicked Witch of the West" Elphaba, was a repurposed villain made into a protagonist, with a catchy earworm song about liberating oneself [that is, "Let It Go" IS the film's "Defying Gravity" moment, complete with Idina lookalike superfan Erin Rementer doing a remix titled "Let It Defy Gravity": th-cam.com/video/e4loUqVQzLo/w-d-xo.html ] opposite a bubbly best friend or relative [Kristin Chenoweth's Galinda as Elphie's college roomie/lover, later renamed Glinda the Good due to her placing being "Popular" over being morally right - since the witches are bisexual canonically, with Winkie prince Fiyero coming between them ultimately - and Kristin Bell's Anna as Elsa's sister, respectively] trying to fix the destroyed rulership populated by a corrupted government [interim Prince Hans & Duke Weastleton for _Frozen_ & Madame Morrible & worst-father-evil Oscar Diggs aka the not-so Wonderful Wizard of OZ in _Wicked_ respectively], with our redeemed "villain" having familiars who serve as either sidekicks or comedy relief [Elphaba has flying monkey Christery - who is based on Nikko from the 1939 MGM classic & renamed to Truckle in the 1990 cartoon series animated by DiC - as well as her wolf pup Killjoy whose pack is killed by the Tin Man's axe, her flock of crows whose necks are snapped by the Scarecrow & her swarm of bees who die upon losing their stingers when Tin Man uses his tin body to shield his friends, whilst Elsa has Abomniable Snowman Marshmallow, whom she created as a guard to protect her from those threatening to kill her, with both Anna & her ice-maker boyfriend Kristoff & his reindeer Sven befriending Elsa's comedy relief snowman Oalf, whom Elsa unknowingly also gifted life to]) or _Maleficient_ (where the story of _Sleeping Beauty_ is turned on its ear & Maleficient, portrayed by Angelina Jolie, becames a caring caretaker for the young Aurora/Briar Rose, which in turn, makes the royal princess' actual parents King Stephen & his wife the film's baddies for snubbing Maleficient from the birthday gala in the first place) and has spawned next-generation spin-off film series _Descendants_ where the offspring of our favorite couples get to know each other through school (Mal being daughter of Maleficient who doesn't necessary want to be defacto villainess like her "Mistress of All Evil" mother, for instance).
Fantastic review! Robin Hood is a movie I grew up with too! While I'm happy with the blu-ray release in terms of the picture quality, I wish Disney would have put some more effort in the bonus features. I still kept the DVD copy because it has the concept art gallery. Your reviews are always great because it's like a bonus feature with all of the information you provide! :)
+MrChristopherM I actually had the same thought about the DVD release as I would've liked at least a commentary or something. Makes my job harder when I have to start my research from scratch!
I agree with your evaluation of the plot being "thin" but I'm going to forgive them playing it safe and recycling animation, just this time, being the studio's first flight without Walt. All the same I applaud the studio for keeping the Robin Hood tradition alive with an entry the whole family can watch. Classics never die.
Full Voice Actor List Brian Bedford: Robin Hood - Monica Evans: Maid Marian - Phil Harris: Little John - Billy Whitaker: Skippy - Richie Sanders: Toby - Dana Laurita: Sis - Dori Whittaker: Tagalong - Peter Ustinov: Prince John - Pat Buttram: The Meanie Sheriff - Terry Thomas: Sir Hiss - Roger Miller: Alan-a-Dale - Carole Shelly: Lady Cluck - Andy Devine: Friar Tuck - John Fiedler: Father Sexton - George Lindsay: Trigger - Peter Cullen: King Richard - J Pat O'Malley: Multiple Males - Candy Cadido: Multiple Males - Barbara Luddy: Multiple Females - Ken Curtis: Multiple Males
So far so good you did great but we all can see a bunch of repeated animation of this movie but I love the movie no matter what. But I didn't know it was based on the fable "Raynard the Fox" not only the story "Robin Hood".:-)
Personally, this movie is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. Maid Marian really should've been utilized better, both with the main plot and the romance side plot. Maid Marian never really does anything of value and is only important to the main plot as a motivation for Robin to join the archery tournament. As for the romance, people change over time as adults, and unless the characters remain close through childhood into adulthood, you simply cannot convince me that two people who loved each other as children still love each other just as much and even more as adults, enough to get married a few days after reuniting and agree to have kids down the road apparently. The characters also needed a little more depth to them. One character with a lack of depth I was seriously disappointed by was Sir Hiss. The movie is always showing how horribly Prince John mistreats Sir Hiss, and it may lead you to believe that Sir Hiss may get some kind of redemption arc, turning on Prince John near the end and helping Robin, just to get away from the awful treatment, and nowhere else is that idea more plausible than with Sir Hiss's likely strong disapproval with Prince John's plan of baiting Robin with hanging Friar Tuck, but these moments never amount to anything. There was some serious missed potential with these characters. I also think Prince John is funny, entertaining, charming, memorable, and vicious, but also idiotic, including his guards. I mean, how in God's name did Little John do his part at Prince John's coach at the beginning without ANY OF THE GUARDS NOTICING HIM? I mean, come on, he's right underneath the chest they're carrying, and they still don't notice him cleaning them out of all their money! They don't even start chasing Robin and Little John when they make their getaway until Prince John tells them to! And how did Robin manage to make off with Prince John's robe?! In Prince John's defense about excessive taxing on the people of Nottingham, it's more of a punishment on the people than an idea for making more money, as Prince John still has plenty of other towns to tax, as implied by Sir Hiss stating that Nottingham was their next stop for tax collecting, meaning Nottingham likely isn't Primce John's only source of tax income. Prince John also claims to be setting a trap for Robin by hanging Friar Tuck, but when Robin actually performs his rescue attempt, there's nothing actually there to even attempt to catch him in the middle of a jailbreak. What gives John? Forget to give out a few orders? Not to mention, this jailbreak also has Robin's weakest disguise in the whole movie that should've gotten him caught immediately. Just Nutsy's cloak and an orange sock on his nose. The stork disguise was actually fairly convincing, and I can excuse the first disguise at the beginning of the movie since the dialogue between Little John and Robin suggests that this is their time encountering Prince John. This last disguise, however, has no excuse at all. As for the animation, it's not the best Disney has ever made, but it's serviceable and still kind of nice to look at. With the controversial reuse of animation, I don't really mind when it reuses animation and assets from older Disney movies (in fact, you could argue some of them are kinda easter eggs for gardcore Disney fans), but I DO find it jarring when the movie reuses its OWN animation. I mean, that's pretty lazy. However, probably none of these animation downsides would still be present if the movie was simply given a bigger budget and a little more time. Yeah, I'm one of those guys that tries to not to be too hard on production value. But truth be told, I really kinda like this movie. I mean, yeah, it's not at all perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but then again, what movie is? The humor manages to consistently make you laugh, and the characters, though lacking depth, are decently memorable and likeable, and even the Sheriff is one of those characters you love to hate. The plot's not very complex, but I believe there's nothing wrong with simplicity as long as you can still make an engaging plot that makes sense, which this movie does an alright job at. The music is also pretty catchy and memorable. Seriously, at this point, I have Oo-de-lally permanently burned into my memory. Overall, I'd say Robin Hood is a movie lacking complexity and production value, which is what keeps it from being a true Disney classic, but there's a nearly undeniable charm to it that can bring a bit of a smile to your face. 7/10
same here about the nostalgia here, it's a time capsule for me. it can even be a little hard to look past it. attempting to though, the animation is pretty eh, i think the xerox works okay, but it's pretty rough and sketchy looking. one thing that always bothers me is that early on Sir Hiss tries to hypnotize Prince John, and, as far as i can remember, it never comes up again. i do like the characters though, some of the songs are good, and more than anything, it's just fun. what it lacks in complexity and animation, it makes up for in laughs and exciting sequences. stuff like Robin Hood and Little John pretending to be gypsies, it's great. it's got flaws, yes, but it's too fun for me to really complain *all* that much. a very low 9/10 for me
I had the same situation with Cinderella being at my grandparent's house as you did with Robin Hood. However, the situation after that is different, Cinderella is also my second favorite movie, after Gone with the Wind. Robin Hood was a movie I liked as a kid, but not so much now. If there is one thing I loved, it was the wonder that was Peter Ustinov as Prince John. And I must say farewell and thank you to Brian Bedford, who passed away in January. Can't wait for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!
I love these so much, I wish you had a better camera though. Maybe atleast have more lights, but also nice beard. I look forward to you Many Adventures review next since that is my favorite Disney film!
+Sean Dudley Yeah, unfortunately, my current setup doesn't really allow for lights (downsides of shooting in your small apartment bedroom) but I've been looking into getting a better camera should my funds ever allow for it
Personally i love this movie. There was always something irresistible about this movie that just grabbed me at a young age and i still love it now. Yea the reusable animation is very obvious but i don't mind. And besides phony king of England is the best song besides love. at least for me. But great video! i love it! Can't wait for the next one!
This movie is very nostalgic for me. I enjoyed it since I was a lad. I still enjoy it and it has a lot of charm and fun, but it is definitely not the best. The recycled animation is what bothers me most.
It's kinda hard not to notice the reused animation if you watch the films countess times. Otherwise you really can't tell if you watch it a few times or less. Unless you watch these films back to back.
Honestly seeing this got me to watch Robin Hood again with some friends who never seen it. I do agree with your points but knowing the situation, if I were alive back then and knew of Walts death then I whould be pretty much sceptical they could carry on and maybe even diss this movie for it´s quallity. But now I have grown up and this movie along with Jungle Book is among the top most loved Disney movies so the simularities with Jon and Baloo only helped the movie as we had the same voice actor there too. It is easy to look at this movie as silly with the way Prince John complains and vains but he is pretty harsh dictator towards the end when he basically locks everyone in and then order to hang Brother Tuck. I can understand the safe route they took, even if the thing with a goat insted of a wolf whould not have done that much diffrent I think and imagine if he just butted into through doors, that whould have been pretty hilarious.
I'm a huge Disney fan just like you I've had it around me ever since I was born my first Disney movie was when I was a baby it was Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh. Robin Hood is definitely one of my best loved and favorite Disney films of all time it's not to say that's the only one I love many others like beauty and the beast, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, sleeping beauty, little mermaid you can say I basically love every single one of them.
Sure it has its flaws and does reuse a lot of animation from other films, but I still think it's a classic. Hilarious and exciting at the same time. I might even go as far as to say it's the best film adaptation of Robin Hood that doesn't star Errol Flynn. (Okay, maybe second if Robin Hood: Men In Tights counts.)
This was my favourite film when I was a child and I was a bit in love with Robin Hood. xD But today it's not that good as in my childhood, but still very cute and entertaining.
I collect a lot of DIsney on digital and I just got Robin Hood. It was always one of my favorite Disney movies, while I don't think I'd love it if I watched it now, it's probably still a pretty good flick.
+Jim Duggan That's pretty much how it is for me. Like I said in the review, it's not a masterpiece or anything, but I still find it to be very enjoyable so no complaints
I really like Robin Hood. I like the characters especially Robin Hood and Prince Hood. But the story could be a lot better. The movie has some great jokes and is very entertaining. 8/10
+Disnime & more Depends on the video and what's available to me. Some have a lot of good either featurettes, documentaries, or commentaries about them but some like Robin Hood involve a lot of just old fashioned research to put it together
The ol "said his name wrong in the initial recording, realized it late in the editing process and had to hastily re-record the name last minute to try and fix it before release"
+Kameron Biggs It was definitely solid nostalgic shot right in the childhood. And I'm planning a new type of video next, and then after that will be the next Disney Guy Review, which will be Winnie the Pooh
I really like Robin Hood because of the characters, the charm and the humor. It's a movie that leaves you in a good mood. However, I can never put it up there with the true classics because the animation is AWFUL! Of all the Disney films in the cannon, I think Robin Hood is by far the ugliest to look at.
it kills me inside my favorite movies so hated on so much Robin Hood/Sword in the stone/ Aladdin 1 and 2 are my favorite disney movies of all time i cant pick which is my 1st i just cant their just tied in 1 i guess which is hard to say because most times i can say a fav but in this list i cant just cant all these are underrated most everyone loves Lion King to me only #1 is good never saw the others nor want to some its best being 1st only. Lion King is cool but its really REALLY overrated a sad movie in the long term but really basic to me not the hype many others do a cocky kid lion meets 2 ren and stimpy characters with a jealous brother that kills his brother and destroys the lands ..... its cool and all but just .. overrated. Robin hood has great characters taht stand out to be and funny and cool songs and just a good vibe type of Movie Sword in Stone had cool Merlin smart but same time had humor and teaching a kid that is treated so badly and help him learn and get knowledge and my love of castles and stuff love it so dearly especially the Sugar he funny as hell and cute. Aladdin with its great color story everything about it Genies humor Aladdin tho my fav is Iago not when he bad but more when he turns good or at least his funny humor but its when he turns good is why i like him the best at end of day even bad can turn somewhat good and do good things and be funny. Aladdin and Return of Jafar really always stood out to me the color the humor the story the characters the gold the money shown really stands out over a ... jealous brother kills brother wants to be king .... and a cocky kid lion wanting to take over but then learns to be a true king like his dad good but .. well not THAT great to me its actually down there i like others Far more even like Aristocats , The Rescuers and down under far more that is under rated too Cinder ella Beauty and the beast Snow white DUmbo Oliver and company jungle book 1 not 2 many others are ahead of Lion King but not saying its bad or i hate it its just not the hype.
To be honest, I think Robin Hood is rather boring. Yes, the child characters were cute and I like how Maid Marian got to spend time with the children, but the action scenes were not as intense as I would like them to be. I also outright despise both Prince John and the Sheriff of Notingham. Those two characters were cruel and unusual to the citizens. This is going to be a bold statement, but I actually wish Robin Hood had KILLED those two villains. I hate those villains that much. Yes, this proves I like Robin Hood because he actually shows compassion to the citizens, but when it comes to Prince John and the Sheriff, the damage was done. I suppose I will have to confess that I do not like Disney's Robin Hood movie.
I do like the romance between Robin Hood and Lady Mary. They have a simple love that feels genuine and mature. It's feels they known each other for a long time and that doesn't happen often in animation
true
One of my favorite Disney movies from when I was a kid
It always is one of mines.
christa pinder this was my favourite movie as a kid I watched it all the time
christa pinder it's my dad's favorite
Mine as well. I got Granddad to carve me a bow&some arrows 😁 &also demanded to be called Robin😀😉🤩😉
It was mine and my family's favourites too. When I was a kid😊
This is one of my favorite Disney films; certainly in the top five. Yeah, it's not complex but for what it is, a fun romp, it does everything amazingly well. Likable characters, funny yet sill threatening villains, good pacing, and some of the best action sequences ever to be put to film. The climax alone is one of the most suspenseful endings to a Disney film. Only rivaled by Sleeping Beauty and The Black Cauldron.
I know others might disagree, but this movie has captured my heart. The nostalgia for me is unbelievable and I would love to personally see a 2nd film perhaps about the return of a Villanova or about robins kids. Unfortunately because of its not so great success I don't see it coming any time soon. Any one have any ideas?
I to loved this movie as a kid. I also noticed the recycle forage as a kid and adult but for some reason it didn't really bother me, still don't today. I really love the characters particularly Robin Hood and Prince John (If you listen closely to Prince John and Sir Hiss arguments they almost sound like a married couple) and I particularly love the jail break scene. All in all it's one of my favorite Disney films.
Totally true about the characters too. As a kid I was always confused why these movies had a lot of the same characters.
Spoiler alert for Zootopia! Do not read the rest of this comment if you haven't seen Zootopia.
It's interesting to hear how Robin Hood was originally considered to have the main villain be a goat, because Zootopia kind of brought that idea back, except it was a cute little sheep who turned out to be the villain.
Also, the "Phony King of England" song sung by Robin Hood's Merry Men (Little John, Friar Tuck, Otto, etc.) - despite reusing repurposed footage (from _Snow White_ & _The Aristocats_ & _The Jungle Book_ most notably) - was also based on what Disney's PR department said was a song created from the era when _Robin Hood_ was rumored to have taken place with the questionable title "The BASTARD King of England" (with the name naturally changed to a family-friendly title instead). Plus, _The Fantastic Mr. Fox_ re-use of "Love Goes On & On" was clearly an homage, since foxes were that movie's primary characters as well, just as they were with _Robin Hood_ (and were also in _Fox & the Hound_ as well).
oh really
you have no idea how excited I was to see a new video from you this morning! And now I can't wait for the next one haha
+Lydia Ann Isn't that always the case. I'll get working on it soon!
Thanks for shedding light on Disney's Robin Hood, so far its been passed down 2 gens in my family. We love it.
Thanks for always putting so much research into the history of how these films came to be and how the history at Disney influenced the behind-the-scenes; it's so good to see a new review from you!
+Lindsey Lou-who No problem, glad you enjoyed and find this stuff as interesting as I do!
+Joe The Disney Guy
I am sure that "Chicken Little" (2005) and "Zootopia" (2016) take place in the future of the 1973's "Robin Hood"; what is your opinion about this?
An interesting concept, to be sure. Don't know how much I ascribe to it (it's like the Pixar theory to me, I like my movies separate) but it's definitely plausible
Joe The Disney Guy
There is the schema of the Disney Cinematic Universe: disneytheory.com/2014/09/11/this-timeline-puts-every-disney-movie-in-chronological-order/
(You just have to place "Robin Hood", "The Wind in the Willows", "Chicken Little" and "Zootopia" in a parallel timeline placed somewhere in this cinematic universe. (disneytheory.com/2016/08/05/do-zootopia-and-robin-hood-take-place-in-an-alternative-disney-universe/))
One of my favorite movies from the classical Era. I think it's still grand for what it is. And the songs are dope!!!!
Awesome review once again Joe! I hadn't even learned of the recycled animation until friends like Animat and the Lawn Gnome had mentioned it. Also, I agree that you got to hate someone like the sheriff especially after he steals Skippy's coin. Still, I feel that one likely has to hate someone like Gaston or even Scar for say killing the Beast just to have Belle or killing Mufasa just to become king respectively. Anyway, great review once again! This one likely has a B+, maybe A-, in my book! Looking forward to the Winnie The Pooh, Rescuers, etc.
Fun facts: Peter Ustinov dubbed the voice of prince John in the german localisation but strangely enough he didn’t lend his voice to king Richard Lionheart.
A new video on my birthday!
Thanks for the birthday gift Mr. Disney Guy!
+Really Ryan Happy birthday!
just wanted to drop in and say I've been binging your videos and I really enjoy the work you do. It's really hard to bring anything new to the table when discussing Disney and you do a great job of being entertaining and informative. I hope you continue with the Black Cauldron and beyond.
Despite the low budget, this movie is one of my favorites.
This movie & other Disney movies, mostly from the 50's to early 80's, seemed to be staples of UHF TV stations, in the US, in the 80's & 90's
Robin Hood surves as the return of the. Decade going back to the 1930's movie Snow White and the seven dwarfs with. Walt Disney 's death
I never saw Phil Harris as playing the same character 3 times in 3 straight movies in a row. Baloo was carefree but stepped up when it really mattered. O’Malley was a bit bad boy interested in a pretty girl with a caring heart (going out of his way to save Marie despite nearly drowning not even five minutes later), and Little John was cautious yet loyal.
My favorite Disney guy is back! I was having a pretty bad week, but this video just made me feel so much better! Thank you, Joe! ❤️
+Cait Cherniak Glad to help, hopefully your week gets better soon!
Thank you so much, Joe.
Wow that's crazy, Joe. I didn't know about those reused animations.
this has always been my favorite Disney movie, it’s a shame how underrated it is.
yeah it is
I noticed recycled animation when i was five. I didnt know why i felt like i had seen a scene before
I've always considered Robin Hood as fun movie. Nothing spectacular, but fun. :-)
your videos are really great and I so enjoy the history of Disney and what was going on at the time in Disney. :)
+Ellie Berry Thank you, glad you enjoy them!
It's great to see you back, Joe! I enjoyed this review. I learned a lot from it! But, there was an audio glitch at the mentioning of Peter Ustinov's name during the development segment.
+BigBossMan538 Ha, so that's actually not an audio glitch. Me, being the not smart person I am sometime, originally recorded his name as Brian Ustinov and caught the mistake while I was editing, so that was my attempt at fixing it, but glad you enjoyed otherwise!
+Joe The Disney Guy Oh, I see.
Just when I thought I'd never hear from you again, here is your Robin Hood review. It was well worth the wait! :)
+Collins Crapo Oh come now, you know I never leave for good...the work monster just claims me from time to time
Your point about Reynard, a villain, being the primary focus of a Disney animated movie - 1:08 - reminds me that this was not the only time Disney had this problem when developing a story. Production on “Frozen” declared Elsa as not being sympathetic as a villain and then changed her character (and the story) to be more likable. “Zootopia” originally focused on Nick Wilde, who, though not exactly a villain, was still unlike the self-righteous Judy Hopps. It makes me wonder if Disney is ever going to successfully make an original, animated film whose protagonist is actually a villain (and no, not like the live-action “Maleficent”, a twist on one of their own IPs... NOR Wreck-It Ralph, whose character was said to be a "bad guy" in the game, but honestly was just a guy who wanted to be respected and in the end became the hero), because I would like to see a straight-up villain movie!
Disney won't straight-up DO a villain movie, because its villains are supposed to be just that, irredeemable baddies with no moral conscience whatsoever. That's why you have things like _Frozen_ which is the _Snow Queen_ given essentially a _Wicked_ overlay (using "Adele Dazeeem" Idina Menzel as "Snow Queen" Elsa who, much like "Wicked Witch of the West" Elphaba, was a repurposed villain made into a protagonist, with a catchy earworm song about liberating oneself [that is, "Let It Go" IS the film's "Defying Gravity" moment, complete with Idina lookalike superfan Erin Rementer doing a remix titled "Let It Defy Gravity": th-cam.com/video/e4loUqVQzLo/w-d-xo.html ] opposite a bubbly best friend or relative [Kristin Chenoweth's Galinda as Elphie's college roomie/lover, later renamed Glinda the Good due to her placing being "Popular" over being morally right - since the witches are bisexual canonically, with Winkie prince Fiyero coming between them ultimately - and Kristin Bell's Anna as Elsa's sister, respectively] trying to fix the destroyed rulership populated by a corrupted government [interim Prince Hans & Duke Weastleton for _Frozen_ & Madame Morrible & worst-father-evil Oscar Diggs aka the not-so Wonderful Wizard of OZ in _Wicked_ respectively], with our redeemed "villain" having familiars who serve as either sidekicks or comedy relief [Elphaba has flying monkey Christery - who is based on Nikko from the 1939 MGM classic & renamed to Truckle in the 1990 cartoon series animated by DiC - as well as her wolf pup Killjoy whose pack is killed by the Tin Man's axe, her flock of crows whose necks are snapped by the Scarecrow & her swarm of bees who die upon losing their stingers when Tin Man uses his tin body to shield his friends, whilst Elsa has Abomniable Snowman Marshmallow, whom she created as a guard to protect her from those threatening to kill her, with both Anna & her ice-maker boyfriend Kristoff & his reindeer Sven befriending Elsa's comedy relief snowman Oalf, whom Elsa unknowingly also gifted life to]) or _Maleficient_ (where the story of _Sleeping Beauty_ is turned on its ear & Maleficient, portrayed by Angelina Jolie, becames a caring caretaker for the young Aurora/Briar Rose, which in turn, makes the royal princess' actual parents King Stephen & his wife the film's baddies for snubbing Maleficient from the birthday gala in the first place) and has spawned next-generation spin-off film series _Descendants_ where the offspring of our favorite couples get to know each other through school (Mal being daughter of Maleficient who doesn't necessary want to be defacto villainess like her "Mistress of All Evil" mother, for instance).
A lot of kids I know remember this as their first memory of being introduced to a Robin Hood.
Fantastic review! Robin Hood is a movie I grew up with too! While I'm happy with the blu-ray release in terms of the picture quality, I wish Disney would have put some more effort in the bonus features. I still kept the DVD copy because it has the concept art gallery. Your reviews are always great because it's like a bonus feature with all of the information you provide! :)
+MrChristopherM I actually had the same thought about the DVD release as I would've liked at least a commentary or something. Makes my job harder when I have to start my research from scratch!
I agree with your evaluation of the plot being "thin" but I'm going to forgive them playing it safe and recycling animation, just this time, being the studio's first flight without Walt. All the same I applaud the studio for keeping the Robin Hood tradition alive with an entry the whole family can watch. Classics never die.
Full Voice Actor List
Brian Bedford: Robin Hood - Monica Evans: Maid Marian - Phil Harris: Little John - Billy Whitaker: Skippy - Richie Sanders: Toby - Dana Laurita: Sis - Dori Whittaker: Tagalong - Peter Ustinov: Prince John - Pat Buttram: The Meanie Sheriff - Terry Thomas: Sir Hiss - Roger Miller: Alan-a-Dale - Carole Shelly: Lady Cluck - Andy Devine: Friar Tuck - John Fiedler: Father Sexton - George Lindsay: Trigger - Peter Cullen: King Richard - J Pat O'Malley: Multiple Males - Candy Cadido: Multiple Males - Barbara Luddy: Multiple Females - Ken Curtis: Multiple Males
Still one of my favorite Disney flicks! Ooo-de-lally!
So far so good you did great but we all can see a bunch of repeated animation of this movie but I love the movie no matter what. But I didn't know it was based on the fable "Raynard the Fox" not only the story "Robin Hood".:-)
For the new era of Disney that is :-)
Another great review, Joe! Love how in depth every review is. Have you thought of starting a Patreon? I would definitely donate!
+Eric Rodriguez Thank you! And haven't really considered it but I'll certainly look into it!
+Joe The Disney Guy You should.
+Joe The Disney Guy Yes! Patreon!
Personally, this movie is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. Maid Marian really should've been utilized better, both with the main plot and the romance side plot. Maid Marian never really does anything of value and is only important to the main plot as a motivation for Robin to join the archery tournament. As for the romance, people change over time as adults, and unless the characters remain close through childhood into adulthood, you simply cannot convince me that two people who loved each other as children still love each other just as much and even more as adults, enough to get married a few days after reuniting and agree to have kids down the road apparently.
The characters also needed a little more depth to them. One character with a lack of depth I was seriously disappointed by was Sir Hiss. The movie is always showing how horribly Prince John mistreats Sir Hiss, and it may lead you to believe that Sir Hiss may get some kind of redemption arc, turning on Prince John near the end and helping Robin, just to get away from the awful treatment, and nowhere else is that idea more plausible than with Sir Hiss's likely strong disapproval with Prince John's plan of baiting Robin with hanging Friar Tuck, but these moments never amount to anything. There was some serious missed potential with these characters.
I also think Prince John is funny, entertaining, charming, memorable, and vicious, but also idiotic, including his guards. I mean, how in God's name did Little John do his part at Prince John's coach at the beginning without ANY OF THE GUARDS NOTICING HIM? I mean, come on, he's right underneath the chest they're carrying, and they still don't notice him cleaning them out of all their money! They don't even start chasing Robin and Little John when they make their getaway until Prince John tells them to! And how did Robin manage to make off with Prince John's robe?! In Prince John's defense about excessive taxing on the people of Nottingham, it's more of a punishment on the people than an idea for making more money, as Prince John still has plenty of other towns to tax, as implied by Sir Hiss stating that Nottingham was their next stop for tax collecting, meaning Nottingham likely isn't Primce John's only source of tax income. Prince John also claims to be setting a trap for Robin by hanging Friar Tuck, but when Robin actually performs his rescue attempt, there's nothing actually there to even attempt to catch him in the middle of a jailbreak. What gives John? Forget to give out a few orders? Not to mention, this jailbreak also has Robin's weakest disguise in the whole movie that should've gotten him caught immediately. Just Nutsy's cloak and an orange sock on his nose. The stork disguise was actually fairly convincing, and I can excuse the first disguise at the beginning of the movie since the dialogue between Little John and Robin suggests that this is their time encountering Prince John. This last disguise, however, has no excuse at all.
As for the animation, it's not the best Disney has ever made, but it's serviceable and still kind of nice to look at. With the controversial reuse of animation, I don't really mind when it reuses animation and assets from older Disney movies (in fact, you could argue some of them are kinda easter eggs for gardcore Disney fans), but I DO find it jarring when the movie reuses its OWN animation. I mean, that's pretty lazy. However, probably none of these animation downsides would still be present if the movie was simply given a bigger budget and a little more time. Yeah, I'm one of those guys that tries to not to be too hard on production value.
But truth be told, I really kinda like this movie. I mean, yeah, it's not at all perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but then again, what movie is? The humor manages to consistently make you laugh, and the characters, though lacking depth, are decently memorable and likeable, and even the Sheriff is one of those characters you love to hate. The plot's not very complex, but I believe there's nothing wrong with simplicity as long as you can still make an engaging plot that makes sense, which this movie does an alright job at. The music is also pretty catchy and memorable. Seriously, at this point, I have Oo-de-lally permanently burned into my memory. Overall, I'd say Robin Hood is a movie lacking complexity and production value, which is what keeps it from being a true Disney classic, but there's a nearly undeniable charm to it that can bring a bit of a smile to your face.
7/10
Not me not being able to focus on what he’s saying because I have just realized that The Hamster Dance melody originated from this movie👁👄👁
I did some research, and the next Disney Guy Review is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!
I just saw the Pooh review and it was really good
Puuuhleeeze don't stop doing this! I can't wait for your take on the movies I watched as a kid (which will be starting soon, but not quite yet:))
Getting there, and don't worry, I'm not stopping yet!
so you're going on with THE RESCUERS, THE FOX AND THE HOUND, etc?
Could you make a top list of your favorite disney films? 😊
+Disnime & more It'll come one day, but not until I finish!
same here about the nostalgia here, it's a time capsule for me. it can even be a little hard to look past it. attempting to though, the animation is pretty eh, i think the xerox works okay, but it's pretty rough and sketchy looking. one thing that always bothers me is that early on Sir Hiss tries to hypnotize Prince John, and, as far as i can remember, it never comes up again. i do like the characters though, some of the songs are good, and more than anything, it's just fun. what it lacks in complexity and animation, it makes up for in laughs and exciting sequences. stuff like Robin Hood and Little John pretending to be gypsies, it's great. it's got flaws, yes, but it's too fun for me to really complain *all* that much. a very low 9/10 for me
I had the same situation with Cinderella being at my grandparent's house as you did with Robin Hood. However, the situation after that is different, Cinderella is also my second favorite movie, after Gone with the Wind. Robin Hood was a movie I liked as a kid, but not so much now. If there is one thing I loved, it was the wonder that was Peter Ustinov as Prince John.
And I must say farewell and thank you to Brian Bedford, who passed away in January.
Can't wait for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!
+ruthiehenshallfan99 I saw that, quite a sad revelation I discovered while putting together the review. But glad you enjoyed the review!
Me too
I love these so much, I wish you had a better camera though. Maybe atleast have more lights, but also nice beard. I look forward to you Many Adventures review next since that is my favorite Disney film!
+Sean Dudley Yeah, unfortunately, my current setup doesn't really allow for lights (downsides of shooting in your small apartment bedroom) but I've been looking into getting a better camera should my funds ever allow for it
Personally i love this movie. There was always something irresistible about this movie that just grabbed me at a young age and i still love it now. Yea the reusable animation is very obvious but i don't mind. And besides phony king of England is the best song besides love. at least for me. But great video! i love it! Can't wait for the next one!
Excellent work on this. Highly informative. :)
Epic amazing nostalgic Disney's Robin Hood is one of the best movies of its time plus it's the most quotable Disney movie.
The film🎬 was excellent💯. The cast were excellent especially Little John ( Phil Harris)
This movie is very nostalgic for me. I enjoyed it since I was a lad. I still enjoy it and it has a lot of charm and fun, but it is definitely not the best. The recycled animation is what bothers me most.
It's kinda hard not to notice the reused animation if you watch the films countess times. Otherwise you really can't tell if you watch it a few times or less. Unless you watch these films back to back.
I liked the characters from other movies showing up. Almost like a Multiverse. Very fun
Honestly seeing this got me to watch Robin Hood again with some friends who never seen it. I do agree with your points but knowing the situation, if I were alive back then and knew of Walts death then I whould be pretty much sceptical they could carry on and maybe even diss this movie for it´s quallity. But now I have grown up and this movie along with Jungle Book is among the top most loved Disney movies so the simularities with Jon and Baloo only helped the movie as we had the same voice actor there too. It is easy to look at this movie as silly with the way Prince John complains and vains but he is pretty harsh dictator towards the end when he basically locks everyone in and then order to hang Brother Tuck. I can understand the safe route they took, even if the thing with a goat insted of a wolf whould not have done that much diffrent I think and imagine if he just butted into through doors, that whould have been pretty hilarious.
I'm a huge Disney fan just like you I've had it around me ever since I was born my first Disney movie was when I was a baby it was Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh. Robin Hood is definitely one of my best loved and favorite Disney films of all time it's not to say that's the only one I love many others like beauty and the beast, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, sleeping beauty, little mermaid you can say I basically love every single one of them.
this is a movie that I love despite the flaws and re-use of animation. I don't know why but i can never, not enjoy this movie.
Sure it has its flaws and does reuse a lot of animation from other films, but I still think it's a classic. Hilarious and exciting at the same time. I might even go as far as to say it's the best film adaptation of Robin Hood that doesn't star Errol Flynn. (Okay, maybe second if Robin Hood: Men In Tights counts.)
This was my favourite film when I was a child and I was a bit in love with Robin Hood. xD But today it's not that good as in my childhood, but still very cute and entertaining.
Robin,the character, is cool beyond cool 😎 🔥🤯
I collect a lot of DIsney on digital and I just got Robin Hood. It was always one of my favorite Disney movies, while I don't think I'd love it if I watched it now, it's probably still a pretty good flick.
+Jim Duggan That's pretty much how it is for me. Like I said in the review, it's not a masterpiece or anything, but I still find it to be very enjoyable so no complaints
I still have to try and make your beard a Disney character.
I think the use of reccuring animation and characters is really cute. As if they pay a homage to older movies.
It’s fun finding the reused animation
Love your videos!!!!!!!
+IForgotMyLines Thanks!
As a kid, I loved Robin Hood.
i like this movie even now
It's always bugged me that the wedding scene in Robin Hood is almost entirely copied from Cinderella.
+Dallin Turner Particularly the wedding bells sound.
What do you think about the possibility that Robin Hood could be related to Nick Wilde?
watching it tonight
I still have this an VHS.
I really like Robin Hood. I like the characters especially Robin Hood and Prince Hood. But the story could be a lot better. The movie has some great jokes and is very entertaining. 8/10
I don’t care about the complaints about the reused assets
Robin Hood is much better than the Sword in the Stone
What are your sources for all this information? 😁 amazing how much background knowledge you bring into your videos 👍 😮😊
+Disnime & more Depends on the video and what's available to me. Some have a lot of good either featurettes, documentaries, or commentaries about them but some like Robin Hood involve a lot of just old fashioned research to put it together
+Joe The Disney Guy Thanks for the answers :)
That’s one of the reasons that I love it
12:19 Robin Hood is wearing Links clothes
super gaming bros dang..
It’s like a scavenger hunt 😃
What happened to the audio at 6:03?
The ol "said his name wrong in the initial recording, realized it late in the editing process and had to hastily re-record the name last minute to try and fix it before release"
I always enjoyed the Android Commercial for the song they used, even though I barely remember watching this film.
So, next is Winnie the Pooh?
+Kameron Biggs It was definitely solid nostalgic shot right in the childhood. And I'm planning a new type of video next, and then after that will be the next Disney Guy Review, which will be Winnie the Pooh
Is it on an artist?
+Kameron Biggs Nope, you'll have to just wait and see!
I love this film so much!!!!
This is my favorit 😃
i like this
I know right
I like Robin Hood but don't love it. It's better than the Aristocats for me but not a film I have strong desires to watch it multiple times.
i like it
When will you review the Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony shorts?
+PrimusVsUnicron I've looked at some shorts already, so I'll be sure to work in some Silly Symphonies and some Mickey shorts as well
I really like Robin Hood because of the characters, the charm and the humor. It's a movie that leaves you in a good mood. However, I can never put it up there with the true classics because the animation is AWFUL! Of all the Disney films in the cannon, I think Robin Hood is by far the ugliest to look at.
Goals
Nice beard
There are thousands of Robin Hood movies
it kills me inside my favorite movies so hated on so much Robin Hood/Sword in the stone/ Aladdin 1 and 2 are my favorite disney movies of all time i cant pick which is my 1st i just cant their just tied in 1 i guess which is hard to say because most times i can say a fav but in this list i cant just cant all these are underrated most everyone loves Lion King to me only #1 is good never saw the others nor want to some its best being 1st only. Lion King is cool but its really REALLY overrated a sad movie in the long term but really basic to me not the hype many others do a cocky kid lion meets 2 ren and stimpy characters with a jealous brother that kills his brother and destroys the lands ..... its cool and all but just .. overrated. Robin hood has great characters taht stand out to be and funny and cool songs and just a good vibe type of Movie Sword in Stone had cool Merlin smart but same time had humor and teaching a kid that is treated so badly and help him learn and get knowledge and my love of castles and stuff love it so dearly especially the Sugar he funny as hell and cute.
Aladdin with its great color story everything about it Genies humor Aladdin tho my fav is Iago not when he bad but more when he turns good or at least his funny humor but its when he turns good is why i like him the best at end of day even bad can turn somewhat good and do good things and be funny. Aladdin and Return of Jafar really always stood out to me the color the humor the story the characters the gold the money shown really stands out over a ... jealous brother kills brother wants to be king .... and a cocky kid lion wanting to take over but then learns to be a true king like his dad good but .. well not THAT great to me its actually down there i like others Far more even like Aristocats , The Rescuers and down under far more that is under rated too Cinder ella Beauty and the beast Snow white DUmbo Oliver and company jungle book 1 not 2 many others are ahead of Lion King but not saying its bad or i hate it its just not the hype.
Little John is much different than the other two characters Phil Harris has played.
It is my favorite Disney film
To be honest, I think Robin Hood is rather boring. Yes, the child characters were cute and I like how Maid Marian got to spend time with the children, but the action scenes were not as intense as I would like them to be. I also outright despise both Prince John and the Sheriff of Notingham. Those two characters were cruel and unusual to the citizens. This is going to be a bold statement, but I actually wish Robin Hood had KILLED those two villains. I hate those villains that much. Yes, this proves I like Robin Hood because he actually shows compassion to the citizens, but when it comes to Prince John and the Sheriff, the damage was done. I suppose I will have to confess that I do not like Disney's Robin Hood movie.
watching it tonight