ROBIN HOOD: MOST WANTED EDITION Reviewed by Adam D. Miller    Disney's 1973 adaptation of Robin Hood remains one of the most underrated animated features the studio ever released. The first Disney film to be produced after Walt Disney's death, it's a film that may not have whatever it takes to be a “classic” alongside Cinderella or even Aladdin , but the songs, performances and story still stand up remarkably well today. This Most Wanted Edition DVD will hopefully work to convince a new generation of viewers (or simply those who missed it the last time around) of its merit.Almost everyone has heard the story of Robin Hood, the roguish archer who – with the help of his band of merry men – stole from the rich and gave to the poor while the wicked Prince John corruptly led England during the absence of his brother the King. In Disney's animated version, all of the characters are portrayed by members of the animal kingdom: Robin Hood and his love interest Maid Marian are foxes, Little John is a bear, Prince John is a tiger; some characters, such as the hilarious Sir Hiss and Lady Kluck, are entirely motivated by their species (snake and chicken, in case it wasn't obvious). It is not clear whether or not the best thing about Robin Hood was a conscious decision or not, but the casting of English actors using their natural accents alongside Americans with southern drawls is surprisingly effective. British icon Peter Ustinov is brilliant as the voice of villainous Prince John, while country legend Roger Miller provides original music and serves as the role of The Rooster, the story's narrator. The title character of Robin Hood speaks with a British accent, while Andy Devine and Pat Buttram – two talented character actors best known for their work in Westerns – are cast in the roles of Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Special mention should also go to Bill Harris, who most famously voiced Baloo in The Jungle Book and offers his talents here once again as Little John. Besides the storyboard for an alternate ending, there are no real bonuses of value to speak of on this Most Wanted DVD. This is a shame, considering how recently the film was produced. It would have been nice to learn a bit of insight on how Disney decided to press on after the death of its founding father. Luckily the film stands up well on its own, and despite more than a dozen films having been made about Robin Hood, is a worthwhile addition to any DVD collection. |  |
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