Synopsis
After being stripped of his title by Norman baron Jeroen Krabbe, Saxon Robert Hode(Patrick Bergin) becomes Robin Hood, outlaw. He soon leads a large band of the dispossessed,and the battles with Krabbe become more and more pointed. Robin has also tumbled for MaidMarian (Uma Thurman), but she is promised to the evil Jurgen Prochnow.
In other words, all of the familiar incidents and story elements of the Robin Hood legend arepresent and correct. The film is grittier t…an the Costner flick (in the sense that the sky isperpetually overcast, and people wear dirty clothes), but still isn’t a patch on The Adventuresof Robin Hood. The casting is odd, with American Bergin doing his best to pass for English,but the booby prize must go to Prochnow. Not only does he kick his character’s snarling evil intomelodramatic overdrive, but his Frrrrrrrrench-uh accent-uh is the most hilarious I have everheard.
Audio
The 2.0 audio is plenty active, with surround effects at every conceivable opportunity.Sometimes, this means inappropriate placement (such as birds that we see before us soundinglike they are behind), but at least the sense of an environment is pretty consistent. The music isquite well served.
Video
The colours are pretty bland, but this is an artistic decision, not a transfer flaw. The print isin good shape, though there is some minor speckling. The image is sharp, and there is no edgeenhancement. Now and then there is a little bit of ghosting. The picture comes in both fullscreenand widescreen aspects. Though the case boasts a 2.35:1 ratio, the actual picture is either 1.85:1or 1.78:1. Let’s give the disc the benefit of the doubt and say 1.85:1.
Special Features
Nothing here by the trailer.
Closing Thoughts
This isn’t any kind of definitive version of the story. It remains diverting enough, partlythanks to Prochnow’s ridiculous accent.
Special Features List
- Trailer
