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So says Alan-a-dale, the rooster troubadour who starts us on our way through this classic Disney animated film, Robin Hood. And while this is most definitely the animal’s version of the whole thing, I can guarantee you that it is still the classic tale of that virtuous bandit of old who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Not only that, mind you, but it is also a finely crafted Disney film with enough heart and soul put into it that it transcends some of its own limitations and has become a fan favorite and near and dear to many who grew up with it. It was not always believed that Robin Hood would become the classic that it is now, and rest assured that the production crew of this film had to travel down a very interesting path to get it this far. I’ll take a look at a little more about that later, but for now let’s take a look at one of my personal favorite Disney films...a film that doesn’t share the same “feel” as most others...a film that is often overlooked by Disney itself these days in terms of merchandising and marketing...and a film which deserves now to be in the spotlight again. While the Robin Hood legend has taken on many different forms since it first appeared in 1227, there is one more widely known than the others. When King Richard had left his country during the Crusades, his scheming brother John decided to take the throne as his own. The days following were dark under the shadow of this tyrant as he raised taxes to such an extent that the common folk were unable to pay them...or eat...or provide the necessaries of life for their families. But one man stood against Prince John and his treacherous right-hand man, the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin Hood made himself, and his merry band, infamous stealing those very taxes back in daring raids and entrapments and redistributing the money amongst the beleaguered populace. A hero and an undying legend were born. This Disney classic follows that very tale, creating a wonderful adventure that is so straightforward in its telling that it can be loved by viewers of any age. Accused by many of not rising to the lofty magic of many other Disney classics, Robin Hood has become the dark secret of the studio. However, I suggest that it is for this very reason that Robin Hood is such a great time! The story is very simple...the plot easy to follow. The songs were written to compliment the story instead of attempting to hit the Billboard Charts. Everything about this film screams simple...economy...and thoroughly enjoyable. This feeling of simplicity is due in large part to the linear nature of the script, but there were other factors at play during the production. Robin Hood was the first Disney animated feature that was entirely done entirely without Walt’s involvement, as he passed away shortly before the idea was officially tossed around. Much of the studio’s talent at the time was new, and there were doubts amongst those who wrote the checks as to whether these wet-behind-the-ears animators could pull off a decent project without the oversight of Mr. Disney himself. Consequently, the purse strings were drawn tight and the project was to go forward with a very small budget. In a testament to the dedication and innovation of these up and comers, it was decided that the easiest way to get past these budget constraints was to recycle animation from other Disney works. If you notice a similarity between Robin’s pal Little John and Baloo from the Jungle Book, it is because much of the earlier animation was lifted...not to mention that they are both voiced by Phil Harris. When Little John dances with Maid Marian’s lady-in-waiting, it is the same dance that Baloo did with King Louie! And speaking of Maid Marion...when she dances in her room while thinking of Robin, it is actually the dance Snow White performed just under 50 years earlier! Even moments from The Aristocats (the last film which WAS approved by Walt) are borrowed, and simply repainted and recut into this film. Prince John was decked out in the same crown and cape which the lion king in Bedknobs and Broomsticks possessed during the animated portions of that film. Not even sound effects were sacred as astute ears will notice when they hear the wedding bells from Cinderella chiming in Friar Tuck’s church! While some have taken all of these borrowed moments as thefts and an indication that the studio was in a “bleak” period, I find exactly the opposite. I choose instead to see that these were the actions of a desperate crew who were intent to bring yet another wonderful Disney film to the screen. It says something about that “heart and soul” that I spoke of earlier...it is no wonder this is the favorite Disney film of so many. Robin Hood also marks the first Disney movie to feature a cast entirely made up of anthropomorphic animals...a bold step indeed which paid off on so many levels! Other structural differences were employed to make this film run as well as it does, and these are further evidence that these writers and artists knew what they were doing...much more than they were given credit for it seems. Of note is the fact that Robin Hood begins immediately with a song, a device which you have seen employed in more recent years in films such as The Lion King and Brother Bear II, but didn’t see so often back then. In these instances, the song acts as a narrative of sorts to immediately familiarize the audience with a cast of characters and set in motion the story. It works wonderfully well here, as we are introduced to Robin and Little John’s friendship, the fact that they are outlaws and sets up the Sheriff of Nottingham as the antagonist of our tale...all in a few verses of song. And speaking of the songs, I mentioned before that these weren’t the “meant for radio play” ballads that have graced a few of the more recent features. These songs are a hoot to sing along to, are full of energy, and are guaranteed to rattle around in your head for the rest of your life. Heck, to this day I have found myself whistling the notes to “Oo-de-lally”, and even that Internet sensation “The Hampster Dance” borrowed its horrifically catchy tune from “Whistle Stop”. Roger Miller wrote and performed these songs and others for Robin Hood, and brought to the table every bit of the talent that saw him into the Country Music Hall Of Fame and earned him recognition as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. Great songs, colorful characters, an already beloved story and of course that little spark of Disney magic, makes Robin Hood one of my all time favorites from the studio; and of course, in this, I am not alone. To each one of us fans this release is a very welcomed sight...and there are some added bonuses thrown in as always to whet the appetite of those who may not be entirely sold yet. Surprisingly, the extras are very slim, reinforcing the belief that the studio has never really understood just how much we all love this movie. Not an extra feature per se, but this disc boasts a cleaned up, remastered picture. The new digital transfer is such a sight for sore eyes! It is a treat to see one of the older titles cleaned up a bit, and after the lackluster full screen release of The Fox And The Hound: 25th Anniversary Edition, I was a bit concerned how Robin Hood would look. My fears were unfounded, and the picture looks the best I have seen it. There are some sing-a-long songs for the kids to play around with (does anyone’s kids actually ever use these is another question altogether), and a few of the obligatory DVD games. While it is nice to have these features for those families that utilize them, the rest of us would rather see a nice featurette or two for the adults to peruse once the kids are tucked in bed. Sadly, you won’t find any such thing here...even with a background as richly interesting as this film has. There is one deleted scene (an alternate ending in fact), but nothing of too much interest beyond that. In fact, the only other bonus at all is the vintage, black and white animated short “Ye Olden Days” featuring Mickey, Minnie and Dippy Dawg (as Goofy was then known!). Kids of all ages know the story of Robin Hood, and as such it should be an easy sell to bring this classic film to their attention. I believe it would be a great disservice to do otherwise, as it is rare indeed when a film feels so good to watch at any age. A great piece of Disney’s transitional history and a fine, fine film to boot...what other reasons could you need to bring this one home? -aaron-
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