WHV Press Release: The Adventures of Robin Hood (Blu-ray)

Ronald Epstein · 07-02-2008, 08:46 AM

Three-Time Academy Award® Winner

The Adventures of Robin Hood
Starring Errol Flynn, the premiere swashbuckler of the sound era,
Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains

Debuts on BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF August 26 from Warner Home Video

Burbank, Calif., July 1, 2008 – On August 26, Warner Home Video will release on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def one of the most colorful and quintessentially romantic swashbuckling adventures in film history. The Adventures of Robin Hood received four Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture, ultimately winning three (for Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction and Best Music, Original Score). In 1995, the film was selected for preservation in the United States Film Registry.

The Adventures of Robin Hood, restored with Warner’s patented Ultra-Resolution process, was one of the few major 1930’s motion pictures filmed in Technicolor. This Blu-ray™ Hi-Def™ version will sell for $28.99 SRP. Orders are due July 22.

About the Movie

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) is based on the classic English legend of Sherwood Forest. Errol Flynn, who performed many of the stunts himself, is at his athletic, romantic best in a role originally intended for James Cagney. Olivia de Havilland and consummate screen villains Basil Rathbone (Sir Guy of Gisbourne) and Claude Rains, round out the all-star cast.

In this rousing family adventure, nobleman Robin, the Earl of Locksley (Flynn), becomes an outlaw when he opposes Prince John’s (Claude Rains) attempt to capture the throne from brother Richard the Lionhearted (Ian Hunter), King of England. Robin escapes to Sherwood Forest where he recruits his band of Merrie Men to help with the resistance. Assuming the name of Robin Hood, he robs the rich to aid the poor, heavily taxed at the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper). At the same time, he falls in love with Maid Marian (de Havilland). When Marian is captured, Robin and his men storm Nottingham Castle, rescue her and win back the crown.

Special Features:

Commentary by Rudy Behlmer
Intro by Leonard Maltin
Newsreel
Freddie Rich and His Orchestra
Katnip Kollege (Presented in full 1080p HiDef)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (selection only)
Welcome to Sherwood: Story of the Adventures of Robin Hood
Glorious Technicolor [1998 TCM documentary]
A Journey of Sherwood Forest
Robin Hood Through the Ages
Robin Hood Daffy (1958 WB Cartoon - presented in full 1080p HiDef))
Rabbit Hood (1949 WB Cartoon - presented in full 1080p HiDef)
Breakdowns of 1938 (1938 Short)
Cavalcade of Archery (1945 WB Short)
The Cruise of the Zaca (1952 WB Short)
Splitting the Arrow Galleries
Music Only Track
Erich Wolfgang Korngold Piano Sessions (audio only)
Radio Broadcast Robin Hood Radio Show (audio only)
Outtakes
13 Trailers!

The Adventures of Robin Hood Blu-ray™Hi-Def

Street Date: 8/26/08
Order Due Date: 7/22/08
Catalog# 1000019042
UPC: 012569798397
Pricing: $28.99 SRP

Robert Crawford · 07-02-2008, 08:58 AM

This is great news and it has been added to our release shedule below. I already have it on HD DVD, but it will be interesting to see how the BR presentation compares to the prior HD release.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...e-listing.html

Dale MA · 07-02-2008, 09:07 AM

Excellent news. Warner should make this a "book title".

Paul Arnette · 07-02-2008, 09:15 AM

This is one of my absolute favorites. I already own the HD DVD as well; but as long as the Blu-ray Disc presentation is the same or better, I will 'upgrade' eventually to the BD in an effort to divest myself from the HD DVD format.

Reagan · 07-02-2008, 11:29 AM

I'm buying it the day it hits the stores.

-R

**HTF Ads**

Keith Paynter · 07-02-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein

Katnip Kollege (Presented in full 1080p HiDef)
Robin Hood Daffy (1958 WB Cartoon - presented in full 1080p HiDef))
Rabbit Hood (1949 WB Cartoon - presented in full 1080p HiDef)

Didn't pick up the HD-DVD version - was this the case on that release as well, or are the 1080P Warner cartoons new to this version? In either case, these alone are worth the price of admission for me...

"How jolly can you get!?!"

Paul Arnette · 07-02-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Paynter

Didn't pick up the HD-DVD version - was this the case on that release as well, or are the 1080P Warner cartoons new to this version? In either case, these alone are worth the price of admission for me...

"How jolly can you get!?!"

Those are/were all on the HD DVD as well.

Ken_McAlinden · 07-02-2008, 12:29 PM

The three 1080p cartoons are identical to the HD DVD release, but nonetheless represent the debut of Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies on the BD format, which is worth a huzzah or two.

An announcement for Casablanca should also be forthcoming. Warner included it on a "coming to Blu Ray" reel they showed at the kick-off session for the EMA HME in Las Vegas last week. No indication as to dates, but it is nice to know it is in the works.

Regards,

JohnS · 07-02-2008, 03:33 PM

Yes, I'm going to buy Robin Hood and Casablanca as well.
When I saw the intro reel with Casablanca at EMA, I was very excited.

two great titles to own.