4K Ultra HD Review – Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

      Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, 1991.

      Directed by Kevin Reynolds.

      Featuring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

      SYNOPSIS:

      This is the same 4K Ultra HD release of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves that Arrow Video released in the UK in 2022. Therefore, if you already own that version, you won't need this one as 4K Ultra HD discs are region-free. Similar to the previous release, this edition includes all the physical extras and the same bonus features, including a fantastic 67-minute documentary on the film's production. This release is a mixed review for me, but if you are a fan, you'll want to add it to your collection.

      The 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves has always elicited mixed feelings from me, and my recent rewatch for this review hasn't changed that. Kevin Costner's straightforward delivery as the titular character annoys me (yes, I recognize that he attempted a British accent and it fell flat, and yes, a contemporary British accent wouldn't be historically accurate anyway). Similarly, Alan Rickman's portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham occasionally strays into campiness.

      Of course, opinions differ, and if this movie is among your favorites, you’ll want to pick up this new 4K Ultra HD edition from Arrow Video. Both the theatrical and extended versions have been remastered by Arrow and look impressive, likely matching the quality of what was shown in theaters in 1991 (although accurately recreating the original theatrical experience is impossible without a time machine).

      As usual, you receive additional items, including a reversible sleeve, two fold-out posters, six postcard-sized artcards, and a booklet featuring essays by Jackson Cooper and Mark Cunliffe. However, there is just one disc included, and yes, it is the same one issued by Arrow in the UK in 2022. Since 4K Ultra HD discs are region-free, if you have that version, then you do not need this one.

      Regarding bonus features, Arrow has produced a new 67-minute documentary titled Here We Are Kings, which effectively explores the film's production from beginning to end. While no cast members appear, many individuals from behind the scenes contribute, and there’s a fitting tribute to composer Michael Kamen, who passed away in 2003.

      You can delve deeper into the filmmaking process through the two commentary tracks included, which play over the extended version of the film. Both tracks are from 2005; one features “The Kevins” (director Reynolds and star Costner) reflecting on the production, while the other includes cast member Christian Slater and co-writers/producers Pen Desham and John Watson providing additional insights. Unfortunately, the second track tends to have moments of silence, but it remains a valuable commentary.

      The remaining content here is mainly archival, beginning with the 31-minute TV special Robin Hood: The Myth, The Man, The Movie, hosted by Pierce Brosnan from 1991. (I suspect today’s youth may not even understand what a “TV special” is.)

      You will also find interviews with key cast members shot in 1991 that total just under 20 minutes, the music video for Bryan Adams’ catchy theme song, 50 minutes of Kamen’s soundtrack cues accompanied by stills from the film, the theatrical trailer, TV spots, and a set of image galleries.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Brad Cook