AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on May 08, 2026, 02:22:23 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/5fm6Sdf.jpeg)
Studio: Arrow
Release Date: May26, 2026
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
Plot
Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) returns from the Crusades to find his father dead and vows revenge. With his Moorish companion Azeem (Morgan Freeman), he joins a band of peasant rebels to do battle against the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) and win the hand of the fair Maid Marian (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), cousin of the absent King of England.
My Thoughts
This is my favorite telling of this classic story. While the Errol Flynn film is enjoyable, it’s very dated compared to this 1991 version. It helps that I’m a big fan of the three biggest stars in the film—Costner, Freeman, and especially Rickman, who steals every scene he’s in. His antagonistic behavior is LOL funny and while some may call his performance over-the-top, I find it to be a career-defining role.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since this was in theaters—time surly flies. Regardless, it’s a fun revisit and is highly entertaining despite some flaws, with Costner’s inconsistent accent being the most obvious. I really enjoy the adventure, romance and heroic spirit of the screenplay. I personally prefer the Theatrical Cut of the film over the Extended. There’s about 12 minutes of additional footage that slows down the pace a bit, but on the plus side, you do get more of onscreen time with Rickman. Regardless, the flow in the Theatrical Cut is much better.
Arrow’s press release states that a new 4K restoration of both the theatrical and extended were done from the original camera negative. I have a copy of the 2022 European 4K release and personally couldn’t tell a difference between the two, which isn’t a complaint because both look great. Detal is strong in costumes, facial pores, and the elaborate forests and castle sets. Black levels are excellent, HDR adds some increased depth versus the Blu-ray, and the overall image is sharp and very film-like.
The audio track is the same DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix found on previous releases, scoring a solid 9/10. Neural:X processing helps utilize the overhead speakers with score bleed and some environmental effects. Overall, the dynamics and LFE are solid, and there’s good use of the surround speakers to immerse you in the onscreen action. Dialog remains clear throughout.
Video 9/10
Audio 9/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- Audio commentary with director Kevin Teynolds and actor Kevin Costner
- Audio commentary with actors Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater along with writers/producers Pen Densham and John Watson
- Here We Are Kings: Making Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
- Robin Hood: The Myth, the Man, the Movie
- One-on-One with the Cast
- Bryan Adams “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” performance at Siane Castle, Ireland
- Music Soundtrack Cues
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
- Image Gallery
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper
- Collectors’ perfect-bound booklet featuring writing on the film by Jackson Cooper and Mark Cunliffe
- Two Double-sided fold-out posters
- Six postcard sized art cards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhz5aB-u77Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhz5aB-u77Q)
Conclusion
I was really hoping for a massive improvement over the European release but maybe the video engineers have already squeezed out the very last ounce of detail the 35mm print as to offer. Regardless, this is a great way to experience the film and it holds up well so many years after the fact. Arrow’s packaging is excellent and fans of the film should be pleased with this edition. Recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I never saw it, mostly due to the complaints about Costner and his accent. Sounds like it's worth checking out despite that. I'm always a sucker for the extras, and Arrow really packed them in, as usual.
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Despite all it criticism. I really like this movie.
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Greetings,
Nice review Dave. Yeah, I am most definitely a fan (as you know). I chuckle at all the griping about Kevin Costner's accent. If I am being honest, I never noticed that he even had one. Love Mary Elizabeth in this one. She gets little credit, but the film doesn't work without her chemistry with Costner and Rickman.
Regards,
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Greetings,
Nice review Dave. Yeah, I am most definitely a fan (as you know). I chuckle at all the griping about Kevin Costner's accent. If I am being honest, I never noticed that he even had one. Love Mary Elizabeth in this one. She gets little credit, but the film doesn't work with her chemistry with Costner and Rickman.
Regards,
Good point Ralph. I love the movie as well, but Lori is always sensitive of accents and makes comments :)
I do agree that Mary Elizabeth is great in this as well.