Robin Hood (1991, VHS)

This is one of those films that we just had to get on DVD. Why? Well, we've had the VHS tape of this think kicking around for a few years, and the quality of it has suffered quite a bit. Considering there are few extras offered on the DVD and the sound on this is in mono, I probably would have stuck with the old VHS tape if the tape hadn't been so worn.

And, how did that old VHS tape get worn? Repeated viewings. Honestly, this is one of Walt Disney's finest production and a film that really holds up under repeated viewings. Sure, Robin Hood has become little more than a good fairy tale over the years, and Disney managed to present the legend of everybody's favorite thief in a highly-entertaining package.

What truly makes this film has to do with a combination of things -- great cast, fantastic music, a good story and characters which naturally have the traits of folks we imagine populating the Robin Hood universe. What I mean on the last point is that, for example, Robin Hood is portrayed by a sly, dashing fox. Little John is represented by a fun-loving, large bear. Prince John is a lion with an inferiority complex. King Richard, of course, is a powerful, regal lion. And, the list goes on and on.

As for the cast, you've got some truly great ones here. For example, the late Phil Harris provides the voice for Little John, Pat Buttram supplies the voice for the Sheriff of Nottingham (a scheming fox, by the way), Peter Ustinov provides the voice for Prince John and Andy Divine plays Friar Tuck (a touch badger with a heart of gold, of course). Ah, and then there's Alan-a-Dale, a rooster who serves as narrator and balladeer for the movie. Alan-a-Dale's voice is provided by none other than Roger Miller, who wrote all the music for the film.

And, folks, absolutely no one was better suited to provide the music for this than Roger Miller. All of the songs allowed Miller to do what he does best -- tell good-natured, laid-back tales backed by some sparse, jolly country music. The music just fits this story, what with a lot of background and pivotal moments being told through the songs sprinkled throughout the movie. Who could resist listening to Roger Miller and letting him set the mood for the scenes throughout the film?

As for the story, I figure everyone knows the legend of Robin Hood at this point. Come on. It's the whole "steal from the rich and give to the poor" thing. Prince John cranks up the taxes, the Sheriff of Nottingham collects them and Robin Hood, Little John and the famed "merry men" frustrate the prince and company by engaging in a little wealth redistribution. Of course, Robin Hood chases Maid Marion (a fox played by Monica Evans) and everyone's happy when King Richard returns from the Crusades and returns order to the kingdom.

Now, the animation looks a tad on the sloppy side when compared to more current Disney classics such as The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast, but it's pretty solid and more than does the job. The animation is light-hearted, a bit sparse on details from time to time, but really reinforces the idea that Robin Hood is meant to be an enjoyable fairy tale.

This film, while obviously aimed at kids, has enough moments to keep adults entertained, too. The truly great Disney films were all that way, though -- entire families truly could enjoy them. If you don't have this movie around in one form or another, you need to get it.