Robin Hood Origins (1946-1960) {DVD Review}

Reviewed by: Jason S. Lockard

The adventures of Robin Hood have been told time after time in different ways. From books to movies from TV to animated films and featured many different actors took on the mantle of the hood.

The latest incarnation of this iconic character was released November of 2018. So what better time to look back at some of those films that came out prior. 

The great folks at Mill Creek Entertainment has put together an amazing collection of Robin Hood films and giving us all a chance to check out some of the earlier adventures of Robin Hood, with the 2 Disc DVD release Robin Hood Origins. Let's take a look at what is included in this collection.

Our Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.


                                                                  Disc One


The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946) Robert of Nottingham (Cornel Wilde), is the son of the legendary Robin Hood. He is a dashing lover and outlaw, committed to continue in his father's footsteps. When the King of England is imprisoned by a cruel Regent bent on snuffing out the country's new legal guiding light, the Magna Carta - The Queen Mother and Lady Catherine turn to Robert and his Merry Men for help. ***


The Prince of Thieves (1948) Returning from duty in the 15th-century War of the Roses, young Richard Shelton (Louis Hayward) learns that his estate has been claimed by his usurping uncle Sir Daniel Brackley (George Macready), who for good measure has also murdered Richard's father. Forced to elude Brackley's minions, Shelton and his followers eventually manage to thwart the villain with all manner of weaponry, from crossbow to fist. ***

The Black Arrow (1948) En route to Nottingham Castle to see his fiancée, Lady Cristabel, Sir Allen Claire and his sister Lady Marian (Patricia Morison) are told by Robin Hood (Jon Hall) that Sir Allen's bride-to-be is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father, Baron Tristram. With help from the Prince of Thieves, Sir Allen hopes to break into the castle to rescue and marry the woman he loves. ***


                                                                  Disc Two


Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950) As his reward for defending his tenants against King's John's troops, Robin, Earl of Huntington (John Derek) - the son of the legendary Robin Hood -- is branded an outlaw just like his father. Facing a death sentence, Robin escapes and, with help from Lady Marianne (Diana Lynn), heads for Sherwood Forest to persuade his father's band of Merry Men to join his battle against King John (George Macready). ***


Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960) In a Hammer Film production featuring TV's Robin Hood (Richard Greene), the wicked machinations of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Peter Cushing) come to light as an evil plot to assassinate the Archbishop of Canterbury unfolds. Robin and his Merry Men jump into action for a swashbuckling adventure full of spectacular battles and bold romance. ***


This is an absolute epic collection of action adventure films featuring Robin Hood. Never has these films been brought together in one set. Each one of these films are filled with action. I have to say if one film stood out to me in this collection, it was have to be the Hammer Film 'Sword of Sherwood Forest'. Seeing the original TV's Robin Hood playing that part again was awesome. And a huge plus was seeing Peter Cushing as the Evil Sheriff. WOW!

The DVD set includes all 5 films on 2 DVDs. 3 films on on DVD and 2 on the other. The films are presented in Full Frame 1.33, Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35 and in Dolby Digital 2.0. You would think putting three films on one DVD the quality would suffer, and maybe it is not as crisp as some would like, but in this reviewers opinion the it's not that bad at all!

As for the packaging the DVDs are secured in there own trays. The case is strong and sturdy. As for the artwork! I think artwork on the cover is stellar. The only issue that I could have with this set is there is some imperfections in the films The Prince of Thieves and The Black Arrow. But that is a minor complaint.

So if your a fan of Robin Hood this collection is an absolute must add! There is so much bang for your buck here! I highly recommend you head over to www.MillCreekEnt.com or your local DVD provider today.



Moral Rating: Violence
Audience: Teens and Adults
Length: Almost 7 Hours
DVD Release: 2019
DVD Rating: A-