Of all the Robin Hood films ever produced, it's readily apparent that Prince of Thieves relies less on genuine historical accuracy and leans more toward Hollywood flair which still makes for an entertaining film. Despite using no English accent (which appears to grate on some reviewers for some reason), Kevin Costner presents himself well in the role of Robin Hood. Coupled with fine performances from Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman, Christian Slater, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, (to name just a few), the story moves at an exciting pace and hits the mark as a stand up adventure movie that doesn't disappoint.

As for the new 2 disc special edition release of this movie, it just got a whole lot better. Not having to flip the disc over any more to see the entire feature like in the first release, you now have a new digital transfer and a remastered DTS 5.1 soundtrack and both are outstanding. On disc 2 you have great bonus material enhancing the value and enjoyment even further. Included is a decent documentary on the making of Prince of Thieves, Bryan Adams performing his music video of '(Everything I do) I do it for you', an interactive mediaeval weapons gallery, cast and crew bios, production notes, interviews with cast and crew, and trailers and t.v. spots.

You don't really have to be a die-hard Robin Hood fan to enjoy this movie. The film has a few flaws and stretches the historical aspect somewhat but it plays out well with plenty of action, adventure, humor, and fun. This special edition release would be a good addition to any DVD collection and I recommend it to everyone.


Adventure Abounds.....DVD Needs New Sound...   November 13, 2002
L. Shirley (fountain valley, ca United States)
30 out of 45 found this review helpful

This review refers to the 1997 DVD released by Warner Bros.....

Robin of the Hood, Prince Of Thieves, friend to the poor,on the run from the law. This film has it all. Lots of swashbuckling adventure,heroes, villians, romance, comedy,terrific cinematography,wonderful actors,great costumes,and a truly memorable musical score. It's a great story. Robin Hood(Kevin Costner) escapes from a foreign prison during the 12th century wars, comes home to find his father(Brian Blessed), a nobleman, murdered and the people of his beautiful countryside are starving. The person responsible for all this suffering, well you know..it's the Sherriff of Nottingham(Alan Rickman).

With King Richard also away at the wars, It is up to Robin to save the starving people, thwart the efforts of the Sherrif to take over the country, and save Maid Marion(Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) from the clutches of this madman.He has lots of help though, He hides out in Sherwood Forest with Littlejohn, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett(Christian Slater)and the rest of the outlaws, and also is befriended by Azim(Morgan Freeman),a Moor that escaped the prison with Robin.
There's lots of great action and romance to follow. The sword fights, arrows blazing with fire in slo-mo, explosions,all look great in the widescreen(matted), along with the tender moments between Robin and Marion with the great musical score in the background. There's even a suprise cameo.(I won't say who just in case you havn't seen it yet).

As I already mentioned there is some great acting in the film. Kevin Costner is a terrific Robin. Alan Rickman is so good at being so loathesome(Die Hard/Quigley Down Under), and Morgan Freeman as usual thrills us with his performance. You'll love hearing Brian Adams' "I Do It For You", and the scenery of the English countryside is breathtaking.

So here's my reason for only four stars for this wonderful, fun film....The DVD....Although the cinematoghraphy of the scenery looks great, the scenes inside the castles(and there are many) are dark and undistinguishable. The sound is good in the 2.0 Dolby surround, but could be great in 5.1(with all the action and great music it really needs this). And lastly what's with having to turn over the disc after only 1:10 of the film, Warner Bros!...I just got comfortable!There are a few extras(no live commentary) telling some of the facts about Robin Hood, and the cast and crew, and I could live with that, but the film needs a make over.If this is a movie you will watch over and over then the DVD is worth having until a new edition arrives, if not you might want to rent it until then.

I also wanted to mention for those that have not seen it and are thinking about watching it with the family, the PG-13 rating does push the envelope a little. There's some language, and some scenes that may be to sexual(nothing explicit though) for younger viewers. And of course there is all the fighting.

So Pleeeeze Warner Bros, DVDs have come along way in 5 years, how about a new edition?(and maybe you could throw in the Brian Adams video????) Thank you.....Laurie


Horrible DVD!!!!!   March 5, 2001
15 out of 18 found this review helpful

This DVD defeats the purpose of DVD. The disk is single layered, meaning that at this movies length they (Warner Brothers) couldn't fit the whole movie on one side of the disk. You have to flip the disk over mid-film!!

Granted it is not the end of the world but it is an inconvenience that a DVD need not have. A DVD is capable of containing two layers per side. Each layer can roughly hold about 2 1/4 hours of high-quality video, audio and subtitles. So, then, each side of a DVD is capable of storing over 4 hours of footage. This means that each DVD can have over 8 hours of material.

Longer movies like "Brave Heart" can fit on one side of a DVD and still have space for a "Making of..." Documentary and lot more Bells & Whistles then offered here.

I have gone over every symbol and every line of text on the package and find no warning of the "Mid-film Flip". Because of this I am not going to buy another Warner Brothers DVD.

If I can not trust the company then my money will go elsewhere, and I suggest you do the same.


Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves   July 16, 2003
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I was at [local store] one day and saw the extended Robin Hood DVD on sale. I decided to buy it. I thought that I liked all the swordplay, action, fantasy tales. I have to tell you. It was a great buy! It was only [$$] for such a great extended movie.

Plot - Our famous Robin Hood is in a Jerusalem prison. He escapes with a moor, Azeem (Morgan Freeman), and his friend, Peter. Peter doesn't make it, but wants Robin to promise that he will protect his sister, Marion. Robin agrees and finds his way home with Azeem. They discover Robin's father dead and their servant blinded. The Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman, who is perfect in the role) killed Robin's father and is doing horrible deeds to the poor people in the area. Robin and Azeem end up in Sherwood Forest and meet its occupants, including John Little and Will Scarlett. They all team up and decide to fight back against the Sheriff. (94/100)

Acting - A lot of people hate how Kevin Costner speaks in this movie. I really didn't notice a change in his voice at all. So it didn't really bother me! I thought Kevin did well as Robin. Christian Slater and Alan Rickman were the two who stole the movie. Christian was great as the mysterious and confusing Will Scarlett. Alan Rickman was hilarious and nasty as the Sheriff. They both were great and should have deserved great credit for their positions. Also, there is a short cameo by Sean Connery. (96/100)

Action and Violence - There is a lot of action and violence in this movie. It could have been rated R. There is a lot of swordplay, arrows being fired into faces, fist fights, and blood. I think any action man would like this movie. Notable Action Scenes : Overrun By Celts, Fiery Assault, Cheating The Hangman, Storming The Castle, and Final Duel. To check out these scenes, buy the DVD and access them through Scene Selection. (95/100)

Sexual Themes - There are some sexual themes in this story. There is a scene where Marion is about to be raped from the Sheriff. Also, Robin swims around nude under a waterfall. So there is some sexual content. I don't really think it was needed though. (89/100)

The Two Discs and The Extended Version - The extended version is very good. It explains a lot more about the Sheriff. There is also some action put into some places. It is worth the money.

The extended version comes with two discs. Thankfully, you didn't have to "turn the disc over" to watch the "whole" movie. So I was happy that I could just watch the whole feature film on one disc. The other discs are loaded with extras. There is commentaries, documentaries, making of features, galleries, trailers, and more.
Extended Version (98/100) The Two Discs (94/100)

Overall, this movie is very well done. It is very good and worth the money to buy. Don't get the original disc. It isn't worth it! Just buy this. It has tons of action, romance, some comedy, beautiful sets and landscapes, and just an all around great feel to it.
Overall - 94 A

The extended version is supposedly UNRATED.
UNRATED for strong violence, action, sexual themes, and brief strong language.


DVD version cheapens VHS version   September 23, 1999
A. Pontes (Sacramento, CA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is a BUYER BEWARE statement for the purchasers of the DVD format of ROBIN HOOD PRINCE OF THEIVES. In the great process of the new DVD format for enjoying films that not only appear clearer and give you extra features on which to choose, I am puzzled over Warner Brothers choice of doing something that they have apparently not done on any of their other film releases on DVD. In ROBIN HOOD PRINCE OF THIEVES, the film has been split to be included on BOTH sides of the disc. This makes absolutely no sense since it has been clear from the beginning, since DVD was first released, that you could easily contain over 2 1/2 hours of content on a single side including the extra features. (This film only runs 144 minutes.) The film is still enjoyable, but alass, you will be faced with the cumbersome task of having to turn over your disk in the middle of the film unless you are equipped with a player that will play both sides automatically. WARNER BROTHERS should be ashamed of themselves, and replace these disc's with a single sided format free of charge to everyone who has paid full price for less quality!