Ok, admittedly, when I got hooked on this series on public TV, Michael Praed had a lot to do with it. He is totally HOT in this! Too bad he didn't like the work. He was everything I picturesd Robin Hood to be. I've been a fan of the Robin Hood legend since my early teens, and this series comes the closest I've ever seen to following the oldest known versions of the stories. Granted, I don't care for all the "Hern the Hunter" idol worship, but it adds an element of intrigue to the story. I take it as entertainment, NOT gospel. When Michaeel Praed left and they put in a blond-haired guy, it ruined it for me and I stopped watching the series. I'm so glad to have found this on DVD finally! I wish there had been some liner notes, or interviews with the actors at the time, or other better special features, but all they put on was producer's dialog (BORING!)Read full review
We really wanted to like this series because we are researching Robin Hood right now and looking at hundreds of different versions of the story. Actually, the first 4 or 5 episodes were really quite good (except for the distracting and repetitive Clannad score). Then the black magic kicked in with the arrival of Hearn the Hunter and it was a slippery slope to dullsville from then on. Now, I am not a purist who is completely opposed to the Deus ex machina, but the writers of this version of Robin Hood Deus ex machina-d this thing to death. F'rinstance: in one episode, Marian gets an arrow in the back, so they take her to this rock circle that looks like a mini-Stonehenge. Hearn the Hunter shows up with his deer horns on top of his head, a brilliant light streams from the clouds as they pull the arrow out of Marian's back, and then POOF! fade to a resurrected Marian...in a new outfit, to boot! There's nothing like a little of that old black magic to make things all right again and catapult us into the next episode unscathed. Honestly, I really liked a lot of the characters. Will's angry eyes got a little tiresome after a while, but the cast had good chemistry overall. Hats off to the director, too. I thought it was a stellar directing job. But cast chemistry and good direction do not a good story make. In this legend, I want Robin Hood and his merry men to be the heroes. Not some deer-headed mystic casting spells and calling on the black pagan arts to save the day. I'm sad to say I finally gave up watching this first season after one episode in which we had to endure not one, not two, not three, but at least four pagan fairy dances around a campfire at the base of a sacred tree. Ugh. Give me an old-fashioned arrows-flying peasant-saving Robin Hood over a lost, tormented tree hugger any day.Read full review
Discovered this beautiful tv series over a decade ago and was delighted to find that it's finally out on U.S. dvd. This version of the Robin Hood story presents a very authentic-looking medieval setting, but differs from others with the addition of sometime forest god Herne the Hunter and magic elements that are accepted as everyday events. The cast, featuring Michael Praed and Judi Trott as Robin and Marian, is superb, and the music by Clannad is extraordinary, bringing a truly mythic quality to the show. There is wonderful cinematography as well, filming having been done on location in English forests, castles and cathedrals, and there are action scenes that outdo most big-budget films. This series is medieval fantasy at its best. The only disappointment in this U.S. dvd set is that the presentation and extras offered are quite inferior to the PAL dvd's. The stories themselves are grand.Read full review
I bought this set based on reviews, but was disappointed. The music by Clannad was not up to their usual standards, and was used repetitively and tritely. The story line is a bit heavy on implausible mythos, and much of the acting is so broad as to be comparable to comic book style. Probably the the most distracting for me is the poor quality of the archery(although nearly every shot strikes its target squarely and lethally - amazing!. In the close-up of Robin's shooting that opens every episode, Robin's release very faulty compared to the instruction I have had over the years! The series is amusing, however, inspite of its flaws.
If you want a happy-go-lucky Robin Hood and the cartoon adventures of his Merry Men, then don't buy this. If you want to see something that is a little more dark, mysterious, and mythical- then this is the Robin Hood for you. Especially the first 13 episodes with Michael Praed as the dark-eyed rebel of a dark and sinister forest. While it has it's moments of fun and laughter, the main feeling of this legendary series is communicated through the spell-binding celtic music of "Clannad." All of the elements of this show work together to bring a new vision of an old, old tale.
to add to a superb view of this series, and anyone who knows more ancient lore, I seriously must add it talks about how THEY SEE THEIR SPIRITUALITY BACK THEN not now of times forgotten. Clannad by the way is the most famous ENYA singers cusin who is full versed in the native old Language, you can buy her records and for those who love the folk, the folk and music as well as scenes are here and awesome. Clannad is vastly incredible to her origin, an she is excellent on her review for those of us "UP" on the data for what is in or out and conosoirs.
great series. michael praed is the definitive robin hood. great acting, beautiful, authentic senerry
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a great collection to own especially if your a fan of the folk hero. It gives a the watcher a deeper look into the true story of Robin of Sherwood. As a 80's Baby in the U.S., I only saw a few of the episodes that were made into movie format and released on vhs. I found outjust resently that it was actually a tv series in Britian and I knew I had to have it. This is a great set to have.Also, as a mother of two now, I would like to add that it is good, clean, family entertainment!
We like British television and own a large selection of the various BBC series. This is one we did not have. After viewing the first year we will be looking for the rest of the series.
I had searched for AGES for this series which tells the story of Robin Hood as it WAS MEANT TO BE. All I can say is THIS IS WELL WORTH THE WAIT. SIMPLY AWESOME!
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