I've been wanting to watch this show but due to my schedule, I don't have the chance. So, I've been thinking about buying the box set. So, should I?
Should I buy the DVD Box Set?
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 lady archer |
Should I buy the DVD Box Set? |
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Posts: 376 (06/23/07 17:11:49) |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (06/24/07 18:12:50) |
Save your money for now and rent before you buy. I found it very derivative and anachronisms abound. They don't usually bother me but this series does not pull it off in my opinion. And not just the anachronisms but some of the plots and/or situations are patently absurd. And the theme music is pure generic drek.
Richard Armitage is fine as Guy of Gisborne and I wish they had cast him as RH. Jonas Armstrong comes across as pouty and thinks he's god's gift to women and peasants. He's also not very convincing as a veteran of the Crusades. The Sheriff is terribily annoying, Alan Rickman played him much better. He should have been killed off in the first episode. Marian knows martial arts but can't seem to hold a bow correctly. All in all this series makes Costner look good. Of course this is all just my opinion and there are plenty of people out there who like it. But if I were you I'd rent before I buy, just in case. |
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lady archer |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 376 (06/25/07 11:43:42) |
Maria, I laughed out loud when I read your post... your descriptions are hilarious
 I can't tell though, if you're a lover of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves? Thank you for the good advice. I will definitely rent it first, and I'll let you know what I think. Some people seem to be pretty crazy about the series. I am all about female empowerment, but the notion of a Lady Marian who knows martial arts seems a little cheesy. |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (06/26/07 04:12:18) |
I'm not all that crazy about Prince of Thieves because of Costner, hence my remark about him. I thought the supporting cast was just fine and Alan Rickman was hilarious. So been there, done that, don't need to relive it in the new BBC series with another annoying psychopathic sheriff.
I'm not sure that Marian comes across as being all that empowered and this may be due to the actress playing her. With some exceptions I'm not too thrilled with the acting in this series either. Little John is fine, so is another one of the outlaws, Roy. The rest, with the exception of Much, who overdoes it, are rather bland. Nobody seems to stand out all that much. And the plots don't help. Female ninja assassins from the Middle East?!?!?! There's also one especially absurd situation at the end of the series, regarding Marian which I won't spoil for you but we can discuss after you've seen it. This is not to say that there aren't some very touching moments in the series, but all in all it's just not very good. In my opinion of course. |
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Unregistered(d) |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 0 (06/30/07 17:29:03) |
I have seen the complete first series of the new Robin Hood and have been considerably underwhelmed. On top of that, I recently acquired the complete 1950s Adventures of Robin Hood series with Richard Greene and am in the process of watching all 143 episodes in sequence.
Each time I watch an episode of that grand old show, I find plotlines the new show has cribbed, but without the class and wit of the the originals. With the exception of Guy of Gisborne (who never appears in the older series), almost every storyline can be traced back to the Richard Greene version, where it was done better. I also have issues with Jonas Armstrong's accent as Robin, whom the series has identified as both Lord of Locksley and the Earl of Huntingdon. Armstrong's accent is lower class than those of characters who come from humbler backgrounds, and it makes me crazy. Richard Greene never left any doubt about his Robin's class origins. For all his egalitarianism once outlawed, there was no question that he was a gentleman born and bred.  Much better you should buy the 1950s DVDs if you really want your money's worth. |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (07/01/07 11:48:51) |
Which set of Richard Greene's series did you get, there seem to be a few out there and I would love to have the complete set, but it would have to be for Region 1, NTSC. Right now I have to make do with Alpha Video's version which is fine, but it's incomplete and out of sequence.
I so agree with you on the quality of the original series. I was watching episodes from that series before this new version and the difference is like night and day. The old series episodes are like little morality plays. And the supporting cast is so wonderful. I really like the Sheriff in the older series, certainly more suave and sophisticated than the annoying creep in the current version. |
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Unregistered(d) |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 0 (07/02/07 10:22:22) |
I have the Vintage Theater set. It's complete, in sequence, of very good quality, and claims to be non-region-specific. It's neatly packed in two cases containing 11 discs. And the price is a bargain.
Hold on to your Alphas, though, as the one thing the complete set lacks is the sound effects in the opening sequence. (No fanfare, no bowstring twang, no thwack when the arrow hits the tree.) However, unlike the Alpha set, the closing credits are complete and correct. I believe there's a link on this site to TheVintageTheater.com, and you can take it from there. Enjoy! |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (07/02/07 11:10:46) |
Thank you Mother Hubbard, I'll take a look. I'm surprised there are no sound effects in the opening sequence.
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (07/02/07 11:13:46) |
By the way, are you in the U.S. or elsewhere?
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Unregistered(d) |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 0 (07/02/07 13:16:53) |
Quote: In the U.S. in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. |
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lady archer |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 376 (07/08/07 23:03:27) |
Ok, tonight I watched an episode on the BBC. And, admittedly, I wasn't impressed.
I see what you mean about Marian, Maria. I couldn't understand her costume... is she a modernized Marian? Because her clothing -- she wore a bright yellow cardigan! -- looked like something I could buy at the mall. Anyway, Guy of Gisbourne was way more handsome than Robin Hood (agreed that the actor who plays Guy would have made a better RH!), but I thought the actor who plays Robin is decent enough. I just didn't like the costumes and some "bland" acting performances. Maybe I still need to give it a chance, though, before I decide I don't like it. |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD Box Set? | ||
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Posts: 173 (07/09/07 05:53:31) |
I think it was the producers intent to make it look modern so that's why the costuming looks more modern than medieval. Didn't care for that too much either.
Jonas Armstrong is ok, just not my idea of Robin Hood. Agreed that some of the performances are very bland, although I liked the actor who plays Roy. Keep watching, you may get into it. It just didn't happen for me. |
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LuckyJAbiz |
Robin Hood | ||
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Posts: 2 (08/03/07 13:51:18) |
Lady Archer, I really hope you did manage to watch more of series 1 and found it enjoyable.
I agree that it probably wasn't what Robin Hood purists were expecting. The creators had to update the show and give it a modern feel to ensure that it appeals to youngsters today. And from what I can gather they have succeeded admirably. I recall watching the 1980's Robin of Sherwood with my Father but he is able to watch this new adaptation with his grandchildren. It appeals to all ages and has something for everyone. What the creators have achieved is remarkable. They have revitalised the legend and brought a whole new generation of young fans to the show. It has it's fair share of corny moments and some far fetched moments but that just makes it even more enjoyable in my opinion. As for Jonas, this part could have been written for him. He brings an enthusiasm and energy to the role which drags the viewer in and keeps them hooked. When they were casting for this show they needed to bring in a young actor to play the part. My young nephews and niece would not have identified with someone older playing Robin and those of us who love the legend, and want to keep it alive, have been on our hands and knees thanking Foz Allan and Dominic Minghella for doing just that! The casting for this show has been one of it's most major triumphs. They all gell really well and it shows. For me personally it doesn't get any better than this! 10/10 all round. |
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ldyoutlw |
Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 1 (08/03/07 14:31:24) |
I'd tell you to buy the DVD. It is well worth it for this well-rounded show. This take on the RH legend has something for everyone. It is fun to watch for children, and for the adults, it does say a little something more.
I've been a Robin Hood fan for many years and have seen shows on the legend come and go. I've watched them all from Richard Greene's to this latest series with Jonas Armstrong as Robin. I firmly believe that Jonas does a very credible job with the part. And the cast has a wonder chemistry - you can tell they enjoy doing the show. No - the show doesn't follow the legend exactly, but none of them ever have in my mind. Each generation puts its own twist on the legend, which helps keep the legend alive. This latest show does that too. Now, millions of children will grow up remembering Robin Hood, and some of them may even become scholars of the legend. And that is all good to my mind. |
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Grammar Hammer |
Re: Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 97 (08/05/07 05:16:03) |
Warning: Spoilers abound!
I've seen the whole series (some episodes multiple times), and as a whole, I find it okay. There are some exceptional episodes ("Dead Man Walking" stands head and shoulders above the rest of the series) and some real low points ("Peace? Off!" should never have been written, much less filmed and aired). Most of the stories are rife with plot holes as well (check the course of the silver necklace in "Brothers in Arms" and Marian's miraculous medical recovery in "A Clue: No"). Marian finally gets some real character around episode 10; it's a shame she wasn't given more spark and sparkle in the earlier shows. Robin, to me, is too young and comes off as more of a punk than a real hero. He also has an air of superiority and a tendency to self-centeredness and isn't always sympathetic to others' feelings or points of view. The Sheriff is the slimiest portrayal I've seen in any Robin Hood, and Keith Allen plays him with great relish and glee. Guy of Gisburne is handsome, yes, but he's a cruel goon severely lacking a full complement of brain cells. If anything really makes the show worth watching, it is, in my opinion, Sam Troughton's Much, who exhibits an innate gentlemanliness and nobility the other characterseven those of higher birthlack. Just the same, I'm looking forward to the second series when it airs on this side of the Atlantic. Especially since I think the writers have painted themselves into more than one corner, and I'm curious to see how they work their way out. Finally, there is some lively discussion going on on the IMdB board for this program, and you might want to check it out. "I'd like to be a pessimist, but that is a luxury I cannot afford."
Mother Hubbard Queen of the Grammar Hammers |
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GraceKel2 |
Re: Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 5 (08/05/07 10:35:00) |
I personally own and love Robin Hood BBCA Series 1. I think they have made a great first series here, and lets remember they are trying to stay family oriented, I think Jonas Armstrong is my favorite Robin Hood ever and I have seen many to compare. The show creators did not want Robin Hood to be this total goody goody, they wanted RH to have some flaws, like a norman person would, but I have to say that to me they have always written him relatable despite his flaws. I do not think this young man is being given the credit he deserves, quite frankly, it is quite an undertaking to fill in such large shoes. I personally think he has filled them with his talent to display varying emotions, his acting talent and his natural charisma which is hard to come by, he is not just a pretty face.
The fact that Robin has a hoody bothers people? I don't get this really or that arrows swish or don't, some of this criticism is very minor in the big scheme, what this show gets right far outweighs these minor things. Although Robin Hood/JA is my fav I think all the characters are doing a credible job with their roles and I have come to like all of the characters. I guess you can tell I'm a fan. I would recommend buying this to anyone. If you love romance, action, adventure!!! |
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RobeH |
Series | ||
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Posts: 125 (08/06/07 00:43:48) |
The hoodie and the swishing arrows and the horrible credits, music and downright weird costumes etc etc are just extra irritants in a series that is flawed and badly-thought out and executed in just about every aspect. I couldn't bear to watch after about the fourth episode. Just loads of ham acting and terrible dialogue in a Hungarian setting that doesn't look remotely like England.
A real shame and a missed opportunity. Avoid!! |
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Grammar Hammer |
Why the Costumes Don't Work | ||
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Posts: 97 (08/06/07 04:56:11) |
As a former theater costumer and a bit of a research wonk, my real issue with the costume anachronisms is less a matter of historical inaccuracy and more one of inconsistency. If the costumer was having fun by adding modern aspects to characters' clothing (Robin's hoodie, Marian's cardigan, the Sheriff's silk PJs and flip-flops), it should have been reflected in all the costumes, down to the most obscure extra.
Unfortunately, the various villagers and peasants are fairly accurately dressed, making those in the weird clothing look like the results of a costume designer's error and lack of background research rather than a tongue-in-cheek in-joke of any kind. The practice is akin to what is often seen in amateur musical theater, where choristers are all dressed in cheap, identical costumes while the leads are in more costly, detailed, and individualized dress. This is even true when the leads are peers of the choristers and should be dressed in the same manner. "I'd like to be a pessimist, but that is a luxury I cannot afford."
Mother Hubbard Queen of the Grammar Hammers |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 173 (08/06/07 09:23:07) |
Mother Hubbard, I totally agree with you that Robin comes off as a punk. I've had a hard time sympathizing with him in any way, shape or form.
I keep hearing here and on other lists that this is supposed to be a famly show but I don't buy that. Not when you have a Sheriff that keeps getting away with stuff with no consequences to his actions. Things like cutting people's tongues out, or having a "Festival of Pain" where he threatens to rake families over the fire. True they don't actually show it. But if this is what passes for family fare nowadays I'm glad I don't have children, at least of the two-legged variety. ;-) Perhaps it's a generational thing and that's why those of us that are ... ahem ... a little older don't care for it. |
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Grammar Hammer |
Re: Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 97 (08/06/07 11:09:12) |
Quote: Maybe you're right. Maybe it is an age thing. But on the other hand, I don't look at pre-1950s Robins and find them old-fashioned, so why is it necessary to make the current Robin more "hip" and contemporary to relate to the "Generation Y" audience? I will say that I don't hate the present version. I just think it could have been done so much better. BTW, don't know whether you're a fan of the Richard Greene version (the definitive Robin for me), but if you are, see how many plot points in the new series you can find that were cribbed from the '50s series. (They've got a million of 'em!) "I'd like to be a pessimist, but that is a luxury I cannot afford."
Mother Hubbard Queen of the Grammar Hammers |
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WoodsyLadyM |
Re: Should I buy the DVD box set | ||
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Posts: 173 (08/06/07 13:18:21) |
It's true about the pre-50s Robins, certainly Errol Flynn doesn't seem old-fashioned to me. His movie is still one of the best, if not the best, of the lot.
I also noticed the similarities in some plots and kept thinking how better developed they were in the 50s series. |
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