5.4 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 2.8 |
A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown.
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Mendelsohn, Eve Hewson, Jamie DornanAction | 100% |
Adventure | 65% |
Fantasy | 44% |
Thriller | 14% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
The frequently questionable Wikipedia has an entire page devoted to cinematic and/or television adaptations of the Robin Hood story here, and even if the list seems either overly inclusive or in fact incomplete, depending on your point of view, it at least points out the fact that Robin of Loxley and Maid Marian, not to mention Friar Tuck, Little John, Will Scarlet, and that nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham, have imprinted themselves on the collective psyche in a rather remarkable way since the dawn of the film (and later the television) industry. Unfortunately, the very fact that Robin Hood has been adapted so many times and so variously through the years may have put an inescapable onus on this latest iteration of the timeless tale, and this particular Robin Hood arguably tries way too hard to give a “hip and happening” spin on the saga. It frankly doesn’t seem all that long ago that I was discussing some of the “other” Robin Hood adaptations in my review of the Ridley Scott — Russell Crowe Robin Hood, arguably the most recent “big” adaptation prior to this one, but whatever issues that version may have had, they frankly pale in comparison to some of the outright odd decisions that were made with regard to this version. From an opening narration that urges the viewer to forget everything they think they know about Robin Hood, through a series of bewildering events that evidently were designed to set up a future franchise, Robin Hood arguably might have worked better if they had divorced the story from its supposed time period, especially since some elements of the production design seem to hint at a more modern ambience. But it's that very modernity that seems intentionally designed (in more ways than one) to set this Robin Hood apart from "all the rest", and it's something that may actually detract from enjoyment rather than add to it.
Note: Screenshots are sourced from the 1080p Blu-ray.
Robin Hood is presented on 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with a 2160p transfer in 2.40:1. It's almost depressing in a way that the
video side of things on this release is so spectacular, since all of the impressive 4K visuals are in support of such an underwhelming property. Be that
as it may, the digitally captured imagery (reportedly at a source resolution of 8K, finished at a 4K DI) looks stupendous in this version, with a couple of
minor exceptions. The uptick in fine detail continually surprised me, and was evident from the get go in such ostensibly picayune items like some of
the "stains" on the parchment that's seen in the opening graphic sequence, or even the kind of misty dust that is floating through the air in the stalls
of Robin's manor when Marian breaks in to steal a horse (pay close attention to the first scene with Marian coming through the window, and compare it
to the 1080p Blu-ray version to see what I'm referencing, though the dust is visible throughout the entire sequence). Throughout the film, detail levels
and especially fine detail levels are materially improved
from the already excellent 1080p Blu-ray rendering. The palette, bolstered by both HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision, attains significant luster and nuance
that is not as apparent in the 1080p version. There are all sorts of interesting new highlights apparent now, from some of the yellow and pale green
gradings of the Crusade sequence, to the frequent use of blues when Nottingham is on screen. While some of the CGI still looks a little wonky, notably
the use of fire, some elements actually look better here, including some of the speedy arrows that zip through the frame, which here look at least
marginally more sharp and well detailed despite their quick trajectories.
No matter what qualms some may have with Robin Hood in general, from a sound design perspective it's a lot of fun, and the Dolby Atmos track on this disc is one of the most consistently enjoyable I've listened to recently. The first fight sequence is a great example (and one that's repeated), where rapid fire bows finding their targets exploit clear engagement of the Atmos channels, as well as some really nifty panning sounds and then the "thwack" of arrow tip finding its target. The "Gattling gun" arrows that the Saracens have in the first fight sequence also provides a glut of great activity, albeit in short bursts. There are a number of big crowd scenes in the film where the spill of the background rabble nicely fills the surround channels, and a number of outdoor scenes have nicely realized ambient environmental sounds dotting the side and rear channels. Dialogue and Joseph Trapanese's score are both presented with excellent fidelity and no problems whatsoever.
Lionsgate has kindly included all of the supplements that are also found on the 1080p Blu-ray on this 4K UHD disc:
Robin Hood on Blu-ray looks and sounds fantastic, especially in this 4K UHD version, and yet it's still a curiously "meh" experience. This tale has probably been visited too many times previously for a "hip and happening" reboot to come off as anything much more than unintended camp. The disc's technical merits are first rate, though, so for those who like sharp imagery and explosive sound design, there's a lot to look at and listen to here, even if the overall film is distinctly lacking in anything that memorable.
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