Robin of Sherwood: Set 1

The initial 13 episodes of the 1983–84 British series Robin of Sherwood—broadcast in the U.S. on Showtime—make their Blu-ray debut in this four-disc set (one disc is a bonus DVD). While creator Richard Carpenter's take on the 12th-century outlaw and his band of merry men sports many of the legend's core elements (Robin is still a skilled archer battling against corruption and tyranny), it also adds a mystical element (a Celtic shaman named Herne summons Robin to his heroic destiny, and the troupe are threatened by magic-wielding sorcerers). The result is an intriguing blend of tradition and invention with plenty of action and romance, enhanced by location shooting—lush forests, craggy mountains, and period interiors—that provides an authentic look. The cast is solid too, with Michael Praed an intensely earnest Robin, Ray Winstone a volatile Will Scarlet, Judi Trott a spunky Maid Marian, and Nickolas Grace a suitably sniveling Sheriff of Nottingham. The Blu-ray visual quality offers an improvement over the DVD version, although the episodes were shot in soft focus, creating a hazy appearance. Blu-ray extras include audio commentaries, a behind-the-scenes documentary, photo galleries, and music-only tracks by the Irish band Clannad. A bonus disc adds two retrospective “making-of” documentaries, a trio of new featurettes, outtakes, PDF materials (including several full scripts), and a booklet with extensive production notes. Recommended. (F. Swietek)