Original release date:  November 8, 1973 / Rating: G / Length: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Long before coming a Disney animated classic, Robin Hood has been a character of folklore, first appearing in the 13th or 14th century in stories. The character and story have been adapted to film and screen dozens of times, as early as a 1912 film and as recently as a 2018 film starring Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx. We’re here, however, for the 1973 rendition, arguably the most famous version.

The idea to adopt it goes all the way back to Walt Disney himself around the making of the first animated Disney film Snow White. Walt had a fascination with the tale of Reynard the Fox. Eventually that red fox found a new form as Robin Hood himself in 1973, and it has often been said that Disney’s Robin Hood character more easily parallels Reynard than it does Robin Hood.

Critical reaction was mostly positive, though it has moved more towards mixed in the years since released. It was a box office success, bringing in $27.5 million worldwide (which seems like nothing now). It had a re-release in 1982, before becoming the first “animated classic” to be released to Walt Disney Home Video on VHS. It has since been re-released on every format imaginable.

The song “Love” from the film was nominated for an Academy Award but lost. The most notable song from the film, however, is “Whistle Stop” as performed by Roger Miller.

Why you ask?

This is why.

Yes, it’s the Hamster Dance song.

As far as the movie itself, it is enjoyable. It moves along at a brisk pace with fun music, largely led by the Roger Miller numbers at the beginning of the film.

The animated version strays a bit from the original version, of course being a little more family friendly. A good test for this movie with modern kids is my daughter. We watched it together – her choice, oddly, as it isn’t titled “Zombies” or “Zombies 2.” She lasted through 3/4ths of the movie. That’s incredibly good for her and something not titled “Zombies” or “Zombies 2” or involving Minecraft.

It’s an enjoyable film and the time does fly by. There aren’t many dull moments.

Extras:

Robin Hood Clip (1m) – Here’s a random minute of the film.

Alternate Ending (4m) – In not quite animated form, we see a more painful ending to the movie.

Deleted Storyline “Love Letters” (7m) – Using original storyboards and voiceovers, we meet a deleted scene and a deleted character.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. It’s a classic and for good reason. It breezes by and the bonus features are unique.