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Robin Of Sherwood - The Complete Series 2 [1984]
![Robin Of Sherwood - The Complete Series 2 [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y55EP82ZL._SL160_.jpg)
The series becomes braver as it continues by delving deeper into the black arts and exploring such matters as anti-Semitism and pagan beliefs. Gisburne's schemes to capture the bandits grow more desperate, while Herne's advice grows more cryptic and Marion's love for Robin grows stronger. All of which builds to the excellent two-part "The Swords of Wayland" and its coda "The Greatest Enemy". Now prepare yourself for something completely different. On the DVD: Robin of Sherwood's first box set was going to take some beating, but this second series set is as good as anyone has managed for a TV show on DVD. The digital transfers and new Dolby soundtracks (with optional original mono and music-only tracks) are fantastic. The commentary on "The Swords of Wayland" from the director and producer is insightful and endearing. The third part of the behind-the-scenes documentary, still interviewing everyone involved, is consistently fascinating and runs 42 minutes. Add to that two galleries of stills with 156 pictures, seven minutes of outtakes and, for curiosity value, the French and American versions of the Main Title sequence. You can tell some real heart has gone into this release. --Paul Tonks
RRP: £29.99
Our Price: £8.49 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
The second series of Robin of Sherwood sets up both a sense of melancholy for the impending departure of Michael Praed and excitement for his imminent replacement by Jason Connery. These seven episodes are the very best of Praed and co, building upon their established camaraderie and making forest-frolicking seem like TV's best ever gig. "The Prophecy" has a running thread of back plot that will explain Praed's Doctor Who-like transformation to Connery (and all so he could cameo in Dynasty). Mystical Herne predicts the death of a great king, but the merry men are more interested in the introduction of new semi-regular Prince John (Philip Davis).
Robin and the gang return.
Review date: 2005-02-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
As great as the first series was, I consider series two to be the true highlight of the entire Robin of Sherwood saga. All the faces are back from the first series, even Guy of Gisburne who had a rather an unpleasant finish in the last episode of series one. Although the director of the previous series, Ian Sharp, didn't figure, the magical, mystical nature of the first instalment is still present here in abundance. What makes this series stand out is the truly fantastic level of storytelling, as the plot to each episode is top notch. 'The Prophecy' has the evil Prince John arriving in Nottingham with a mysterious prisoner who Robin must rescue. 'The Children of Israel' surrounds a family of jews who are persecuted by the sheriff, and Robin decides to help them. Then we have 'Lord of the Trees', which sees Gisburne hire a vicious band of mercenary soldiers to try to hunt Robin down. Then we have 'The Enchantment', which sees the return of the Baron de Belleme from the first two episodes of series one. The Baron commands his servant to try and bewitch Robin. Then we come to the true masterpiece of the entire series, the two-part episode 'The Swords of Wayland', which surrounds an evil coven of devil
worshippers who try and bring Lucifer into the world. I remember this episode scared the hell out of me when I was little, and even now it maintains a high level of horror, as well as adventure and excitement. Finally, we have 'The Greatest Enemy', the ending of which you will not believe... But on the whole you've got seven episodes of superb quality, intense excitement, and blazing action. Highly entertaining. Watch out for superb guest appearances from Philip Davis as Prince John and John Nettles (yes! Bergerac himself) as Peter De Leon.
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Reviews
The Series hits its Stride
Review date: 2003-11-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
After being slightly disappointed -- if satisfied from a purely nostalgic point of view -- by the first series, I was delighted that the second series lived up to my memory and exceeded my expectation.
The team came together. The writing was tighter than in series 1, the stories generally more complex, and the plot holes easier to forgive. A darker, more mystical tone that series 1 only touched on pervades several episodes, and the last three -- the two episodes of the Swords of Weyland, and the season finale -- are all but perfect. The last episode in particular, which I remember being completely emotionally wrenching 20 years ago, did not disappoint in any way.
The extras are a worthwhile addition, in particular the "making of" documentary and a small number of hilarious out-takes. The scene where Nicholas Grace turns his collar over to reveal a tin star is priceless :-) and it shows how well the team gelled together.
In short, if you were slightly disappointed by the season one DVDs because it wasn't quite as good as you remembered, this may well restore your faith in your memory -- and in the critical faculties of your younger self.
excellent interpretation of the legend
Review date: 2003-09-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
Probably the best dramatization of the Robin Hood legend out there. I've been searching for this for AGES. They manage to work in both versions of Robin's identity (commoner and noble, "Lord Locksley") in a way that actually makes sense. Love the feminist Marian as well. A good pick.
Nothing is forgotten......nothing is ever forgotten.........
Review date: 2003-08-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
Mike Praed was, in all honesty, deeply fab in this role, even if his activities post-Robin have been patchy at times. The rest of the merries (Clive Mantle, Ray Winstone, Jusi Trott et al) are brilliantly cast and turn out a fab performance. The 2 part story with all the davil worshipping stuff is great and the last episode (where Robin old Loxley gets it in the back, front, side...well, everywhere really) is one of the best hours of tv ever. The price of the box set is worth this episode alone!
Also, there is more of a mystic pagan element to this series than you could shake a stick at. If this presses buttons for you, then this is a good reason to get your groats out!
Music...brill (by Clannad), visuals and acting fab, locations (Ester Charkahm, take a bow)...everything brill. One of tv's successes.
Simply superb!
Review date: 2003-02-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
I was only 9 or 10 when Robin of Sherwood first came out and always remembered it as an excellent series but upon buying this DVD I didn't realise it was so good! It is so refreshing to watch a series which basically just gets down to telling a good story: before the age of computer special effects and overbearing political correctness. Richard Carpenter captures the authenticity of the brutal early medieval age superbly well. It is worth buying simply because of the excellent performances of Nickolas Grace (Sheriff of Nottingham), and his despotic steward Guy of Gisburne played by Robert Addie, alone!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Anthony Valentine
Director(s):
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626212742
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-07-01
Number of discs: 2
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Running time: 350 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1984-10-03
Language: English (Original Language)