The 1938 Technicolor action masterpiece, “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” has received an outstanding two-disc special edition DVD release that showcases why the film won three Academy Awards in music, editing and art direction.

Back in Sherwood Forest, Robin assembles his army, featuring sidekicks Will Scarlet, Little John and Friar Tuck, the latter two making the most memorable first impressions. Robin and his men proceed to rob from the rich and give to the poor, with Robin squeezing in time to win the heart of Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland).

“Robin Hood” succeeds on many technical levels. From the award-winning music from Erich Wolfgang Korngold to the extravagant sets and vibrant costumes, to the tight editing to the crane shot of the two duelers’ shadows at the climax, the film is practically flawless.

The acting benefits from the superb casting of supporting roles, as Rains, who seems to have been in more great films than any other actor, stands out as a charismatic, articulate villain who enjoys criticizing his sheriff’s incompetence and fear of Robin Hood. But Flynn steals the show as a man who can both inspire the poor Saxons with rousing speeches and show off his sensitivity toward Marian.

The DVD transfer looks stunning. For a 1938 movie, the level of realism and tone of the colors achieved is a phenomenal accomplishment. A creative feature attempts to recreate movie-going from 1938, with a trailer, newsreel, musical short and cartoon.

The second disc has something for everyone. Two substantial documentaries on the history of Technicolor and the making of the film will satisfy the film buffs. Footage and commentary of the 1922 silent version of Robin Hood in addition to on the set footage of the 1938 version will suit the hardcore fan of the Robin Hood legend.

This simple tale of adventure and romance still holds up as one of the most entertaining and exciting films of all time.

“The Adventures of Robin Hood”: A

DVD Features: A