Despite liking some of Burbank Animation Studios' output when younger, especially 'Hansel and Gretel', 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', 'White Fang' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. All still holding up as among their best. Not all their work is good however, with 'T4: The Trojan Dog', 'Hercules' and 'The Little Mermaid' being very bad (also re-watched by chance their 'Beauty and the Beast' and consider that among their worst too).
While not mind-blowing, 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' in my mind has always been one of their better animations and still think that. Despite a wider taste in animation (hopefully) evolving over-time, there is though a small soft spot for animation not made on a high budget from smaller studios as long as it is still done reasonably well and overcomes its limitations. 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' mostly does that. Love the character of Robin Hood and his stories, and while the 1938 Errol Flynn film will always be the definitive version (the Disney film is also good fun) this doesn't disgrace them.
The animation at times lacks finesse, especially in some of the drawing and the odd creepy facial expression. Would have liked a less mature-sounding voice for Marian that fitted her character design better, as she doesn't have the same energy as the rest of the characters' voice work.
Also felt the climax was a bit rushed and the defeat of the sheriff was somewhat too easy.
However, 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' boasts some of the better animation from the studio. Maybe it helps that it is one of their earlier efforts, almost all their worst animations were made in later years where the quality did get cheaper. The colours are livelier and lusher than some of their later animations, the movement smoother and the attention to detail more careful. As well as some of the better voice acting, with top honours going to the sheriff, both sinister and fun without going over the top, and that for Robin nails the nobility and swagger.
Similarly, some of the best music from Burbank's output is here too, rousingly orchestrated with a sense of period. The dialogue is some of the least cheesy or stiff of their output and has wit and thought, while the storytelling has the spirit of the stories and doesn't feel episodic. It was great recognising the characters and they are well characterised.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10
