Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Intrada Special Collection Volume ISC 458

For Intrada's latest release, the label revisits its 2018 release of Michael Kamen's adventurous score for the 1991 Morgan Creek production of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. While the 2018 release featured a wealth of new material, it was still not complete due to available elements at the time. Now with the assistance of the Michael Kamen estate, not only were more extensive music elements available, they also boasted an improved sound.

For Intrada's latest release, the label revisits its 2018 release of Michael Kamen's adventurous score for the 1991 Morgan Creek production of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. While the 2018 release featured a wealth of new material, it was still not complete due to available elements at the time. Now with the assistance of the Michael Kamen estate, not only were more extensive music elements available, they also boasted an improved sound.

Among some of the cues being presented for the first time:
• 'And His Merry Men' for the five-minute sequence when Robin and Azeem break out of prison and the introduction of Robin's father and the backstory of betrayal
• 'Arrow,' which launches with the rousing French horn and trumpet fanfare as Robin suddenly fires a crossbow at Sir Gisborne and the accompanying combat
• 'Celt Battle' now includes the missing final part where Robin rescues Fanny and her infant from the burning tree house
• 'Will Captured' is added to a 10-minute battle sequence, in which Will is spotted among the gathering crowds preparing to watch the hanging
• 'Hangman's Drums'
• 'End Credits,' a cue Kamen wrote for the ending of the score, which was dropped in favor of the vocal (still not available for licensing for this release)

And more!
With the score proper filling two discs, the third disc includes a wealth of alternates. Included among the alternates is the Morgan Creek logo, which uses the Robin Hood theme for the logo attached to their movies from that point on. Finally, a fourth disc contains the entire program Kamen assembled for release on the first album (sans the vocal), as it contains many unique edits and assemblies making it a program worth perserving.

Joined by horns, Robin is given a heroic theme during the opening credits, drawing in the audience to the deeds and misdeeds to come from this new vision of Robin Hood. The orchestration is traditional—featuring brass in action scenes, strings in scenes of intense emotion, and pastoral woodwinds to evoke the beauty of Sherwood Forest. It roars, it whispers. It sings, it dances. It excites, it calms. Sometimes it even frightens. With a strong heroic theme, a 'stalking bass line' for needed menace, and a simple, yet delicate and romantic love theme, Kamen composed a film score worthy of the mighty thief prince.

The film opens in Jerusalem, during a crusade led by King Richard I. Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) is a prisoner, escaping to return to England—but his homecoming is hardly joyous. The sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) has brutally murdered Lord Locksley, destroyed his estate and despoiled the countryside, hoping to amass enough wealth to bribe English barons to betray their lawful king.

The events that follow mostly adhere to the established story and feature the usual ensemble: sheriff’s henchman Guy of Gisborne (Michael Wincott), Little John (Nick Brimble) and Friar Tuck (Michael McShane).
But there are several new twists. Robin is accompanied back to England by a new character, Azeem (Morgan Freeman), a moor whose life he has saved, and who has vowed to return the favor. Maid Marian (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) is a feisty, independent female who initially disdains Robin and manages to be an empowered woman until the very end, when she becomes a traditional damsel-in-distress.

INTRADA ISC 458

More info at: Official website Intrada Records

All newly-remastered and expanded 4-CD set with nearly a half hour of previously unreleased score! Spectacular action-adventure from Morgan Creek Productions and Warner Bros brings legendary figures to life: Robin of Locksley, Maid Marian, Little John, the sheriff of Nottingham, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett, Sir Guy of Gisborne, King Richard “The Lionheart”… all vividly drawn by top actors Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Wincott, Christian Slater, Sean Connery, others. Kevin Reynolds directs. Film opens with Robin a prisoner in Jerusalem, escaping back to England with Moorish friend Azeem, only to find his father slain, his home in ruins. Thus set in motion is the iconic and oft-told battle between Robin and his “Merry Men” and the evil sheriff. Michael Kamen launches with now-familiar cello rhythms, leading into French horn fanfares and rousing trumpet-led main theme. Love theme for Robin and Marian is both tender and sweeping, depending on settings involved. But front and center throughout are incredibly exciting action sequences. Brass parts are extraordinarily challenging, and taxing, for players but listeners scoop the rewards! Originally a single CD from Morgan Creek with two songs and eight generous score selections, Intrada greatly expanded lavish score into 2-CDs in 2018, however, several key sequences were missing from master elements and could not be included… until now! With the generous help from the Kamen Estate, new elements were located which boast a wealth of previously unreleased music. Now for the first time, listeners can enjoy the lengthy “And His Merry Men”, which accompanies Robin’s escape to England, the slaying of Lord Locksley and the introduction of the sheriff. Also new is “Arrow”, which finds Robin in battle with Gisborne. A major addition are two new cues for the Celt Battle sequence, including intense action material and Robin’s heroic rescue of Fanny and her infant child from the burning treehouse. Highlighting the new music: the entire “Plans For Rescue” sequence which now features the powerful music underscoring the unexpected capture and pending execution of Will Scarlett, forcing Robin to make sudden dramatic changes to his plans for rescuing his beloved Maid Marian. Several more new cues appear, as well as additional alternates. Finally, included is a bonus fourth CD containing Kamen’s 50-minutes of creatively edited and assembled 1991 album tracks. Everything has been remastered from superior master elements, albeit the original releases have always offered superb, crisp and punchy audio as well, a testament to the recording talents of veteran Bobby Fernandez at Warner Bros. Presented as 4-CDs in “chubby” case, designed Kay Marshall, with notes by Frank DeWald. Michael Kamen conducts The Greater Los Angeles Orchestra. A must own! Intrada Special Collection 4-CD set available while quantities and interest remain!