A pedestrian protection automotive hood hinge comprises a release assembly which comprises a retainer supported by one of a first member and a second member and a releasable pin supported by the other of the one of the first and second members. The releasable pin is captured in the retainer in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and move the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The releasable pin is configured to be released by the retainer in response to the collision input permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position. A retention link with a retention pin moves in a controlled manner during a collision so that the retention pin engages a retention slot. At maximum opening of the hood, the retention pin engages a retention clip adjacent the retention slot and begins to rebound. With continued force exerted by the hood on the retention clip, the retention pin passes through and exits the retention clip and the hood decelerates to a final post collision position.