Zorro - Complete First Season (DVD)
10:06 PM November 5, 2009
Walt Disney Treasures
Zorro – The Complete First Season
Walt Disney / 1957 / 942 mins / G
DVD Release Date: 11-03-09
Reviewed on 10-130-09
Given the public’s seemingly unquenchable thirst for super heroes, it's no surprise that Walt Disney Studios decided to dig through their vault in order to release it’s popular Zorro series... which debuted back in 1957. I'm glad they did! Housed in a sleek black version of their popular tin series of Treasures, fans of all ages can now finally experience all first season classic episodes from the popular Disney series (1957-1959).
It Stars a pre-Lost in Space Captain, Guy Williams, as the masked avenger Don Diego de le Vega. Long before audiences became familiar with the phrase “in living color” each one of the thirty nine episodes (that’s right—back in the day, a thirty-nine episode season was common—opposed to the now standard twenty-two) are in the original black & white. At an MSRP of $56.99 (but easily found for $20 less than that), it makes for an affordable collection for any fan.
Walt Disney’s Treasures: Zorro – The Complete First Season
released November 3, 2009 on DVD!
No one besides Walt Disney can so easily transform you back to the days when California was still under Spanish rule and El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles was a burgeoning community of sprawling ranches and groves. The struggle for power to control Alta California’s vast wealth lead to rampant injustices — which thankfully, were conveniently resolved by the swashbuckling masked avenger, Zorro.
Where the Lone Ranger had his trusty stallion, Silver... Don Diego had Tornado to help him protect the poor and oppressed. Along with his trademark bullwhip and sword, Zorro was born ready to tackle whatever came his way... leaving his trademark ‘Z’ in the wake of battle.
Now over forty years old, most of these classic episodes hold up surprisingly well! Credit for this must be given to the classic set design and Guy Williams' charismatic portrayal of the caped crusader.
Considering how far the colorization process has come since it debuted almost twenty years ago, it’s a little surprising Disney didn’t opt for a colorized version the same way Sony did when it released the first two seasons of ‘Bewitched’. I am a purest, and am very appreciative they didn't.
These briskly paced episodes are a delight to revisit... especially when considering how many similar heroes Zorro has inspired over the years.
VIDEO
Widescreen (1.78.1) B&W Digitally Mastered. This digital transfer shows little if any wear, distortion or scratches from the original negative. Outdoor scenes are particularly well-lit and remain incredibly crisp. Newer shows should definitely take note.
AUDIO
Nothing outstanding... but then again, nothing to complain about with the standard Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound presentation. Sword swishes come though clearly!
EXTRAS
This limited edition is presented under the umbrella of the Walt Disney Treasures collection, and is "signed and numbered" by Roy Disney and film critic Leonard Maltin. Clearly, one of the Disney's biggest fans, Maltin provides interesting introductions and commentary for each of the one-hour episodes. The set includes a still card and unique Disney Zorro collectible pin.
MY SAY
If you’re a fan of the original series or of the genre in general, you certainly can’t beat the punch from this thirty-nine episode, 6-disc collection. In typical Disney fashion, when these DVD's are gone... they’re gone! If you’re remotely interested, I’d suggest putting this title on the top of your list before they are cleared from store shelves.
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