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List Price: $26.95 | | Label: Sony Pictures
Salesrank: 50678
Released: September 17, 2002 |
| Our Price: $4.78 |
| Used Price: $1.18 |
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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format.
Description of The Mask of Zorro (Superbit Deluxe Collection):
A lusty and rousing adventure, this calls to mind those glorious costume dramas produced so capably by the old Hollywood studio system--hardly surprising, in that its title character, a de facto Robin Hood in Old California, provided starring vehicles for Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power, the '50s TV hit, and dozens of serials and features. Zorro, a pop-fiction creation invented by Johnston McCulley in 1918, is given new blood in this fast-moving and engaging version, which actually works as a sequel to the story line in the Fairbanks-Power saga, The Mark of Zorro. A self-assured Anthony Hopkins is Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican freedom fighter captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Ana. Twenty years later, he escapes from prison to face down his mortal enemy, a land grabbing governor played with slimy spitefulness by Stuart Wilson. Too old to save the local peasants on his own, he trains bandito Antonio Banderas to take his place. Much swashbuckling ensues as Banderas woos Catherine Zeta-Jones, becomes a better human being, and saves the disenfranchised rabble. Director Martin Campbell wisely instills a measure of frivolity into the deftly choreographed action sequences, while letting a serious tone creep in when appropriate. This covers much ground under the banner of romantic-action-adventure, and it does so most excellently. --Rochelle O'Gorman
The Mask of Zorro (Superbit Deluxe Collection) Reviews:
A WONDERFUL NOD TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF SWASHBUCKLERS 
2009-12-12 - This is the type of movie that would have fit in with the grandly costumed actioners that Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, and Stewart Granger made famous during the Golden Age. The three leads are wonderful, the dialogue is lively, and the swordfights spectacular. THE MASK OF ZORRO is a great family movie, with chivalrous heroes, dastardly villains, humor, and grand romance- what's not to like?
Blu-ray: Wow! "The Mask of Zorro" looks and sounds great on HD!!! Definitely a majo improvement over the original DVD release! 
2009-12-02 - For 90 years, many fans of "Zorro" have seen quite a few adaptation of the swashbuckling hero who dons a black mask, cape, clothing and his sword.
From the original books from 1919 by pulp writer Johnston McCulley to the silent films by Douglas Fairbanks and one of my favorites, the 1958-1960 Disney television series starring Guy Williams. But there has been a sort of lull when it came to "Zorro" films and before the 1998 film "The Mask of Zorro", we were left with the George Hamilton comedy "Zorro, the Gay Blade" in 1981.
But in 1998, producer Steven Spielberg ("Indiana Jones" films, "Schindler's List", "E.T.", "Jurassic Park" films) along with director Martin Campbell ("Casino Royale", "Vertical Limit", "GoldenEye") began working on a new action film based on the hero for a new generation of moviegoers. Featuring a screenplay by John Eskow ("Air America", "Pink Cadillac"), Ted Elliott ("National Treasure"and "Pirates of the Carribean" films) and Terry Rossio ("Pirates of the Carribean" films), music by James Horner ("The Spiderwicke Chronicles", "Troy", "Enemy at the Gates") and cinematographer Phil Meheux ("Casino Royale", "Around the World in 80 Days", "GoldenEye").
The film was released in theaters during the Summer of `98 and with a budget of $95 million, the film went on to make over $250 million worldwide and was received positively by critics.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"The Mask of Zorro" is presented in 1080p High Definition (aspect ratio 2:40:1). I was quite pleased with the picture quality of the film as there was pretty good detail on the texture of the Mexican and Spanish clothing, detail of the interiors of Don's cave hideout and the dirt and grime on the Murrieta boys. A good number of shots were outdoors, so there was a good amount of lighting. Skin tones were natural and you can see Anthony Hopkins blue eyes quite clearly. I tend to get a bit unnerved with some films shot during the 80's and 90's because they look a bit waxy but "The Mask of Zorro" looks very good for a 1998 film.
As for audio, the film is presented in English, French and Portuguese 5.1 DTS-HD MA (and Spanish 5.1). The soundtrack for the film is actually fantastic. For an older film, I was expecting a front and center channel driven soundtrack but "The Mask of Zorro" really takes advantage of the surround and rear surround channels and also some LFE. You hear the crowds clapping all around you during a scene when Montero arrives back to California. Horses galloping and thunder is also well heard. Fighting sequences, gun shots, explosions are really utilized quite well and for the most part, similar to "Air Force One" which is a 90's film that was given great audio by Sony, the same can be said for "The Mask of Zorro". The lossless soundtrack is clear, understandable and quite immersive during the action sequences.
Subtitles are in English, English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"The Mask of Zorro" comes with the following special features presented in standard definition, English stereo and optional Portuguese or Spanish subtitles:
* movieIQ - With BD-Live, you can obtain information about the film online while watching the film (optional).
* Director's Commentary - Featuring audio commentary with director Marc Campbell. Campbell provides insight on each scene and very thorough in his explanation of the talent, the set and more.
* Exclusive Documentary: Unmasking Zorro - (45:05) The making of "The Mask of Zorro" featuring director Martin Campbell, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Antonio Banderas and more talking about the film, the history of Zorro, the production and costume design of the film, the music and more.
* Deleted Scenes - (4:50) Featuring two deleted scenes: The Wallet and The Resolution.
* "The Legend of Zorro" Behind-the-Scenes Peek - (5:02) A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Legend of Zorro" and interviews with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Antonio Banderas and director Martin Campbell who talk about reuniting seven years later for the sequel of "The Mask of Zorro".
* Music Video by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena -(4:51) Music video for "I Spent My Whole Life Loving You" by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena.
* Exclusive Scene from "The Legend of Zorro" - (1:43) A short sneak peek of the 2005 film "Legend of Zorro".
JUDGMENT CALL:
It actually has been a Zorro month for me during Fall/Winter 2009. Having watched the complete "Zorro" TV series from 1958-1960, I was enchanted by the humor, drama and the action. So, watching "The Mask of Zorro", I felt that it was perfect timing on my part because the film was almost like a continuation of previous films and even the TV series because you forward to the future in which the hero Don de la Vega is now an older man, married and knowing that he's getting too old to be doing jumps and escaping harm.
I was a bit skeptical at first seeing Anthony Hopkins taking on the role of Don Diego. Mainly because I've gotten so used to seeing Guy Williams playing the role of "Zorro" but because this role calls for an older Don Diego, Hopkins is such a talented actor, that he makes you feel comfortable towards his character.
You easily accept him and sympathize for him as Don Diego goes through the worst, imaginable things that the hero has ever experienced. But enter Antonio Banderas. One thing that Guy Williams captured in the classic TV series is a character with class, charisma and is able to deliver in the action. Banderas starts off as a bit of a ruffian but through the course of the film, we see the thief become the hero and much more refined.
And as for Catherine Zeta-Jones, she looks absolutely beautiful in this film and together, she and Banderas played their characters of Alejandro and Elena quite well. They both have that chemical/sexual attraction towards each other but also, aside from the dramatics, the two also have a good repertoire for utilizing their characters to earn some laughs from the audience.
One thing that the original TV series had was high production value in which Walt Disney himself made sure "Zorro" utilized. So, when Steven Spielberg was the name behind the producing of this film, you knew that there would be significant action scenes and most of all, a film that would receive good financing to pull off these fight scenes that Zorro is known for. May it be him battling with a sword, climbing on rooftops or chandeliers, being chased on horseback to Zorro taking on dozens of men, fight choreography was done well and cinematography was also solid and for the most part, those scenes were highly enjoyable.
"The Mask of Zorro" was definitely a hallmark for Zorro films. After that periodic lull of having nothing satisfying since the late 1950's and early 60's, it was great to see the character of Zorro done well for this film. A screenplay that is not only action-driven but also character driven and you get all the humor and sexual attraction in this film as well.
Having seen the TV series and a few of the Zorro films in the past, I'm confident to say that "The Mask of Zorro" is the best Zorro film ever made thus far. For those of us who grew up watching the adventures of Don Diego de la Vega, this film is simply the passing of the title to a new character for a new generation of viewers. Fortunately, the film was handled quite well and I really enjoyed seeing this film again and I'm sure you will too. Definitely recommended!
A New Zorro, right on track.
2009-11-28 - The Mask of Zorro Starring Anatonio Bandarass, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Anthiny Hopkins Came along at just the right time. Better than its sequel; The Legend of Zorro, this movie stays true to the character of Zorro.
The spiritual son of Zorro
2009-10-22 - Any Baby Boomer who grew up on Guy Williams playing Disney's version of the Robin Hood of Old California will want to see this movie, and should walk away well satisfied. The story begins with Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins), the original Fox, now middle-aged and a married man, with an infant daughter, Elena. He's still fighting for justice, and what he hopes will be his last ride is made to prevent the execution of several prisoners about to be shot just as California is about to transform itself from a Spanish colony to a part of newly independent Mexico. Though he succeeds in his mission, his nemesis, royal governor Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), somehow figures out his identity, captures him, kidnaps Elena (who "should have been [his]" by virtue of his courtship of Diego's wife), and flees to Spain, leaving his foe immured in the local carcel. 20-odd years later, as Mexico is engrossed in a war with the United States, he escapes just as Montero and Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones)--the former with grandiose dreams of an independent California and himself as its master--return to the New World. Knowing he's too old to carry on as before, Diego takes as his protege Alejandro Murieta (Antonio Banderas), brother of the recently dead Joaquin (Victor Rivers), and trains him to assume the mask and sword of Zorro while he seeks to assert his claim to Elena.
Anyone who enjoyed Michael York & Co. in The Complete Musketeers (The Three Musketeers / The Four Musketeers) should love this old-fashioned, action-packed swashbuckler, which is full of wild swordfights, narrow escapes, intrigue, and sly humor. Elena is both a beauty and a very courageous and up-to-date woman who's been trained in swordsmanship "since I was three," and Alejandro, once he settles down and begins putting his mind to his lessons, proves that Diego has made a good choice for a successor. It's unfortunate that the historical background is somewhat off: though California did become Mexican in 1823 (a year after Mexico itself threw off the Spanish yoke), General (later President) Santa Anna had nothing at all to do with it (in 1821-3 he was involved in affairs at home, most notably the rise of Emperor Agustin de Iturbide and his overthrow by Pedraza and Guerrero, the latter of whom named him Governor of Yucatan is '24), and by the time of the outbreak of the Mexican War its American settlers had proclaimed the Bear Flag Republic (an entity not even mentioned here); and the real Joaquin Murieta (if indeed he existed) didn't flourish until the 1850's. (However, it's great fun for an old Western-lover like myself to see veteran character actor L. Q. Jones--whom I didn't even know was still alive--appearing as his cohort, Three-Fingered Jack.) If you're willing to accept the notion that all this is going on in a slightly alternate reality, you can enjoy the story as well as the action, which is really splendid, and the emotional intrigue as Diego and Montero duke it out over Elena and Diego's murdered wife Esperanza (Julieta Rosen) (though I do wonder why Montero didn't haul Diego off to Spain with him, since as Zorro he had been an offender against the Crown and could well have been tried as such and executed). Matt Letscher as Montero's mercenary enforcer Capt. Harrison Love is a villain you'll love to hate, and there's even a bow to the Disney version in a passing mention of "Garcia" during the early scenes. On balance, this is a modern and very competent update of the kind of genre they don't seem to make very much any more, and as such definitely worth a place in your collection.
Superbit was Supergood!
2009-10-03 - Should I try to review The Mask of Zorro? That's been done competently for years. By now, most everybody has seen it...but not this way in Superbit. Granted, it's not Blu-ray quality but it looks significantly better that standard DVD and miles ahead of the VHS copy we had subsisted on for years. Superbit simply uses all or almost all of the disc space by transferring the movie at higher bit rate but still keeping it within the DVD format. Any extras that would have been found on the original DVD have been moved to a second disk. Playback in 720p, my 57" HDTV's native resolution, on our late model upconverting Panasonic player looks simply sumptuous! I found it to have great detail in every aspect despite our TV's size and lower resolution. Imagine what it would look like on a higher resolution TV. Is it worth it to replace your standard DVD? Only you can answer that question. If you're a BD user, probably not. If you don't see your self moving up to Blu-ray in the near future, you just might.
