A True Gem
We were pleased to receive both Season 1 and Season 2 in their Exclusive Collector’s Tin packaging that is limited to only 30,000 prints. Each set includes a fanciful 4×6″ certificate of authenticity that is numbered accordingly. Before getting into what else is inside the box, which I will elaborate on later with the discussion of extra features, lets examine this timeless show.
Most of us need little introduction to who Zorro is or what he does, but Disney and film historian Leonard Maltin kicks off each season with a brief introduction (about five minutes) on the first disc of each set. In his introduction, Leonard describes some of the most memorable plots of the season while giving out many historical anecdotes and
interesting trivia. His intros are nicely done as always and worth a once over.
The first episode of the first season is a perfect introduction to our hero. In it, Don Diego De La Vega, aka, Zorro when he’s not in costume and dispensing justice, is sailing back from Spain to Los Angeles to be with his family. His father called upon his son to return from his studies to help pull the town back together. Captain Enrique Sanchez Monastario, Commandante, seeks to become the richest man in California. His injustice against the citizens has to be combated, and when talking isn’t enough, Don Diego decides to put his swordsmanship and athleticism to use. He’ll have help from his trusty friend and manservant, Bernardo (played by Gene Sheldon), and his dependable horse, Tornado.
Monastario would become a reccuring trouble for Zorro. His overweight subordinate, Sergeant Garcia, provides a lot of comic relief, and is almost exactly like Sergeant Schultz that would later appear in Hogan’s Heroes. His bumbling, dim-witted actions add another layer to the show and in a positive way. Over a dozen other recurring characters appear throughout the series to further develop the main characters and to flesh out the show, including Ana Maria Verdugo (played by Jolene Brand), Zorro’s love interest in season two.
Storylines in Zorro generally came in sets. I had my suspicions as I worked my way through the first season, but Wikipedia confirms that the first season is broken up into three thirteen episode sets. The first set has Zorro facing off against Monastario, the second against Galindo, and the third Varga.
Season two is different, and doesn’t breakdown as distinctly. Zorro travels to Monterey to help disrupt a gang of thieves. He falls in love with Ana Maria and nearly gives up his secret identity to wed her, but is convinced not to. The remainder of the season is made up of much shorter storylines.
The common theme in all of these episodes, besides the rousing opening theme and Guy Williams as Zorro, is entertainment. This show has the rare quality of being able to maintain its charm and captivating power from generation to generation. Not only that, but it appeals to young adults and adults alike. Excellent casting, intriguing characters, and great storylines blend together to make a thoroughly enjoyable show.
Treasures DVD Release
Disney has stamped out 30,000 of the Exclusive Collector’s Tin for each season. The black and gold color scheme has been used by several other studios over the years to mark a definitive edition (Paramount’s Centennial Collection and Hallmark DVDs often use it). The Walt Disney Treasures logo is stamped nicely into the top of the tin, while the back side is solid black if you decide to remove the paper backing that describes the tin’s contents. Inside Season 1, you’ll discover a collectible pin. The pin is about an inch in height and half as wide, and is simply two silver swords crossed with Zorro’s mask covering the point of contact of the swords, and the word ‘Zorro’ written nicely underneath the mask. I’m not sure what you do with a pin like this, but it’s nice to see it included.
A sharp 4×6″ still photo of Guy Williams posing as Don Diego is also included in the tin. The DVDs are stored inside of a folding keep-case. The DVD case contains all six discs, a nice all black and gold episode guide, and your certificate of authenticity. Each disc is nicely stamped with a colored label and includes estimated run time (per disc) and a different picture of Zorro (per disc).
Season 2’s packaging is almost exactly the same. The pin is about the same size and has a sword going through a silver oval, vertically, from top to bottom. On top of the logo is a stylized red ‘Z’, and on top of that (covering up part of the Z), is a silhouette of Zorro on his trusty horse, Tornado. The included still picture is of Zorro in costume,
sheathing his sword. Otherwise, the sets are nearly identical.
Each episode has been remastered and is offered in its original fullscreen framing and in black and white. Audio is
presented in Dolby Digital. Subtitles are available in English. I’m glad that the original black and white format was kept here. Furthermore, while I can’t say that I have seen non-remastered versions of these episodes, these remastered ones look and sound great; no complaints.
As for extra features, there are several very good ones. For Season 1, you get “Zorro: El Bandido” and “Zorro: Adios El Cuchillo.” These are rare, two part, one hour specials (running about fifty minutes each) from Walt Disney Presents. Plus, a nearly fifteen minute feature entitled “The Life and Legend of Zorro” is included and is an interesting historical look at Don Diego’s secret identity.
Season 2 has two more one hour specials: “Zorro: The Postponed Wedding,” and “Zorro: Auld Acquaintance.” Additionally, in “Behind the Mask,” an eight minute piece, viewers get to learn more about Guy Williams and his overnight success. His stunt double, Buddy Van Horn, is also featured.
I think Disney did a great job on these extras, and this set in general. Let’s get to the summary…