Out of the night, when the full moon is bright, comes the horseman known as Zorro. Debuting October 10, 1957, Walt Disney's thrilling series about the masked avenger was so successful, it made Zorro a household name -- and... more » quashed every series that went up against it. Filled with action, adventure and suspense, this volume presents the first season's 39 episodes (all newly restored and remastered) in their original blakc-and-white format. To enrich your experience of Disney's unforgettable classic, this six-disc set also includes ZORRO: EL BANDIDO and ZORRO: ADIOS EL CUCHILLO, the rarely seen two-part, one-hour specials shown on Disney's anthology series, WALT DISNEY PRESENTS. Then discover the many faces of Zorro from his literary beginnings through the creation of the Disney TV series. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.« less
L. A. WALZ | Burlington, Iowa United States | 05/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Zorro, a half-hour Walt Disney Productions TV series based on the well-known Zorro character, premiered October 10, 1957 on ABC. The final network broadcast was June 2, 1959. Seventy-eight episodes were produced, and 4 hour-long specials were aired on the Walt Disney anthology series between October 30, 1960 and April 2, 1961. Don Diego de la Vega (portrayed by Guy Williams) is depicted as a former University student, newly recalled by his father from Spain to his home outside El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre El Rio Porciuncula (later shortened as Los Angeles). Just before reaching California, Diego learns of the tyranny of Captain Monastario, and realizes that his father, Don Alejandro, summoned him to help fight this injustice. Although he won medals for his fencing back in Spain, Diego decides that his best course of action is to conceal his ability with a sword, and to affect the demeanor of a milquetoast intellectual rather than a decisive man of action. His alter ego, Zorro, operates primarily at night, taking the direct action that Diego cannot. This deception does not always sit well with Diego, especially as it affects his relationship with his disappointed father. In reality, Diego relies heavily on his wits, both with and without the mask on. Later in the series, Diego emerges as a respected figure in his own right, a clever thinker and loyal friend who just happens to be hopeless at swordplay. The character's name in Johnston McCulley's writing and previous adaptations was Diego Vega; the Disney version expands the name to Diego de la Vega, an innovation retained in some subsequent versions of the story. Diego's singing voice is supplied by Bill Lee of the Mellomen. For most of its brief run, Zorro's episodes were part of continuing story arcs, each about thirteen episodes long. The first of these chronicles the arrival of Zorro / Diego and his battle of wits with the greedy and cruel local Commandante, Captain Monastario. After Monastario's final defeat, in the second storyline, Zorro must uncover and counter the machinations of the evil Magistrado Galindo, who is part of a plot to rule California. The third story arc concerns the leader of that conspiracy, the shadowy figure of the Eagle, revealed as vain and insecure José Sebastian Varga. Season one concludes with Varga's death. Season two opens with Diego in Monterey, the colonial capital, where privately collected money to bring a supply ship to California is consistently diverted to a gang of bandits. Diego stays to investigate, both as himself and as Zorro, and becomes interested in Ana Maria Verdugo, the daughter of the man organizing the effort. Once Zorro defeats the thieves, he enters into a rivalry with his old friend Ricardo del Amo, a practical joker who is also interested in Ana Maria. Ana Maria in turn is in love with Zorro. While in Monterey, Zorro and Sergeant Garcia also get involved in a dispute between the peons and a repressive Lieutenant Governor. Diego is on the verge of giving up his mask to marry Ana Maria, but Don Alejandro talks him out of it. Zorro (and Diego) says goodbye to Ana Maria and returns to Los Angeles, where he gets involved in a series of shorter adventures. In one three episode story arc, guest starring Annette Funicello, Zorro must solve the mystery of Anita Campillo's father, a man who does not seem to exist. Other storylines late in the series involve Diego's ne'er-do-well uncle (Cesar Romero), a plot against the governor of California, an encounter with an American "mountain man" (Jeff York, reprising a role from The Saga of Andy Burnett), and outwitting a greedy emissary from Spain.
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No disappointment here; a 1st class treat for Zorro fans!
Dave | San Diego, CA | 10/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Complete First Season is the definitive version that Disney Zorro fans have waited years for. Covering all 39 episodes that comprise season #1 (1957-1958), this limited edition (and numbered) 6-disc set of 30,000 includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a collectible pin (showing two crossed silver swords with Zorro's mask superimposed on top), as well as a black-and-white photo postcard showing Guy Williams in character as Don Diego. A booklet outlining the contents of the set can also be found here. The set comes handsomely encased in a black metal tin, fitting of this B&W series where the hero wears an all-black costume.
A 5:21 intro by Leonard Maltin introduces the episodes and gives a brief history of Zorro and these particular episodes along with the extras on these discs. The remastering is evident on these episodes. The picture is clear and so is the sound; naturally, with the way it was originally recording, a digital surround experience is not possible, but the Dolby Digital recording is crisp, clear, and the score sounds better than it has in years. And no...there are no colorized versions here. Just the genuine black and white originals. The comedy, action, drama, and music combination that one expects from a Walt Disney production is all here, completed with a stellar cast. Guy Williams, Gene Sheldon, and Henry Calvin have fantastic chemistry. Williams' hero Zorro, who is a "bookish" Don Diego by day, becomes the black-caped & masked legend who rights wrongs in his "off hours."
Besides the 39 episodes (starting with "Presenting Señor Zorro", original air date of 10/10/1957 and finishing with #39 "The Eagle's Flight", original air date of 7/3/1958), there is a 6th disc of bonus material. Here you will find 2 hour long episodes:
1. "Zorro: El Bandido," original air date of 10/30/1960, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." Clocking in at 51:10, this episode features Gilbert Roland & Rita Moreno, not long before her breakthrough role in "West Side Story."
2. "Zorro: Adios El Cuchillo," original air date of 11/6/1960, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." This episode is 49:00 long and again stars Roland & Moreno.
An excerpt (3:17) is included here from "The Fourth Anniversary Show," which originally aired on 9/11/1957. Walt is surrounded by the Mouseketeers who anxiously want to hear more about Zorro. Walt finally relents, and the opening from the show rolls out. There is an "interaction" between the two sets, where Zorro talks to the Mouseketeers and then engages in a sword fight shown only in shadow (very effective!).
There is also a featurette entitled, "The Life and Legend of Zorro" (12:26) detailing the history of Zorro. Starting with the publication of Johnston McCulley's story in a pulp fiction magazine titled All-Story Magazine, "The Curse of Capistrano" came out in 1919. Swashbuckler Douglas Fairbanks Sr. was the first to play Zorro in the movies (1920), followed by Tyrone Power over at 20th Century Fox in 1940. Disney purchased the rights to the property in 1952, but didn't get around to actual production until 1957. This marked the first time that a standing set was built on the Disney lot in Burbank at a cost of $500,000. Disney worked closely on this show to make everything authentic, and made sure it was helmed by a quality team. Each episode cost $78,000 to film and was shot on a 5-day schedule, which was very lavish for the day. Each installment also had original music and scoring written by William Lava. Today, the quality still shows and has paid off handsomely for the studio from its continued fanbase over the past 50 years. The documentary has many technicolor images of Guy Williams and the Zorro cast, along with interviews of Williams' son. Legal battles between ABC and Disney delayed Season 3, which resulted in a few hour-long episodes. It is ironic that one of the top rated shows (garnering an unheard of 40% audience share in season 2) was killed not by the ratings but by legalities and quibbling.
This is a sure-fire set that will please old and new fans of this quality program."
Walt Disney's Zorro: Just the way we remember it!
Glenn M. Schoditsch | Richmond, Virginia USA | 05/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally we have a complete restored series set, yes both season one and Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete Second Season in pristine, remastered AND more importantly 'restored' Black & White! Packed with extras such as introductions by Lenard Maltin, the 4 hour-long Zorro episodes (two on each set), a Zorro pin & lithograph and packaged in Disney's tin metal cases, similar to Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Davy Crockett Televised Series, complete with serial numbers.
This is THE news Zorro fans off all ages have been waiting decades for. I for one will be first in line at the pre-order page!"
50 years of Dreaming Come True
bjs | Los Angeles | 11/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got my 2 package set of the whole of season one and two. I've never written a review before, but I want to try and share how special this packaged set is to me.
All the extras, even the episodes I'd only heard of but never seen that were on Disney's show, all the extras about Zorro, and Guy Williams (my first real love when I was 8 years old). I'd been dreaming of this collection, complete and whole since videotapes came out. And as a child, crying when Zorro disappeared from television, this collection makes that heartbroken child rest at peace at last. (I was so heartbroken, my parents had to call the television station to find out why it wasn't on, just to get me to go to bed.) The extras make this collection a dream come true. :) Thank You So Much Disney Company for Finally releasing this treasure."
Over 50-years-later, "Zorro" is still highly entertaining an
Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 11/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With Walt Disney's "Zorro" popular television series ending in 1959 after 78-episodes, for its 50th year Anniversary, Walt Disney is giving the classic action/comedy series special treatment with the "Walt Disney Treasures" release of "ZORRO - The Complete First Season (1957-1958) and "ZORRO - The Complete Second Season (1958-1959).
For the first season, this marks the ninth Walt Disney Treasures release in which a limited amount of DVD copies were printed (in this case - 30,000 were printed) and where the majority of the "Walt Disney Treasures" releases were animated releases, these two Zorro releases will be the first to receive an all-black tin case release.
This release contains the 39 episodes from the first season on five DVD discs and each episode has been digitally remastered. Also, included are "Zoro: El Bandido - Part 1 which aired in Oct. 30, 1960 on Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents", "Zoro: Adios El Cuchillo - Part 2 which aired on Nov. 6, 1960 on "Walt Disney Presents", an excerpt from "The Fourth Anniversary Show" which aired on Sept. 11, 1957 and "The Life and Legend of Zorro". Included with each release is a certificate of authenticity signed by Roy E. Disney and Leonard Maltin (who personally selected the rare offerings in this set), a publicity still of Guy Williams (who plays the character Don Diego aka "Zorro"), a Zorro pin (featuring dual swords, the black mask and the words Zorro) and a booklet with episode listings for the first season and more.
"Zorro" was the first major series that film man Walt Disney was very enthusiastic about. Ratings were terrific with the first season earning over 35% and the second season earning over 40% in the ratings which is phenomenal but the only reason why the series was pulled off the air was because Disney was pursuing color and ABC wasn't and thus, both "Zorro" and "The Mickey Mouse Club" were pulled off the air.
The story of Zorro first appeared back in 1920 as part of a silent film starring Douglas Fairbanks. For the next 35 years, there would be several "Zorro" related films that were released. But it was in Sept. 11, 1957 when Walt Disney introduced the character to audiences through the 4th Anniversary show of Walt Disney Presents and four weeks later, Zorro would debut on ABC on Oct. 10th.
"Zorro" takes place during the time of Spanish occupation of California (pre-1820 before Mexico won independence for California and took control of the state). Where members of the Spanish colonial government are oppressing the Mexicans and Indians who occupy the land. Meanwhile, Don Diego de la Vega (played by Guy Williams, "Lost In Space", "Captain Sinbad", "Bonanza"), a scholar who trained in Spain makes his return to California along with his mute sidekick Bernardo (played by Gene Sheldon) and to see how people are being oppressed by Capitan Monastario (played by Britt Lomond, "The Legend of Wyatt Earp").
Capitan Monastario dreams of being a major leader in Spain but to do that, he tries to rule his region with an iron fist. Joined by the hilarious, clumsy and portly Corp. Reyes (played by Don Diamond, "F Troop", "The Flying Nun", "Rockford Files"), Monastario and his men try to capture those who speak out against him.
Fearing how things have gotten worse in California, in order to fight against Monastario and his men, Don Diego dons a black outfit and mask and goes by a mysterious hero named as "Zorro".
Throughout the series, we watch as Zorro defies the rule of various leaders by helping the people who have been oppressed and not willing to challenge them in a duel. But as Zorro tries to save lives, those of the Spanish military do what they can to capture the town's vigilante.
The following episodes are included in "Zorro - The Complete First Season (1957-1958): The following is the list of episodes per disc and a brief spoilerless summary.
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 1 - Presenting Senior Zorro - Don Diego de la Vega discovers the corrupted state of Los Angeles and becomes the hero Zorro. * EPISODE 2 - Zorro's Secret Passage - Zorro introduces Bernardo his secret passage where he and his black horse can escape unnoticed. Meanwhile, a friend of Don is accused by the Capitan of being Zorro. * EPISODE 3 - Zorrro Rides to the Mission - The Capitan goes after a Nacho Torres who has taken refuge at the Mission San Gabriel, if he doesn't come out, the working Indians will be whipped. * EPISODE 4 - The Ghost of the Mission - With the Capitan and his soldiers trying to take control at the Mission San Gabriel, Don tells Garcia stories of a ghost at the mission to create a scare. * EPISODE 5 - Zoro's Romance - With the Capitan going after Nacho in his home, Capitan tries to use his influence to get close to Nacho's daughter. * EPISODE 6 - Zorro Saves a Friend - The Capitan places Nacho's wife and daughter in jail in order to bring Nacho back and turn himself in. * EPISODE 7 - Monastario Sets a Trap - With Dons' father in danger, Zorro comes to the rescue.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 8 - Zorro's Ride Into Terror - Capitan takes over the De la Vega Hacienda in order to capture the wounded Alejandro. * EPISODE 9 - A Fair Trial - Nacho Torres and Alejandro are to be tried in court. * EPISODE 10 - Garcia's Secret Mission- Capitan pretends to fire Garcia who tries to make it seem as if he hates the Capitan in order to trap Zorro. * EPISODE 11 - Double Trouble For Zorro - Zorro takes on a master swordsman posing as Zorro. * EPISODE 12 - Zorro, Luckiest Swordsman Alive - When the master swordsman posing as Zorro murders an innocent, people start to think Zorro may be a bad guy. * EPISODE 13 - The Fall of Monastario - Capitan Monastario believes Don Diego is Zorro and imprisons him. * EPISODE 14 - Shadow of Doubt - With a new Commander on his way to Los Angeles, a man named Esteban Rojas comes to town to cause some trouble. And a new evil has arrived in town with their mark of an eagle feather left on its victim. * EPISODE 15 - Garcia Stands Accused - Garcia is double crossed and is to be executed, can Zorro save him in time.
DISC 3:
* EPISODE 16 - Slaves of the Eagle - Garcia poses as Zorro...why? * EPISODE 17 - Sweet Face of Danger - Zorro risks his life to save a woman. * EPISODE 18 - Zorro Fights His Father - Zorro is marked by death by his own father. * EPISODE 19 - Death Stacks The Deck - Another victim by the Eagle's feather and Zorro takes part in a gamble for his life. * EPISODE 20 - Agent of the Eagle - An imposter poses as the new Commandante and takes his wraith on the rancheros and extorts money from people for the Eagle. * EPISODE 21 - Zorro Springs A Trap - Zorro's horse Tornado has been captured by the impostor Commandante and is used as a trap to capture Zorro. * EPISODE 22 - The Unmasking of Zorro - The new Commandante tries to take advantage of Rosarita and Zorro comes to the rescue. But while a fight ensues, Zorro is unmasked. * EPISODE 23 - The Secret of the Sierra - Zorro defends a gold mine from the agents of the Eagle.
DISC 4:
* EPISODE 24 - The New Commandante - Galindo tries to use the new Commandante and Zorro and pit them against each other. * EPISODE 25 - The Fox and the Coyote - A secret gunship comes to the area. Meanwhile, Zorro takes on the forces of the Eagle. * EPISODE 26 - Adios, Senior Magistrado - It is revealed that the Magistrado is responsible for the trouble in the area. * EPISODE 27 - The Eagle's Brood - The Eagle's identity is revealed. * EPISODE 28 - Zorro By Proxy - The Commandante's wife sets her plan to capture Zorro. * EPISODE 29 - Quintana Makes a Choice - The Commandante's wife confronts Zorro. * EPISODE 30 - Zorro Lights A Fuse - Zorro is being held in a room with the Commandante's wife. Will he surrender? * EPISODE 31 - The Man With the Whip - A Master with a whip draws the ire of Zorro.
DISC 5:
* EPISODE 32 - Cross of the Andes - Bernardo is captured and Zorro must save him. * EPISODE 33 - The Deadly Bolas - Bernardo poses as Zorro...why? * EPISODE 34 - The Well of Death - Garcia squares off against an enemy, while a boy falls in a well. Who will save them? * EPISODE 35 - The Tightening Noose - The Eagle works on his plan to eliminate Zorro. * EPISODE 36 - The Sergeant Regrets - The agents of the eagle are sent to go after Zorro. * EPISODE 37 - The Eagle Leaves the Nest - Zorro goes after the Eagle. * EPISODE 38 - Bernardo Faces Death - Bernardo gets caught in a death trap. Can Zorro save him? * EPISODE 39 - The Eagle's Flight - The Eagle strikes after the de la Vega family. Zorro and Eagle come across each other's path once again.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"ZORRO - The Complete First Season (1957-1958) - Walt Disney Treasures" is featured in B&W and has been Digitally Remastered. The series looks great for a television series that is over 50 years old. For the most part, the blacks are nice and deep and grays are well-done. There is a fine layer of grain and occasional dirt can be seen but for the most part, it is limited and I don't see any major banding or compression although the opening theme is a bit grainy. But for the most part, the episodes look great.
As for the audio, the series is presented in Dolby Digital. The series is front channel driven and dialogue and music is clear. For my preference, I watched the series with my receive set with stereo on all channels.
Subtitles are featured in English SDH.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"ZORRO - The Complete First Season (1957-1958) - Walt Disney Treasures" features an exclusive introduction by film historian Leonard Maltin on Disc 1. On Disc 6, the following special features are included:
* ZORRO: EL BANDIDO (Original Air Date: October 30, 1960) - (51:16) Due to the series being pulled off ABC (due to disagreements of Disney pursuing color and ABC wanting to stay with B&W), the series made its return via a two-part one hour special. The following is the first special. * ZORRO: ADIOS EL CUCHILLO (Original Air Date: November 6, 1960) - (49:00) Due to the series being pulled off ABC (due to disagreements of Disney pursuing color and ABC wanting to stay with B&W), the series made its return via a two-part one hour special. The following is the second special. * THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF ZORRO - (12:26) The history of Zorro and how popular the television series was for ABC but also an explanation of why a top rated series would be pulled off the air. * EXCERPT FROM "THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW" (Original Air Date: September 11, 1957) - (3:17) The Mouseketeers talk to Walt Disney about Zorro and Walt promotes the new "Zorro" series.
JUDGMENT CALL:
"Zorro" is an entertaining and classic hero-based series. What made the series so exciting is that Walt Disney was behind the project and that the series was given the opportunity to have a higher production value. So, you get that feel of an authentic old California during Spanish dominance. The stories are light-hearted, fun, humorous but also very clever. The high production values of the series were well-captured as evident in the set, production and costume design. As well, as the music which helps emphasize the comedic or action moments in the series.
Although I was familiar with "Zorro" through the films, I have never seen any of the television episodes. So, to finally watch them after hearing so much about Guy Williams stellar performance as the swashbuckling hero, I can see why many people enjoyed this series.
I can see how much Disney believed in this series and also spending money necessary to make sure that old California was presented well through the production design, the costumes and also the dialect. I actually thought that a lot of the people on the show were Latino but later finding out that Guy Williams (Don Diego/Zorro) was Italian, Gene Sheldon (Bernard) and Henry Calvin (who played Sergeant Garcia) were Americans and Don Diamond (Corp. Reyes) was Russian. But the series was also instrumental in hiring many Latino to have roles in the film, not only for this season but for the next.
Don Diego is the classic hero/vigilante that was created way before Bruce Wayne/Batman and he was a Robin Hood of sorts. Taking down corruption and even helping out the poor. He was a hero that many people identified with at the time and have heard from adults who remember those years when they would dress up as Zorro because they idolized him. Granted, there are man portrayals of Don Diego in film and books but Disney was able to capture that flair of coolness with Guy Williams as the hero and for the most part, he is a hero that truly rocks! It's been over 50 years since the series debuted on television and watching it, I can see why people enjoyed the series. It's a well-done, enjoyable and highly entertaining series that captures that sense of adventure, action and tuning in for each episode watching Zorro take on those who would oppress the people, meeting the beautiful women but at the same time, remaining a gentleman. I'll go even further to say that the show also had cultural impact.
"Zorro - The Complete First Season" was quite exciting as the first arc on Capitan Monastario was witty and humorous but right after episode 13, it was interesting to see how the series would become a bit more serious as we saw the villainy of Senor Magistrado and also the Eagle starting to take place and people were actually getting killed. But it worked out in the ratings because people were thrilled by the action-paced series while still retaining the humor.
Overall, if you were a fan of "Zorro" or are interested in classic television series, this series is quite fun to watch and I watched it alongside my six-year-old who was also entertained by the series. The set as part of the Walt Disney Treasures line was pretty cool, especially the black tin case and the certificate of authenticity noting the limited production of the series. But as a person who does watch classics, it's great to see Walt Disney release one of the highest rated television shows of all time on DVD. Definitely recommended!"
