The Mask of Zorro

Rating:
Summary: Zorro Unmasked at Last
Review: Anyone who knows me more than acknowledges my opinion of "The Mask of Zorro" -- as a great swashbuckler that Errol Flynn would be more than proud of. I long-awaited the Collector's Edition and was thrilled when it was finally released -- two disks jam-packed full of goodies. Formerly only released in the UK, USA citizens will at last be able to view all the deleted scenes, trailers, documentaries, interviews, featurettes, music videos, production information, widescreen and full screen formats, commentaries, advertising materials, publicity galleries, and costume information that make up one of the most smashing summer hits of the nineties. 

I preordered my copy with Amazon and was very pleased with the result. The first disc includes most of the "goodies," and the second has only the standard screen adaptation and commentary. I'll give you the let-down, but won't spoil anything since I know any true fan will want this masterpiece of packaging.

Deleted Scenes -- There are apparently only two finished deleted scenes, although there appears to be another one imbedded into the "Zorro Unmasked" feature. One is "The Thief," and took place directly after Alejandro first saw Tornado in the square. He lifts a wallet off a Spanish Don and Diego calls him a thief.
The second is the alternate ending, which originally took place directly after Diego's death, in which Alejandro and Elena (with the peasants) meet Santa Anna on his way to the mine. I won't give you any clues as to what happens, but Elena and Alejandro kiss as the film fades out.

The third, unfinished and embedded into the featurette, is apparently a competition between Elena and Captain Love. They are showing off their swordsmanship and fencing skills in sort of a medieval joust. I wish they'd completed this scene and left it in, since I love the ending line by Elena to her father. The scenes are widescreen and unfinished, meaning the quality is not half as good as it would be in a completed film. Still, they are great fun!

Theatrical Trailers -- There are two, one on the original disk and the second, a longer "preview" no doubt shown in theaters. Additionally there are 15-30 second TV spots, about a dozen in all, which each focus on a different element... "He will go from ZERO to Zorro!" "This summer, their fates will collide!" etc. Initially, they're a lot of fun.

"Zorro Unmasked" Documentary -- Excellent featurette, about an hour in length, with in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes information, and moviemaking tips. We meet the sword master, the director, producer, costume designer, and many more of the people who worked in, around, and on screen, including the three stars.

Music Video -- Very nicely done, the music video features cuts from the film to the performers and to a little romance of its own being carried on by a bandito and his senorita, who eventually get together in the end.

The rest is excellent... the director does a beautiful job on his commentary, the production and costume information are very informative, and the publicity galleries are great. They have an excellent into-screen to the menu. All in all, it's worth the twenty bucks... and more.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best films to come along in a long time!!!
Review: This is how movies should be made, but unfortunately many are not, It is clear that Steven Spielberg oversaw the film from start to finish, (Thank God) When I first saw it I didn't expect much, but I have to say I was impressed, Antonio Banderas is perfect as Zorro, as is Anthony Hopkins as the aging Zorro & master trainer to Banderas' new one (almost like Luke & Yoda).The film begins with Montero getting ready to leave old California, but before he leaves he wants to make an example of Zorro(Hopkins)as usual he shows up to foil Montero's plan, & Montero leaves, so we assume, as Hopkins goes about his daily routine he is confronted by Montero who suspects he is Zorro & proves it, they fight & Hopkins' wife is killed as a result, he is then imprisoned & his child taken by Montero, the film then proceeds 20 years later where we see Banderas & his brother & a freind of theirs stealing to survive, they are contfronted by Montero's stooge & his brother is beheaded as he makes a quick escape, we then see Montero returning to see if Hopkins is still alive in prison, when he thinks he has died he begins new plans for old California, but Hopkins is very much alive & escapes to later get revenge, him & Banderas soon cross paths, both want revenge & set out to get it, Catherine Zeta-Jones really shines here as Hopkins now-grown child, & the chemistry between her & Banderas is a sight to see, everyone is cast perfectly, & Stuart Wilson gives a very believeable performance as Montero, (spoiler) a wonderful film that is rare in today's Hollywood movies & should not be missed!!! Highy Recommended!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: very impressed
Review: a great film set in early california days. it has great acting, a great story, and some fine action. i recommend this to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Not! Korean Subtitle~~!!
Review: This Movie Not~! Korean Subtitle...

But Sound is Very Very Good~!

Rating:
Summary: How can you ever get enough of it?!
Review: There are amazing thrillers of movies that stand out far and above other movies; and then there are movies that aren't the best; but some how they just are...You think back on it and you just adore the film! For me, Mask of Zorro is one of those films! There's just something so...so charismatic in it. In the fun of all the sword play. In the love of each character for each other. In the need for revenge that drives each man. And most of all the Hollywood terror in that mark of the "Z". No it will never be epic like Matrix or Braveheart if you ask me; but I would say it will always be a classic in my book!

As a foot note! The editorial review says it has too much of everything!! I ask you?! How can you get too much sword play? Or spectacular stunts? Or just plain high adventure drama! I guess my only real complaint with the movie was they didn't have enough! Bring it on! This is not a modern day deep thinking Matrix type, which is good; but don't you just want to have fun sometimes?! If you ask me this is the best return to the just pure pleasure of the good old fashioned swashbucklers Hollywood used to know how to make! I love it with all Five Stars!

Rating:
Summary: The Mask of Zorro
Review: In "The Mast of Zorro", Anthony Hopkins plays Don Diego de la Vega, a freedom fighter in California by the name of Zorro. But the day Spain concedes California to Santa Anna, de la Vega is captured and put into prison. Twenty years later, he escapes and finds that his enemy, Don Rafael (Stuart Wilson) has come back to California. De la Vega also finds that Don Rafael had taken his own daughter, Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones), as his own. De la Vega, with the help of a young man, Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) are determined to try to stop Don Rafael from his evil plans in taking over California.

The movie is fantastic! One, it has actors Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Who wouldn't love them? Two, the story line is good. It's very understandable and there doesn't seem to be any gaps in the story. Three, the action is just amazing! There's fencing with a little Bruce Lee touch in it. Four, there are no bad scenes or any foul language in it! It's not the kind of movie you'd watch with younger kids but still, it's very good!

A definite five star movie! If you liked this movie, watch also "The Mark of Zorro".

Rating:
Summary: Very good
Review: I'he always wondered about the people who watch the movies titled like "The Mask Of Zorro" and then complain that they don't make them think. Well, the world is full of interesting people... Overall, this is one of the best quality DVDs I own. Picture and sound are amazing. Banderas is definitely the best Zorro of all times. His nemesis is a very compelling sadistic killer. The level of violense is precisely suitable for 8-9 years ols kids (at least it shows that if you stick a pointy metal bar into a human being, there is pain and blood). My son loves it very much and watches at least once a month. An I just cannot help doing it with him.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining Take on a Legend
Review: I freely admit that I attended this film in the theatre with some rather low expectations - such as that it would serve only as brain- and eye-candy. Instead, what I got was a swashbuckling adventure tale the likes of which has not been seen since Errol Flynn. Antonio Banderas is the likeable bandit who is chosen by Anthony Hopkins (seen here as the "original" Zorro, met by Banderas' character as a little boy) to serve as his replacement. Catherine Zeta-Jones absolutely sizzles as the romantic female lead (the "original" Zorro's daughter, kidnapped as a baby and reared by her father's sworn enemy) - a strong, intelligent woman who knows her way around both sword and bullship. The chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Banderas is wonderful to watch. We see Banderas' Zorro grow as a swordsman, moving from "The pointy end goes into the other fellow" to a rather skilled fencer (Banderas was taking fencing lessons during the filming, so what the audience sees is an accurate view of his skills). We see Hopkins' de la Vega work through his own issues of hatred. This is a brilliant, gripping adventure film. Not to be missed.

Rating:
Summary: I's Great
Review: this movie showed two of my favorite actors Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. this movie which tells the story of the legendary Zorro takes us back to the early days of the American History, gold rush, Mexican war and union. any way it shows the experience and good performance for all the movie team.

Rating:
Summary: Its not as bad as they say, trust me.
Review: Ok, here's an interesting one, mask of Zorro, hmmm, well, I dunno it only has Antonio Banderas and Katherine Zeta Jones AND Anthony Hopkins. Its only made under the all seeing eye of Steven Spielburg and directed by the guy who bought us the best bond in recent years, Goldeneye… I dunno….

Are you kidding, this film is class!

The Cast is sizzling, the story is exciting and engaging and the action sequences are just cool! The plot tells of an ageing Zorro (Hopkins) who passes his skills and ‘foxy’ moves onto a man he feels can except the responsibility (Banderas). Robbed of his beloved daughter by his nemesis Hopkins sets out to find vengeance in true Zorro style. The stunts are truly brilliant, one scene where ‘new Zorro’ jumps over horses is rip-roaring.

The entire movie has a Speilburg feel, you know when you can just feel that extra touch of class, almost as if its just right. The music helps but is nothing spectacular, what is spectacular is Katherine and Antonio together. They have a great chemistry which is born from a combination of their ... appeal and their charisma. True Hollywood combination which must be revisited soon.

Unlike Entrapment (with no offence to the masterful Sir. Connery) Zorro doesn’t ever think about just relying on Zeta’s ‘charm’ Instead it focuses on a grand romantic tale stretching across generations and nations. Its all told in an epic battle of good against evil.

The DVD is slick, the sound can be revved up to the level which this high octane movie deserves. Crisp picture and ample menues make this DVD worth the purchase.