ZORRO – The Complete First Season (1957-1958) – Walt Disney Treasures (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

October 31, 2009 by Dennis Amith 

One of the highest rated TV series in America gets released on DVD over 50 years later.  A classic television series that many people loved to watch, many kids tried to be but for the most part, a rare television shows that was as also, culturally important in the history of entertainment in America.  Zorro is remastered and receives the prestigious (and limited) Walt Disney Treasures treatment.  Enjoyable, action-packed and fun… over 50-years-later, “Zorro” is still highly entertaining and cool!  Definitely recommended!

Image courtesy of © Disney. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: ZORRO – The Complete First Season (1957-1958) – Walt Disney Treasures

DURATION: (Episodes 1-39) 18 hours and 41 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital, B&W, Digitall Mastered, Subtitles: English SDH

COMPANY: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

RELEASED: November 3, 2009

Produced by Bill Anderson

Music by William Lava

Cinematography by Gordon Avil

Editing by Roy V. Livingston, Cotton Warburton, Hugh Chaloupka, Edward Samson and Al Teeter

Art and Production Design by Marvin Aubrey Davis

Costume Design by Chuck Keehne

Make Up by Pat McNailey

Production Management by Roy Wade

Starring:

Guy Williams as Don Diego de la Vega

Gene Sheldon as Bernardo

Henry Calvin as Sgt. Demetrio Lopez Garcia

Don Diamond as Corp. Reyes

George J. Lewis and Don Alejandro de la Vega

Britt Lomond as Capitan Monastario

Vinton Hayworth as Magistrado Carlos Galindo

Jolene Brand as Anna Maria Verdugo

Jan Arvan as Nacho Torres

Suzanne Lloyd as Raquel Toledano

Romney Brent as Padre Felipe

Jan Arvan as Nacho Torres

Nestor Paiva as Innkeeper

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is proud to release Zorro, one of the most popular television shows in history on DVD November 3, 2009. The latest addition to the celebrated Walt Disney Treasures, Zorro, makes its fully restored black & white DVD debut. All 78 episodes of the timeless classic will be included on two new six-disc sets–making up the ninth installment of the popular Walt Disney Treasures, and for the first time, will be housed in collectible black, numbered unique tin cases.

From 1957 to 1959, Disney’s Zorro was one of the most popular series on television starring Guy Williams, Henry Calvin, and Gene Sheldon. The show helped transform the literary character Don Diego
de la Vega into the ultimate iconic, beloved swashbuckling masked hero of the time. The adventures of Zorro and his trusty steed Tornado have captivated audiences since their inception, gaining new
audiences when it was re-aired on the Disney Channel in 1983 and re-colorizing the episodes in the 1990s. After the series conclusion, the Zorro adventures lived on from 1960 to 1961 on Walt Disney’s
Wonderful World of Color in the form of a four-episode anthology series of hour-long Zorro specials, all of which are also included in Walt Disney Treasures Wave IX.

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.

“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!