Customer Reviews

Walt Disney's Zorro - Season 1 - Volume 2

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While Antonio Banderas did a good job portraying Johnston McCulley's most famous character, "Zorro" in the 1998 release The Mask of Zorro, there is still only one "Zorro." The story has been done many times, by many actors, but none as well as the late Guy Williams.

Walt Disney's Zorro - Season 1 - Volume 2 aired as a TV series from 1957 to 1959 and really launched the career of Guy Williams as a leading man and put "Zorro" on the map, as it were. Mr. Disney must have had a vision because he was right on the money. Williams (born Armando Catalano) understood and interpreted the dashing avenging hero of the people, set in old California during the Spanish rule. An accomplished fencer, Williams stepped right into a role that was tailor-made. Williams not only had the "look," but more importantly exuded the charm and panache of Don Diego de la Vega's alter ego. It's obvious that Williams was having fun.

In typical Disney fashion, the series derived its comical relief from "Bernardo" played by Gene Sheldon, "Sgt. Garcia" played by Henry Calvin, and villany from "Capitan Monastario" portrayed by Britt Lomond.

McCulley's story has it all - history, romance, horses, haciendas, and action-adventure. And Williams' portrayal was so vigorous, that boys across America were fencing in their backyards with plastic swords, running up street and down alley scratching "Z's" into every surface, and driving their mothers crazy. Zorro popped up as Ben Cooper Halloween costumes, on pajamas and lunch boxes. The marketing machine was in full swing with the Zorro fervor and demand. And Williams' Zorro still lives on in other parts of the world including Argentina where Williams retired.

It's about time we see the real Zorro on DVD and even if we have to buy the entire series in installments, that's okay. We have at least moved past viewing the old videos.

Beginning with the very comical story of the "fair Trial" (featuring Sebastian Cabot as the overeating judge who beats Sgt.Garcia in an eating "contest"), this selection takes us to the end of Monastario's reign and sets up for a new storyline. In an already great series, this is an excellent sellection of episodes, better than the first DVD. Worth every penny, and lots of fun.

Although I am fanatic of the Zorro since was a child, I must point out that I am deeply disappointed with this particular product. If you are set on the part of the details of product, clearly mentions that the same is available in Spanish language, but it is false. The product does not bring these specifications in the back, as with other products Disney, nor even with subtitles. Nor can it be changed to Spanish language using the remote control.

What is sadder still, the seller "thelastcinema" has not wanted to respond positively when I reclaimed on this particular. In more than 10 years by purchasing in this place I had ever experienced a treatment so unpleasant with a seller such as this. I urge you to be careful with their purchases in particular if this is the seller (thelascinema) so you will not have future problems.

I clarified that my expressions in have nothing to do with the Company Amazon, which have always provided me a service of excellence. My comments only concern to de seller mentioned above.

There is not a lot to say really. Just mention Walt Disney; Zorro and Guy Williams and that says it all. Go back to the good old days of TV and the laughs and actions of a timeless hero - at last brought back to life on DVD and in color.

Though I have to admit I believe the series still looks better in its original black & white as it aired, a colorized version is good to have. As like many fans of this classic Disney series, volume 2 is A MUST HAVE!

I have ordered many things from Amazon. Purchasing this DVD was the fastest I had ever received anything. It was in perfect NEW condition and my children and I enjoy it very much!