Customer Reviews

Zorro: The Legend Begins [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I remember this series from back when it aired on The Family Channel. Duncan Regehr is a masterful Zorro. Great performances by the supporting cast. I just wish there was some way to get the whole series on VHS.

I "fell in love" with this particular series. I used to dash home from work to catch it. It shows a different side of Zorro, not just the hero fighting for the rights of the "little people" but also having a heart and loving a "common person" instead of the daughter of one of the wealthy ranch owners. Unfortunately, she never discovers who Zorro really is. I certainly wish as many others do that the entire series were available for purchase.

Over the years, there have been many films made about the legendary masked rider of Old California, but only two serious television series. This tape, consisting of the four episodes from 1989 that began the four-season Family Channel series, introduces a Zorro that I rank among the top five, which include Regehr, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Guy Williams, Alain Delon, and Reed Hadley. "The Legend Begins" tells the story of the origin of Zorro in a new way and with some changes to the traditional story: James Victor's "Sergeant Mendoza" is not the fat buffoon of previous "Sergeant Mendoza"s but a likeable and sympathetic supporting character; the villain is not the Commandante of the garrison but now the corrupt alcalde Luis Ramon; and Zorro's love interest is no longer the traditional senorita but now Victoria Escalante, the owner of the local tavern and a modern woman with a mind of her own who's not afraid to speak out against the alcalde's injustice. This story adds details to Zorro's origin that many must have wondered at, and there is enough action, suspense, and swordplay for everyone to enjoy, not just fans of Zorro!

I watched every single episode of The New Adventures of Zorro as a kid. I have them all taped except for about 20 episodes. And let me tell you, when I start watching them I cannot stop! Duncan Regehr is such a talented actor who puts so much into his roles. Yes, I was about 11 years old and I fell in love with the guy! The romance between Zorro and Victoria was so beautiful. The show had it all....and my favorite episode, "An Affair to Remember." I'll always be a Zorro fan!

I ordered this video from Amazon.com, and when it came today, I watched it. It was excellent! First on my list of praises would have to be Duncan Regehr, whom I first saw in the TV-movie "Earth Star Voyager". He created an intriguing Diego/Zorro, one whom I would really get along with. He has courage and intelligence, and he is a scientific tinkerer as well as an excellent swordsman. I also loved the way he snuck himself into the coffin for Zorro's "memorial". That made me laugh in appreciation! Then there's Patrice Camhi. She was a spirited Victoria in the tradition of the original Lolita Pulido and Lolita Quintero of Tyrone Power's movie, but Victoria's even more independent than those women because she was created in the late 1980s. Juan Diego Botto also made an excellent Felipe. I admired his loyalty to Diego/Zorro. I even thought Michael Tylo made an excellent villain as the Alcalde. In short, I loved it and would highly recommend this video to anyone who wants to know more about Zorro.

Duncan Regehr plays Zorro in this Family Channel series from the early 1990s. This entry is a 90 minute special recounting how Don Diego became Zorro in this particular retelling. Regehr brings a certain dash and intelligence to his Zorro. Coupled with the traditional black mask and swift stallion, the combination brings a new twist to the character,that of an inquisitive scientific tinkerer with the traditional superlative skill with a saber. This is a good entry to introduce kids to Zorro too. If television must be called upon to provide heroes again, then Regehr's Zorro is an excellent choice. END

Duncan Regehr was the star of the immensly popular television series "Zorro." Produced by New World Television, the series lasted from 1989 to 1992, with 89 episodes and four seasons. This film takes the first episodes and tells just how Don Diego de la Vega (Regehr) became Zorro.
Diego is sent to Madrid to study science and swordsmanship by his father Don Alejandro (Efrem Zimbalist Jr., later to be replaced by Henry Darrow). Diego returnes to find Los Angeles in the clutches of the evil alcalde Luis Ramone (Michael Tylo). Alejandro and Diego's love interest Victoria (Patrice Martinez) object to the alcalde's rule. at first, so does Diego. But he soon disguises as the fox Zorro. Only his mute friend and servant Felipe (Juan Diego Botto) knows of this. Zorro foils the plans of the alcalde and his sargent Mendoza (James Victor). When thought to be dead, Zorro/Diego and Felipe know how to foil the alcalde and startle everyone.

this is an extremlly good video for family viewing, it shows how
the spanish people survived before the twentieth century during the old west up until present day, the video is full of enteranment i would remmomend thiss video to any one.

Christopher L. Grohusko
26 year old lifetime Zorro Enthusiast and Night Sky Star Expert

NOTES:

Although I've only seen 3 parts of this 4 part video,
be assured that this video will so gracefully and
brilliantly whisk you away into a time when things
were consolently and warmly simpler; a time abundant
with all the enlightening and enriching items of the
day such as pristine wide open views of the sunny
desert landscape of Spanish California, a roaring
Clipper ship gliding across the waters, a majestic
da Vinci hand glider, horses, a quiet and small
Spanish village, and a secret cave with winding
stone adornment. A treat for all of the senses!

P.S. If anyone has seen part 4 of this series, please
fill me in on the details of what happens and any other
landscape/effects aspects, thanks!

Visionary regards,

Chris L. Grohusko
El Paso Texas

I think that ducan regehr is a great actor. When I wath this movie it really impact me. There is a lat of action in this movie.In my opinion he is a great zorro. From all the movies that I hava watch of zorro I think that this one is the best one that I have seen in my live