Cheap The Mask of Zorro (Special Edition) (DVD) (Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones) (Martin Campbell) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Mask of Zorro (Special Edition)

It's a shame that many movie "reviewers" pooh-poohed Catharine Zeta-Jones' portrayal of the heroine "because she wasn't spanish". Explain, then, ANTHONY HOPKINS in the title role? he certainly isn't spanish, yet he did an EXCELLENT JOB as Zorro as did Ms. Zeta-Jones in her role. For the record, she makes this All-American Male's heart "go pitter-pat" whenever I view this movie. I certainly hope her future movie roles are as good as the one in this movie.

Anthony Banderas portrayal of a "redeemed" bad guy was EXCELLENT! I especially enjoyed his homage to Fairbank's Zorro in his "acting job" at the bad guys' banquet table (complaining about "being tired", etc.). He also has good comedic range and expressiveness. Many of todays 'actors" could learn something from this young newcomer!

The soundtrack is TOP-NOTCH! I remember my wife remarking how she "heard things" on my Home Theater system that she missed in the theater. My hat's off to the sound crew for an excellent job!

In conclusion, this movie is a WELCOME RELIEF from the usual mindless dreck currently produced in Hollywood these days. My whole family, including my pre-teen children, thoroughly enjoy this movie, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for "general family fare".

By the way: the GOOD GUYS win, just like they always used to do....

Fantastic Disc
The Film: From My Orginal Review in July 1998; The Mask Of Zorro

Grandly entertaining throughout. In this new adventure, Anthony Hopkins plays the original masked avenger, only to be caught and imprisoned for 20 years. When he breaks free, he finds yet another to don the mask against an evil tyrant planning to take over California. Director Martin Cambell last helmed "Goldeneye", the 1995 James Bond film, and he brings a lot of the same style and feel to this, somewhat of a period actioner. The cinematography is top notch, and the sets are wonderful. This is a tight, crisp film that is not only incredibly funny at times, but a wonderful action film thats thankfully something new. The swashbuckler isn't really something we haven't seen before, but to see it done this grandly, acted this well, it's simply a relief after a Summer of dodging asteroids and feeling like you've spent six days and seven nights in the theater. This film works on nearly all levels. Deftly balancing hilarious, goofy humor(who new Banderas could do comedy....well?) and fantastic swordfighting, the film is pure fun. Great villians, great actors and chemistry. Catherine Zeta Jones stars as the long lost child of the first Zorro, and the love of the new one. Although I began to get annoyed with the cartoonishly soft focus the filmmakers used on her, she works sublimely with a sword, and she gives her character strong personality and character. So does everyone here. Banderas convinces me here that he actually can act, and Hopkins is excellent. Originally concieved as a project for director Robert Rodriquez("Desperado") I would have liked to have seen a darker story as well, but I was more than satisfied with this version. The only problem with the film is that it's simply a bit too long. Zorro's sword could have been used well in the editing room. At nearly 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film could have used about 15 to 20 minutes chopped off. The dialogue here works better than any of the recent Summer films. A jousting match of it's own, the film has enough one-liners with a balance of smart dialogue between the two Zorros to lift the film throughout it's quieter points. More fun than the last few Bond films, this is wildly entertaining Hollywood, smart, funny, and although it runs a little long, it's certainly one of the year's best films.

The DVD: Picture: Columbia/Tristar has done an absolutely outstanding job on the DVD of "The Mask Of Zorro". Colors are warm, sharp, and, my favorite descriptive word, "electric". The disc contains no mastering flaws that I saw on my first viewing; I compare good discs like this to a great meal; it's absolutely a feast for the senses. If you thought Columbia/Tristar did a fantastic job on "Godzilla" in terms of picture quality, they've topped that job here; the reds on the soldiers uniforms, the black cape of Zorro; it's all rendered absolutely stunning in color on this disc.

Audio: Really beautifully done; swordfights have never sounded this good(and they haven't been done this well in a long time). The flamenco music sounds absolutely wonderful(especially the opening credits piece) and the shouting of the crowds in some scenes seem to surround you; the disc is not only a feast for the eyes but for the ears as well.

Extras: A small "Making Of..." documentary, picture gallery, trailer.

Overall: "Zorro" is absolutely a phenomenal disc; the best picture quality I've seen since "The Horse Whisperer"(unfortunately wasn't 16x9) or "Godzilla". It's actually better than both of those examples. "The Mask Of Zorro" is a combination of fantastic movie and fantastically well done disc. I absolutely recommend it and would say that it's a "must-have" for anyone's collection.

Grades: Sound:**** Picture:**** Extras:*** Film:*** 1/2

Overall Grade:****

A. Webmaster, A Guide To Current Film

New Zorro, New Age
I have never been a huge fan of Antonio or Jones until I saw this film. With its breathtaking scenery, action and atmosphere it makes you love zorro again! A new zorro for a new age! Very well done film with superb acting. The dvd is full on with excellent picture quality and sound.