Written by Jennifer
November 05, 2009
This is definitely a collector's edition, and novices with only passing curiosity need not apply.
It's only fair to review the Zorro The Complete First Season and Zorro The Complete Second Season for their intended audience. If you grew up watching this beloved show, either in its original run or in syndication, and have a clear memory of its content, you will fall head over heels in love with this collection. Seriously.
From the moment you peel off the shrink wrap, it's clear that this is a first-class release. Each season comes in its own collector's tin and includes a collectible Zorro trading pin, a publicity still from the show, an episode guide, and a numbered collector's card (reminding you that you are the proud owner of a limited edition). I should add that there is no overlap of items in the two collections - together they make a complete set spanning the duration of the show.
The Complete First Season includes all 39 original episodes as well as two one-hour episodes that aired on Walt Disney Presents. It also includes an excerpt from "The Fourth Anniversary Show" and the featurette "The Life and Legend of Zorro", which looks at the lore preceding the show and the man who brought him to life for Disney - Guy Williams.
The Complete Second Season includes the next 39 original episodes as well as the two one-hour specials aired later on Walt Disney Presents. The featurette "Behind the Mask" takes a more in-depth look at the life of Guy Williams, and includes interviews with his colleagues, friends, and his son. The bonus feature "A Trip to the Archives" finds Leonard Maltin hanging out with Guy Williams' son and checking out the original Zorro costume and some of the 500 licensed memorabilia items that were issued during the show's run. Both collections are exceedingly thorough, and fans can fully immerse themselves in the world of Zorro.
As for the episodes themselves, you will find Guy Williams as Don Diego de la Vega fighting evil and oppression in Spanish California in the guise of Zorro. There are many horse chases and sword fights, all ending with Zorro's triumph and the mark of "Z". He engages in witty banter, often gets the girl, and generally Zorros his way through every episode. Brilliant if this puts you into a nostalgic reverie...a little less so if you're a younger viewer watching the show for the first time. The black and white film makes the show look old, and some of the cheesily-made sets and backdrops look pret-ty phony by today's standards. This is definitely a collector's edition, and novices with only passing curiosity need not apply.
