Review of Mask Of Zorro, The

Introduction

The old swashbuckling genre isn`t regularly exploited, but it can still offer adventure and excitement aplenty. One of the original `swashbucklers` if you could describe him as that - was a mysterious figure known as Zorro.

A kind of Robin Hood for the 1800s, he was the brainchild of a 20th century writer, and was soon born onto the silver screen in various silent incarnations. Zorro was a Spanish bandit, a reclusive man who hid behind a mask, like many heroes seem to do!

Antonio Banderas, a Spaniard, always seemed to be a fan of this Hispanic figure, and would of course be open to any offers about playing the part. So when Columbia offered him the role of Zorro, he duly accepted. And this is what he accepted:

It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) successfully fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero Zorro. He transforms bandit Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) into his successor, in order to stop the tyrannical Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), who robbed him of his precious daughter Elena (Catherine Zeta Jones) all those years ago.

Here`s hoping for an adventure-on-acid...

Video

2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. The visuals are deep and well defined with no artefacts and a good use of the palette. The print is crisp and clear throughout, and the transfer is therefore replicated almost flaw-free. However, the odd tinge of softness prevents this from being reference quality, but considering this was one of the first DVD transfers, it is very accomplished.

Martin Campbell, whose CV includes the seventeenth Bond film - GoldenEye - directs, and it is obvious that The Mask of Zorro possesses a visual richness and attention to detail. From action-packed set-pieces to more tender moments, every shot is captured perfectly and not only defines the era but also defines the style and mood in which the narrative weaves.

The choreography in the film is very well done, with the swordfights prepared and executed well, and any bout of fisticuffs is equally well done.

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 (English & German). As one would expect from a recent film, the surrounds are used frequently, and the soundstage is very good, amplifying the action well. The main audio stream is crisp and clear, therefore the dialogue is equally as good.

The script is good, combining `old school` Zorro with a new, modern one, so there is a mixture of styles, which is pleasing. Part romance, part adventure, part action, part thriller, The Mask of Zorro offers something for nearly everyone.

Features

The extras begin with an audio commentary from director Martin Campbell, and he speaks freely and easily, offering insight and anecdotes into the production. Like with 90% of commentaries, this is well worth listening to.

Next there is a 60 minute documentary, "Unmasking Zorro", which is absolutely great - most probably one, if not the, best DVD documentary out there. Combining interviews with cast and crew (bet you didn`t know Catherine Zeta-Jones turned up to the studios in a worn mini, asking in a quaint Welsh accent how she was `doing a film here`); the story of the production (Spielberg is the executive producer for instance); some deleted scenes (such as Elena in a horse competition); and even an alternate ending, which gains kudos for Hollywood cliché alone. Brilliant.

Another deleted scene - entitled "The Wallet" - is counted as a separate extra, and is a rather good deleted scene, displaying the vagabond nature of Alejandro well.

There is a rather poor music video (although classical fans may like it), performed at what seems to be one of the sets from the film.

A trailer, filmographies and photo gallery complete the extra features, and they are all good for a bit of padding here and there.

The menus are static with music playing in the background, and they are fairly easy to navigate, although a little emphasis on the arrows wouldn`t go amiss. Note: the back of the DVD cover displays the menu...yet in fact the actual menu on the disc is different. Weird.

Conclusion

Yes, this really is an `adventure-on-acid`, a film displaying flair and quality all over, and something that all ages can enjoy. Amusing, enjoyable and sometimes emotional, The Mask of Zorro is a great flick, and rises above the average popcorn outing.

Some great set-pieces, character development and a compelling narrative, set against the backdrop of a time long gone, all add up the the fact that this is a must-see film.

Granted, it is not a classic, nor a masterpiece of celluloid (there may be the odd flaw, but they don`t slow the momentum of the film down at all really). However, considering recent films have been pretty poor (odd examples excluded), it is refreshing to see Hollywood shooting from a whole new direction.

The actors all add stacks to their roles, a notable example being Sir Anthony Hopkins as he likes to be called now - and for obvious good reason.

The disc itself is strong, very strong actually. No faults at all: the only room for improvement is just to add more quantity-wise, not quality-wise.

With a sequel in the works, I just hope they don`t stray from this successful formula. Same goes for the DVD...