The Mask Of Zorro

Zorro is a lot like James Bond, the last iconic hero directed by Martin Campbell (GoldenEye): both have such a long screen history, that you're halfway to satisfying the audience just by putting them on screen. Here, Antonio Banderas plays a thief trained by the original Zorro (Anthony Hopkins) to continue his work as protector of the oppressed, battling an old nemesis with a plan to turn California into his personal fiefdom. The two make a decent enough pair--Banderas the impulsive pupil and Hopkins his graying Yoda--but The Mask of Zorro only truly comes to life when Banderas brings his roguish swagger to the role. In the few set pieces where he gets to whirl into action, whether crossing swords or burning up the dance floor with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Banderas is a genuine movie star giving the audience a grand show--more often, however, the film has the feel of a bloated generic action film. If only some heroic figure could have made a few strategic slashes in the editing room. Optional. (S. Renshaw)[DVD Review—Oct. 6, 2005—Sony, 137 min., PG-13, $19.95—Making its third appearance on DVD, 1998's The Mask of Zorro sports a nice transfer with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. DVD extras include the same special features as on the previous release, as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the upcoming 2005 sequel The Legend of Zorro (5 min.), an exclusive scene from the new sequel (2 min.), and a free movie ticket for the upcoming film. Bottom line: if you own the “special edition” of this entertaining swashbuckler, there is no reason for you to pick up this so-called “deluxe edition” featuring nothing more added than a plug for the sequel.][Blu-ray Review—Dec. 8, 2009—Sony, 137 min., PG-13, $24.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1998's The Mask of Zorro sports a great transfer with DTS-HD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Martin Campbell, an “Unmasking Zorro” behind-the-scenes featurette (45 min.), a behind-the-scenes segment and exclusive scene from the 2005 sequel The Legend of Zorro (7 min.), deleted scenes (5 min.), the music video “I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You” by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena, and the “movieIQ” BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray debut for a popular swashbuckler.]