THE MASK OF ZORRO
Tri-Star Pictures (1998)
Widescreen


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Film Review:

In a year of mediocre movies and released during a summer of disappointments, "The Mask Of Zorro" was a refreshing change of pace. After "Godzilla" and "Armageddon," we really weren't looking for another big, loud action movie. However, "The Mask Of Zorro" broke the mold. It was an action movie with brains. Yeah, the swashbuckling and the sword fights were a lot of fun, but the movie also had a plot (a coherent one too!), and some very witty and sharp dialouge.

The film starts off with Anthony Hopkins playing an aging Zorro in Spain. The people love him, but he certainly has his enemies. After a daring rescue in the city plaza, he vows to put up his mask forever and spend the rest of his days with his wife and daughter, Elena. Before he can get in the clear though, Zorro is caught and imprisoned by his rival. Twenty years later, he manages to escape. He discovers that his rival stole his baby girl, Elena (Catherine-Zeta Jones), who is now a grown woman. He also comes upon Alejandro (Antonio Banderas), a petty thief, who he soon trains to be the next Zorro. Together, the two try to stop Zorro's rival from taking over California, and Alejandro tries to win the heart of Elena.

Who knew Antonio Banderas could act so well? He is consistently funny and charming and even bodes well in the action scenes. You absolutely believe that Banderas is Zorro. Anthony Hopkins is of course, fabulous (could he possibly be anything else?) Catherine-Zeta Jones is a great find here as Zorro's love interest. She's great with a sword, sexy, and yes... even a good actress. These are three really well defined performances, something you don't see much of in an action film.

This film certainly qualifies as a must-see! Whether you're seeing it for the action, the stars, or just for a fun ride, then you'll have to plenty to enjoy in this film. It was the summer's ultimate movie for me.

DVD Review:

Tri-Star usually does fantastic picture transfers and this disc is no exception. There were absolutely no flaws that I saw in the picture! There are lots of bright colors which vividly come alive. The sound is even better. It's probably one of the best sound transfers I've heard so far. The sounds of the swords clanking together, and even the swoosh of the swords, come at you from all directions. The picture and sound just couldn't be better.

The menus are just fine(although I think it would have been cool for there to be a Z slashing through each menu.) On the scene selections menu, snippets from each scene play as you decide which scene to jump to. There is a nice theatrical trailer (the original trailer is absent however) and a photo gallery full of promotional stills. There is a behind the scenes featurette which gives you a brief look at how the film was brought to the screen, including some interviews with the cast and producers. It's not a great featurette, but a welcome addition to the disc.

Final Analysis:

The film is excellent and the picture quality and sound are top-notch. Menus and extras are pretty good. This one's a winner!

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

GRADE: * * * 1 / 2

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