COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released a "Special Edition" version of "THE MASK OF ZORRO", and it's awesome!  While there have been many fine films about Zorro, this one surprisingly mixes humor, action, and stunning cinematography to convey the tale in a sweeping "epic" fashion which the character deserves. 

We can tell from the film's visually creative opening scene, that we're in for some great surprises.  Thankfully, as the film progresses, so do the surprises!  The film's opening introduces us to the main villain, Don Rafael Montero. Montero has governed over Southern California with so much brutality that it's caused an guerilla uprising led by a landowner, Don Diego de La Vega aka "Zorro".  As his tactics to overturn the brutal regime have inspired a peasant revolt, Montero has set a trap for Zorro. He has randomly selected three peasants to stand execution, knowing Zorro will show to save them, and thus be caught.   While we too, know Zorro will show, we have no idea how he'll succeed, and this is where the fun of "THE MASK OF ZORRO" lies!  There is one great stunt scene after another, and the film's script is both intelligent and well structured, allowing for each character and twist to work. 

In just one of many unique twists, Montero not only kills Don Diego's wife, but steals their infant daughter to raise as his own. This little girl will grow into the stunning "Catherine Zeta Jones!" 

After being caught and imprisoned, Diego trains a fellow prisoner, Antonio Banderas, to pick up the "Zorro" identity and seek retribution and justice for Mexico and himself.  The rest of the film follows Banderas' exploits, as he confronts the villain, while falling in love with his now grown and beautiful daughter. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented a two disc set for this release.  The first disc offers the film with its correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  This appears to be the same transfer offered in the previous release of almost three years ago. The colors are spectacular!  The film is bright and never oversaturated, and fleshtones are natural throughout.  Contrast is also quite good, with deep blacks and grays. 

The pan&scan version is offered on the 2nd disc and while it's better looking in terms of having minimal grain than most pan&scan versions, it's still not recommended. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has offered both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS mix for this release!  While the DTS version has less compression, the differences aren't as discernible as in many other DTS presentations.  Still, the DTS has the slight edge due to slightly better bass.   There are virtually non-stop directional effects, and the score engulfs the viewer perfectly in key scenes similar to how John WIlliams' score did for "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK".

As this is a "Special Edition", COLUMBIA TRISTAR has loaded it with extras.  "UNMASKING ZORRO" is a lengthy in-depth documentary.  For fans of the film, this is a "must see".  There is extensive insight into the casting and development of the film, as well as plenty of other fun tidbits.

Of course, any film/dvd lover will savor the deleted scenes sequence. While one is basically an extension of the appearance of the horse "Tornado", another more interesting one is an alternate ending, wherein Santa Anna appears, thanks the do-gooders, and the camera pulls back as Banderas and Jones kiss.  Corny, but entertaining.  These scenes, while letterboxed, are not enhanced for 16:9 screens.