The Mask of Zorro is a fun almost old-fashioned swashbuckling action-adventure with great casting of Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and a star-making role with Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The Mask of Zorro
25th Anniversary Edition
(1998)
Genre(s): Action, Adventure
Sony Pictures | PG13 – 137 min. – $38.99 | March 7, 2023
Date Published: 03/13/2023 | Author: The Movieman
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Sony Pictures Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3¾/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: After being imprisoned for 20 years, Zorro — Don Diego de la Vega (ANTHONY HOPKINS) — receives word that his old enemy, Don Rafael Montero (STUART WILSON), has returned. Don Diego escapes and returns to his old headquarters, where he trains aimless drunk Alejandro Murrieta (ANTONIO BANDERAS) to be his successor. Meanwhile, Montero — who has secretly raised Diego’s daughter, Elena (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES), as his own — hatches a plot to rob California of its gold. Quick Hit Review: The Mask of Zorro is a movie I’ve seen a few times over the years and quite probably in theaters back in ’98. It’s a fun, old-fashioned, swash-buckling adventure with the more modern and expensive pyrotechnics to give it that grand Hollywood appeal. Beyond the action sequences and fight choreography which were well done, the performances from Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the latter in a star-making role, were all great. So although I have seen this before, this is a film that still holds up. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3¼/5 |
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This is the second time The Mask of Zorro has been released on the 4K Ultra HD format, this time in Steelbook packaging celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary. Included is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The discs far from what I can tell are exactly the same and include all previous bonus materials. Disc 1 (4K Ultra HD):
Disc 2 (Blu-ray):
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VIDEO – 4¾/5 |
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The Mask of Zorro is presented with a 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and a 2160p high-definition transfer (HEVC codec). This picture looks pretty darn good, detail is sharp and very well defined with the natural film grain still intact and especially noticeable in the more natural setting in Mexico. There were no obvious signs of artifacting, aliasing or other apparent flaws making for a great high-definition transfer. |
AUDIO – 5/5 |
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The included Dolby Atmos is certainly bombastic with the various action scenes, the finale especially, but also shows off some of the quieter, dialogue-driven, scenes which came across with excellent clarity. I would say this is reference quality audio and will give your sound system a nice workout. |
OVERALL — 3¾/5 |
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The Mask of Zorro is a fun almost old-fashioned swashbuckling action-adventure with great casting of Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and a star-making role with Catherine Zeta-Jones. Despite seeing the movie a few times over the years, it still holds up quite well. |