Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete Second Season Review

Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete Second Season
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The Complete Second Season is the definitive version that Disney Zorro fans have waited years for. Covering the 39 episodes that comprise season #2 (1958-1959), this limited edition (and numbered) 6-disc set of 30,000 includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a collectible pin (very handsome showing a silver sword with a shadow of Zorro & his horse superimposed on top), as well as a black-and-white photo postcard showing Guy Williams in his Zorro costume. A booklet outlining the contents of the set can also be found here. The set comes handsomely encased in a black metal tin, fitting of this B&W series where the hero wears an all-black costume.
A 3:29 intro by Leonard Maltin introduces the episodes and gives a brief overview of the series and these particular episodes along with the extras on these discs. The remastering is evident on these episodes. The picture is clear and so is the sound; naturally, with the way it was originally recording, a digital surround experience is not possible, but the Dolby Digital recording is crisp, clear, and the score sounds better than it has in years. And no...there are no colorized versions here. Just the genuine black and white originals.
Besides the 39 episodes (starting with "Welcome to Monterey", original air date of 10/9/1958 and finishing with #39 "Finders Keepers", original air date of 6/2/1959), there is a 6th disc of bonus material. Here you will find 2 hour long episodes:
1. "Zorro: The Postponed Wedding," original air date of 1/1/1961, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." Clocking in at 49:04, this episode features Annette Funicello, who is beginning to mature into a very pretty young lady.
2. "Zorro: Auld Acquaintance," original air date of 4/2/1961, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." Starring Ricardo Montalban & Ross Martin ("Wild Wild West") this episode is 49:09 long.
There is also a featurette entitled, "Behind The Mask" (7:52) which is a short look at Zorro's leading man, Guy Williams. Also known as Professor Robinson on "Lost In Space," Williams is often regarded as the quintessential Zorro. Well-liked by his costars (Suzanne Lloyd is quoted here as saying Williams was "one of the most charming professional men I ever had the pleasure of working with"), he began as a model and then became a contract player at Universal. An injury sidelined him and caused him to take up fencing. A call to audition for Disney's Zorro was a fortuitous break for the actor, and catapulted him into stardom. Zorro's stunt double, Buddy Van Horn is also interviewed here, along with Williams' son, Guy Williams, Jr., who obviously has many fond memories of his father and this particular role. Interestingly enough, it is recounted that most action scenes were shot on Fridays so that any injuries would have the entire weekend to heal! Rare color movies of Williams performing at Disneyland as Zorro are shown here; Van Horn recalls them staying at the Disneyland Hotel and taking advantage of the carte blanche they had at the Hotel. Author Antoinette Lane, Guy Williams: The Man Behind the Mask, is also interviewed about Williams, recounting what a role model he was, playing a father figure in "Lost in Space" and a protector in "Zorro."
Finally take a trip to the Walt Disney archives in Burbank on the studio lot (10:55). Leonard Maltin and Guy Williams, Jr. display original costumes and sword from the show, calling particular attention to the lavish detail (genuine silver thread, exquisite embroidery, and heavy wool) that is evident in these pieces made by Western Costume. Two costumes are also shown with the famous "Z" emblazoned on them, including one for Henry Calvin's oafish and comedic Sergeant Garcia. Next up a generous sampling of the more than 500 licensed items that were sold to promote the Disney series, including lunch boxes, rings, child costumes, and even roller skates!
This fantastic set is a must-have for Disney fans both new and old alike. Quality entertainment presented in a quality package.

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With his sword, whip and trusty steed Tornado, Zorro continued to fight the forces of evil in the second season of Walt Disney's legendary classic. The final 39 swashbuckling episodes saw even more children dressing up as the sly fox Zorro in Spanish and making the sign of the Z The second season aired from October 9, 1958, through July 2, 1959, and is presented here -- newly restored and remastered in its original black-and-white format. To add even more thrills to this six-disc set, we've included two rarely seen one-hour specials shown on Walt Disney's anthology series WALT DISNEY PRESENTS -- ZORRO: THE POSTPONED WEDDING and ZORRO: AULD AQUAINTANCE. You'll meet Guy Williams in a profile of the actor who became an overnight star in the role he was born to play. And you'll meet his stunt double, Buddy Van Horn. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Walt Disney Treasures: Davy Crockett - The Complete Televised Series (1956) Review

Walt Disney Treasures: Davy Crockett - The Complete Televised Series (1956)
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Davy Crockett is one of Walt Disney's most endeared and remembered live action characters. He was presented to American audiences by Walt Disney on the Disneyland TV Show in 1954. He was personified by Fess Parker beloved ever after by his sincere portrayal. This colorful and entertaining character was first seen in three episodes from the TV show ("Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter," "Davy Crockett Goes to Congress" and "Davy Crockett at the Alamo"). Parker, with his coonskin cap and homespun drawl and witticism created a nationwide phenomenon in 1954. Who can forget "The Ballad Of Davy Crockett" composed by George Bruns and Tom Blackburn. Buddy Ebsen played his sidekick George Russel, whose adventures take them from Tennessee to Washington, D.C. to the Alamo in the first three episodes. The series' third episode focusing on the defense of the Alamo, though well remembered, is somewhat labored until we see the final image of Davy Crockett passing into legend and glory. This straightforward and beautifully photographed series expounds the virtues of honesty, integrity and bravery. The country could not get enough of Davy so he and George Russel returned in 1955 for two more episodes ("Davy Crockett's Keel Boat Race" and "Davy Crockett and the River Pirates"). For Davy Crockett's second season on television the show was retitled "The Legends of Davy Crockett." The necessary title change came about because we had seen Davy come to his end defending the Alamo and Walt Disney wanted to continue bringing us his adventures. "Davy Crockett's Keel Boat Race" is about a riverboat race between Davy and another American folklore hero Mike Fink. "Davy Crockett and the River Pirates" is about Davy's attempt to stop an Indian uprising with Mike Fink's assistance. In some ways these two episodes are the best. Davy Crockett appears less the frontier fighter and more the good-natured peacemaker in these episodes. The riverboat race with Mike Fink is very entertaining and a high point in Disney's American frontier live action adventures. I don't even think John Ford could have filmed this sequence any better. Kenneth Tobey, who worked with John Ford, is excellent in a great comedic part (Fess Parker made note of Tobey's performance in a supplemental interview on the DVD). Walt Disney gave this actor a chance to demonstrate his great versatility and range as an actor. Also, Mike Fink's boats may look a little familiar since they are the basis for the riverboat ride at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. That's a nice nostalgic tie in! Bert Glennon's cinematography is beautifully picturesque as ever and is matched seamlessly with some very effective glass shot special effects by Peter Ellenshaw. This is one of the best DVDs to come from the Disney vaults. Walt Disney introduces each of the five episodes exactly as they were originally presented on the Disneyland TV Show. The Supplemental Features on this DVD are above and beyond what I had expected. Most of Disney's DVD extras seem to concentrate on the technical aspects of the feature presentation. This DVD focused more on the phenomenon that the legend of Davy Crockett created and the affect it had and continues to have on those who were brought up in those times. There are two exceptional Features: "A Conversation with Fess Parker" and "The Davy Crockett Craze." "The Gallery" of photos and memorabilia is also excellent. "A Conversation with Fess Parker" really hit home with me. Fess Parker appeared to be the genuine article that he was. In a world of eroded morals filled with dirt and filth everywhere you turn it was more than comforting to hear Fess Parker's fond recollections of his portrayal and the ideals that Walt immortalized through the tales of this legendary character. If your eyes feel a little watery its because your remembering a time not so long ago when our heroes were real heroes. This is one of the best and should help keep the legend alive for those that lived it, those that loved it and for those that will someday be touched by it.

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All 5 episodes of Walt Disney's Davy Crockett series chronicling the adventures of the King of the Wild Frontier. Beginning with Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter and featuring Davy's adventures all the way up to the Alamo, these classic adventures are fun for the whole family. Introduction by Leonard Maltin. Episodes: Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter; Davy Crockett Goes to Congress; Davy Crockett's Keelboat Race; Davy Crockett and the River Pirates; Davy Crockett at the Alamo.

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Sunday, January 29, 2012

Gilligan's Island: The Complete First Season (1964) Review

Gilligan's Island: The Complete First Season (1964)
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Gilligan's Island The Complete First Season is a must have for fans of the 1960's comedy. Everything you could want is here. The 3-disc set includes all 36 episodes from the first season presented in standard black and white. The episodes look great in black and white rather than that awful color that was inserted into them while on TBS. The DVD also includes the lost pilot episode with three different cast members alongside Gilligan, the Skipper, and the Howells. Also on the DVD are tropical tidbits about certain episodes, profiles on how the cast was selected, and a tropical island survival guide.
The excellent cast really made this show what it was. Bob Denver as Gilligan, Alan Hale JR as the Skipper, Jim Backus as Thurston Howell III, Natalie Schaefer as Lovie Howell, Tina Louise as Ginger, Russell Johnson as the Professor, and Dawn Wells as Mary Ann made up one of the best ensemble casts in television history. Fans of this much loved show should run out and buy Gilligan's Island The Complete First Season. You will not be disappointed!

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EPISODE SYNOPSES Pilot: Ginger, Maryann and the Professor are different people. Mary-Ann's name is Bunny and her character is more like the current Ginger. Ginger is more like Mary-Ann but still called Ginger. TheProfessor is very much a ladies man. Since the episode never aired,the show was drastically altered, characters were replaced and sowas the now, unforgettable theme song. Episode 1: "Two on a Raft" - The castaways find themselves marooned on the island. Gilliganand the Skipper set sail on a home-made raft in an attempt to findhelp. After sailing for days and battling obstacles such as sharksand Gilligan's unending hunger, they land back on Gilligan's islandwithout realizing it.Episode 2: "Home Sweet Hut" - A hurricane is coming, so theCastaways must quickly build one large community hut in which toweather the storm. However, they soon get on each-others nerves, sothey later decide to branch out and build individual huts.Episode 3: "Voodoo Something to Me" - The Skipper fears that theisland is full of 'voodoo' when he thinks that Gilligan has beenturned into a monkey. Episode 4: "Goodnight Sweet Skipper" - The castaways hear on theradio that a plane is going to be flying over their island, but theywill be unable to contact them because their transmitter is broken.Episode 5: "Wrongway Feldman" - When Gilligan finds an old airplanehidden in the jungle, the Castaways discover a long-forgottenaviator living on the island. Episode 6: "President Gilligan" - The castaways decide that theyneed someone to be the leader on the island, and so they holdelections.Episode 7: "The Sound of Quacking" - The Castaways are faced withrunning out of food, when a blight threatens to destroy many oftheir plants. When Gilligan finds a duck in the lagoon, a difficultdecision must be made.Episode 8: "Goodbye Island" - Gilligan discovers a special tree sapthat can be used to make a good tasting pancake syrup. Then theprofessor discovers that the same tree sap also makes a super glue,that may allow the castaways to repair the Minnow.Episode 9: "The Big Gold Strike" - Mr. Howell discovers a gold mineon the island. He then hires Gilligan to work in the mine. When goldfever strikes the castaways and Mr. Howell is unwilling to share thegold, they begin to charge outlandish prices for the supplies andfood that Mr. Howell needs.Episode 10: "Waiting for Watubi" - While digging, the Skipperuncovers a carved statue of a Tiki God. He then believes a curse hasfallen on him for disturbing the resting-place of Watubi, and thathis days are numbered.Episode 11: "Angel on the Island" - Mr. Howell decides to put on aplay, staring Ginger, after she begins to suffer from home sickness.Trouble begins, however, when Mrs. Howell decides she wants to playthe starring role. Mel Blanc is the voice of the parrot.Episode 12: "Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta Talk" - During Christmas,the Castaways get homesick and remember the first day they wereshipwrecked. When Santa Claus "appears" on the island, many suspecthe is the Skipper in costume. However, just as Santa departs whilewishing the Castaways a Merry Christmas, the Skipper appears fromthe other direction. Episode 13: "Three Million Dollars More or Less" - Mr. Howell loses$3 million to Gilligan in a golfing contest. Mr. Howell then tricksGilligan into trading for a worthless oil well that he owns.Episode 14: "Water Water Everywhere" - Talk about a painful irony:though surrounded by water, the Castaways suddenly discover thattheir supply of fresh drinking water is running out.Episode 15: "So Sorry, My Island Now" - The Castaways are capturedby a Japanese sailor who thinks that WWII never ended. When theother castaways are captured, it is up to Gilligan to save them.Episode 16: "Plant You Now, Dig You Later" - While working for Mr.Howell, Gilligan unearths a chest. The castaways think it mustcontain a pirate's treasure.Episode 17: "Little Island, Big Gun" - A mob leader and hishenchmen, fleeing from the police, land on the island.Episode 18: "X Marks the Spot" - In a test of a deadly new missile,called "Operation Powder Keg," the Air Force chooses an "uninhabitedisland" which just happens to be Gilligan's Island.Episode 19: "Gilligan Meets Jungle Boy" - Gilligan discovers ajungle boy living on the island. He shows them a hole in the groundthat causes objects to float, and the professor theorizes that it isexpelling either helium or hydrogen. Kurt Russell is the guest star. Episode 20: "St. Gilligan and the Dragon" - Angry because the menhaven't kept their promise to build them private houses, the womendecide to move to the other side of the island in protest.Episode 21: "Big Man on Little Stick" - Handsome surfer DukeWilliams rides a giant tsunami to the island. At first, thecastaways are excited as Duke thinks he will turn around and surfback to Hawaii (and send help). However, after seeing Mary Ann andGinger, he decides he may want to stay for a while.Episode 22: "Diamonds Are an Ape's Best Friend"- A gorilla isenchanted by Mrs. Howell's perfume and kidnaps her. After Gilliganaccidentally spills the perfume all over his shirt, the gorilladecides to release Mrs. Howell and exchange prisoners. Episode 23: "How to be a Hero"- After Gilligan is unable to saveMary Ann from drowning in the lagoon, the Skipper must jump in andrescue both of them. The Castaways then devise schemes to boostGilligan's ego, and help him feel like a hero. Episode 24: "The Return of Wrongway Feldman" - The castaways arerevisited by 'Wrongway' Feldman. Episode 25: "The Matchmaker" - Mrs. Howell decides to engineer aromance between Gilligan and Mary Ann. Episode 26: "Music Hath Charm" - Mrs. Howell decides to form asymphony orchestra, to make up for the lack of culture on theisland. Gilligan's drum beats, as they drift across the water, holdspecial meaning to angry natives on a nearby island. Episode 27: "New Neighbor Sam" - The Castaways overhear the voicesof gangsters discussing buried treasure and threatening their lives.The voices turn out to belong to a parrot, who then leads thecastaways to the "treasure." Episode 28: "They're Off and Running" - Mr. Howell wins all of theSkipper's possessions betting on turtle races. Even when he feelsbad and switches the turtles so that Skipper will finally win, hestill wins! Episode 29: "Three to Get Ready" - The Skipper insists a stone foundby Gilligan will grant the finder three wishes before sundown. Theprofessor, of course, insists it is just superstition.Episode 30: "Forget Me Not" -The Professor tries to cure theSkipper's amnesia by hypnotizing him and taking him through time.Episode 31: "Diogenes, Won't You Please Go Home" - The Castawaysdiscover that Gilligan has been keeping a secret diary. When theyread it, they all seem to disagree with how certain events unfoldedand tell their side of the story. Episode 32: "Physical Fatness" - Gilligan and the Skipper plan tojoin the Navy when they are rescued. However, when weighingthemselves, they discover that Gilligan must gain weight, while theSkipper must diet. Episode 33: "It's Magic" - Gilligan finds a raft, oh wait, no, theGreat Raftini's magic trunk. Ginger knows how to use the magicaltricks and the castaways plan to use the magic to scare away angrynatives if they ever got to their island again.Episode 34: "Goodbye Old Paint" - A famous painter who has renouncedcivilization, Dubov, visits the island (with a short-wave radio, ofcourse). The castaways are hopeful that Dubov will give them histransmitter, but soon discover he does not wish to go back tocivilization.Episode 35: "My Fair Gilligan" - After Gilligan saves Mrs. Howell'slife, Mr. Howell decides to make him his son. He immediately putsGilligan through basic training to be a millionaire's socialite son(dream sequence), changing the way he walks, talks and dresses.However, Gilligan and the rest of the castaways miss the "oldGilligan." Episode 36: "A Nose By Any Other Name" - A fall from a coconut treegives Gilligan an inflated nose and a deflated ego. When Gilligandecides he wants the Professor to perform plastic surgery on hisnose, the Professor pretends to perform the surgery, and instead,relies on the recuperation time behind the bandages to allow theswelling to go down. When the bandages are finally removed, Gilligandecides he is happy with his old nose!

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Walt Disney's Zorro - Season 1 - Volume 1 (1957) Review

Walt Disney's Zorro - Season 1 - Volume 1 (1957)
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Buyer Beware: These are NOT different episodes from those that Guy Williams' fans already have on VHS tapes. Each of the VHS tapes (released years ago) had a title for each tape (which contained about 6 episodes each). Those titles do NOT appear on these dvds. However, they are the exact same episodes.
What you get are "new" colorized copies and better picture quality (although the VHS tapes were fine quality).
I'm not knocking these dvds. I just want to pass along this warning. I may not have jumped at the Christmas gift of a "deal" on all 6 dvds had I known that I was not getting any new episodes.
All of that said, Guy Williams is masterful in every way in this series. His allegedly deaf valet steals the show many times. Sgt. Garcia is the Sgt. Schultz (Hogan's Heroes) of this series. It all works, in every episode.
For you fans who followed Guy Williams from here into the additionally immortal Lost In Space TV series, there is another treat in here. Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith on Lost In Space) appears in the Mountain Man set of episodes, as a dastardly, conniving sneak. I guess someone saw how well he did it, and signed him up as the permanent "Special Guest Star" on Lost In Space.
Guy Williams died of a brain aneurism, in 1989 in Argentina. Though born in the Bronx, he had reportedly felt burned by Hollywood. After relocating to Argentina, he did some work with a traveling circus as Zorro. In Hollywood, he had also starred as Sinbad and as the sword-wielding Miles Hendon in a Disney version of The Prince and the Pauper.
Guy Williams was the first of the Lost In Space actors to die, followed only recently by Jonathan Harris. Sadly, their first public reunion was after 1989.
Guy Williams, born Armando Joseph Catalano, may have been one of the most untapped strong-male (a true 6'3") lead actors that Hollywood neglected, to their loss and ours.

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Journey back to the days when California was still under Spanish rule and El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles was a growing community surrounded by sprawling ranchos. The struggle for power to control Alta California's vast wealth often led to rampant injustice. On DVD for the first time ever - fans of all ages can experience classic episodes from Walt Disney's legendary TV series (1957-1959). This Zorro volume chronicles eight swashbuckling adventures starring Guy Williams (TV's Lost in Space) as the masked avenger Don Diego de le Vega. Riding astride his stunning black stallion Tornado to defend the poor and oppressed, his alter ego, El Zorro ("The Fox"), expertly wields bullwhip, sword, and cunning to right every wrong as perhaps the first caped crusader - one who inspired legions more. Contains 8 Episodes from Season 1: Episode 1 - Presenting Se?or Zorro ? Episode 2 - Zorro's Secret Passage ? Episode 3 - Zorro Rides to the Mission ? Episode 4 - The Ghost of the Mission ? Episode 5 - Zorro's Romance ? Episode 6 - Zorro Saves a Friend ? Episode 7 - Monastario Sets a Trap ? Episode 8 - Zorro's Ride into Terror

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Wild Kratts: Creature Adventures Review

Wild Kratts: Creature Adventures
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This is our new favorite DVD! Both my 5.5 year old son and I are completely delighted with this new series. The Kratt brothers are the super heroes of the animal world! The episodes are packed with interesting facts, and beyond that---even the "super powers" that the brothers derive from their special suits mimic the special characteristics of the animals in the episode. Of course, all super heroes need villains, and these are comical and fun, too. All in all, loads of entertainment and just as much learning---and it's all clever, fast-paced, entertaining and great fun! Thank you! Keep these DVD's coming, please!

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Monday, June 13, 2011

F Troop: The Complete First Season (1965) Review

F Troop: The Complete First Season (1965)
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After 40+ years, They're back. The whole crazy bunch of misfits of Fort Courage return and they are funnier than ever.
Capt. Parmenter, Sgt. O'Rourke, Cpl. Agarn, Wrangler Jane, Chief Wild Eagle, Crazy Cat, and Troopers Hannibal Dobbs, Duffy, Hoffenmueller and Vanderbilt provide the laughs while parodying life between the soldiers of Fort Courage and the Hekawi Indian tribe.
It appears we have a nicely packaged set with single-sided picture discs containing all 34 episodes from season one. A great job from the good folks at the Warner Bros.!


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After accidentally leading a cavalry charge into victory, Private Wilton Parmenter becomes a hero and is given command of Fort Courage. Here, his group of cavalrymen bumble through fighting their enemies and working with the local Hekawi Indians to sell items to tourists.

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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete First Season Review

Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete First Season
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The Complete First Season is the definitive version that Disney Zorro fans have waited years for. Covering all 39 episodes that comprise season #1 (1957-1958), this limited edition (and numbered) 6-disc set of 30,000 includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a collectible pin (showing two crossed silver swords with Zorro's mask superimposed on top), as well as a black-and-white photo postcard showing Guy Williams in character as Don Diego. A booklet outlining the contents of the set can also be found here. The set comes handsomely encased in a black metal tin, fitting of this B&W series where the hero wears an all-black costume.
A 5:21 intro by Leonard Maltin introduces the episodes and gives a brief history of Zorro and these particular episodes along with the extras on these discs. The remastering is evident on these episodes. The picture is clear and so is the sound; naturally, with the way it was originally recording, a digital surround experience is not possible, but the Dolby Digital recording is crisp, clear, and the score sounds better than it has in years. And no...there are no colorized versions here. Just the genuine black and white originals. The comedy, action, drama, and music combination that one expects from a Walt Disney production is all here, completed with a stellar cast. Guy Williams, Gene Sheldon, and Henry Calvin have fantastic chemistry. Williams' hero Zorro, who is a "bookish" Don Diego by day, becomes the black-caped & masked legend who rights wrongs in his "off hours."
Besides the 39 episodes (starting with "Presenting Señor Zorro", original air date of 10/10/1957 and finishing with #39 "The Eagle's Flight", original air date of 7/3/1958), there is a 6th disc of bonus material. Here you will find 2 hour long episodes:
1. "Zorro: El Bandido," original air date of 10/30/1960, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." Clocking in at 51:10, this episode features Gilbert Roland & Rita Moreno, not long before her breakthrough role in "West Side Story."
2. "Zorro: Adios El Cuchillo," original air date of 11/6/1960, from Walt's anthology TV series "Walt Disney Presents." This episode is 49:00 long and again stars Roland & Moreno.
An excerpt (3:17) is included here from "The Fourth Anniversary Show," which originally aired on 9/11/1957. Walt is surrounded by the Mouseketeers who anxiously want to hear more about Zorro. Walt finally relents, and the opening from the show rolls out. There is an "interaction" between the two sets, where Zorro talks to the Mouseketeers and then engages in a sword fight shown only in shadow (very effective!).
There is also a featurette entitled, "The Life and Legend of Zorro" (12:26) detailing the history of Zorro. Starting with the publication of Johnston McCulley's story in a pulp fiction magazine titled All-Story Magazine, "The Curse of Capistrano" came out in 1919. Swashbuckler Douglas Fairbanks Sr. was the first to play Zorro in the movies (1920), followed by Tyrone Power over at 20th Century Fox in 1940. Disney purchased the rights to the property in 1952, but didn't get around to actual production until 1957. This marked the first time that a standing set was built on the Disney lot in Burbank at a cost of $500,000. Disney worked closely on this show to make everything authentic, and made sure it was helmed by a quality team. Each episode cost $78,000 to film and was shot on a 5-day schedule, which was very lavish for the day. Each installment also had original music and scoring written by William Lava. Today, the quality still shows and has paid off handsomely for the studio from its continued fanbase over the past 50 years. The documentary has many technicolor images of Guy Williams and the Zorro cast, along with interviews of Williams' son. Legal battles between ABC and Disney delayed Season 3, which resulted in a few hour-long episodes. It is ironic that one of the top rated shows (garnering an unheard of 40% audience share in season 2) was killed not by the ratings but by legalities and quibbling.
This is a sure-fire set that will please old and new fans of this quality program.

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Out of the night, when the full moon is bright, comes the horseman known as Zorro. Debuting October 10, 1957, Walt Disney's thrilling series about the masked avenger was so successful, it made Zorro a household name -- and quashed every series that went up against it. Filled with action, adventure and suspense, this volume presents the first season's 39 episodes (all newly restored and remastered) in their original blakc-and-white format. To enrich your experience of Disney's unforgettable classic, this six-disc set also includes ZORRO: EL BANDIDO and ZORRO: ADIOS EL CUCHILLO, the rarely seen two-part, one-hour specials shown on Disney's anthology series, WALT DISNEY PRESENTS. Then discover the many faces of Zorro from his literary beginnings through the creation of the Disney TV series. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

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