Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

The Legend of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

*Slashes a Z* "So the devil will know who sent you!"

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown August 25, 2023

Martin Campbell's The Mask of Zorro (1998) remains a dazzling action-adventure swashbuckler; a throwback to a golden age of film that captures the magic of the past and promises a bounty of future exploits. I'd argue it's a near-perfect late '90s classic that's as enjoyable, if not more so, than beloved 2003 fan-favorite genre pic Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. With clashing swords aplenty, flights of folk hero fancy, daring stunts, a soaring score and a who's who cast of A-listers -- Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins lead the charge -- it remains a timeless must-have that sits on many a cinephile's shelves. Its 2005 attempt to solidify the Zorro franchise reboot, though, suffers the same fate as the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels: failing to reach the heights of the first film. There's treasure to be uncovered and riches to be found in The Legend of Zorro, sure. Banderas and Zeta-Jones remain a standout duo. But it never quite captures the passion and pathos of The Mask of Zorro, accidentally tying too early a bow on a series that had the potential to give us numerous sequels.

After fighting to help California become the 31st state of the Union, Zorro (Antonio Banderas) must live up to the promise he made to his wife Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones): to give up his secret identity and live a normal life as Alejandro de la Vega. When he hesitates, it threatens to tear them apart. Now, the same forces that conspired to keep California from becoming part of the United States are plotting to unleash a threat that has been 500 years in the making; a threat that could change the course of history forever. And only Zorro can stop it.

The Legend of Zorro by no means feels like a cash-grab sequel. Real love and care have clearly been invested into the production and it boasts many of the same qualities as its predecessor. The retention of the series' director only helps (even though the screenwriters have changed), and while someone of Hopkins' gravitas is missed, the lack of impressive new additions to the cast barely leaves a mark. It's a striking film, shot in the plains and canyons of the arid Mexican wilderness, and its action beats keep your heart pounding and the grin on your face growing wider and wider. Banderas and Zeta-Jones have palpable chemistry too, building on the flirtations of the first film and allowing it to evolve into the more complex strained love of two squabbling parents doing their best to settle down and avoid a life of... sword fighting on top of trains.

Alas, Legend commits a few too many cardinal sequel sins, chief among them the inclusion of a wisecracking, action-hounding pre- pubescent sidekick in the form of Alejandro and Elena's young son, Joaquin (Adrián Alonso). The little actor does a fine job with the character he's handed but, dear goodness, what precocious, unwelcome guest to the adventure Joaquin becomes. Shoving a kid into tried-and-true Zorro action does not make for a fun third act, and the danger and stakes all but deflate when you realize there's no way in hell anyone or anything is actually going to harm Zorro's son in a PG-rated family flick. Other sins? It's over-long, the first act drags as we patiently await Alejandro's official return to heroism, the villains are a bit pedestrian, and the "500 years in the making" threat central to the story is, at best, anticlimactic. Gone is the sweeping sense of being there. Gone is the magical blend of Mexican culture and Hollywood filmmaking. Gone is the whirlwind adventure that, in the first film, seemed so organic to the plot. Worse, gone is some of the warm heart and sharp humor that made The Mask of Zorro so indelible. Joaquin is at the center of both and both suffer as a result.

That said, Hollywood just doesn't churn out films like The Legend of Zorro anymore. It's light on CG and heavy on practical wizardry that's as dusty, dirty and dizzying as any fan of throwback action/adventure could desire. Its cast has nothing short of a blast, its stuntwork is often breathtaking, and there's a definite crescendo of conflict and combat that makes the (sometimes plodding) race for the finish worth finishing. It doesn't amount to everything fans of the first film will want, nor does it live up to its full potential at any point. But it's far more than a tiring, tiresome sequel, reaching for (though not quite grabbing hold of) greatness and delivering a fairly entertaining ride into the heart of legendary heroism.

The Legend of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Hold onto your hats. This is a bit of a confusing one. Sony presents The Legend of Zorro in 4K with a dingy, yellowed, oft-times near monochromatic video transfer that's disappointing to say the least. The film was shot in Super 35 and mastered as a 2K digital intermediate, meaning the film's UltraHD presentation is upscaled to 2160p. But the issues run deeper than that. Legend's dim, dirty palette pales (sometimes literally) in comparison to the gorgeous 4K release of The Mask of Zorro. Skies are grimy; the color of a dirty gas station toilet. Contrast is muddy, with overpowering shadows and dampening darkness. Fine detail is good, when the lighting allows for it to shine. However, there are too many instances of softer textures and less-than-razor-sharp edges. Never mind the artificial sharpening and edge halos that creep in. It's minimal but present in some shots nonetheless. Worse, when the sun sets or when the outdoor action moves into poorly lit interiors (each of which happens frequently in the second act) the frustration level increases. Delineation weakens, the quality of the image's already inconsistent film grain falters, and the darkest regions of the source suffer.

I'd chalk most of the disappointment up to the digital intermediate source, problematic color timing, or the fault of the original cinematography, especially since I don't have a reliable way to determine how close to the filmmakers' intentions the 4K image has landed. But it's difficult to accept any of these possibilities. Director Martin Campbell and cinematographer Phil Meheux helmed both The Legend of Zorro and The Mask of Zorro, which does have a slightly similar dust-strewn, classic western appearance, but also boasts crisp blue skies, more lifelike fleshtones, richer black levels, more remarkable detail and more vibrant colors.

Making matters more confusing is the version of The Legend of Zorro currently streaming on services like Amazon. Take a look at the difference. Pay particular attention to color, contrast, brightness, vibrancy and primary punch:

• 4K Blu-ray edition comparison screenshot 1 / 2K streaming version comparison screenshot 1a

• 4K Blu-ray edition comparison screenshot 2 / 2K streaming version comparison screenshot 2a

• 4K Blu-ray edition comparison screenshot 3 / 2K streaming version comparison screenshot 3a

Fine detail is visibly more refined in the 4K image. Three cheers for Sony. I'd even go as far as to argue that the 4K presentation is more filmic. But then I keep going back to The Mask of Zorro, to which the streaming version bears a stronger resemblance. The Legend of Zorro really lacks that patented HDR, 4K pop. All signs point to an old master (circa 2007, when the film was first released on Blu-ray) in desperate need of a remaster, making this a rare miss for a Sony 4K catalog release.

The Legend of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

At least The Legend of Zorro's rousing Dolby Atmos mix (and compatible Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track) is more comparable to its Mask of Zorro 4K release counterpart. Dialogue is clean, clear and naturally prioritized, channel pans are nimble and smooth, and directionality is spot on. And that's just in the quiet moments. And you're not watching a Zorro adventure for those. When swords are drawn, wood splinters and horses charge into the fray, the subwoofer makes its presence known with booming nitroglycerin explosions and deep rumbling thooms, the rear speakers create an absorbing and immersive soundfield that only bolsters the excitement, and each speaker embraces every last dynamic touch the film's sound design has on tap. The final battle alone -- with a swashbuckling Zorro and his family inside, then on the outside of, a speeding train -- delivers the kind of experience the video transfer never quite manages. And goodness, the theater-quaking eruption of flame and smoke that follows. (Ignore the dated compositing and VFX. It at least sounds believable.) Bottom line? Sony's Dolby Atmos mix is the clear highlight of the disc.

The Legend of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The 4K release of The Legend of Zorro doesn't include any new special features, recycling the early 2000s DVD and Blu-ray versions' supplemental package.

• Audio Commentary - Director Martin Campbell and cinematographer Phil Meheux chat all things Zorro, but very little of it sheds light on the aforementioned 4K video presentation mystery.

• Featurettes (SD, 40 minutes) - Four lengthy EPK featurettes are included in 480i: "Stunts", "Playing with Trains", "Armand's Party" and "Visual Effects".

• Deleted Scenes w/Optional Director's Commentary (SD, 11 minutes) - Four are available in standard definition widescreen: "Alternate Opening & Credits" (only available with commentary), "Alejandro Drops Off Joaquin", "Chinatown" and "Symphony by the Bay".

• Teaser & Theatrical Trailer (HD, 5 minutes)

The Legend of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Legend of Zorro is a lesser sequel, and its 4K edition is a lesser Sony catalog release. A remaster would (possibly) go a long way, although there's no telling how much of the video presentation's disappointment traces back to the original 2K digitial intermediate source. Ah well. At least Sony's Dolby Atmos mix lives up to The Mask of Zorro's excellent 4K BD. My advice? Stick with the first film and its far superior Sony 4K release.