7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Tyrone Power stars as 19th century nobleman Don Diego de Vega, whose father, the mayor of Los Angeles, is removed from office by the sinister Captain Pasquale (Basil Rathbone), and a new corrupt "alcalde." By day, the crooked politicians rob the citizenry at every turn, and at night, Don Diego, wearing a mask, defies their laws and avenges the innocents. As he leaves his trademark - the letter "Z" - wherever he goes, he also leaves an impression on the mayor's niece, (Linda Darnell), who can't help but love the hero in disguise.
Starring: Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone, Gale Sondergaard, Eugene PalletteRomance | 100% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.31:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit)
None
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Zorro is an icon that has been shaped through all forms of media, passed down through generations since his 1919 debut. There are iconic depictions of the character, but rarely has one interpretation encountered universal approval like 1940’s “The Mark of Zorro,” where star Tyrone Power picked up the sword and the mask and made a hero soar across the screen. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, “The Mark of Zorro” hits all genre sweet spots, keeping Power and his co-stars front and center to bring complete charisma to the production, which has just as much fun watching the talent interact as it does staging sword fights and chases.
The AVC encoded image (1.31:1 aspect ratio) presentation handles "The Mark of Zorro" comfortably, with a secure cinematographic balance and satisfactory delineation. Detail is adequate, capturing passionate facial responses and costume textures, while set decoration is open for study. Source encounters speckling, but no major points of damage.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix capably supports the high-flying score for "The Mark of Zorro." Although highs threaten disaster, balance is maintained with excitable instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges are comfortable, managing accents and big action. Hiss and pops are detected throughout, but nothing pronounced enough to distract.
"The Mark of Zorro" eventually locks into swashbuckling mode, including a battle royal finale that gifts swords and rage to all combatants. It's an amusing picture, but not quite the thrill ride perhaps some are expecting from the brand name. This "Zorro" values relationships and antagonisms more than straight action, building a richer viewing experience before it indulges the obvious payoff.
1957
Warner Archive Collection
1947
1921
1922
1947
1936
1950
2012
1935
The Roadshow Edition
1944
1945
Warner Archive Collection
1949
1943
1942
1959
1935
1932
1942
1948
Arrow Academy
1942