The Mask of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

The Mask of Zorro 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the crowd pleasing 1998 film 'The Mask of Zorro' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video and Dolby Atmos Audio. The bundled Blu-ray is identical to the previously issued 2009 disc and brings with it the bulk of the supplemental content, but Sony has added several new deleted scenes and trailers to the UHD disc.

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

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.

Sony originally released The Mask of Zorro to Blu-ray in December 2009. The 1080p image was of a high quality for its time and it still holds up as an adequate presentation today. But this is Sony, expectations are high for a dazzling, dizzying UHD upgrade from a film-based source, and the studio doesn't disappoint. This 2160p, native 4K, HDR fortified picture is flat-out gorgeous. It's beautifully organic and true to its film roots with greatly expanded color and impeccable detailing. The picture is as sharp as it could seemingly be at this resolution, and naturally so. Grain is flattering and evenly distributed, a healthy, organic output that gives the entire picture a beautiful film-like façade. Sharpness abounds and intricate details are commonplace with pores, clothes, terrain, and structures revealing unrivaled accuracy. Every shot is a joy. Enough said.

The HDR color spectrum brings a new level of depth and enhancement to the proceedings. Red clothing adornments dazzle with richly realized tonal accuracy and vibrancy well beyond the comparatively paltry Blu-ray's color limitations. Primaries pop with resplendent depth across the board, and even as much of the film favors dusty beiges and other earthy tones there's no lack of tonal command, depth, and true-to-life accuracy. Whites are extraordinarily rich and blacks are conversely deep and pure while enhancing, rather than detracting from, shadow detail. There are no obvious source or encode flubs of note. A reference-level presentation through-and-through.

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

The Mask of Zorro's Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a blast. The instrumentals to open the movie present with both impeccable clarity as well as superb stretch and low end effect. When Zorro swings the sword across the screen and an explosion follows, the over-engineered audio roars to life with hugely satisfying vigor, capturing the essence of its era's sound mixes with remarkable precision. As the camera zooms into a crowd in the early moments, the sense of immediate immersion is obvious. Chants and jeers emanate from all over, and the action scene to follow delivers all of the foreground muscle and background din with expert balance, prioritization, and placement. The overheads are not used discreetly but the added opportunity to support the elements from above and with more stretch through the back only improves the experience. Action to follow throughout follows suit, with bass aplenty, surround usage to spare, and folded-in top end elements that more precisely and fluidly draw the listener into the chaos. Whether some gunfire, clanking swords, explosions, anything and everything the film has to offer there's plenty of sonic character, clarity, and chaotically balanced immersion. Lighter atmospherics are also pleasantly integrated. When Alejandro first stands "in the Lair of the Fox" in chapter six, voices reverberate with a tangible top-end support component and dripping water occasionally falls from above and around the listener. Music throughout energizes and dialogue is clear and well prioritized. A perfect compliment to the A-plus visuals.

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

For this UHD release The Mask of Zorro, Sony has included several new deleted scenes and trailers. For legacy content, Sony has simply repurposed the 2009 Blu-ray for this set. It includes the compliment of extras outlined below. Please click here for full coverage. This release ships with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code and a non-embossed slipcover.

UHD:

• NEW! Deleted Scenes (1080p, 8:57 total runtime): Included are Scene 50 - Into the Dungeon, Scene 66 - Pay a Visit to Santa Anna, Scene 76 - Trinkets, Scene 105 - More Champagne, Scene 113 - A Sultry Dance-Alternate Cut, Scene 115 - You Should Have Told Me, Scene 134 - Pursuit of the Map, Scene 151 - Searching for Zorro, Scene 159 - Is That Man My Father, and Scene 159 (Original).
• NEW! Trailers (1080p): Included are Teaser Trailer 1 (1:16), Teaser Trailer 2 (1:46), and Theatrical Trailer (3:09).

• Audio Commentary
• Unmasking Zorro
• Deleted Scenes
• Music Video
• The Legend of Zorro Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek
• Exclusive Scene from The Legend of Zorro
• Previews

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

Zorro fans, rejoice. Sony has transferred the film to the UHD format with superb reference-grade picture and sound presentations and even a couple of new extras. It's a shame that The Legend of Zorro did not get the same treatment at the same time, but that's the only remotely disappointing thing one can say about this release, and it doesn't even directly relate to it. This disc is truly first-rate. Very highly recommended.