‘The Legend Of Zorro’ 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – Adventure Sequel Doubles Down On The Action

The original caped crusader is back! Antonio Banderas and Academy Award(r)-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (2002, Best Supporting Actress, Chicago) return for more swashbuckling action, adventure and excitement in the explosive cinematic thrill-ride, THE LEGEND OF ZORRO! Having spent the last ten years fighting injustice and cruelty, Alejandro de la Vega (Banderas) is now facing his greatest challenge: his loving wife Elena (Zeta-Jones) has thrown him out of the house! Elena has filed for divorce and found comfort in the arms of Count Armand (Rufus Sewell), a dashing French aristocrat. But Alejandro knows something she doesn’t: Armand is the evil mastermind behind a terrorist plot to destroy the United States. And so, with his marriage and country’s future at stake, it’s up to Zorro to try and save two unions before it’s too late.

For thoughts on The Legend Of Zorro, please check out our discussions on The Video Attic: 

[youtube https://youtu.be/1D3SR_N-57U?si=JkYrjKP0aBew24du&t=1246]

Video Quality

The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Legend Of Zorro offers the best presentation yet for this adventure, but there is not an accompanying Blu-Ray included so direct comparisons are limited. The previous Blu-Ray was first released in 2007, and Zorro fans were hopeful it would get a 4K UHD upgrade like its predecessor. The film arrives with a 2160p Dolby Vision/HDR master which allows the film to look the best it ever has on home entertainment. Unlike The Mask of Zorro, The Legend Of Zorro was finished to a 2K Digital Intermediate after being captured on Super 35. While this means this is an upscale to 4K UHD, there is still a lot of benefit to having this on the format. This new release preserves the digital origins of the feature while still harnessing a world of pleasing texture and detail. 

You can clearly distinguish specific details within the makeup, backgrounds and production design that have otherwise been murkily defined before on streaming and Blu-Ray. The interiors of various structures are given more depth which makes for a more compelling exploration of the world. The improvements in contrast and overall clarity are a standout aspect of the disc, especially when wading through such shadowy environments. The Dolby Vision presentation brings nuance to the golden-touched aesthetic with a formidable saturation. Highlights offer a great stability without veering into blooming. Black levels are deep which allows this transfer to provide an impressive level of fine detail in darker environments. Skin tones look natural and the clarity of the transfer gives you a tremendous amount of facial detail. This is not the most miraculous transfer from Sony, not touching the glory of the first film, but it is a perfectly enjoyable presentation overall.  

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray gets an audio upgrade in the form of an exciting Dolby Atmos track that gives the film a dynamic soundscape with a real intense and immersive quality. The new disc also offers up the original soundtrack in lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. Both of these tracks are a knockout in their own ways, but we are glad Sony is continuing the trend of giving fans a choice. Those who choose to embark with the original track may not get the cutting edge in audio but you will be granted a perfectly formidable track without any age-related flaws. 

The Atmos track renders atmospheric sound effects appropriately within the mix so that directionality is pinpoint precise. The track yields the expected emphasis on the front channels for dialogue and other distinct sounds while additional activity extends to the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers to make the world feel more three-dimensional. The height channels are implemented well as they fully transport you into the adventure. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting drowned out by the music or sound effects. The low end effects from the subwoofer deliver the desired extra weight to enhance the action sequences. Every single sound feels natural and energizing in a way that elevates every moment. The film really shines when it comes to the tremendous score from Jame Horner which complements the narrative really well. Sony has delivered a rock solid audio experience for fans.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Director Martin Campbell and cinematographer Phil Meheux provide a very thorough commentary track in which they discuss the production of the film, the direction they wanted to take the sequel, the James Horner score, the characteristics of the performers, the tricky choreography of certain sequences, the location shooting and much more.  

• Featurettes: A 40-minute selection of featurettes are provided here in which the cast and creative team provide the details about the creation of various moments including the complicated stunt work, the intense train sequence, the implementation of visual effects and more. 

• • Stunts (9:26)

• • Playing With Trains (12:30)

• • Armand’s Party (12:07)

• • Visual Effects (5:55)

• Deleted Scenes: Four unused scenes are provided totaling 11 minutes in which you get to see an alternate opening and closing, a scene between Alejandro and his son and more. This is provided with optional audio commentary from director Martin Campbell.

• Trailers: There is a Teaser Trailer (2:31) and Theatrical Trailer (2:26) provided. 

Final Thoughts

The Legend Of Zorro is a notable step down from its predecessor, but that does not mean it does not hold some value for fans of the character. Director Martin Campbell knows how to craft a thrilling set piece, and this film doubles down on the action this go-around. This does mean that the character dynamics are less fleshed out this go around, leaving the narrative feeling slightly stagnant and underwhelming at points. There are moments when you see the former magic, it is just not as consistent as you might want. Sony Pictures has released a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring an admirable A/V presentation and a decent collection of special features. If you only own this one on Blu-Ray or not at all, this package is the perfect purchase to complement the first film with the best presentation. Recommended 

The Legend Of Zorro can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.