International Availability for the New World Zorro DVD Sets

Many people have asked about whether the New World Zorro DVDs are available internationally.  While this is strictly a North American release, nothing should prevent anyone from anywhere in the world from buying the sets.  However, be aware that you must have a DVD player that will play the DVDs.  The DVDs are region 1, and region 1 discs cannot be played in Europe and elsewhere.

Some people have the misconception that it is not possible to order the DVDs if one is outside the United States.  Someone else checked and stated that Amazon did not prevent the DVDs from being placed in the shopping cart.  All that Amazon did was warn that the DVDs were region 1 and that the buyer was not located in region 1.  If buyers can play region 1 discs, then ordering should not be a problem.

Sellers are now selling the New World Zorro DVDs on eBay at bargain prices.  I would be very wary of such listings.  You have no guarantee as to whether the sellers are selling the actual DVD release.  The sellers could be selling the usual bootlegs but using the photos of the DVD release in order to make buyers believe that what would be received are the actual DVDs.

One auction has an expected arrival date of between January 12 and January 21.  How is this possible when the set is not to be released until January 25?  I do not suggest bidding, even though $4.99 appears to be a great deal.  It appears to be too good of a deal.

I suggest buying from Amazon rather than from eBay, because you are guaranteed good service and are also guaranteed not to receive bootlegs.

The Complete Series
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4

New World Zorro DVD Set Product Information

The product page for the DVD set for all four seasons of the New World Zorro series has finally been updated with information about what is on the set. We knew that the set was supposed to contain the unreleased original pilot and extra scenes that never aired, but the product page finally confirms this information.

Zorro: The Complete Series

This is the editorial information from the product page, and I have added a number of omitted quotation marks so that the text reads better.

Out of the night a hero must rise with courage that even a mask can't disguise! So begins the adventures of Zorro swordsman, scientist and relentless defender of the oppressed.

In early 19th century Spanish California, a corrupt Alcalde (mayor) grows rich by terrorizing the good people of Los Angeles. Young and dashing Don Diego de la Vega (Duncan_Regehr), pretending to care only for science and study, secretly creates a bold alter-ego: Zorro the Fox. Aided by his mute servant Felipe, inspired by the faith of the beautiful tavern-keeper Victoria, and carried into battle by the mighty steed Toronado, Zorro thwarts the Alcalde's plots at every turn.

Filmed entirely in Madrid, Spain, Zorro aired on The Family Channel for four seasons, from 1990-1993. Still a tremendous fan favorite, Zorro is renowned for its swashbuckling family-friendly adventure as well as its top-notch cast of featured characters and guests, including Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Don Alejandro de la Vega, Daniel Craig, Andre the Giant, Philip Michael Thomas, Jesse Ventura and Adam West.

For the first time ever, all 88 episodes have been collected in one DVD set, including a bonus disk with classic Zorro films, an alternate series pilot and much more.

BONUS DISC:
The legend of Zorro truly begins in 1919, with the publication of Johnston McCulley's story, The Curse of Capistrano. A year later, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford produced The Mark of Zorro with Fairbanks as the title character as the inaugural film for their new studio, United Artists. Since then, the character has inspired more than 40 films and nearly a dozen TV series. The Zorro Archives includes some of the masked defender s most influential appearances as well as rare behind-the-scenes material from the 1990 series.

BONUS FEATURES: THE ZORRO ARCHIVES
The Mark of Zorro starring Douglas Fairbanks the original full-length silent film that defined the swashbuckler genre
Chapter 1 of the 1939 theatrical serial Zorro's Fighting Legion
Trailers for the serials Zorro's Fighting Legion, Zorro's Black Whip and Zorro Rides Again
The original, never-before-released pilot for the New World Zorro
A photo gallery from the New World Zorro

Cover Art for New World Zorro DVD Sets

The official New World Zorro DVD release will be in early 2011. While Amazon.com still shows January 11, 2011, we have been told that the actual date is January 25, 2011 (see comment to this post).

Someone asked in a previous post whether it matters from where we buy the DVDs. The concern was whether the copyright holder would get more profit if the DVDs are purchased from one source over another. It is apparent that purchasing from Amazon.com is fine with Zorro Productions, since Zorro Productions has linked to Amazon from its site.

Amazon.com has just updated the product pages with the cover art.

Season 1


Season 2


Season 3


Season 4


The Complete Series

Buy the Complete Set of New World Zorro DVDs

For New World Zorro, A&E plans to release individual sets of the four seasons and a complete set including all four of the seasons. I highly recommend that anyone who can afford to do so buy the complete set rather than the individual seasons. The complete set is currently priced at $89.99, and the individual seasons are currently priced at $26.99.

What often happens with DVD releases is that all of the seasons do not get released at once, and the later ones are the ones never released. In this case, all of the seasons are getting released at once. However...

We know that the first season will sell the best, because anyone who decides to buy the individual seasons will buy the first season before the others. It is very possible that the other individual seasons may not sell well enough to be kept on the market. Or even worse, the entire DVD release could get pulled pretty quickly if the sales are too low to keep in production. That could leave many people with nothing except the first season, if they go for the individual seasons one at a time.

New World Zorro is, after all, an obscure television series that most people do not remember. It is not likely going to have very high sales. Therefore, if possible, start getting your money saved up and buy the complete set all at once while it is available!

New World Zorro DVD Release Information

We do not have a definite date for the release of the New World Zorro DVD set, but we know it will be soon. Amazon has five listings for the DVDs which give a release date of January 11, 2011.

All four seasons
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4

You can also read some information here about the release. Keep in mind that the artwork for the set has not been released yet, and the actual release date is not set in stone. It could still change. What is encouraging is that we know the plans for the release of this series are moving forward quickly, much quicker than is normal for DVD releases of obscure television series. This is going to happen, and soon.

Please continue to be patient and remember that one year ago, we had no chance of this series getting released on DVD. One year ago, we did not know who owned the rights, so nothing was ever going to happen. The series has been in limbo for nearly 20 years. I believe the problems were caused because the Family Channel was sold years ago, and that made it unclear who owned the rights to the series.

Zorro Productions, Inc. now owns the rights, has compiled extras for the set, has created the artwork, and has been working hard to get the series released as soon as possible. This type of release can often take several years from the early plans to the actual release. We are very fortunate that the plans have moved forward so quickly. We are almost there!

New World Zorro DVD Release Update

A&E Video has a target of December 2010 for the release of the New World Zorro DVD set. Keep in mind that the specific release date has not been determined and that release dates are subject to change.

The original target was Fall 2010 but that was a little too quick, so the new target is December 2010. A lot goes into preparing a DVD release such as this one. We are going to get some great bonus features, including outtakes and the original never-before-seen pilot that did not star Duncan Regehr. It takes time to process these bonus features. In the meantime, we have much to anticipate!

The Two Polls Are Now Live

I have created two polls with all of the suggested names for the New World Zorro DVD boxed set. The polls are in the right sidebar. I tended to put the more viable names in the first poll, but a few of them are in the second poll. I tried to even out the list so that roughly half of the names are in each poll.

You can vote for more than one title, so select all of the possibilities that appeal to you. Please remember to vote in both polls, unless of course you hate all of the suggestions in one of the polls.

I do not suggest trying to vote after you have already voted, as I have noticed poll numbers drop as the days pass. I believe that trying to vote more than once cancels out both responses.

These polls are set to run through August 15.

List of DVD Name Possibilities

I have compiled a list of DVD name suggestions. If I have inadvertently left off your suggestion, please let me know. Additionally, if you can think of other possibilities, I will add them to the list.

The Adventures of Zorro
Diego And Victoria: The New Adventures Of Zorro
The Family Channel's New World Zorro
The Family Channel's Zorro
The Family Channel Zorro
His Name Is Zorro
A Man Called Zorro
New World Zorro
The New Zorro
The New Zorro with Duncan Regehr
The New Adventures of Zorro
The New Adventures of Zorro from 1990
The New Adventures of Zorro Starring Duncan Regehr
The Sword of Zorro
The Thrilling Adventures of Zorro
The Wonderful World of Zorro
Zorro
Zorro: Adventures in the New World
Zorro and Victoria: A Love Story
Zorro: A New World
Zorro: The 1990 Family Television Series
Zorro: The 1990 Family Version
Zorro: The 1990 Television Series
Zorro: The 1990 Television Series with Duncan Regehr
Zorro: The 1990 to 1993 Television Series
Zorro: The Complete Collection
ZORRO: For Love and Honor
Zorro: The Family Channel Collection
Zorro: The Family Channel Version
Zorro: The Family Version
Zorro: The Family Version with Duncan Regehr
Zorro: The Legend Begins
Zorro: The Legend Continues
Zorro: Man of Cunning and Steel
Zorro: Man of Science
Zorro: The New Adventures
Zorro: The New World Collection
Zorro: The New World Collection (Family Channel Version)
Zorro The Next Generation

My plan is to create two polls so that you can vote for your favorites. I am going to separate the possibilities into two groups for the polls. One group will contain the possibilities which are the ones that Zorro Productions is more likely to choose. The other group will contain the possibilities that Zorro Productions is less likely to choose.

We need to remember the purpose of our suggestions. Zorro Productions wants a name that will distinguish the DVD set from that of the Disney Zorro series. Zorro Productions appears to want to avoid calling the series simply "New World Zorro." So keep that in mind as you consider the possibilities.

I do not feel that a name that is the same as another version of Zorro will be likely to be chosen. This means that a name that is the same as other filmed versions of Zorro, McCulley's Zorro stories, or the names of the Dell and Gold Key Zorro comic books are likely not viable choices.

The name of the series is simply "Zorro," but Zorro Productions wants a better name for the DVD set. I feel that the name should be something that is easily recognizable and makes people think of this specific version, especially people who have not visited Zorro websites. You might think that all people who would be interested in this series have visited the Zorro websites, but I can tell you from my experience in another area of interest that a large percentage of people interested in any specific topic have never visited informational sites concerning that topic. It is surprising but true.

I also want to admit for the very first time that I have never deep in my heart thought of this series as the New World Zorro version. At the time that I created my site, it was apparent that most people on the internet called it that for some reason that I do not quite understand. Actually, I do know that it is because of New World Television, but the series always was and still is the Family Channel Zorro to me. I did not name my site that since that did not appear to be the trend on the web. It has never sounded quite right to me. For that reason, I can understand why Zorro Productions is concerned about calling the series the New World Zorro.

I will be using these criteria as I separate the names into more likely and less likely to be chosen. If your suggestion ends up in the less likely group, it is for one of the above reasons and is nothing personal. I also believe I am limited in the number of selections to a poll, so I have to do more than one poll anyway. When I create the polls, I will allow you to make more than one choice so that you can indicate which ones you like better.

If you want to begin discussing what you think of the possibilities (some of you already have on the original post), feel free to do so. We have had a surprisingly low response from the New World Zorro group, and the respondents in this blog seem to be more interested. I allow anonymous comments to this blog, but I would appreciate it if you would enter your first name, last name, initials, or at least something so that I can tell how many people are discussing this topic.

New World Zorro DVD Set Bonus Feature

Daryl has provided us with another scoop.

I wasn't certain that I could release this news yesterday so I had to verify it first. ONE of the special features will be on the DVD release is the never before seen pilot episode for the New World (Family Channel) Zorro tv series.

This is spectacular news. As far as I know, no one has ever seen it. The book Zorro Unmasked: The Original History by Sandra Curtis explains what happened with the pilot to the New World Zorro.

John [John Gertz of Zorro Productions] pitched Nancy's [Nancy Larson, twin sister of John Gertz] treatment to seven production companies in two days...They closed a deal with New World Television....John had insisted on creative consultation rights for the series, but he found himself in conflict with the producers over how much they would be willing to accept him as a creative partner. The problem he confronted with Goodman-Rosen, the line producers, was to be revisited with each new Zorro project....John's concerns regarding the pilot were summarily ignored by Goodman-Rosen. His chief complaint was the violence. The plot involved numerous killings and generally lacked humor, a critical part of the Zorro formula.

Here is a summary of the plot, also from Zorro Unmasked: The Original History.

Antonio de la Cruz, the nephew of Don Diego, takes up the mantle of his boyhood hero when Zorro is killed by the commandant, Monastario. One element of Nancy's treatment was retained: Antonio played a clumsy scholar with glasses whose heroes were da Vinci and Cervantes.

The pilot featured Patrick James as Zorro and Patrice Martinez as the female lead, Dona Maria Constansa Arrillaga, a spoiled, rich girl to whom Antonio was betrothed. Antonio does not endear himself to his arranged marriage partner, harboring memories of Maria as a fat and homely child. Yet she has grown into a feisty, dark-haired beauty. Maria's feelings about Antonio echo his own about her. She is, however, very impressed with Zorro. In the climax, Antonio uses his knowledge of da Vinci's principles of flight to build a hang glider, which he dramatically sails into the plaza to rescue falsely convicted men from execution.

(snip)

Location shooting took place on the southern coast of Spain near Almeria in November 1987....Gertz fumed on the set, watching a nightmare unfold before his eyes....Based on a disastrous pilot, interest in the revival of Zorro as a live-action hero fell short of attracting the required funding partners. The fox once again seemed headed toward a short-lived revival....The producers went back to the drawing board, revamping the concept and addressing some of Gertz's concerns. The story line reverted to a traditional Zorro scenario without the oppressive violence. The fox had partially been rescued.

The result was the New World Zorro television series that aired on the Family Channel. It will be a special treat to see the original pilot.

Name the NWZ Official DVD Boxed Set

Your suggestions are needed by August 6, 2010. If you have a suggestion, please leave a comment on this blog post.

Daryl has provided us with this important information:

Zorro Productions Inc is working toward releasing the NW Zorro for Christmas. The bonus material is currently being processed and I'm told fans are going to love it.

****** ZPI is offering the fans a very special opportunity. ZPI is going to allow you to name the DVD box set. Since both series were simply called "ZORRO" a title that will clearly distinguishes it from the Disney Zorro Box set is needed. ZPI feels that simply calling it New World Zorro may not mean much to most buyers. So NWZ fans your input is critical. It's up to you to name your Zorro series. *******

Please think about a title and get back to me ASAP. I will pass all of your suggestions on to ZPI.

Daryl

What we need to think of is a name that will cause people who see the packaging to immediately think of THAT version of Zorro. We want people who have never been to this blog to know instantly which version of Zorro it is. We want people who have not thought of the show since 1993 to want to buy the set because they remember the show from the Family Channel. We need a name that is not the name of another version of Zorro. Think of when you saw the series on television. How did you think of it? What do you recall?

My suggestion was to use something with the word "family" in it, since the show aired on the Family Channel. I always thought of it as the "Family Channel Zorro." Unfortunately, "Family Channel" is probably trademarked and cannot be used. I suggested "Zorro: The Family Version" or "Zorro: The Family Version with Duncan Regehr" in addition to some other ideas.

EDITED TO ADD: Make sure you read my latest post on this topic.

New World Zorro to Be Released on DVD Fall 2010

This just in from Daryl:

The deal for the distribution of New World Zorro on DVD was only officially completed on Wednesday so I don't have all of the details. I will pass them on as I get them. The distributor will be A&E Video. They are set to release in the fall. Right now they are working with ZPI to put together the bonus material. A&E will decide how they wish to release the series so ZPI doesn't know at this time if it will be one season at a time, seasons 1 & 2 together then seasons 3 & 4 together or a complete box set.

and also:

ZPI has a cable deal in the works for NWZ. They will provide details when they come available. I'll pass them along. Also it appears the DVDs will include a Spanish language option.

If you are one of the people who has been waiting for years for this series to be released on DVD, your wish is about to come true. If you are just now wanting to see the shows, please do not buy bootlegs from anybody. They are of inferior quality, and you are better off waiting for the official release, which is just months away.

New World Zorro DVD Release Information

I sent out this information on two lists, and I am also placing this here in order to reach a wider audience.

Daryl reports that John Gertz is in the final stages of acquiring a distributor for the series. This means that the New World Zorro series will soon be on DVD in an official release in the United States and elsewhere.

John Gertz has requested that fans let him know of their preferences for a DVD release. Daryl is passing on the responses. Reply to this message if you would like to have input. Here are the questions:

Do you want the DVD set released one season at a time or all at once?

Would you like to see a bloopers reel?

Would you like to see a cast reunion? In what format: Interview, concluding episode TV show (keep in mind the cast is now 17 years older), concluding episode radio drama

Would you like to see writers, directors, producers, etc, reunion interview?

A release of some special memorabilia, or maybe cast autographed special edition DVD series?

Advice Concerning New World Zorro DVDs

The people who have been selling bootlegs of the New World Zorro shows for years are still selling them. Since it now looks like we have a very good chance of seeing the New World Zorro series on DVD this year, please do not give the bootleggers your money. If you have waited nearly 20 years to see the shows again, you can wait a few more months.

Over the years, I have ignored the bootleggers and in some ways was glad that they made copies of the shows. By other people making and selling copies, it kept me from being harassed quite so much by people wanting DVDs. Of course people still harassed me, so I had to place a message near the top of my New World Zorro page. I also placed that message there because someone thought I was the one selling copies on eBay because an early bootlegger used my collage image on the sets and later bootleggers continued to use that image. I didn't want people to think I was the one selling copies. Some people do not understand that anybody can swipe an image off a website and use it however they want.

As I stated, I have not cared what the bootleggers did. My opinion has now changed. It would be a shame for someone to pay a lot of money for a bootleg set now when we have a good shot of seeing a legitimate release.

The bootleg sets are not the quality of an official release. There are three known sources of the bootleg DVDs. The first source is from tapes recorded from the Family Channel that have good picture quality and no missing parts, but the sound quality is not so good.

A second source of the bootlegs is from someone who recorded the shows from the Family Channel in a very sloppy fashion, cutting off much of the beginning and ending credits. The picture quality also has problems aside from the missing parts.

A third source of the bootlegs, which I have only heard about and never seen, is from tapes recorded from a station in Canada during the last ten years. I do not know the quality of this source, but it may be better than the other two. Even so, it cannot be the quality of an official release.

A prospective buyer has no way of knowing which source a set of DVDs has, so it would be unwise to buy one of the DVD sets at this point in time. Wait for the official release.

New World Zorro on TV and DVD

Zorro Productions announced via its Facebook account that it has acquired the rights to the New World Zorro television series. Here is the announcement:

[ZPI] is excited to spread the news - Zorro Productions (ZPI) announces that it has acquired the rights in the eighty-eight (88) half-hour live-action episodes of "Zorro" television series created by New World Television. Most recently, the series was controlled by Fox Home Entertainment for most markets in the world. ZPI’s rights cover most of the world but not Spain, France, or Germany.

Here is an additional update:

We just acquired the rights, and now we are looking for a distributor. The company CEO is going to NAPTE next week, so keep your fingers crossed.

ZPI also has added a page to its site that mentions its acquirement of the rights.

http://www.zorro.com/new_world.html

ZPI is looking to get the series out on DVD and back on television.

First and foremost, I would love to see the series back on television. This series has been absent from the airwaves since either late 1993 or early 1994... nearly two decades. A return to television would bring new fans to the series and to Zorro.

Second, it would be great to finally be able to purchase quality copies of the episodes. I have been very negative over the years about the prospects of NWZ getting released on DVD because nobody seemed to know who had the rights to the series. With the rights in question, there was never a chance of getting the series released. Now that ZPI controls the United States rights and is looking to pursue a DVD release, I feel much more positive. I feel like we now have a fighting chance to see the series on DVD.

The Rights to the New World Zorro

Apparently Zorro Productions, Inc. has purchased the rights to the New World Zorro. Keep your fingers crossed...