Visit my website:
New World Zorro
I no longer am interested in adding new information to the site, except for some recent necessary changes about the official release on DVD. However, during the years that I built the site, I was very meticulous and thorough about my information. It is the place to go for correct information about the series. I am not being arrogant, and I am aware that I could have something wrong somewhere. But I know how much work I put into the site, and I know how carefully I cross-checked information.
I mention this because a point came up recently in this blog. Someone commented that it is wrong to state that the series aired from 1990 to 1993, and I assume this comment was directed at the DVD title suggestion that included those years. I made that title suggestion.
It was stated that the correct years are 1990 to 1992, and that we can look up those dates on various sites. I have no idea who has the years as 1990 to 1992, but that information is wrong.
First off, the fourth season was the only season I saw as the shows aired, and I wrote down the dates. The series ended in January 1993. Pam Poland, another fan, wrote down the dates for all four seasons as they aired. She and I agreed on the dates for the fourth season when we compared notes years ago.
As to Pam's dates, I knew she had them right, but I also cross-checked them. At one point, I bought most back issues of TV Guide for 1990 to 1993 and cross-checked dates. I do have the correct dates listed on my site on the episode lists. The Family Channel aired new episodes from January 5, 1990 until January 30, 1993. The run of the series was three years and three weeks.
When the point was brought up that the dates of 1990 to 1993 were wrong, I knew I was the one who stated them and figured that my website must contradict those dates. I have thought very little about the New World Zorro series during the last five years. I thought that I was remembering wrong. Pam pointed out the correct end date, and I checked my site. Sure enough, my site has the correct end date.
When I first built my site, I mentioned that one of the writers for the series, Philip John Taylor, guest starred in the episode "Whereabouts." Someone informed me that I was wrong and pointed out the two different pages on IMDB for a writer, Philip John Taylor, and an actor, Philip Taylor. I was chagrined and removed the information from my site.
A few years later, Robert L. McCullough, producer for the series, answered some fan questions. He mentioned that Philip John Taylor was in the episode "Whereabouts" as a writer as an inside joke. I then added my original information back to my site. What this proves is that IMDB does have incorrect information. I just checked, and writer Philip John Taylor is still not credited as being in that one episode, yet he was.
I also took a lot of criticism for years about the alcalde's name Luis Ramone. I was probably the only person who thought the name was Ramone, and everyone else thought it was Ramon. I used the sign in "It's a Wonderful Zorro" as proof. I was told that the name was misspelled in that sign and that production did not bother to correct it. While this show was slipshod at times (see the electric light bulbs in the hacienda in "Death and Taxes" and remember the show is set in 1820), I thought that it was going a bit too far to suggest they would misspell a primary character's name.
When I finally obtained many of the scripts, I found that the name is Ramone all through the scripts. I shared that information and was told that the name must have been spelled phonetically so that the actors would know how to pronounce it. Who on earth does not know how to pronounce Ramon? It is not an uncommon name. People were grasping at anything in order to prove me wrong about the spelling of the name.
By the way, I do not care how people spell the name in their fan fiction stories. Of course Ramon is correct for Spanish, and I believe that most of the stories use that spelling. It is my duty to bring forth information about the actual television production, so for me, the name is Ramone.
I also have a conviction about a certain extra who appeared in many shows, but I have been unable to prove it. Of course I am the only one who believes what I do, and I hope someday I can prove myself either right or wrong, because it bothers me.
Just know that I am someone who is very thorough, so my site is a good source of information. I have far from all of the information that is available, but what I do have from years ago should be correct.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Template Change
I am going to see if I can get the poll results more easily viewable by changing templates. The process will likely cause the polls to be even harder to view temporarily until I get everything adjusted.
Update: The polls are now wider, even though you will still have to scroll right to see the results. It is better than it was.
Update: The polls are now wider, even though you will still have to scroll right to see the results. It is better than it was.
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.
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
NWZ Unfilmed Script: "The Surprise Visit"
First off, I cannot share scans of the scripts for free. Please do not ask. I am bound by a promise to another person, and the scripts were very expensive. I cannot and will not give them away for free. If we would ever get people who would be willing to pay a fair price for copies, then we could get a return on our investment and more people would be able to read them.
In response to what people wonder about the most, there is nothing about the romance in any of the unfilmed scripts that I have seen and nothing that would further develop any parts of the overall plot of the series. I believe that we did see all of the shows which further advanced things, such as "An Affair to Remember" which was how they chose to wrap up the romance story. Of course, we wanted more than that, but at least they gave us something.
I have one unfilmed script that is from either the first or second season, since Ramone is in it. As an aside, the scripts spell the name as Ramone, which is why I use that spelling. It is the correct spelling of the character's name, even though it is not the correct Spanish spelling. While I don't know which season the script is from, my guess is second season since that season skipped over some production numbers.
The name of the script is "The Surprise Visit." I would rate this one as slightly above average.
Here is a fairly detailed summary:
Governor Maximiano Matorras arrives in Los Angeles, hoping to find evidence that the Alcalde is corrupt. Near the hacienda, Zorro overhears the governor planning to arrive in disguise as a doctor.
During a bean-eating contest in the tavern involving Mendoza and the blacksmith, De Frutos, Matorras arrives in disguise and gives his name as Doctor Frijoles. The governor is appalled at the way the Alcalde is forcing Mendoza to eat beans so that he will beat De Frutos.
Diego points the governor out to his father, and the men laugh at his disguise. According to the De la Vegas, Matorras is the best governor California has had in years. They hope that the governor will see signs of corruption during his visit and remove Ramone from office.
In the plaza, a woman cries out for help and collapses. Victoria has the woman's husband take her to the tavern. Victoria summons Doctor Frijoles because the woman is about to give birth. Frijoles hesitates, beginning to say that he isn't a doctor. Diego interrupts, stating that Frijoles is a Doctor of Mathematics, which is why he cannot help. Don Alejandro offers his services in place of the doctor. The Alcalde questions whether he can do anything. Alejandro comments that he helped bring Diego "into the world in the back of a wagon." He states that it is just common sense.
Mendoza recognizes the doctor from the portrait of the governor that hangs in Ramone's office. He whispers the news to Ramone. Ramone quickly forgets the traveler's tax he was going to impose on the doctor and decides to show him the cuartel. Later, Ramone takes the doctor with him when he repairs a peasant's fence. The peasant is bewildered by Ramone's kind behavior, especially since the soldiers were the ones who destroyed the fence.
Later, Diego and Felipe decide to have Zorro intervene. At sunrise, Zorro rides into the pueblo and forces the Alcalde to confess to several things, such as the traveler's tax and that he bet all of the money on the bean-eating contest. He dunks Ramone and suspends him upside down from a pole jutting out from the tavern's roof. Everybody is happy, since they are certain that the governor heard everything from his room in the tavern.
Later, inside the tavern, Victoria comes downstairs with a note left by the doctor. In it, he confesses that he was the governor and was posing as a doctor. He states that he decided to leave before sunrise because there was no reason to stay. Ramone is an excellent alcalde. Everyone looks dejected. The script ends with Diego stating, "Well, you win some and you lose some."
Note: Many of you are posting as "Anonymous," which I currently have enabled on this blog. I am kindly requesting that you add your initials or some identifier to the end of your comments. When the comments posted are by Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, and Anonymous, it makes it hard to know how many people that represents. I really don't want to squelch the discussion, but I will change to Google ID required within a few days if necessary in order to force people to be counted as separate individuals. This would not affect any polls, but it would require you to create a Google account in order to comment. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
In response to what people wonder about the most, there is nothing about the romance in any of the unfilmed scripts that I have seen and nothing that would further develop any parts of the overall plot of the series. I believe that we did see all of the shows which further advanced things, such as "An Affair to Remember" which was how they chose to wrap up the romance story. Of course, we wanted more than that, but at least they gave us something.
I have one unfilmed script that is from either the first or second season, since Ramone is in it. As an aside, the scripts spell the name as Ramone, which is why I use that spelling. It is the correct spelling of the character's name, even though it is not the correct Spanish spelling. While I don't know which season the script is from, my guess is second season since that season skipped over some production numbers.
The name of the script is "The Surprise Visit." I would rate this one as slightly above average.
Here is a fairly detailed summary:
Governor Maximiano Matorras arrives in Los Angeles, hoping to find evidence that the Alcalde is corrupt. Near the hacienda, Zorro overhears the governor planning to arrive in disguise as a doctor.
During a bean-eating contest in the tavern involving Mendoza and the blacksmith, De Frutos, Matorras arrives in disguise and gives his name as Doctor Frijoles. The governor is appalled at the way the Alcalde is forcing Mendoza to eat beans so that he will beat De Frutos.
Diego points the governor out to his father, and the men laugh at his disguise. According to the De la Vegas, Matorras is the best governor California has had in years. They hope that the governor will see signs of corruption during his visit and remove Ramone from office.
In the plaza, a woman cries out for help and collapses. Victoria has the woman's husband take her to the tavern. Victoria summons Doctor Frijoles because the woman is about to give birth. Frijoles hesitates, beginning to say that he isn't a doctor. Diego interrupts, stating that Frijoles is a Doctor of Mathematics, which is why he cannot help. Don Alejandro offers his services in place of the doctor. The Alcalde questions whether he can do anything. Alejandro comments that he helped bring Diego "into the world in the back of a wagon." He states that it is just common sense.
Mendoza recognizes the doctor from the portrait of the governor that hangs in Ramone's office. He whispers the news to Ramone. Ramone quickly forgets the traveler's tax he was going to impose on the doctor and decides to show him the cuartel. Later, Ramone takes the doctor with him when he repairs a peasant's fence. The peasant is bewildered by Ramone's kind behavior, especially since the soldiers were the ones who destroyed the fence.
Later, Diego and Felipe decide to have Zorro intervene. At sunrise, Zorro rides into the pueblo and forces the Alcalde to confess to several things, such as the traveler's tax and that he bet all of the money on the bean-eating contest. He dunks Ramone and suspends him upside down from a pole jutting out from the tavern's roof. Everybody is happy, since they are certain that the governor heard everything from his room in the tavern.
Later, inside the tavern, Victoria comes downstairs with a note left by the doctor. In it, he confesses that he was the governor and was posing as a doctor. He states that he decided to leave before sunrise because there was no reason to stay. Ramone is an excellent alcalde. Everyone looks dejected. The script ends with Diego stating, "Well, you win some and you lose some."
Note: Many of you are posting as "Anonymous," which I currently have enabled on this blog. I am kindly requesting that you add your initials or some identifier to the end of your comments. When the comments posted are by Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, and Anonymous, it makes it hard to know how many people that represents. I really don't want to squelch the discussion, but I will change to Google ID required within a few days if necessary in order to force people to be counted as separate individuals. This would not affect any polls, but it would require you to create a Google account in order to comment. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
NWZ Unfilmed Script : "Reasonable Doubts"
I was asked about the unfilmed scripts in a comment to another post. It would be better for me to answer some of these queries in new posts rather than burying the information in the comments to an unrelated post.
First off, I cannot share scans of the scripts for free. Please do not ask. I am bound by a promise to another person, and the scripts were very expensive. I cannot and will not give them away for free. If we would ever get people who would be willing to pay a fair price for copies, then we could get a return on our investment and more people would be able to read them.
One of the scripts is called "Reasonable Doubts." This script is for an unfilmed episode from the fourth season. The fourth season was cut short due to one of the production companies pulling out, so only part of the season was filmed.
Here is a short summary of the events that occur in this script:
The Monterey stagecoach that is carrying the garrison's payroll is ambushed by bandits. DeSoto and his men arrive just in time to hear the wounded coach driver regain consciousness briefly and accuse a wounded passenger, Domingo Cano, of staging the ambush. The coach driver dies seconds later, leaving DeSoto no chance to question him. DeSoto assumes that Cano is guilty and plans to hang him the next day. After Don Diego hears of the arrest and planned execution, he decides to investigate. As Zorro, he frees Cano and quickly searches for clues at the scene of the ambush while pursued by DeSoto and the soldiers.
That is an incomplete summary that I wrote a long time ago, and I do not wish to pull out the script and try for a more complete one. My general impression after reading this script is that it would have made for an average episode.
Following is a scan of the first page of the script. Click on the image to see a larger version that can be read more easily.
Look for information on another unfilmed script in an upcoming post.
Note: Many of you are posting as "Anonymous," which I currently have enabled on this blog. I am kindly requesting that you add your initials or some identifier to the end of your comments. When the comments posted are by Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, and Anonymous, it makes it hard to know how many people that represents. I really don't want to squelch the discussion, but I will change to Google ID required within a few days if necessary in order to force people to be counted as separate individuals. This would not affect any polls, but it would require you to create a Google account in order to comment. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
First off, I cannot share scans of the scripts for free. Please do not ask. I am bound by a promise to another person, and the scripts were very expensive. I cannot and will not give them away for free. If we would ever get people who would be willing to pay a fair price for copies, then we could get a return on our investment and more people would be able to read them.
One of the scripts is called "Reasonable Doubts." This script is for an unfilmed episode from the fourth season. The fourth season was cut short due to one of the production companies pulling out, so only part of the season was filmed.
Here is a short summary of the events that occur in this script:
The Monterey stagecoach that is carrying the garrison's payroll is ambushed by bandits. DeSoto and his men arrive just in time to hear the wounded coach driver regain consciousness briefly and accuse a wounded passenger, Domingo Cano, of staging the ambush. The coach driver dies seconds later, leaving DeSoto no chance to question him. DeSoto assumes that Cano is guilty and plans to hang him the next day. After Don Diego hears of the arrest and planned execution, he decides to investigate. As Zorro, he frees Cano and quickly searches for clues at the scene of the ambush while pursued by DeSoto and the soldiers.
That is an incomplete summary that I wrote a long time ago, and I do not wish to pull out the script and try for a more complete one. My general impression after reading this script is that it would have made for an average episode.
Following is a scan of the first page of the script. Click on the image to see a larger version that can be read more easily.
Look for information on another unfilmed script in an upcoming post.
Note: Many of you are posting as "Anonymous," which I currently have enabled on this blog. I am kindly requesting that you add your initials or some identifier to the end of your comments. When the comments posted are by Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, and Anonymous, it makes it hard to know how many people that represents. I really don't want to squelch the discussion, but I will change to Google ID required within a few days if necessary in order to force people to be counted as separate individuals. This would not affect any polls, but it would require you to create a Google account in order to comment. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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 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.
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.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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:
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.
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.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?
****** 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
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.
Friday, June 25, 2010
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.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Important: New World Zorro Survey
There is a possibility of having some type of New World Zorro finale, probably a radio drama, created. I do not know the specific details, but there is an issue which could be resolved depending upon the results of a survey. Please answer the survey by responding to this post. Below, I quote Daryl with his request.
In what feels like the never ending quest to bring about a NWZ finale I need to put together one more piece of information for the powers that be. To keep this short and to the point I NEED everyone to list the characters/actors in the order of favorite to least favorite. I'm asking everyone to please participate.
And please don't just say I love them all or list just one or two. Please list everyone starting with your absolute favorite then your next favorite, then your next favorite, etc. To make things quicker I'll post an example with each person numbered. You could just list the numbers of each corresponding person if you like.
Thanks for your help.
Daryl
Example:
1. Diego-Zorro/Duncan Regehr
2. Victoria/Patrice Martinez
3. Alejandro/Henry Darrow
4. Sgt. Mendoza/James Victor
5. Alcalde Ramon/Michael Tylo
6. Alcalde de Soto/John Hertzler
7. Felipe/Juan Diego Botto
8. Alejando/Efram Zimbalist Jr.
9. Toronado
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Teresa Gutierrez — The Marquesa
Viewers of La espada y la rosa will remember La Marquesa, Carmen Santillana de la Roquette, as a powerful ally of the de la Vegas.The actress who played The Marquesa passed away earlier this month in Colombia. She was born on October 28, 1928 and died on March 10, 2010. She was a major Colombian television star.
Monday, March 15, 2010
All-Story Weekly August 9, 1919
The pulp magazine in which Zorro made his first appearance is a highly desired piece of Zorro memorabilia. In my opinion, it is the Holy Grail of Zorro memorabilia.
Zorro debuted in the August 9, 1919 issue of All-Story Weekly in a story called "The Curse of Capistrano."
An excellent condition copy of this pulp magazine recently sold on eBay.
All Story Pulp August 9, 1919
Here is the seller's picture:
The issue sold for a staggering $1,525.00.
Zorro debuted in the August 9, 1919 issue of All-Story Weekly in a story called "The Curse of Capistrano."
An excellent condition copy of this pulp magazine recently sold on eBay.
All Story Pulp August 9, 1919
Here is the seller's picture:
The issue sold for a staggering $1,525.00.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Telemundo Zorro Update #2
In the original airing of the telenovela in 2007, the show had English captions on CC1 and Spanish captions on CC3. When the re-airing of the show began last month, Telemundo was displaying the Spanish captions on CC1 and had no English captions.
I have not verified this, but I have been told that Telemundo has now added the English captions to CC3. Apparently enough people requested the English captions that Telemundo decided to add them to this airing of the show.
I have not verified this, but I have been told that Telemundo has now added the English captions to CC3. Apparently enough people requested the English captions that Telemundo decided to add them to this airing of the show.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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?
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?
Zorro on Telemundo Update
The Zorro telenovela form 2007 is currently airing in reruns daily on Telemundo. Several people who missed the show the first time it aired are recording it. Most people missed the beginning of the reruns and are not sure how to label their DVDs.
I recorded the show on Monday to see how far along the reruns are. On Monday, episodes 26 and 27 from the original run aired.
The current run does not match up with the original run because the original run aired in 112 episodes and the current run is airing as 120 episodes. The telenovela was filmed in 120 episodes. When the show first aired, quite a few episodes aired as 90 minute episodes. Each of those episodes was comprised of 1 1/2 of the original episodes.
#16-25 in the original run aired as 90 minute episodes. Using this as reference:
http://www.zorrolegend.com/zorro2007/episodes26-30.html
#16 on the above website is #16 with 1/2 of #17 in the current run
#17 is 1/2 of #17 with #18
#18 is #19 with 1/2 of #20
#19 is 1/2 of #20 with #21
#20 is #22 with 1/2 of #23
#21 is 1/2 of #23 with #24
#22 is #25 with 1/2 of #26
#23 is 1/2 of #26 with #27
#24 is #28 with 1/2 of #29
#25 is 1/2 of #29 with #30
#26 aired as one hour so is #31
#27 aired as one hour so is #32
If anyone sees anything wrong with this, please let me know. I have looked over it a few times, but I could have made a mistake.
If I have this right, then what aired on Monday is #31 and #32 as originally filmed. For those of you recording this, Monday's should be labeled as #31 and #32.
I recorded the show on Monday to see how far along the reruns are. On Monday, episodes 26 and 27 from the original run aired.
The current run does not match up with the original run because the original run aired in 112 episodes and the current run is airing as 120 episodes. The telenovela was filmed in 120 episodes. When the show first aired, quite a few episodes aired as 90 minute episodes. Each of those episodes was comprised of 1 1/2 of the original episodes.
#16-25 in the original run aired as 90 minute episodes. Using this as reference:
http://www.zorrolegend.com/zorro2007/episodes26-30.html
#16 on the above website is #16 with 1/2 of #17 in the current run
#17 is 1/2 of #17 with #18
#18 is #19 with 1/2 of #20
#19 is 1/2 of #20 with #21
#20 is #22 with 1/2 of #23
#21 is 1/2 of #23 with #24
#22 is #25 with 1/2 of #26
#23 is 1/2 of #26 with #27
#24 is #28 with 1/2 of #29
#25 is 1/2 of #29 with #30
#26 aired as one hour so is #31
#27 aired as one hour so is #32
If anyone sees anything wrong with this, please let me know. I have looked over it a few times, but I could have made a mistake.
If I have this right, then what aired on Monday is #31 and #32 as originally filmed. For those of you recording this, Monday's should be labeled as #31 and #32.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Zorro Is Back on Telemundo!
Check your television listings. Telemundo is now re-airing La espada y la rosa each weekday on Telemundo. Many people have wished that they had not missed out on seeing this great telenovela, and this is the first time the series has aired since its finale in July 2007.La espada y la rosa tells the epic story of Diego de la Vega and his love, Esmeralda, who fight to be together against all odds.
From ZorroLegend.com:
This version of Zorro bends history and places Zorro in a setting that at times is almost like an alternate reality. The telenovela was filmed in Colombia, and the essence of Colombia and South America is very much a part of every episode. The setting is supposed to be Los Angeles, California, but it is as though Los Angeles is a part of Colombia, South America.It is one of my three favorite versions of Zorro alongside the New Word Zorro and Walt Disney's Zorro. Purists might not like it, but I feel that this version incorporates all that is fun about Zorro into an intriguing romantic story. The fun is in the journey, and the telenovela is a very fun journey.
The novela contains every outrageous plot device that a person could want from slave traders to cannibals, mystical Indians, Amazon warrior women, witches, gypsies, piranhas, pirates, lepers, an exorcist, victims of demon possession, and even a dwarf and a hunchback. The amazing range of bizarre characters and plot elements combine to create a version of Zorro that is quite unlike any of the previous versions.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
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:
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.
[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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Rights to the New World Zorro
Apparently Zorro Productions, Inc. has purchased the rights to the New World Zorro. Keep your fingers crossed...
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