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Following the precedent set with the successful theatrical release of Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, Disney released two films comprised of segments from the Zorro series. The Sign of Zorro This theatrical release was taken from the first thirteen episodes, which pit the masked avenger against Capitan Monastario, the corrupt military governor who schemes to make Southern California his own. Returning home from his studies in Spain, Don Diego de la Vega realizes he cannot hope to defeat Monastario by force, and thus adopts the persona of Zorro, a mysterious force for good. Despite Monastario's growing suspicions about the seemingly ineffectual Don Diego, Zorro eventually succeeds in toppling the corrupt officer. The film was first released overseas in 1958 and domestically in 1960. Two versions of the film exist. The original version's running time is 1 hour 29 minutes; a shorter version running 40 minutes was later released. The longer version has been released on video. Click here for a second version of the cover. Zorro the Avenger Released overseas in 1959, the second compilation film includes segments from the end of the "Eagle" stories from the first season. The villainous Eagle announces his plans to conquer Southern California, and moves his operation into the de la Vega hacienda. A battle of wits and eventually swords follows between the Eagle and Zorro, who seems to be the only thing standing between the would-be dictator and freedom. The running time of this film is 1 hour 31 minutes. It has not been released on video but has been shown on The Disney Channel. |
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In addition to the video release of The Sign of Zorro, Disney has released six tapes based on the television series. Each is described below, listing the episodes used and featuring the description from the video cassette slipcase. The tapes have been released at least twice, thus leading to two different versions of the cover art. The two different types can be seen below.
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Volume 1 - The Secret of El Zorro 
Don Diego finds himself trapped in an ironic turn of events when a visiting friend, Ricardo del Amo (Richard Anderson), challenges the famed swordsman Zorro to a duel for the hand of a lovely visitor, Anna Maria. Don Diego manages to outwit the love-stuck braggart - but only temporarily. A new challenge from the determined Ricardo dramatically sets the stage for a public unmasking of the legendary hero... and under circumstances that Zorro cannot afford to ignore! ISBN 1-55890-341-0 Disney catalog VHS 338 |
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Volume 2 - Zorro and the Mountain
Man 
A genial mountain man, Joe Crane (Jeff York), finds himself in a mountain of trouble after a barroom brawl with an arrogant aristocrat, Don Carlos Fernandez (Jonathan Harris). Infuriated at being bested, Don Carlos vows to kill the hapless victor. When bystander Don Diego cannot prevent the scheming Don Carlos from carrying out his deadly game, it looks as if only the skill and strength of Zorro can save Joe from the murderous clutches of the vengeful aristocrat and his henchmen! ISBN 1-55890-339-9 Disney catalog VHS 339 |
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Volume 3 - The Mystery of Don
Cabrillo 
Mystery surrounds pretty Anita Cabrillo (Annette Funicello), who arrives from Spain for a reunion with her father at his lavish hacienda - only to discover that neither the ranch nor her beloved father seem to exist. Several subsequent death threats culminate in a terrifying brush with death as Don Diego, disguised as the masked her Zorro, attempts to unravel the puzzling secret behind Anita's missing father. ISBN 1-55890-340-2 Disney catalog VHS 340 |
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Volume 4 - Invitation to Death 
The Governor of Alta California, traveling towards Los Angeles, is attacked and nearly murdered by a band of thugs known as the Rebatos. Don Diego, disguised as the masked hero Zorro, eventually uncovers some disquieting information; the mastermind behind the murderous may be the Governor's own aide! Can Zorro expose the real criminals before they succeed with their deadly plans? Find out in this thrilling Zorro adventure. ISBN 1-55890-362-3 Disney catalog VHS 362 |
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Volume 5 - The Gay Caballero 
Shady shenanigans abound when a suave, sophisticated charmer, Estevan de la Cruz (Cesar Romero), pays a surprise visit to the village... and launches a program of underhanded schemes on the unsuspecting citizenry. However, when Estevan sets his sights on a wealthy seņorita (and her family's fortune), Zorro decides to intervene... and subsequently faces the wrath of the irate, sly con artist. ISBN 1-55890-173-6 Disney catalog VHS 363 |
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Volume 6 - The Man from Spain 
The stern and imposing Andres Basilio (Everett Sloane), the king's emissary from Spain, announces the reason for his visit; an elaborate money-raising program utilizing so-called Royal Bonds. And a tough-looking enforcer is present to ensure that the dons and businessmen comply with Basilio's demands. Don Diego, sensing an alternate destination for the money, decides that Zorro is desperately needed to investigate the legitimacy of the financial program. ISBN 1-55890-175-2 Disney catalog VHS 364
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