Walt Disney Video Release date: Tuesday 11th of November 2008 Starring: Tony Britton, Geoffrey Keen, Michael Hordern, Patrick McGoohan, George Cole, Director(s): Format: Colour, DVD-Video, Limited Edition, Restored, NTSC, Region code: 1 Running time: 287 minutes Language: English (Original Language)

"The Soldiers of the King Feared His Name."
Review date: 2008-12-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

During the 1960's, Disney produced a series of three episodes of his TV show about a mythical character in England during the late 1700's. The Dr. Syn episodes were also edited down and turned into a feature length movie. They have been extremely popular but hard to find over the years. This fall, Disney finally released them as a limited edition two disc set.

Disc one features the TV episodes that tell the tale of Dr. Syn (Patrick McGoohan). He is the respected priest of the Romney Marsh area of Southern England during the rule of King George III (you know, the king during the American Revolution). But at night, he is The Scarecrow, the leaders of a gang of smugglers who attempt to skirt the king's high tariffs and split the money so they can pay their local taxes.

Of course, the king doesn't take it lying down. He sends General Pugh (Geoffrey Keen) to try to bring The Scarecrow to justice. He tries to use navy conscription and a traitor to do it. But when a deserter shows up, will that finally be Dr. Syn's undoing?

The second disc features the theatrical version of the story. Basically, it takes a little bit from the first episode and combines it with all of the second and third episode. There is really nothing on the second disc you didn't see on the first, so for the first time I almost feel like the second disc wasn't needed.

But that's not to say what's here isn't fun. I can understand why the Robin Hood like tale is so popular, it's loads of fun. Watching Dr. Syn plot his way out of each predicament is amazing.

These discs were worth waiting for. The film is presented in its original wide screen and has been restored to an almost flawless appearance. The sound defaults to stereo, but they do have a full surround mix which is amazing as well.

Unfortunately, the discs seem to be selling out already. If you've missed this story, do your best to track down a copy today. You won't regret it.