Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh

I, like many who got left out after this classic "rear-end" job by disney, is extremely upset. I followed this "fiasco" for many years about the delays in release, possible release dates and so on. All they've done here is arm the scalpers with enough copies to make their usual 100%+ profits. Fortunately, i found me a very reasonably priced copy from another online merchant and ordered it right away. Disney has proven to be as capitalist as any business on this earth and I'd boycott them too if the cockroaches didn't have their hands in so many things.

Waiting so many years for this to come out on DVD and then having it available for less than a month is disappointing and frustrating. Right now I don't feel like ever investing in another Disney film, DVD, or Disney in general. I would have ordered it right away but I put it on my Christmas list and thought if I didn't get it then I'd order one. I never dreamed it wouldn't be there after just a few weeks!

Anyway, this is a great film and those of you who got a copy are very fortunate. Five stars for the movie and DVD. Zero stars for Disney's disregard for so many who waited so long for this release.

UPDATE (Jan.2) : Well, a copy showed up in the mail today. I don't know how it happened. Maybe someone ordered it for me from my Christmas list and it came late. I'm very grateful. I got to watch it today and even though I'm still not happy about Disney's decision for such a small release I have to say that they did an excellent job restoring it. It looks pristine. Good extras and great sound too. Patrick McGoohan did such a great job as did everyone. What a fine and spooky story and what a treat to see it again after all these years.

I shared it with my grandson today. So now there's another "Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" fan and he was singing or humming the theme song all evening.

Disney, you owe it to many more children like my grandson to make this film legally available again. This is a great watch for young adults and adults as well. Classic movie making at it's best.

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.

I loved this movie as a child. Now it is grat to see the original Disney presentation using todays technology. The introduction of the movie and Mr.Walt Disney giving an overview in its original version really lets you go back in time. The introduction of the Disney program in color is awesome. If you enjoyed this movie you will love this new release.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I've been waiting for years for this to come out on DVD. FINALLY !!! HOORAY !!!