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Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh | 
| Actors: Patrick Mcgoohan, George Cole, Kay Cole, Alan Dobie, Eric Flynn
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Category: DVD
New (48) Collectible (4) from $57.99
Rating:  86 reviews
Sales Rank: 1762
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Limited Edition, Restored, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 287 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.9 x 1.1
MPN: D57822D
UPC: 786936769005
EAN: 0786936769005
ASIN: B001DPHDCE
Theatrical Release Date: 1964
Release Date: November 11, 2008
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008
Amazon.com
"On the southern coast of England/There's a legend people tell/Of days long ago when the great Scarecrow/Would ride from the jaws of hell/And laugh with a fiendish yell." Okay, it may not be as catchy as "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," but anyone who was glued to their TV sets in 1964 to watch the continuing adventures and heroic exploits of Dr. Syn on the Disney anthology series, The Wonderful World of Color, should feel a shiver of excitement that goes beyond mere nostalgia at hearing this theme song again. Old-fashioned to be sure, but The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is still a ripping yarn and rousing family entertainment with its unforgettable hero, despicable villain, galloping chases and breathless escapes. Grandly produced in England, this three-part miniseries is "a story of high adventure and heart," as Walt Disney states in his folksy and avuncular episode introductions. Patrick McGoohan (known at the time for his iconic role as John Drake on Danger Man) stars as Dr. Syn, who leads a double life as a mild-mannered village vicar by day, and a fearsome avenger known as the Scarecrow by night. The haunting burlap-masked Scarecrow is a folk hero to the villagers, who are overtaxed by King George III, and brutalized by his press-gangs, who violently shanghai men into Navy service. Only two know the Scarecrow's true identity, his sexton Mipps (George Cole), and the local Justice of the Peace's son, John (Sean Scully, from Disney's The Prince and the Pauper). There is a love story between John's older sister and conflicted and compassionate English soldier Lt. Brackenbury (Eric Flynn), but it doesn't slow things down or get too yucky. Over the course of three near-hour-long episodes, the Scarecrow foils attempts by his nemesis, General Pugh (Geoffrey Keen) to capture him, or intimidate villagers into giving him up. Leonard Maltin does his usual sterling job as enthusiastic host, who introduces the series, reflects on its place in the Disney canon, and credits the restoration efforts that made this pristine presentation possible. This two-disc set presents the miniseries as it originally aired, and also includes the widescreen feature film version that was released overseas. Disc one contains an interesting featurette about Dr. Syn's historical and literary origins. Disc two features a segment about the British films that launched Disney's live-action feature film career. This welcome addition to the Walt Disney Treasures line does full justice to one of Disney's most wanted titles. --Donald Liebenson
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| Customer Reviews: Read 81 more reviews...
Dr. Syn January 5, 2009
Dennis R. Newton (Oceanside, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have all the earlier Treasures and just didn't get them pre-ordered this year. Oh, my chagrin when it was out of stock. As a Disneyland Premium Annual Passholder I had to go to the source to find my copy, but they did had them in the park. The certificate notes that they only made 35,000 copies.
Not to be missed! Walt at his best! January 2, 2009
Eric Barr (Durand, IL United States)
What a fantastic film! It has stuck in my mind since I was a nine year old kid, and though I had to pay twice what it cost, the dvd was worth every penny. The only thing that infuriates me is that the Disney corp only released about 40,000 of the dvd's. It deserves a far wider release. Why? Simple.
1. It's scary. Watching it, I shivered again just like I did when I was a boy when the Scarecrow appeared--better than any horror movie.
2. It's noble. Robin Hood like, Dr. Syn takes from the evil English and gives to the good guys.
3. The story of the Scarlet Pimpernel can be told many ways. This is one of them and one of the best.
4. The movie is beautiful. Lush photography, most of it on location.
5. The acting is spectacular. The whole cast is very special and Patrick McGoohan gives a tour de force performance.
6. Story, story, story. No matter how good the special effects, no matter how good the director or actors, you have to have good material. Walt Disney knew a good story when he saw it. Face it-- Dr. Syn was very obscure material--Disney hunted and came up with a great trophy.
If you have never seen this--find a copy. They simply do not make films like this any more.
Disney is Money Hungry December 31, 2008
Dean Caudill (Muncie, IN)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
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.
Very Angry - Shame on You Disney December 31, 2008
W. Knapp
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
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.
"The Soldiers of the King Feared His Name." December 28, 2008
Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
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