Maltin begins his introduction of Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh by saying that it was one of the most requested Disney titles for release on DVD, so the show�s loyal fans must be happy that it is finally available. However, those of us (like myself) who have never seen it before and now watch it without the benefit of childhood nostalgia may wonder what all the fuss was about.

Based on the books by Russell Thorndike, the story follows in the familiar footsteps of such other swashbuckling heroes as Robin Hood, Zorro and even Batman. A mild-mannered vicar by day, at night Dr. Syn (played by Patrick McGoohan, shortly before his international success as The Prisoner) dons the fright mask of the Scarecrow, an anti-hero smuggler who, you know, �robs from the rich to give to the poor�. His exploits, taking place along the White Cliffs of Dover during the pre-American revolution period, are pretty standard. Curiously, the film misses out on a big opportunity by never fully exploring the idea of why a clergyman would dress up like a ghoul; he just does. Fittingly, the only time the rather dull Dr. Syn gets interesting is when his straw man alter ego is on screen, which is, surprisingly, not very much.

Now remastered and (for the first time) in widescreen, this set features both the three-part Wonderful World of Color mini-series (titled The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh) as well as the edited-together feature film that was released in England (and later in the U.S.) under the title Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow. Despite Maltin�s insistence that it works as a feature, the episodic plot doesn�t help to hide the seems, and only die-hard fans will want to sit trough both versions to compare and contrast. Hampering the film even more is Gerard Schurmann�s hyperactive musical score and an embarrassing Terry Gilkyson theme song that, like �The Ballad of Davy Crockett�, tells the whole story during the opening credits.

In addition to Walt�s TV introductions in widescreen, supplements include �Dr. Syn: The History of the Legend�, which goes into extensive detail about the origins of the character on both page and screen (both George Arliss and Peter Cushing also played the role on film). It also serves as a de facto �making of�, covering the film�s production on location in England. Of more general interest is �Walt Disney: From Burbank to London�, which explores how the Disney studio came to make live action films (such as their first, Treasure Island) in England.