The 5 main features of this boxset are housed in individual slim Keep Cases (see image above) and they are also sold separately. All 5 DVDs are dual-layered - coded for Region 1 in the NTSC standard. Generally they look very consistent - quite strong transfer-wise. Each offer optional English, French and Spanish subtitles and DUBs (French and Spanish).

Blood and Sand is in color and looks even to my eye - in fact for a color film of this age the appearance is very good. Detail and contrast are also at the high end. The supplements offer a commentary by Director of Photography 2003-2006 President of the American Society of Cinematographers - Richard Crudo. It is specific to his vast knowledge about the cinematography and he imparts some detail about Technicolor, its process and many points regarding cinematography in the production of this film. I can't see your average viewer being too interested but those keen on this aspect of film-making - it is a virtual clinic. Also included are a restoration split-screen comparison and click-thru slideshow photo gallery.

Son of Fury also looks very strong with the only flaw being some light flickering contrast. It also tends to look a little dusted at times but detail is very good overall. The benefit to the dual-layering is the lack of prevalent artifacts. Extras include the Isolated Score of the film (which is very enjoyable), a 15 minute featurette - Tyrone Power - Behind the Scenes which gives a brief overview of Power and the production of most of the films in this collection. Also included are a stills gallery, advertising gallery (posters) and a Theatrical Trailer. Another good disc and a great film.

Captain From Castile is the only film in this collection where I have an issue. To my eye, color is really out of whack in the first 20 minutes of the film - skin tones are vibrantly red/orange in spots and there appears to be a fair amount of saturation. I have never seen this theatrically so I have no idea whether this was the way it originally looked or it is a problem with the transfer. It settles down after that and the appearance is almost as good as Son of Fury. Overall though I think it may be the weakest looking disc in the boxset but it does have extensive supplements - there is a wonderful commentary by Rudy Behlmer, Jon Burlingame and Nick Redman. Behlmer is an old hand at this (as is Redman) and it is fun, full of knowledge and flows very smoothly. These guys work very well together. The brilliant isolated score is again offered - this one by the great Alfred Newman (uncle to Randy) - my favorite of the collection - I hope to get it onto CD somehow. There is a featurette: Tyrone Power's Leading Ladies - it is about 12 minutes long and has former actresses enthusiastically gushing over working with him - including Jayne Meadows and Terry Moore. Once again a stills gallery, advertising gallery and a theatrical trailer are included.

Prince of Foxes looks pretty strong - a shade of flickering contrast is noticeable - minor artifacts but detail is very good and black levels are adequate. It again has that dusted appearance at times but it didn't deter my enjoyment of the film one bit. Great to see Welles looking so majestic on screen. In the extras - Newman's score is again isolated for your listening pleasure - there is a MovieTone Newsreel: Tyrone Power Weds Linda Christian in Rome Ceremony running less than 3 minutes. Also included are a stills gallery, advertising gallery (mostly posters) and a theatrical trailer.

The Black Rose looks as good as any of the rest - possibly the best in spots. Colors seems quite natural but there is some digital noise to contend with. It looks a shade dirty and there are some minor speckles. Extras include a 19 minute featurette - Tyrone Power: Family Reunion with daughter Romina Power, son Tyrone Power IV, Taryn Power-Deer (granddaughter of Tyrone Power Sr.) and, former wife, Linda Christian sharing stories about his evolution as a legendary star. There is more in the way of a stills gallery, an interactive pressbook and an un-restored theatrical trailer. For those keen - the film was shot by master cinematographer Jack Cardiff but it may be the weakest movie of the boxset - minor entertainment and an unfortunate way to conclude the pleasurable collection. I could watch the first 4 films all over again.

NOTE: Each DVD includes 4 Lobby Card reproductions (postcard size) of that particular film and a one page lining the keep case with a color image and listing the chapter stops.

Overall I would say that I am happy with the transfers. I get the feeling that they are as good as the existing elements would allow. Far from perfect but as good as they have looked in a long time.

Tyrone Power: The Swashbuckler Box Set is a wonderful collection - 4 of the 5 films were definitely above average classic Hollywood fare and I felt I learned a lot about this actor - his versatility - and reasons for his enduring popularity. With all the supplements, 2 commentaries and decent transfers of solid adventure films from the Golden age - this is a must-own collection in my opinion. I strongly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed my viewings.