Rating: Summary: They just don't make 'em like this anymore! Review: One word - EXCELLENT! This TV series was hands down, the best transformation of a comic book character to the screen. From the opening credits of the pilot, we could immediately tell that we were in for a quality production. Everything about it is excellent: the story, the actors, the direction, the music. Sure, it does have some elements of "70's cheesiness," but for the most part, it is a timeless production. The same is also true for the bonus episode "Married." Without getting too much into the show itself, these two episodes were a great choice for this DVD. Both stories are very tragic and sad and it almost seems like they are trying to show how much better the original series was than the new film! As for the DVD, the picture is outstanding! It is very crisp and clean considering how old the footage is. Same thing with the audio. It brings this 25 year old show back to life! The commentary by Kenneth Johnson is worth the price of the DVD alone! The show was basically Kenneth's baby; he wrote, produced, and directed it. In the commentary it is just him, talking about everything from the camera shots to the tragic life of Bill Bixby. I couldn't believe he went on for almost 4 hours without ever running out of things to talk about! Needless to say, it was fascinating. The intro by Lou Ferrigno is also a nice extra. There are a couple of annoying things about the DVD, mainly the fact that most of the extras have nothing to do with the original show! Even the cover is from the new film (except for a barely noticable photo of Bill and Lou in the CGI Hulk's hand.) It becomes painfully obvious that this DVD was released mainly to promote the new film, which makes me pessimistic about any season sets in the near future. And the most annoying thing of all - they make you sit through a preview of "The Fast and Furious" DVD every time you want to watch the pilot!!! There should be a law against this. The strengths of this DVD far outshine the weaknesses, which is why I give it 5 stars!
Rating: Summary: A classic in every sense of the word! Review: The "Pilot" and "Married" are arguably the two most emotional, well-scripted episodes of the Hulk ever created. Even among all dramas in television history, these stand out among the best of the best.
But keep in mind, these episodes are for the mature viewer. If you are one of those people who simply want to watch something where the Hulk smashes stuff, then you are better off buying the recent Hulk movie. These episodes are a much more mature, sophisticated interpretation of a comic book character that focuses much more on the drama rather than pure action.
Rating: Summary: Just rent it ... Review: The DVD features the very first pilot episode (1.5 hours) and the first episode from the second season (also 1.5 hours). The first episode is surprisingly boring after all these years - and too may gaps between hulkism. The second episode is not as boring as the first, but comes close. I was a huge fan of this series in the 70's and know that there are much more exciting episodes than this. I assume the reason they chose these episodes because they were longer in length. I would have preferred three exciting one hour episodes than these ones. DVD SUMMARY: Are you thinking of buying it? That's up to you, but I would recommend renting this first. There are also very few extra features on the disc. The positives are the higher than average film transfer (very clear), and the sound is ok (although not surround but for 1977 what can you expect?)
Rating: Summary: Just rent it ... Review: The DVD features the very first pilot episode (1.5 hours) and the first episode from the second season (also 1.5 hours). The first episode is surprisingly boring after all these years - and too may gaps between hulkism. The second episode is not as boring as the first, but comes close. I was a huge fan of this series in the 70's and know that there are much more exciting episodes than this. I assume the reason they chose these episodes because they were longer in length. I would have preferred three exciting one hour episodes than these ones. DVD SUMMARY: Are you thinking of buying it? That's up to you, but I would recommend renting this first. There are also very few extra features on the disc. The positives are the higher than average film transfer (very clear), and the sound is ok (although not surround but for 1977 what can you expect?)
Rating: Summary: A DVD Worthy of The Incredible Hulk Series Review: The DVD is finally here. I bought it the day it came out and was very pleased. It includes the pilot episode with Susan Sullivan and the "Married" episode with Mariette Hartley, both written and directed by Kenneth Johnson. These episodes were great choices for the first DVD. They are exceptionally well written and the acting in them is terrific. The sets and make-up are also outstanding too. These shows stand the test of time because they were not only well done but they include messages that are truly timeless: the preciousness of life and man's inability to control not only his environment, but his emotions. One feature that puts this DVD into the "must have" category is the commentary by writer/director Kenneth Johnson. He gives a lot of insight into how the series was put together and what the inspirations were. There are some humorous moments in the DVD too: Jack McGee's outrageous Jackie O sunglasses in the pilot, the disco boys with their chest hair in "Married" and of course the leisure suits, big hair and first generation Nikes worn my Bill Bixby. If you are a fan of The Incredible Hulk TV series these DVD is a must have. Those who remember and enjoyed the series as a kid will definitely enjoy it, especially with its low price. Now, hopefully a season by season set of the series will be in the offing...
Rating: Summary: Tough Act To Follow Review: The Incredible Hulk film that comes out this summer has one thing that differentiates it from the other Marvel Comics film adaptations - the t.v. series that came before it is actually quality enough to give the film a run for it's money. The show never stooped to the campiness of shows like Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and the original Superman t.v. show which catered to only children. This show had sophisticated stories that dealt with the inner struggle of a man trying to control his metamorphosis into a dangerous creature. Bill Bixby's acting was always excellent and made an unbelievable concept completely believable. I am glad to see the pilot finally coming out on DVD with the Married episode, which is a very emotional episode and proves that this was far more than just a kid's show. This t.v series definitely deserves to be released on DVD on a season by season basis. I can't wait till June!
Rating: Summary: A Definite Improvement Review: The movie displayed on my 61" projection screen TV with a sharpness & clarity I haven't seen since I watched the originals as a kid. I surmise they must have duplicated this from a very clean print. It pretty much blows the awful, muddy, pan-and-scan VHS version away from a quality standpoint, and the clarity of this DVD version will MARKEDLY increase your viewing pleasure. The bonus features are kinda neat, if not fluff, but certainly for the movie buff, you'll enjoy the director's commentary and value adds the DVD contains. If you liked this series, and are ready to reintroduce yourself to a sci-fi classic, BUY THIS DVD TODAY!
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece Review: The pilot film of the Incredible Hulk tv series may very well be the most heartwrenching film ever put to film. To have "Married" (another heartbreaking moment realized by series developer Kenneth Johnson) on the dvd is just icing on the cake. If you love the Hulk, pick this up. It doesnt dissapoint.
Rating: Summary: A Great Version of a Comic Classic Review: The show was very well done. The scientific reasoning and explanation is superior to shows made 20 years after this one. Bill Bixby brought a human touch to the show that may have fallen flat with any other actor. Lou *is* the Hulk. Period. Instead of being an unbelievable comic tale, it took on a realistic perspective that didn't insult the viewer, and of course, it had one of the great TV theme songs of all time. Who doesn't cry at the end of an episode? The pilot tells a tale of a brilliant scientist tormented by his past, looking for an explanation for his moment of weakness when others like him found great strength. His research leads to him eventually looking for a cure to his original work. The movie "Married" doesn't immediately follow the pilot, but it follows the show's theme of a man wandering the nation looking for a cure, and in the process helping others while staying one step ahead of the media and the authorities. In a sense, it was better than the "Fugitive." I'd recommend this ove the new "blockbuster" coming out this summer. This story is about the human condition, and not just about a big green guy breaking things...
Rating: Summary: Bixby/Ferrigno HULK episodes are still enjoyable ......... Review: This DVD has a little of everything: 2 good episodes of the HULK TV series, interview with the original director and footage of the CGI HULK movie. I have always enjoyed this TV show especially when Bixby would say "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry" and when he HULKed out into Lou Ferrigno. In my opinion, the show stands the test of time. Even the INCREDIBLE HULK comics have gone back to the premise of this series --- a fugitive on the run from city to city in search of friends and a cure. Stan Lee & Jack Kirby created a unique character who is still popular 40 years later!!! Nuff said......
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