Rating: 
Summary: It's time to settle things
Review: ***************
It's simple.If you're that much of a technofile and the aspect ratio bothers you beyond belief, DON'T BUY IT! Likewise, if you feel the show is a prime example of racism in Hollywood, DON'T BUY IT! And...repeated postings of the same inflamatory rhetoric serves NO purpose but to weaken your case. It's time to choose another soapbox. Since these two opinions consist of approximately 2% of the interested viewing public, the remaining 98% of us can rejoice! Despite the near fanatical rantings of a small group of naysayers, the show was - and still is - nothing short of brilliant. Wonderful characters, impeccably cast, magnificently scored -- they hit the bullseye with this series on every detail. And...I'm so elated the series is available on DVD I could really give a rat's behind about the cropping. Although it would've been nice to get it in Dolby 5.1 - but seriously? A VERY minor detail. Bring on Seasons 2 & 3!
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but could be better
Review: The quality of the set is good compared to my vhs tapes copied from tv, but I wish they had removed the scratches and other imperfections that are evident. I would have preferred dual-layer dvd's rather than flippers, also. I often wondered why the producers didn't use Bruce Lee for the main role. If, however, Caine is supposed to be half Chinese, it is clear why Bruce Lee wasn't used for the part. It is often difficult to discern a half asian individual from any dark-haired, dark-eyed caucasian (I know, I live with some)(They should have darkened Carradine's hair and eyes -- or at least his eyes when he was bald). It's pretty humorous when all the old west cowboys immediately notice that Caine "has some yellow blood". After listening to the creators talk about why Lee wasn't used ("I just couldn't understand the guy"), I have to agree. Just listen to his line "I wee wo mon" (I will old man) in Enter the Dragon and imagine listening to this week after week. Don't get me wrong, I love Bruce Lee's movies, but I love them for the action, not the clearly delivered dialogue and philosophy. His son, Brandon, would have been perfect for the role, however. Anyway, If you liked the original series and are not a rabid videophile, you will probably like the dvd set also. It would have been better if they provided the original full screen AND the wide screen version. Maybe they'll come out with the "Ultimate Edition" in a year or so. Even my kids like the old series, and why not? They were raised on the Care Bears; not that much different than Kung Fu, in philosophy anyway!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE, CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SECOND SEASON
Review: I jumped into a time capsule and played the first disk and i was shocked how the integrity of this show still stands the test of time. Besides the obvious fight scenes, this show offers so much more than just it's title. The mood of the show was nicely captured on DVD and the xtra's are really great too. I would recommend this DVD to young and old, it surely recapured my love for this show once again, please don't wait too long before the next season to release.
Rating:
Summary: truly a flash back
Review: I have waited eagerly for this dvd. I have not seen this program since I was a child, and while it does not quite live up to uncritical childhood memories, it is ,in my estimation, still one of the best tv series I have ever seen. It was this program that helped lead me to take a philosophy degree, as well as to study the martial arts.
From a more technical point of view, the quaility of the film stock seemed surpisingly good. I did notice in one scene where two tight face shots ( in the Tides) seemed a little cropped ( this is where perhaps the widescreen format may have been a hinderance), but on the whole I am grateful that I do not have to join the Warner video of the month club, and that I get to see the series that served as a stimulus for some rather valued aspects of my life.
Now, if I could reflect of the flashbacks within the series, and practice hung gar more diligently, perhaps I cold get more out of life.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: People seem to concentrate too much on the DVD quality, etc. and not the show. DVDs seem fine to me, and the philsophical quotes from Caine are as relavant today as they ever were. Rock on Caine. Can a movie be far behind?
Rating:
Summary: A Unique Treasure
Review: Easily one of the greatest and most influential TV shows of all time, Kung Fu looks beautiful and right at home on these DVD's. The picture quality is superb, the menus easy to navigate, and the extra features are fascinating. And it comes in a very handsome package. The show itself has no peer in the history of television. It's uniqueness is dazzling even to this day. I highly recommended these DVD's and think all fans of the show will treasure them. I know I will.
Rating:
Summary: Truly Epic
Review: I am normally a bit of a purist about aspect ratios so I was a bit nervous when I found out that Kung Fu was being reformatted. However, I have to say that a great deal of care has been taken over it and the series looks visually stunning as a result. We should remember that one of Kung Fu's strengths was the excellent editing work. In this case the image has been edited and restored so that it looks wide and sweeping. The image is anamorphically enhanced for widesreen t.v.s so the detail of the wonderful sets and landscapes can be enjoyed as they never have been previously. This stands up so well in direction, scripting and cimematography that it looks like a theatrical feature. The box is also nicely put together with beautiful photos. A few audio comentaries would not go amiss as the extras are a bit sparse.
However, the really important part of this package is the wonderful stories and drama. If you enjoyed this show and have been dissapointed by poor quality prints and commercial breaks in cable showings- buy this and watch it again for the first time.
Give the widescreen a chance and if you don't like it please be thankful that it is out on release and that people have taken care with it.
I think it is also worth pointing out that from a philosophical point of view this show is once again extrememly relevant. Lots of young people today are questioning the approaches of the adult world again in the way which they did when Kung Fu was first broadcast. When Caine is asked at the end of one of the episodes: 'If I don't have a right to revenge then who does?' Caine says 'no-one'.
This show should be required viewing for anyone who thinks guns or bombs are the way forward, whatever their political background.
Rating:
Summary: five stars for nostalgia
Review: If you were a young adult when this series first aired and loved it then, I think you will love this DVD set now. (...) I just noticed the clear picture and great sound quality only a DVD can afford.
I saw only a few of the episodes when the series aired., and then usualy on (...)black and white TV. (...) Hey, it was the early 1970's--some "really groovy things" were happening and nobody in my age group wanted to spend time sitting in front of the boob tube (in fact it was common practice to ridicule people who did so). (...) Cain always resorted to violence in each episode. Thats why it was named "Kung Fu" I guess.
I do remember all of the wild stories floating about concerning David Carradine: Supposed Acid Trips, a spartan life style and so on. I also recall during his Kung-Fu period, locating a TV so we could watch David Carradine perform on "In Concert." He played his flute for the audience and told "sage" parables whle sitting sort of in the lotus position on the stage, wearing a white gown, and sporting long straight hair.
Anyway, it brings back memories. "Try it, you'll like it!"
Rating:
Summary: A dream come true
Review: Like many of the reviewers, this is my favorite TV show of all time. I have practiced chinese martial arts for 16 years and my initial interest was, without a doubt, fueled by my memories of this show as a kid. The show itself is very well done -- both the philosophy and the technical aspects. Many of the techniques seen in today's action shows (both TV and movies) have been "borrowed" from the pioneering work done in this show. For example, in an era in which martial arts movies used artificially accelerated fight sequences, Kung Fu slowed things down (has anyone seen The Matrix?) -- they weren't afraid to display the techniques and they weren't out to impress anyone with how fast they could move. The stories/episodes are not cliche' and are well thought out. I guess some people may be put-off by that -- they want black-and-white, good-v.-evil situations with pre-canned dialog heavily interspersed with brutal fight scenes (ala Jet Li or Steven Segal) -- this show is not for them. Here is portrayed the softer side of the real kung fu. Also, the episodes get better as the show progresses. The original pilot and first episode are a little rough -- but remember they were innovating a whole new type of show, so it took a little practice before they got it right (just like real kung fu). The acting is some of the finest I have seen on the small screen. Say what you wish about David Carradine, but he is the consummate Kwai Chang Caine. The character actors are superb as is the regular cast. The picture quality of this DVD is phenomenal. I was expecting some poor quality, grainy picture -- thinking that this show was filmed 30+ years ago. It is simply amazing what they have done with digital remastering. Last but not least, the extra special features are very interesting and informative. Many of the original personnel -- those behind the camera, as well as in front of it -- give their own fascinating perspective on all the details involved in the show. All in all, many hours of great viewing! I cannot wait for the release of the next two seasons.
Rating:
Summary: Television as an Art Form
Review: 'Kung Fu' was the hippest TV series when we were little kids in the early 70s, and it still holds up very well. Some of the best television film ever made. Beautifully shot with fabulous camera work, great acting, and meaningful stories. A ground breaking show in many ways. 'Kung Fu' presented themes and lessons of Zen, Taoist, Buddhist philosophy to an America in the early 70s that was still reeling from the Vietnam debacle. Kung Fu imparted Eastern wisdom and ideas like chosing the paths of non-violence, humility, and stillness. All still good lessons in this post year 2000 age. Many top guest actors included Will Geer, a very young Jodie Foster already showing considerable acting chops, and Gary Busey. You'll recognize many of the other actors throughout. Many top actors wanted to be in this show, because it was so remarkable for its time. The music scores are really amazing! Real string sections, brass, woodwinds, ethnic instruments, with very advanced compositional techniques - at times very avant guarde. Not a single synthesizer, sampler, or drum machine in earshot cluttering things up. You NEVER hear big budget, high quality music scores like this on TV anymore. Kung Fu was and still is a real mind, eye, and ear opener. Check it out! Loses one star for cropping for wide screen.
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