The Incredible Hulk - Original Television Premiere

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Summary: Incredible Hulk Pilot and Episode "Married"
Review: I just viewed this DVD, especially for the Commentaries by director/producer Kenneth Johnson. First of all, let me say that the prints for both movies were in superb condition, with colors even more vivid than I remember them from their original broadcasts. The two-sided disk features the original 2-hour premiere episode and "Married," the most famous episode other than the pilot. "Married" is so well known because actress Mariette Hartley won a Best Actress Emmy for her performance in this episode. Such a prestigous Emmy for a science-fiction/fantasy/superhero show was unheard of at the time, especially for someone who was just a guest star in a single episode. I understand "Married" was released overseas as a feature film with the title "Bride of the Incredible Hulk," which actually was a better title and I wish they's used that for the television release.

Of the two shows, the original premiere pilot is the better of the two, with superb production values, fine acting and photography. And frankly, I thought Susan Sullivan, the female guest star in this one, gave a more convincing and touching performance than Hartley in "Married." However, I will admit that when I first saw "Married" 25 years ago I did cry at Hartley's demise. What mars "Married" is the occasionally cheesy special effects, especially at the end, which is supposed to take place during a hurricane. At one point Lou Ferrigno is "Hulking" a gate open during what's supposed to be a fierce storm; he's obviously being sprayed with water hoses while a shiny, clear blue sky is well evident in the background.

However, the real treat of this DVD is the lively and often humorous commentary by Kenneth Johnson (or as he puts it, "known as Kenny to my friends") the producer/director of both episodes. He provides a wealth of fascinating background material about everything from the background of various actors to the day to day trials and tribulations on the sets. One of the funniest is regards the massive explosion that destroys the laboratory in the Pilot episode. Johnson claims he didn't realize the camera was unplugged until seconds before the explosives were set to go off--and demolish the set completely. He just managed to pulg it in just at the nick of time, and the explosion was afterwardsused in the title sequence every time the series aired.

The most touching element of the commentary (more so on "Married" than with the Pilot) was the information he gave about Bill Bixby's troubled and occasionally tragic life. I had no idea Bixby (or "Bix" as Johnson refers to him) had so many difficulties in his personal life. Like so many other TV watchers of the era, I only thought of him the characters he portrayed on screen, from his days in "My Favorite Martian," to "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" to the "Incredible Hulk." To find out about what he went through off screen up to his death by prostrate cancer in 1993 moved me deeply.

However, what I found most appalling about the commentary was Kenneth Johnson's evident disdain, bordering on contempt, of the original Hulk comic book. From his own words, he never cared for comic books himself. When offered the project he originally found it "ludicrous" and claimed he couldn't identify with "men running around in Spandex costumes." This coming from the man who'd just come off producing produced "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "Bionic Woman," two shows unparalled for silliness and ludicrous situations. (They made comic books look like Shakespeare in comparison.)

However he changed his mind when he considered doing it as a "serious" TV show, his decision supposedly inspired by his reading of great works of literature. But he wanted to give the Hulk a total makeover, changing it to suit his own personal vision. He even wanted to change the Hulk's color from green to red, but Stan Lee and Marvel Comics, owner of the character's copyright, put their foot down on that one.

It's apparent from Johnson's remarks that he and Lee had some real arguments over the series. Lee was listed on the end credits as a "Consultant," but it's obvious all his "consulting" was blantantly ignored by Johnson. One such incident is ironic; at a certain point, Lee advised Johnson to have the Hulk fight a "robot bear." Johnson refused, claiming the audience would never "buy it." This coming from a man who had his own robot monster (Bigfoot) in both the "Six Million Dollar Man" and "Bionic Woman." It's annoying to hear Johnson claim at one point that he "created the character" of David Banner as if the comic book never existed. Also it tickled me to hear him grumble that putting the name "David Bruce Banner" on the gravestone at the conclusion to the Pilot was his "concession" to Stan Lee for changing the name of the lead character from "Bruce Banner" to "David Banner."

Incidentally, Johnson's explanation for that change is very unconvincing. He merely claims it was just a "stronger name" than "Bruce." I can't prove this for a fact, but my own belief is the change was made because "Bruce" was a popular nickname for gay men at the time the show was on. It's interesting that in the new (and boring) movie version of "The Hulk," Bruce Banner's father is named "David," as if the movie makers were somehow trying to tie in the TV version to the movie. If that was thier plan, it failed miserably.

However, I will applaud Johnson for making a serious adaption of a comic book figure, something that was never believed possible at the time. Other TV adaptions of comic books were send-ups, played for laughs, such as "Batman" and "Wonder Woman." It was also the most successful, running for five years and (so Johnson claims) having adults as its highest number of fans. Even after it went off the air, it spawned several successful TV movie sequels that ran through the eighties. Johnson and Universal Studios deserve credit for that, and this DVD is a superb addition to any comic book fan's collection.

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Summary: Ole Greenskin is back
Review: I remember watching this episode (and its sequel) back in 1977 on CBS. I had the feeling then it would make a nice series. So when I heard after an episode of Wonder Woman that it would be a series, I made plans to watch. Overall it was a great series, in fact the other episode on this disc won an emmy for its only major guest star Marriette Hartley (who would later work with Bixby again in Goodnight Beantown). Anyway to get back to the pilot, it explored more of a human interest story in the character. The writer apparantly felt that the death of Banner's wife would impact the viewer more than Banner saving a teenager from a bomb blast. It's also interesting how they changed the character's name to David. When the comic strip started he was called Bruce Banner. Then Stan Lee slipped a few times and called him Bob Banner in occasional strips which to remedy, he copped a plea by saying his name was really Robert Bruce Banner. And now he's David. Since they (Universal) couldn't remedy it without recutting the film, Stan Lee himself convinced the studio to use his cop out to explain the name change which is why his name at the cemetary is David Bruce Banner. Good thing they left well enough alone at this point. I just hope in the new movie, they don't change his name again or I'm heading for the hills. But seriously this disc and the series sequels (also on DVD now) are worth buying. By the way, if you think this postive review overrides my review of the 2fer, you're wrong. I only rated that 1 star because they should have put all 3 sequels in 1 set. Buy this disc and buy the others too. :-)

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Summary: Worth the Wait
Review: I thought it was about time they came out with the hulk series on DVD. I hope they put Prometheus and the First, both two-part episodes, they were some of my favorites.
I grewup watching the hulk and met Bixby and Ferrigno, at different times, when they were passing through Wyoming. Bixby, I met in 1977-78 after the first 1/2 season of the Hulk, I was only 14-16 years old. He was heading up to Yellowstone Park with his son. He was a great actor, and director, I can seriously say he would never be typecasts from the show. He was very talented, directing episodes of Blossom, Goodnight Beantown, The Woman who loved Elvis and episodes of Mr. Merlin.
Ferrigno I met when he was a guest poser in the Mr. Wyoming contest. He was on the comeback trail after being retired from competitive bodybuilding for some 17 years. He weighted in at 310 pounds and looked great for being in his 40s.
The Hulk series will always be my favorite, there was never a show like it before on television, or since.

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Summary: So CLEAR... also sounds GREAT!!
Review: I was astonished by the CLARITY of this DVD. The visuals are better than they looked when it first aired! (The sound is great as well.) As if two 90 minute telefilms weren't enough, there are some excellent bonuses attached. Kenneth Johnson's commentaries were very interesting. (Who knew that Richard Kiel was the Hulk first and that a few frames of him are in the first telemovie? Not me!) The telefilms are a little dated hair/clothes-wise, but the stories really stand the test of time. This DVD is an essential purchase for the fan of the TV series. Let's hope they release season sets that are up to this quality!

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Summary: At last!!
Review: If Ang Lee's new Hulk movie had ANY positive repercussions, it was for Universal to at last release the original series premiere on DVD. Having owned MCA's VHS version for years, it is a tremendous treat to watch this in such high quality. The sound is great, and the picture is razor sharp (compared to its prior versions). The acting is top notch and comparable to performances today, although the bellbottoms are so 70's!

The premiere and the episode "Married" also on this disc were definitely the two best Hulk episodes from a dramatic level. However, Universal would earn the highest marks from me if they release as another double feature, the two-parters "Promethius" and "The First" (arguably the two best fun episodes). DVD's are not expensive to make these days, and Universal has the masters in their vaults. I hope they're reading this!

Because the comic book/movie Hulk and the TV series Hulk are two entirely different characters, it is wrong to compare the two. However, with an actor playing the creature, there is alot more humanity and feeling behind it than someone created by computer. This DVD is wonderful to watch especially after watching the series as a kid. It is definitely worth it!

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Summary: TV Movie Pilot superior to Modern version!
Review: If you are a Hulk fan don't let the age of this TV movie fool you. It's a more true portrayal of the Hulk character. Without the CGI and modern film effects it still holds up as a classic Man vs Monster story. The second film "Married" or Bride of the Hulk works the same type of story only the Hulk is trying to rescue a young lady who is being abused by her family to collect insurance money. All in all these films are the better of the modern version. While the special effects got me to go to the theater this version stands the test of time.

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Summary: My favorite show is back on dvd!!!
Review: In 1977,CBS introduced all of us to a great show based on the marvel comics superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962.We meet Dr.David Banner,a research scientist and physician,trying to tap into mans source of strength,Banner is trying to cope with the death of his wife Laura,played by Lara Parker of Dark Shadows fame,through this unfortunate accident,Dr Banner and a fellow scientist,Elaina Marks,played beautifully by the lovely Susan Sullivan interview people when in times of emotional stress display unusual strength,but Dr.Banner discovering that Gamma Rays are responsible for making them strong and because he could not save his wife because of low gamma activity decides to experiment on himself absorbing a massive amount of gamma radiation he fails in the experiment on himself and feels no effects at first,but when he becomes angry or frustrated,he transforms into a hulking monster with super strength,7 feet tall,green and powerful.Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk was magnificent and I think the best one in the world who played the role and also a bodybuilding champion.The late Bill Bixby in the role of Dr.David Banner will be truly missed,he was a wonderful actor and played the role of Banner with compassion and inginuity.The episode Married is a truly great episode of the series.Banner is trying to seek help for his condition with a physchiatist and doctor named Caroline Fields played marvelously by Mariette Hartley,who unfortunatly has an illness of her own.the both of them marry and Dr.Fields life comes to an untimely end.This dvd is a must have for every fan of the series,and has a great introduction by Lou Ferrigno who plays the hulk,I will always be a fan of this marvelous show which ran on cbs from 1978-82.

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Summary: The Hulk still rules
Review: Lou Ferigno is the man. This guy is one of the most MASSIVE human beings I've ever seen. A perfect choice to play the Big Green Guy himself. I remember watching this show as a kid and it scaring the living he** out of me. I've been a Hulkhead ever since. I was overjoyed when I heard about it being re-released on dvd. Well, two milestone episodes anyway. (Universal, PLEASE release all the other episodes!!)

The picture quality is exquisite. They really cleaned up most of the fuzz and haze that inhibits most '70's television programs. It's so clear that you can see the green in the Hulk's contact lenses. If you haven't seen this film, it's very well done considering the available budget and resources . The fx are convincing, and the Hulk's makeup rocks. Really scary looking. The direction, music and fashion is very typical for TV at that time, so it may come across as a bit dated, however it shouldn't take away from the overall enjoyment factor. Ferigno is actually very good as the creature. As an amateur actor who was mostly deaf, he was brilliant. I still get a rush everytime I see those clothes ripping over swelling green flesh and hear that awesome "RRROOOOAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!"

The "Married" episode, though touching at the end and very much a milestone in the series, isn't really that good. Not really that bad either though. The direction seems to have been very lax. Much of the tension and adrenaline present in the original seems to be gone. There is still some, but it's very low key. Lou Ferigno doesn't seem to go as completely berserk either. He's almost a calm Hulk in the first couple "Hulk scenes." I mean, he's supposed to be "driven by rage" right? But by the second half of the film, he starts acting like a monster again. There is way too much comic relief, nearly reaching parody in one scene. A girl in a drunken stupor seems to find the Hulk attractive and says "Far out!" Or the part where the Hulk picks up a swingin' playboy by his chest hair. I think not. Also, the Hulk's makeup is a bit lame. The short cropped, stylish wig Lou wears here looks ridiculous. The matted, wild and shaggy wig from the original was much better. And something about the facial prosthetics seemed different and less fierce looking. It also seemed very rushed. Some scenes ended short, and it really seemed at times like they had to butcher it to fit into a 2 our TV time slot. Too bad.
Despite all this, it's really not that bad. There may be some intentional and unintentional laughs, but it turns out to be fairly moving. Also Bill Bixby's performance was brilliant as always. And the fact that it is an extremely important episode makes it mandatory for the Hulk fan.

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Summary: Smartly scripted and directed thriller...
Review: Not having seen the pilot episode of "The Incredible Hulk" since I was a child, I was pleasantly surprised by its intelligent, witty script and sure-handed direction. Kenneth Johnson, the pilot's writer, director, and producer, guides the cast, lead by the always excellent Bill Bixby, through a thoughtful exploration of love and loss disguised as a monster movie.

Lou Ferrigno, a novice to acting before his stint as the growling, green Hulk, performs admirably, inspiring the right amounts of fear and pathos. Johnson even finds time for a homage to James Whale's "Frankenstein" in a scene where the Hulk discovers a young girl sitting beside a lake - shades of Boris Karloff in the Universal classic.

What is most impressive to me is Johnson's refusal to pander to a kiddie audience by "camping up" the material. He gives plausible, pseudo-scientific reasons for Bixby, as Dr. David Bruce Banner, to pursue a bombardment of gamma rays that eventually transform him into a raging beast.

Not that the film is all touchy-feely. The scene where the creature - later dubbed "The Hulk" by a news tabloid - breaks free of a steel tank is effectively chilling, with great lighting and atmosphere. Compare the Hulk here with the computer-animated monstrosity of the theatrical film and you'll realize that Ferrigno is the more menacing, because he's 100 per cent, in-your-face, real.

Surprisingly, too, very little changes were made when the pilot was picked up for a regular series (I remember reading that the Hulk's make-up was modified somewhat to make him less fearsome). This is a tribute to the thought and skill of Johnson, Bixby, Ferrigno and crew - their work here is the perfect set-up for the seasons to come.

This DVD looks as if it were produced on a shoestring budget. Sound quality is acceptable, and the picture, while occasionally grainy, is generally clear. A nice bonus is the two-parter, "Married," on the DVD's second side. But the real gem is the commentary by Johnson over the pilot. It's an crash course in television production and a gold mine for fans of the TV Hulk.

All in all, a lot of bang for the buck. I only hope that Universal will decide to release future volumes of the regular series.

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Summary: The Raging Spirit That Dwells Within...
Review: One of the things about all the hype surrounding the Hulk film, is the fact that, it has also given folks a renewed interest in the 70's television series. I can remember watching the series, every Friday night on the CBS network, as a child of about 8. I knew that the show was different than the comic book, but I didn't care, it was still fun to watch every week. At the time, I thought Dr. David Banner (Bill Bixby) transforming into the Hulk, (Lou Ferrigno) was just about the coolest thing-next to seeing Christopher Reeve fly as Superman at the movies. All of these fond memories of my youth came flooding back to me, when I set down to watch the pilot and the "bonus" episode "Married" recently, on DVD.

The Pilot-Banner is looking for a way to harness strength that all humans have. He accidently exposes himself to an overdose of Gamma Radiation, while testing a theory, altering his genetic structiure. Now, in times of stress or anger, he transforms into the creature, know as the Hulk. After the first sightings, the creature is persued by Jack MaGee, (Jack Colvin), a relentless tabloid journalist. Wanted for murders that the Hulk didn't commit, Banner and his green alter ego go on the run, while seeking a cure

The DVD contains another telefilm from the series called "Married"-The search for a cure takes Banner to Hawaii, to see a terminally ill Doctor (Mariette Hartley, who won an Emmy for her performance), who may hold the key to stopping the metamorphosis once and for all.

Sure, the show's special effects seem sub par, especially by today's CGI standards. But thanks to the guiding hand of Kenneth Johnson, and the strong performances by Bixby and Ferrigno, the show steers away from being totally campy. By grounding the fantastic with characters, we as the audience, can identify with what is going on. I will say that as a former reader of "greenskin"'s comic book exploits, I prefer the mythology of the book over that of the series, but the show did lead me to the book so...I see the series as a "distant relative" of the comic book. But I still appreciate the show, and think it still holds up, despite being made some 25 years ago.

Both episodes have an insightful audio commentary from writer/director Kenneth Johnson. They are as good as the track he did for V The Original Mini Series. There's also a preview of the feature film's effects by Industrial Light & Magic's with director Ang Lee and others The DVD also has a "new"video interview with Ferrigno and his take on the popularity of the show. Other features include: The film version's theatrical teaser, a playable demo for the PC version of The Hulk interactive game that sounds pretty cool, behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the Hulk roller coaster as Universal Orlando, and some E-book content tops of the extras on the disc. Sure, most of the extras act as promotion for other Hulk projects, but the commentary tracks make up for that "flaw"

I don't know if I would buy a season DVD box set...But I hope that some of my other favorite episodes from the series are released soon. Great bit of nostagia if you ever watched the show...