| A sizable hit with both teen audiences and sports-themed movie enthusiasts, 1984's The Karate Kid had the right combination of heart and action to spawn three sequels of varying quality between 1986 and 1994; all four features have been packaged together in this three-disc set. Though plot elements varied from film to film, the core story (and the series' greatest strength) remained the same--the relationship between a wise Japanese martial arts teacher (skillfully underplayed by comedian Pat Morita) and his young American student (Ralph Macchio in the first three films, and future Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the final entry, The Next Karate Kid). The first of the Morita/Macchio matchups remains the best of the four features, with excellent performances from both leads and director John G. Avildsen (who also handled Rocky and the first two Kid sequels) expertly balancing the emotional moments with the pure excitement of the martial arts tournament that serves as its finale. The subsequent sequels with Macchio seemed pulpier (especially The Karate Kid, Part II, with its rekindled wartime romance subplot), and the inevitable come-from-behind competitions lacking the impact of the original; 1994's The Next Karate Kid (directed by Christopher Cain) put a slight spin on the formula by replacing Macchio with belligerent teen Swank, but it too seems like a retread of the first film. Still, the messages inherent to each film--finding one's inner strength, trusting your heart--should ring true to new generations of younger viewers. Fans may find the Collection light on supplemental features--while all four films are presented in anamorphic widescreen format, only the original (which was previously released in pan-and-scan only) offers commentary by Avildsen, Macchio and Morita and several making-of featurettes; the three sequels, packed into two discs, offer no extras. --Paul Gaita |
|
 Well... the purchase is 5 stars. *edited* |
| Review Date: February 9, 2005 |
| Reviewer: William Smith, Fontana, CA United States |
Part I (5 stars): Funny, I'm just not a big "karate buff", in fact, this probably is the only set of movies like this I own, or may ever own. When I tell people this is one of my favorite movies *ever*, they laugh. Then they say, "Are you serious?" And my words to explain why always fall short. Beyond the karate, beyond the underdog nature, there lie two characters that seem to compliment each other so perfectly it really makes the movie what it is regardless of the subject matter. Something about the chemistry between Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio simply defies convention and thrives on it. The casting by all involved was surely just one part luck, one part fortune, the DVD extras merely icing. My only complaint is this not being mastered to 5.1 DD sound.
*edit* I watched the commentary last night and I must say I was disappointed. Pat Morita's input was intrusive, and many comments made by the group were simply uncalled for. When Elizabeth Shue would walk away from the camera they would comment about her rear end and totally ruined a part of my respect for them. They went on to ridicule an "extra" who became a greeter of some sort. They laughed and carried on through the whole thing. At the beginning I thought, well they are a lively group, but after 45 minutes it wore thin and I wished then I would have turned it off. There were a few bits here and there I learned, but what I really learned is why companies have the disclaimer at the beginning of the movies.
Part II (4 stars): I'm kind of ashamed of avoiding this movie now. As much as I loved the first I never bothered with the second. I've just never been fond of sequels. Be it Back to the Future Two, the Lost World, or the hundred other sub par sequels, they just seem to mar the original product. However, here at Amazon I read that this story picks up 5 minutes after the first and that peaked my interest. Previously, I just assumed it would be directionless swill. So wrong. The score, the heart, the soul, and even the casting practically live up to the first, and I'm shocked at that. In fact Daniels love interest in this even out does the first!! Having the impact on me this film had 19 years after it was made is quite remarkable. It's not without it's flaws though, the last 15-20 minutes really just seemed to lose steam, the "storm" sequence being almost painful. Sad that there are no extra's to speak of, this movie may have been even more interesting to hear about.
Part III (3 stars): Definitely the weakest of the three, still a must see for the simple fact that Pat and Ralph still have that spark. Sadly, the casting choices for the villains are overwrought and the story just seems forced. I suppose the concept was losing its impact but regardless, the script just wasn't well thought out. Again, this picks up right after Part II and there is just something about this continuity that makes me think John Avildsen has courage and vision. The weakest part of the script easily being the "sign the paper" portions that defied common sense, still like Part II I'm simply shocked these movies are not disastrous "1 out of 5's" (as some here at Amazon alluded to) although having the original director onboard surely meant these movies had the stability they needed... and deserved. Having viewed Parts II and III has forever altered the way I will view Part I, and I'm relieved to report it's all for the better. They only enhanced what I knew and make me appreciate it that much more. Why not have commentary on all three movies?
---
The Next Karate Kid (2 stars): I'm trying to view this as a sort of "bonus movie" within the packaged set. While 2 stars may seem low I think this movie does contain some decent performances by Hillary and Pat. The problem again is the script, hell, even the premise. So, a middle aged woman lets a friend of her fathers move in with her teenage daughter while she goes and stays at his home California? Please. A big problem are the overzealous sadistic "TV Movie" quality of just about everyone except the two leads. Even the love interest in this is so utterly flat it is totally deflated. Most of what should have had an impact (like the Hawk) didn't and a certain parts (like "Zen" bowling) seemed like embarrassing filler.
|
An American Classic
|
| Review Date: March 7, 2005 |
| Reviewer: S. Wilson, NYC |
While some critics dismiss "The Karate Kid" as a 1980s teen movie, I place it in the same category as such classics as "Star Wars", "Rocky" and "Jaws." It is a beautifully-written, -acted and -directed film that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you cheer. Pat Morita's Mr Miyagi (for which he received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor) is one the archetypal characters in American film. His relationship with Ralph Maccio's Daniel LaRusso is as genuine and touching as any you will find in film. I remember seeing it in the theater when I was very young and the audience exploding into applause at the final "crane kick" scene. That does not happen very often.
The DVD of the entire series is now available (Part 2 is decent but Parts 3 and 4 are not). The best DVD feature is the making-of documentary. It's been 21-years since this film was in theaters and all the major contributors are still alive and in good spirits for the documentary. Everyone involved in the project sees this movie as the pinnacle of their careers (and I agree with them).
This is one of my favorite films. I give it my highest recommendation.
|
Woohoo! Gotta love the Karate Kid!
|
| Review Date: February 13, 2005 |
| Reviewer: B. Caulfield, Clarksville, TN |
"Wax On. Wax Off." is probably one of the biggest catch phrases in American pop culture and we get to relive that and other fun moments in this box set. I love the Karate Kid, even though I am definitely more partial to first and second one and I wasn't overly thrilled with The Next Karate Kid. These movies are like Rocky for teenagers but thankfully there's only 4 of them!
This belongs with the many other great teenage movies of the 80s and is highly recommended! |
VERY GOOD DVD'S IN WIDESCREEN.
|
| Review Date: February 8, 2005 |
| Reviewer: INNOCENTZ, CALIFORNIA |
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE KARATE KID COLLECTION AND I HAVE TO SAY IT'S VERY GOOD, THE FIRST KARATE KID GOT THE GOOD TREATMENT IS IN WIDESCREEN, IT HAS THE INTERVIEWS OF ALL THE CAST IN THE MOVIE (EXCEPT ELIZABETH SHUE), THE FIRST KARATE KID I GIVE IT 5 STARS, THEN COMES KARATE KID II IT DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING NEW BUT THE MOVIE IS PRETTY MUCH GOOD, IT STILL HAS A PLOT AT LEAST, I
GIVE IT 4.5 STARS, THEN COMES KARATE KID III THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS ONE, THIS IS THE WORST OF ALL TIME, THE PLOT IS VERY VERY PATHETIC, IT IS JUST A REHASH OF THE FIRST ONE, AND PLUS RALPH MACCHIO GOT VERY OLD AND FAT IN THIS ONE I GIVE IT 2 STARS, AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST COMES THE NEXT KARATE KID ONE WORD "BORING!" I GIVE IT 1.5 STARS.
KARATE KID 5/5
KARATE KID II 4.5/5
KARATE KID III 2/5
THE NEXT KARATE KID 1.5/5
STICK WITH THE FIRST KARATE KID AND KARATE KID II
|
Oh, Daniel-san, you too much by self, not good
|
| Review Date: February 23, 2005 |
| Reviewer: James Upton, Virginia, USA |
| Finally, all the movies together in a single package. I have been enthralled with the Karate Kid since seeing the first one back in 1984. I think I am in a rare minority here in that I actually like all four of the movies, one and two still having a higher preference though. The biggest reason I like all four is without a doubt because of the depth of character of Mr. Miyagi. I remember my first Sensei talked almost the same way, which was a big deal to me when I first saw Karate Kid since he did this before the popularity of the movie. This for some reason had a profound and lasting effect. I read somewhere the Pat Morita built most of the Miyagi character on the fly and I think he did an awesome job of this throughout all the movies. The continuing philosophy and mentality throughout all four movies alone was well worth the price. Of course my wife and kids are getting insanely tired of me quoting Mr. M. "BONZAIIII!!!!!" |
|
No details are available for this product
No video reviews found for this product.
5o5o4y I am always excited to visit this blog in the evenings.Please churning hold the contents. It is very entertaining.