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
1 I need help...
Hello! I hope someone can help me out. As all the reviews here have stated, there's nothing much more that I can add about the greatness of these films - especially I and II. But there's something not so clear to me about this boxset. It's been stated that this set contains 4 discs. But it's also said here that III and The Next KK are compressed into one double-sided disc. So what does the other remaining disc contain? Hope someone can help me. Thanks!
2 BEE ESS
The original is a huge steaming loaf of dung, and the sequels are the peanuts in it.
3 An American Classic
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.
4 Yeah I'm on Minute Maid!
I got a copy of The Karate Kid Special Edition Box Set the very second it was released. I must say I had the most enjoyable experience listening to that commentary! I was laughing so much along with the cast and crew. It was very special for me to hear Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita discussing this film 20 years after it first hit theaters and warmed it's way into our hearts. I have loved this movie for 20 years straight. I was a Ralph Macchio fanatic at 8 years of age and I still think this is such a fantastic movie. The DVD is superb. The commentary is the number one feature. It's informative, interesting, and highly entertaining. There are a few featurettes that are enjoyable as well. No deleted scenes though! And where the heck was Elisabeth Shue during the making of this? Oh well, other than that I reccommend anyone who loves this movie to pick up this new box set. As an added bonus you get the other three lesser sequels. I myself have never been a fan of any of them, but it's good to have them as part of the collection. Two huge karate kicks up! :)
5 Nice little clloection in a little box
I just finished watching these films over the last week for the first time in years. This set is a must buy for anybody who has kids dealing with bullies. These are films that anybody alive can relate too with the trust in yourself message and fighting only as a last resort. Its also a wonderful take on Karate as an art and a spiritual excercise and not a form of violent fun that allows you to kill a man by ripping his heart out.
The first film is hands down the best. Very sweet and full of wonderful human emotions. The seconed film is a decent sequal with pretty well the same qualities as the first but in a different local and the characters are a little older. The third is kinda silly with the revenge angle but I have seen worse. The last a latest remake stars the 2 time Oscar winner Hillary Swank in her break out role. Very much like the first but not quite as charming like the first three but hey a decent try none the less. The fourth film does have the best scene in the whole series. The scene is when the monks go bowling which is cheezy but funny.
The only gripe I have with the collection is the lack of extras. The first film had great extras but the seconed film had a making the sequal featurette but its 5 mins long and from 1986. It felt they didn't put to much thought in beefing up the last 3. They could have attempted to get Hillary Swank for a sit down retrospect on the next Karate Kid but nope. Other then that this set is a must buy that won't dissappoint fans young and old.
6 Dude! Dude! Holy..... DUDE!
I'm not going to go into a review for this film... plenty of people before me have explained what the movie is about and why it is good. All I have to say is that I went to Target tonight looking for nothing in particular, and I happenstance came across this in the box-set dvd section. The last time I watched the Karate Kid, it was on VHS, and it was years ago. But when I saw the ENTIRE set on DVD... my friend can tell you. I stopped, started sputtering, pointing... finally I managed to get out, "Dude! Dude! Dude! ... HOLY! DUDE. OH MY GOD. DUDE!!! The Karate Kid! I love this movie! This is the whole reason I took karate in the first place! I wanted to be Daniel-san! And then I WAS Daniel-san! And I kicked ass!!"
My friend couldn't stop laughing.
Anyway. I just wanted to say that Karate Kid is the good stuff. The "believe in yourself, never give up, find the courage to face the darker moments of life" stuff. Every body needs a little bit of Daniel-san in them.
I wish I had some sake so I could salute Mr. Myagi.
"BONZAAAIIIII!!!!!"
7 Oh, Daniel-san, you too much by self, not good
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!!!!!"
8 A must-see!
The Karate Kid movies are the defining moments of a great era -- the 1980s. The first movie is definitely the best one, in all regards. A great script, solid direction, and memorable performances make the movie the best in the series. Plus, the score is extremely inspiring and moving, throughout the entire film. In my opinion, the actor who steals the movie is William Zabka, who plays Johnny Lawrence. There's a really funny humor article that interviews Johnny Lawrence to see what he's doing these days. You can read that here: www.robbloom.com/creative/johnnylawrence.htm. Anyway, I definitely recommend these movies to anybody. This is a great collection.
9 Too Macch-io for some, not enough-io for me.
What can I say that no one else has? Nothing really, but in my opinion I loved Karate Kid Part 2 the most. Don't get me wrong though I thoroughly loved Karate Kid Part 1...I mean that was how it started.
You know, single mother; who is struggling to make ends meat, just moved from Jersey to Cali (huge move, and very different in culture) a son who is paltry, very street looking, has the hots for ultra cute rich girl with vindictive ex-boyfriend. Son meets old asian man who teachs him Karate to defend himself so he wins girl, wins Karate tournament, wnis our hearts. And why not?
We all get tired of not hearing that the good guy underdog won everything.
But in Part 2 it is not just about old style fight for the girl style Martial Arts. In Part 1 Mr. Miyagi explains that Karate helps train you for life, and in Part 2 it is about how Daniel has to deal with Mr. Miyagi's troubled past, coming to grips with his breakup with his girlfriend and his own fight for life, and how he can do this and not lose his life.
He fights for honor now, not for a trophy, and that is the message. Life is not all about bullies and girlfriends, it is about love for friends, sacrifice, and the next phase of life.
Oh yeah there is something about a Part 3 and a Part 4 but those one's don't really count...DO THEY?
10 The Karate kid box set , -1
I absolutely love the Karate kid trilogy. It's actually what got me into martial arts in the first place. 1, 2, and 3 are pure heart and brilliance in my opinion. The beggining, the journey and the return. Part 2 is my favorite simply because its the only one I owned as a child which I recorded off of TV during Hurricane Hugo in th 80's. Which is quite Ironic if youve seen the second part. Now that the movies are DVD we can all enjoy the great movies of our younger years, as well as extra features whcih I couldnt believe. Anyway, I recomend the box set to anyone any fan of any of the movies, save the 4th. (movie which does not count).
11 Woohoo! Gotta love the Karate Kid!
"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!
12 Reliving a classic and then some
Who doesn't know the Karate Kid? Great film that too many high schoolers can relate to. I give this set 4 stars because, parts 3 and 4 are merely filler. It also would have been nice to have commentary on all four films instead of just the first. And why wasn't William Zabka included in the commentary? And can someone please help me find the DVD rom game that is supposed to be on the Karate Kid 2? Still the strength of the first film, and to a lesser extent, the second one merits 4 stars. Plus, all four films for $25? Can't beat tha.
13 What a total rip off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here I sit anxiously awaiting my boxed set, just busting at the seams at the opportunity to see KKI in widescreen. I am a huge KK fan ... I have the first one on Beta, VHS, and DVD. I also have the soundtrack on cassette and CD. I have the paperback book versions, some of the action figures, and the script. I love this film; I know this film. I just popped the DVD in and to my dismay I see that even though the box says remastered for HD, absolutely nothing was done to clean the film up. It has the same dust specks in it that the original DVD had in it. What's worse, this isn't even widescreen!!!!! The lowlifes simply cut off the top and bottom of the original and called it widescreen. I compared it to my original full screen and you are missing parts of the picture. I am very very disappointed and will be seeking to get my money back due to their false advertising.
14 Well... the purchase is 5 stars. *edited*
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.
15 VERY GOOD DVD'S IN WIDESCREEN.
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
16 The first film makes this set worth it!
If you're like me you'll be buying this mostly to get the first film in widescreen. Or if you're not like me you're buying this because you're a big fan of "The Next Karate Kid"!!! Seriously though the main appeal of this set for me was to get the first film in widescreen. I wasn't however, expecting the running commentary to be as fun as it is. Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and the director and the writer are all on hand to provide insight. What makes the commentary so great is that unlike some commentaries they are able to laugh at certain scenes and point out things that even they thought were unbelieveable (the scene with the bottles on the truck). Morita and Macchio clearly formed a strong bond making the movies and their admiration for one another shows in the commentary. Since it is the first film that will be the draw here, that is the disc with all the bells and whistles. The other three films have no extras to speak of. By now everyone knows the story of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and the powerful friendship they build. I was 13 when the first film came out and watching it again after 20 years it still packs a punch or should I say a kick! You'll want this set for the first film and maybe the second. I've never seen the third or fourth so I can't comment on those two. But it is a nice set and a great film of believing in oneself and the power of friendship.
17 finally here, but...
I hate double sided discs! The 3rd and 4th films should be on their own with separate packaging. At least the movies are in widescreen.
18 wax on...................
The original Karate Kid will always have a special place in my life. It is a great snap shot of life in the 80's and the struggles some of us faced as teenagers. This movie made me want to start taking Karate lessons. Now I'm a 6th degree black belt in Okinawan Karate. Thanks for the motivation Daniel san.
Clint DuPlechian,Sensei
19 Classic
The movies a classic, I bought it just for the fact that it was on DVD and the Tapes I have are dying. Haven't watched the Features though. Have one downside, on KKP2 there is said to be an interactive dvd-rom game on the back of the case that holds the KKP2 dvd (not the box that holds all the dvds) Unfortunately I haven't been able to locate this game, and Unsure whether they just removed it and forgot to reprint the dvd cover. Still a great buy, suggest if for anyone.
20 Sweep the leg!
Get him a bodybag!! YYYYEEEEEEEAAAHH!!!!!!
(Daniel LaRusso's gonna fight!)
21 Prepare to ride the wave of nostalgia...
There are only a handful of movies that I associate with my youth while growing up in the 80's. "The Karate Kid" was definately one of them. By taking a seemingly cliched premise about the student being taught by the master to avenge his honor, the filmmakers were able to inject a lot of warmth, humor and heart into the movie to make it an entirely unforgettable film. Unfortunately, the sequels (as they rarely do) never lived up to the original with the fourth one (starring a young Hilary Swank) being a parody of itself. But rather than bore you with inane details as to what I loved and hated about each film, I will describe the special features, which is the only reason to put up with the last two sequels. A treat for "The Karate Kid" fans is a forty-five minute documentary on the filmmaking process from its origins to the final cut. It was great seeing Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Martin Kove (Kreese) and William Zabka (Johnny) as they are today, describing their experiences while making the film. Hearing Kove admit that his initial dislike for the director helped him to channel his character's anger was great. The "East Meets West: A Composer's Notebook" and "Life of Bonsai" featurette were basically fillers and only added trivial information about the film. However, I was a little disappointed that the same amount of features weren't found on "The Karate Kid, Part II," nor the other sequels, as bad as they were. But it's the first film that I hold close to my heart and with the great features and affordable price, the collection is well worth the price.
22 Amazing Deal, Amazing Flicks!!
You must have this for your collection, even if you only like the first one - the price is amazing. Part 3 is a movie you can watch over and over again, because it is so damn funny. Part 2 has a couple good parts, part 4 is garbage. They need to make a part 5 with Daniel back in it. Remember, Cobra Kai never dies!!!!!!!
23 Classic 1980s Underdog Film
The Karate Kid series is to me alot like Rocky. Funny because the director is the same guy who directed Rocky. This is the classic story of an fatherless teen (Daniel Larusso) who struggles to fit into his new plush California surroundings. Along the way he makes enemies of the local karate punks (Cobra Kais) and becomes subject to their bullying. He later meets up with a maintenance man (Mr. Miyagi) who is a karate master from Okinawa. Miyagi becomes a friend and Karate instructor to the boy and the two form a lasting friendship. Daniel also hooks up with the local rich girl. This movie has it all and the ending will get your blood pumping. A true classic, the type of film that makes you cheer for the underdog.
24 Memorable films
Ah, Karate Kid. A good movie. There were too many things given to the viewers in Karate Kid (part one) that they could make fun of - so people can't keep a straight face when mentioning the films. It's too bad in my opinion: Wax on, wax off; the crane kick; jacka--es even love to make fun of the character Mr. Miagi.
The first one was a good teen movie. About a new kid in town, fresh in from Jersey, who develops a crush on a girl - but then the ex-boyfriend and his friends try to ruin the kid's life. Not only do they ride motorcycles, but they also know karate.
Now, I liked part two better than part one. I think it was the Okanowa setting (I hope I didn't spell that wrong), I really loved it.
Part three and four I did not enjoy. Part three was made to look like more of a sequel to the original - than part two was. It was a revenge story for the leader of the Cobra Kai (the bad guys in part one), it was very dishonorable, and a disgrace. I did not enjoy it one bit. It also made the character of Daniel look like he didn't learn anything in the first two films.
After part three's cash-in - it was silly to exploit the films any further, but then came "The Next Karate Kid". Another story of a loner student. I think part of the story was about nursing pigeons on a rooftop. The movie was nothing but a marketing scheme.
Anyways, I wish that they sold the first two by themselves - in these new versions, for fans like myself who felt that parts three and four were trash. But many people liked part three. Sure, I like to root for the villian in movies - but that program's story was distasteful in my opinion.
25 classic 80's
The first 3 in the set are what every fan of the 80's genre of movies should have in their collection. They are entertaining and exude that form that the 80's is so famously known for. Elizabeth Shue is in the first one. The fourth is an entertaining addition to the first 3 done in the 80's. I would reccommend this set to anyone who loves the karate movies of the 80's such as Bloodsport, which is also another great.
26 Excellent Deal!
This collection set is a great news to all Karate Kid fans who haven't owned the complete four films yet. Even though there's not much extra features or fancy box set wrapping around them, I think the attractive low price for this 4-pack is the major factor for driving people's desire of ownership. About the films, both the I and II are the best in the series. The III is an average work. The IV is totally off, only Miyagi is from the original casts. About the DVD, unlike the disappointed 1.33:1 aspect ratio in the original Karate Kid I DVD, in this set all four films are republished in widescreen format for true collectors. I think this 4-pack is an excellent deal! Cann't wait to see.....Wax On, Wax Off, Sand the floor, and Paint the house.
(Reviewed by Otto Yuen, 05-Jan-2005)
27 It's About Time!
I have waited for the release of the original Karate Kid in widescreen format for a long time. It's about time that they released this to complete the set in complete widescreen format. This series are excellent films that the entire family can enjoy. There have been many clones, but nothing can top the original.
28 What's the Aspect Ratio?
What I don't know! What are the aspect ratios of the discs in this set? I believe KK1 was only previously released in Full-Frame 1.33:1 format. And, the rest in Wide-Screen format! So, is this just a re-release of the same? Or, do we finally get all the movies in Wide-Screen?
