Search - The Incredible Hulk - Original Television Premiere on DVD

Lance O. from MANSFIELD, TX
Reviewed on 5/23/2008...

If you like the Hulk, this is for you!!

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno will FOREVER be the Hulk

Dave Cordes | Denver, CO | 06/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do yourself a favor and skip this summer's over-promoted blockbuster. That's right. On Friday, June 20, do yourself a favor and take that $9 you were going to spend on admission and $6 on popcorn and purchase The Incredible Hulk Original Television Pilot DVD, and curl up on the couch for 3 hours of the most moving human drama you will ever see.

Having seen the theatrical film, I can promise you that its overblown CGI effects and cliche characters are cold and lifeless compared to the original televison series created by Kenneth Johnson, the brilliant man who gave us the original V mini-series and both the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman, and brought to life by the incredible and unforgettable talents of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.

The first 5 minutes of the Pilot episode has more humanity than a single frame of Ang Lee's new Hulk film. It is the sad, tragic origin of Dr. David Bruce Banner's endless quest to come to terms with his wife's unfortunate death and the accident that caused him to transform into the infernal green Hulk.

But that's just the beginning of the story. This DVD also includes perhaps the most powerfully moving episode of the series called "Married" and it is a real treat. I remember watching it as a 6 year old boy back in 1978 and thought it was very sad. Now, having seen it again as a 31 year old man, I can tell you that by the end you will not be able to hold back the tears from streaming down your face. It is perhaps the saddest piece of drama I have ever seen.

Now, what would you rather watch? Some cold, lifeless, CGI infested blockbuster that has absolutely no soul or depth of character, or a 25 year old television show that reminds you what it means to be a human being and can all be attributed to a single differential reason: Story."

Tough Act To Follow

03/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

A DVD Worthy of The Incredible Hulk Series

Ex-Cape Codder | Greenfield, MA United States | 06/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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..."