Customer Reviews

The Incredible Hulk - The Television Series Ultimate Collection

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This is a 6 disc set containing 18 episodes from the classic 1970s TV series starring Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby. The episodes are as listed:

DISC 1:
RAINBOW'S END- David Banner hopes that a Native American's special horse tranquilizer will cure his transformations.
ANOTHER PATH- David tries to use an old Chinese man's methods of mind-control in hopes of ridding himself of the Hulk.
THE DISCIPLE- David returns to the old Chinese man only to discover that he is dying.

DISC 2:
THE FIRST Parts 1 & 2- David discovers the existence of a Hulk from decades earlier that has now been cured.
KINDRED SPIRITS- David investigates evidence of a prehistoric Hulk-like creature.

DISC 3:
STOP THE PRESSES- David tries to stop a tabloid reporter from publishing a photo of him.
MYSTERY MAN Parts 1 & 2- David, facially bandaged and suffering from amnesia, is aided by Jack McGee in an effort to find his true identity.

DISC 4:
DARK SIDE- David's latest cure causes the evil side of his personality to surface.
DEEP SHOCK- An electrical accident leaves David with psychic abilities.
THE HARDER THEY FALL- David is forced to cope with paralysis after a car accident.

DISC 5:
747- David is forced to land an airline after the pilots are drugged.
DEATH IN THE FAMILY Parts 1 & 2- David befriends a heiress who is being slowly poisoned by her keepers.

DISC 6:
THE PSYCHIC- A psychic discovers David's secret and informs him of McGee's impending death.
PROMETHEUS Parts 1 & 2- The army captures the Hulk after David is stuck in mid-transformation due to radiation from a meteor.

There are some great episodes in this bunch, including 'The First', as well as the most expensive Hulk episode ever made, 'Prometheus'. The picture quality is about the same as the SciFi Channel reruns. No effort was made to clean up the original film prints as specks of dust and debris are visible on all episodes. The sound is Dolby Digital 2.0, which is what one would expect from such an old series. Unfortunately, there are no bonus features or even an interview with Lou Ferrigno. Worse still, one can't even tell what episodes are on each disc because none are numerically labeled, thus the episode order discrepancies on various sites. This was indeed a rushed DVD set from Universal meant to cash in on the publicity surrounding the 2003 Ang Lee Hulk movie. This release is definitely better suited to the budget-conscious casual fan wanting to relive some fond memories. For hardcore fans, The Incredible Hulk Complete Series set is better worth the investment since there were so many more great episodes from this classic TV series.

I really enjoyed this series and I'm glad Universal is bringing some of the episodes into DVD. It comes in a nice presentation box, although a booklet would have been a welcomed addition, especially since the episodes are presented out of sequence, are not written on the DVD themselves and don't even match the sequence on the cover box. There are also no extras on any of the DVDs. The programs are presented in English-mono, with possibility of English-captions and subtitles in Spanish or French.

The saving grace is the episodes themselves and they are well selected. To assist buyers who'd like to watch these episodes in the order of airing dates, here is a list:

Episode 2:"A Death In The Family" (95 minutes, November 28, 1977 - Disc 5)
Episode 7: "747" (April 7, 1978 - Disc 5)
Episode 16:"Rainbow's End" (October 13, 1978 - Disc 1)
Episode 18: "Another Path" (October 27, 1978 - Disc 1)
Episode 21: "Stop The Presses!" (November 24, 1978 - Disc 3)
Episodes 27 & 28: "Mystery Man" (2 parts) (March 2, 1979, March 9, 1979 - Disc 3)
Episode 29:"The Disciple" (March 16, 1979 - Disc 1)
Episode 31: "Kindred Spirits" (April 6, 1979 - Disc 2)
Episode 52:"The Psychic" (February 22, 1980 - Disc 6)
Episodes 58 & 59: "Prometheus" (2 parts) (November 7 & 14, 1980 - Disc 6)
Episode 61: "Dark Side" (December 5, 1980 - Disc 4)
Episode 62: "Deep Shock" (December 12, 1980 - Disc 4)
Episodes 69 and 70: "The First" (2 parts) (March 6 and 13, 1981 - Disc 2)
Episode 71:"The Harder They Fall" (March 27, 1981 - Disc 4)

Note that episode 1 and 13 are available on "The Incredible Hulk: The Original Television Series Premiere" DVD (ASIN: B00008WFTU),
Episode 1: "The Incredible Hulk" (95 minutes, November 7, 1977)
Episode 13: "Married" (95 minutes, September 22, 1978)

Like others, I hope Universal will release a second boxset with additional great Hulk episodes. Meanwhile, this one is a great entry in the series, with complete and commercial free episodes.

The only reason I knocked a star of the rating of this collection is not because of the episodes themselves but because of how lazy Universal was in putting it together. What kind of boxed set arranges episodes in a completely random order and then fails to mark what the order is anywhere within the entire package. This one!

But this is such a great show and fans have been so desperate for a collection like this that that fact can almost be overlooked. I'm guessing after this release that Universal has scrapped any chance of releasing season by season collections. This is it folks! But that isn't so bad since the majority of the best episodes from the series can be found in this collection. Except for a few odd choices such as "Deep Shock," "Rainbow's End," and "Kindred Spirits" among others which certainly could have been replaced by better episodes. But as long as the very best are included, I'm happy.

Here is my brief reviews of each episode included:

Rainbow's End - 3/5 - This is a pretty average episode... possibly the least interesting in this set (not that the Hulk using his incredible super-abilities to steer a horse out of a burning barn isn't edge of your seat entertainment :b). But that's not saying much in a great collection of episodes like this.

Another Path - 3/5 - Not among the cream of the crop, but a decent episode with an interesting character in the old blind martial artist. The climax is pretty darn corny though... even for a series about a big green guy who likes to smash stuff.

The Disciple - 3/5 - This is sort of a sequel to "Another Path," but it is actually a worse episode. In fact, it is strange that this episode was even included considering that the main character in the story isn't even David Banner, but some "karate kid-like" character.

747 - 4/5 - This episode will definitely keep you gripped! Take the plot that is so often used in movies... an airplane full of passengers without a pilot and throw the hulk into the mix and you've got yourself a good time!

Death in the Family (2 parts) - 4/5 - This is a pretty good episode, but the weakest of the two-parters.

The First (2 parts)- 5/5 - This is my favorite episode of the entire series! It is just pure fun seeing another Hulk running around and the climactic battle between the two is probably the most entertaining scene of the series. A great script, eery atmosphere, and interesting characters make this a must-see episode for any fan of this show.

Kindred Spirits- 3/5 - This is possibly the most formulaic episode in the collection so it isn't particularly exciting, but it is decent.

Stop the Presses- 4/5- This one is for those Jack McGee lovers. This is the funniest episode in this collection and one of the better episodes of the series.

Mystery Man (2 parts)- 5/5- This two-parter episode is very well-done! Not only is it very exciting but it adds so much depth to the character of Jack McGee. There is a lot of brilliant psychological tension used brilliantly to build suspense. I'd rank this the 3rd best episode in this collection.

The Psychic- 4/5- This is a wonderful episode with a fantastic guest star-- Bill Bixby's own wife! And you can almost tell without me mentioning it... there is a lot of screen chemistry between the two and she does a great job in her role as a morally torn woman.

Prometheus (2 parts)- 5/5- This is probably the most famous Hulk episode ever created due to its vast production values. And it does indeed deserve the credit. This one is a very close second to "The First" as my favorite episode. The sets in this episode are probably more extensive than in most motion pictures of the time and the script is top-notch. This is an absolute MUST SEE episode!

Dark Side- 4/5- This episode is pure sadistic fun! After viewing so many other episodes, who hasn't gotten the itching to see a David Banner who isn't so morally pure and a truly homicidal hulk with no mercy? That fascinating twist alone makes this episode one to remember and a popular one with the fans.

Deep Shock- 3/5- This is another one of those very average episodes. It is decent but forgetable.

The Harder They Fall- 5/5- Bill Bixby gives one of his best performances in this episode as a man who suddenly loses his pride along with the use of his limbs. This episode plays on your heartstrings with so many likeable characters and points out the horrible trials that must be dealt with every day by the disabled. Of all the episodes in this collection, this one has the most heart.

Released by Universal as basically a cash in attempt around the time of the release of the big budget Hulk film, this "Ultimate" collection of the 70's television series is a horrible rush job and cash in attempt made by Universal. Don't get me wrong, the show was great for it's time, and I loved watching re-runs of it growing up, so I'm not panning the series at all here. First off, the episodes of the Incredible Hulk collected here aren't in any particular order, and secondly, you won't be able to tell what episodes are on what discs because none of them are labeled. The picture quality is horrible, with no restoration attempted at all, and the audio is as average as watching the show on TV. Not to mention, for as much as this set costs, there are no extras at all. No commentaries, montages, etc., nothing at all. This set is far from being "Ultimate", and it's a slap in the face to older viewers of the series. It's about time for Universal to release season by season sets with a good assortment of extras, but since the movie tanked, who knows what will happen. All in all, even hardcore Hulk fans, whether of the comics or this series, should avoid this at all costs.

I gave 5 Stars for the show not for the DVD collection, but for me and millions like me around the world I would like to see ALL SEASONS BEING RELEASED not only a collection of episodes. I think the ULTIMATE COLLECTION is to have ALL SEASONS RELEASED on DVD SETS. To me all episodes is worth releasing. I was disappionted with this set not because I did not like the episodes, but for not releasing Season by Season Sets.
PLEASE RELEASE ALL SEASONS OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK.

Wow!!! At last there is a DVD collection for one of the best, most underrated television series ever!! This box contains some of the best episodes in the series. Here are the episodes and my own personal ratings:

Disc 1:
"Rainbow's End" - 4 stars
"Another Path" - 4 1/2 stars
"The Disciple" - 4 stars
Disc 2:
"747" - 5 stars
"Death in the Family Part 1" - 4 stars
"Death in the Family Part 2" - 4 stars
Disc 3:
"The First Part 1" - 5 stars
"The First Part 2" - 5 stars
"Kindred Spirits" - 4 stars
Disc 4:
"Stop the Presses" - 4 1/2 stars
"Mystery Man Part 1" - 5 stars
"Mystery Man Part 2" - 5 stars
Disc 5:
"The Psychic" - 5 stars
"Prometheus Part 1" - 5 stars
"Prometheus Part 2" - 5 stars
Disc 6:
"Dark Side" - 4 1/2 stars
"Deep Shock" - 2 1/2 stars
"The Harder They Fall" - 5 stars

You get the rest of the 2 parters that along with "The Pilot" / "Married" DVD round up the collection as well as some great episodes. Hopefully there will be more "Ultimate Collections" in the future to include many more fantastic episodes or even better - season by season DVD sets.

Like it has said many many many times in here, where is the COMPLETE seasons? I only gave it 5 stars because it is the hulk, and the hulk ruls. Like others have said, stupid shows like Murder She Wrote, Punky Brewster, and Sledgehammer get complete season DVD's, but not the Hulk. What I think is that the Hulk DVD was kinda a "pioneer" when it came to this. It seems like DVD's that followed came with complete seasons, so the Hulk got the short end of the stick when it came to this.

Growing up reading the Hulk comics and watching the TV series, I became a pretty devoted fan. Something about how a guy who could turn into a giant when someone pissed him off seemed pretty cool to me:) At the same time, the live-action series brought some humanity to the comic book character. Imagine how disappointing it was for fans to see the characters from this very underrated dramatic series turn into a multi-million dollar mess in movie theaters...

But I digress...

This 6 disc collection of fan-picked favorites from the TV series is quite nostalgic. A few of the two-part episodes are included as well. My favorite has to be "Prometheus", where Banner/Bixby gets stuck between his human and Hulk-self.

For the current price (brand new), however, it seems like kind of a jip. There are only 3 shows (at most) to each disc - Keep in mind that without the commercials, each episode is only about 45 minutes. Also, no extra features to speak of...unless you count the movie trailers on disc one. I can't name the other episodes I would have wanted to see included in this collection...but I know there are several good ones missing.

Still, it's a collection worth appreciating. Bill Bixby was truly a great actor, and played his part in this series with an amazing range of skill. Even without dialog, Lou Ferrigno managed to win cheers and empathy for his work as the Hulk.

I know the dated special effects and styles may seem a little silly at this point...but the story lines and main characters in this series have held up quite well.

Enjoy!

I am a long time fan of this series, I watched the original episodes on air adn coudln't get enough of it. But to my dismay, THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE SERIES. This is just a randomized collection of episodes throughout the life of the show. NO NO NO. I'm going to wait until it's properly packaged up with quality recordings and extras and then I'll buy all of it.

This, no. Just say no. Can't believe they did it like this...

***04/15/06***
DVD cover art has now been released. On the front cover is the Hulk with an angry look on his face. I was hoping for Bill Bixby to be on the cover as well, but Ferrigno makes it happen.


***04/14/06***
UNIVERSAL MAKES IT OFFICIAL!

From tvshowsondvd: "Expect a 4-DVD set with each disc being single-sided (THANK THE LORD...and Universal!). Running time is 11 hours 33 minutes. Video is in the original full frame 1.33:1, and audio is in the original English Mono. English subtitles are also provided. We don't have the cover art yet, but we do know that the packaging is in the slim snap-cases with an outer slip cover."

"the set will contain both pilot telefilms, the 10 regular weekly episodes from the short first season, and a bonus episode from Season 2 ("Stop The Presses").

Sounds like Universal is trying to do the fans justice. (Here's hoping for a clean print of the episodes.)


***04/03/06***
Kenneth Johnson tells that the commentary on the pilot episode will be the commentary from 2003's "The Incredible Hulk - Original Television Premiere". The interview with Lou Ferrigno appears to be the same also. Yet there is still hope that new extras will appear on the release.


***03/31/06***
"The box will include the movie pilot with a full length commentary by Kenny [Kenneth Johnson] and an interview with Lou [Ferrigno]".

NOTE: It is not clear if this will be the same commentary track previously recorded on "The Incredible Hulk - Original Television Premiere" DVD released in June 2003.


***03/13/06***
According to Hulk TV series creator Kenneth Johnson's website, Big Green finally gets his First Season bow on DVD this July.

Maybe "Universal Home Video" has finally heard the cries of the people, considering the only thing we've had to watch of the Bixby/Ferrigno combination is the series "Pilot" and 2nd season opener "Married", 3 Made for TV Movies, and this bittersweet release of "The Incredible Hulk - The Television Series Ultimate Collection".

Universal...please don't "drop the ball" on this one. Give the fans more than just a bare bones release...Get Johnson and Ferrigno to do a few commentary tracks on "key" episodes...find some archival interviews/commentaries/footage with the late Bill Bixby and Jack Colvin (who passed away last year). Restore and Remaster every episode both in the visual and audio realms.

We know you can do this Universal, you know you can do this. To paraphrase Dr. David Banner in the pilot episode..."Universal, don't make us angry, you wouldn't like us when we're angry".

***Fans, buy Season 1 to ensure we get the remaining four***

All kidding aside...Thank you Universal for finally releasing this fantastic TV series to DVD.