Customer Reviews

Kung Fu - The Complete First Three Seasons

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am just as inspired now as 40 years ago with this series. I am so happy to find it on DVD - clear, without commercials, able to freeze the spell-binding photography, able to go back over the lessons of pure poetry. What a treat with the guest stars as well: a little Jodie Foster, José Feliciano, Leslie Nielsen and many others. This series is a beautiful necklace of precious gems. If it seems trite or campy now, it is only because so many have borrowed from it, e.g. "Expect the unexpected."

Not only will you enjoy the full three-season run, which includes the 2-hour pilot show, but there are many special features, interviews, and extras throughout the three seasons. Being older, wiser, one tends to see the little guffaws in wardrobe, mis-matched stand-ins and crew members getting into the shot. In one such scene Caine is fighting a man (the actor's stand-in) and the man is seen standing idly by watching "himself" fight Caine. Too Funny. The temple scenes are the greatest value to me. Yes, they guzzied up the old "castle" from Camelot to make it look like a Chinese Buddhist temple, but it looks great anyway. One thing I caught though that is historically inaccurate, Carradine is always talking about the Tao, and so are his masters, even quoting Lao Tzu in many cases. However, Lao Tzu would have been a contemporary of the Shaolin sect and his writings would not have been widely published so that monks would use his quotes as "sage wisdom". Also, Shaolin was a Ch'an (Zen in Japanese)Buddhist temple, and would not have had an interest in Lao Tzu or Taoism. That notwithstanding, I highly recommend these for anyone who enjoys Asian culture, Taoism, martial arts, etc. Everyone can find something within this series, and within themselves that they didn't know existed previously. Tzai Jian!

The concept of the series is of a quiet humble man who avoids action at almost any cost... Caine (David Carradine) was taught a good soldier is not violent, a fighter is not angry, and a victor is not vengeful...

Caine runs a long way with a price on his head for murder... He comes to the American West where he travels the countryside facing many pillars of violence... He effectively inspires the character with infrequently found qualities for an action hero: grace and self-control, suppleness and rhythmic endurance, speed and patience, tenacity and power...

For several years in the Shaolin Temple, Caine learns to exercise and develop his inner strength... He learns to make powerful the force of his body... Yet he was taught to reverence all against whom he may use such force... He comes to know how weakness prevails over strength, how gentleness conquers, how he seeks victory in contention...

With an emphasis on Buddhist philosophy, "Kung Fu" is a morality play, a magic show, combining the Western genre with martial arts...

I bought these for my husband. We both loved to watch the reruns of Kung Fu when we were youner and we still love watching them together. The quality is as good as I remember them to be. (not up to today's standards) but good enough. I imagine these were low budget productions originally. But I am very happy with this purchase.

I think you have to know about the series if you're going to buy this. It was one of the first programmes I remember watching on tv as a kid. So if you're reading the review, you're interested in buying the DVD's but wonder if it's worth it. I have to say I have certainly got my money's worth with the DVD's. There are 4 double sided disks in each box with 3 programmes on each side of the disk. I am only half way through the second series but my wife complains that I am hogging the TV...(where is Caine when you need him!) If you want to see endless Kung Fu fighting then this is not for you as Caine does 2 fights per episode. It's more about the philosophy in the temple and Caine applying the principles through life doing his 'Little Hobo' bit. If you collect the final Caine Kung Fu film then you have a complete collection. Watching the programmes also takes you back to your halcyan days of Yore, (the good old days) and what you were doing when Kung Fu was on 'the box'. I'm certainly glad I bought them, great value for money.

There things in ones life that can be positive and unforgetable. This show is one of them! Back in the 70's those who made this TV-show a reality did it from heart, compassion, soul and respect. I realy miss this very spiritual show from them days. And am greatfull that this enlighting collection is now in my pesronal home library. When specially shows these days heavily lack to speak of patients, observe with the senses, will of the spirit, forgiveness and love. Thanks!
Blessings to all, GypsyWhiteEagle

I really enjoy my Kung Fu tv series, however the first disc that is suppose to have the pilot movie is exactly the same as the # 3 disc. How can I get the correct disc 1 ?

This was an excellent collection of a true classic. Not only did this collection bring back wonderful childhood memories, but my children enjoyed watching it as well. I am glad to have this collection in our family and trust that my children will enjoy it for years to come.

My husband just loves it! It also has special features. It is good, clean show for the entire family. If you liked the show, you will love seeing them again!

I have not finished all the cd's, just the 1st season, but one of them had gaps and pauses that required me to pause and replay every few minutes.