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Special Features
"Beyond the Form" Featurette
Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita
"East Meets West: A Composer's Notebook"
"Life of Bonsai" Featurette
"The Way of the Karate Kid" Multi-Part "Making of" Featurette
Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita
"East Meets West: A Composer's Notebook"
"Life of Bonsai" Featurette
"The Way of the Karate Kid" Multi-Part "Making of" Featurette
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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
Product Description
The Karate Kid
A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader's ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back and impress his new girlfriend but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.
The Karate Kid: Part II
The price of honor. The power of friendship. The Karate Kid, Part II. Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita re-create the roles that brought them international acclaim in The Karate Kid. Karate student, Daniel Larusso (Macchio), accompanies his wise and whimsical teacher, Mr. Miyagi (Morita), to his ancestral home in Okinawa. For the boy, it's a journey to an exotic new world offering new clues to his mentor's secret past. For Miyagi, it's an opportunity to see his father one last time and to rekindle a romance with his childhood sweetheart (Nobu McCarthy). But Miyagi's return also re-ignites a bitter feud with long-time enemy, Sato (Danny Kamekona) - a feud that involves young Daniel in a brilliant collision of cultures and combat. Now, far away from the tournaments, the cheering crowds and the safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when teacher becomes student and the price of honor is life itself.
The Karate Kid: Part III
Karate Kid, Daniel Larusso, risks losing it all when he places pride before principle in this dramatic film that reunites stars Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita. When Daniel (Macchio) decides not to compete in the upcoming karate championship, he becomes the target of vicious Cobra Kai student, Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan), who's determined to win the title back. Standing firm, Daniel's mentor and trainer, Mr. Miyagi (Morita), instructs him to ignore Mike's threats - and stay away from the tournament. But when Mike's relentless abuse escalates into blackmail, Daniel finds himself forced into competition - and at serious odds with Miyagi, the one person he cherishes most. Desperate, Daniel turns to another karate instructor, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), whose violent combat techniques are directly opposed to Miyagi's wise instruction. But when Daniel realizes that Terry and Mike are allied with Mr Miyagi's old nemesis, Kreese (Martin Kove), in an elaborate set-up for revenge, he also knows he has alienated the only person who can help him. A riveting story of independence, inner strength and self-enlightenment, The Karate Kid, Part III is a powerful new chapter in this popular series of films.
The Next Karate Kid
Noriyuki "Pat" Morita and Acacemy Award winner Hilary Swank co-star in this story of a rebellious teen, Julie, who blossoms with a little help from her friends - in this case, the wise Mr. Miyagi and a trio of buddhist monks!
A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader's ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back and impress his new girlfriend but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.
The Karate Kid: Part II
The price of honor. The power of friendship. The Karate Kid, Part II. Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita re-create the roles that brought them international acclaim in The Karate Kid. Karate student, Daniel Larusso (Macchio), accompanies his wise and whimsical teacher, Mr. Miyagi (Morita), to his ancestral home in Okinawa. For the boy, it's a journey to an exotic new world offering new clues to his mentor's secret past. For Miyagi, it's an opportunity to see his father one last time and to rekindle a romance with his childhood sweetheart (Nobu McCarthy). But Miyagi's return also re-ignites a bitter feud with long-time enemy, Sato (Danny Kamekona) - a feud that involves young Daniel in a brilliant collision of cultures and combat. Now, far away from the tournaments, the cheering crowds and the safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when teacher becomes student and the price of honor is life itself.
The Karate Kid: Part III
Karate Kid, Daniel Larusso, risks losing it all when he places pride before principle in this dramatic film that reunites stars Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita. When Daniel (Macchio) decides not to compete in the upcoming karate championship, he becomes the target of vicious Cobra Kai student, Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan), who's determined to win the title back. Standing firm, Daniel's mentor and trainer, Mr. Miyagi (Morita), instructs him to ignore Mike's threats - and stay away from the tournament. But when Mike's relentless abuse escalates into blackmail, Daniel finds himself forced into competition - and at serious odds with Miyagi, the one person he cherishes most. Desperate, Daniel turns to another karate instructor, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), whose violent combat techniques are directly opposed to Miyagi's wise instruction. But when Daniel realizes that Terry and Mike are allied with Mr Miyagi's old nemesis, Kreese (Martin Kove), in an elaborate set-up for revenge, he also knows he has alienated the only person who can help him. A riveting story of independence, inner strength and self-enlightenment, The Karate Kid, Part III is a powerful new chapter in this popular series of films.
The Next Karate Kid
Noriyuki "Pat" Morita and Acacemy Award winner Hilary Swank co-star in this story of a rebellious teen, Julie, who blossoms with a little help from her friends - in this case, the wise Mr. Miyagi and a trio of buddhist monks!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
*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.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By J. Elmquist
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The first Karate Kid literally spoke to any kid who felt out of place and picked on. Strongly enough, it was a concept played out over and over again. But the evenhanded direction of Avildsen made it a triumph. So what do you do for a sequel? You get real. Not that the first one wasn't real. The threat to Daniels safety in the first movie was always there and fully realized. But take this student and mentor pair and send them to Okinawa, and you have a whole different ball game. The story centers more on Miagi and his journey home to see his dying father, and facing demons he left as a young man. Asian culture takes certain things much more seriously. Honor in this movie is a subject brought up constantly, and we see it from Daniels perspective; as an American who does not understand why these people do things they way they do in the name of honor. As Daniel comes to grips with this life code in the small village of Miagi's youth, he realizes that the bully who has targeted him this time does not hold back. He's ready to kill Daniel. He has no qualms about it either and feels it's justified. As Daniel swoons a beautiful Asian girl and finds he's getting in deeper with the affairs of Miagi's past, he holds his ground, and his good upbringing helps to hold his own honor in place. In the end, the climatic fight scene is what really makes the movie. The whole story builds up to that moment. The idea is that this fight is real, there is no competition, no points. This is not a tournament, this is not a spectacle. Daniel is fighting to stay alive. And it is more brutal then the rules laden tournament of the first movie. Morita and Maccio play off each other so well it's obvious these two have great chemistry. The teacher/student relationship is apparent from the first scene despite their polar opposite personalities. As in the first movie, each character gives the other what they are missing. Daniel gets a father figure/teacher, Miagi gets a son/student. This movie is just as good as the first in my opinion, just different. A different set of circumstances played similarly to the first one. It's as different as it can be while still holding the same values. I give it four stars only because of some very minor inconsistencies but overall, it is a very good film.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By S. Wilson
Format:DVD
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.
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
ok
very good product to use and highly recommended. useful item if you are interested in buying it. also lasting product.
Published 9 days ago by Jose L. Herrera
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Movies - Nice Packaging
You get the movies which are all good to excellent.
A really nice feature is that they come in a small but easy to use DVD case which doesn't take up a lot of room.
A really nice feature is that they come in a small but easy to use DVD case which doesn't take up a lot of room.
Published 15 days ago by Eric Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Karate kid movie series
Bought for my sond birthday, he loves martial arts. Loves watching the karate kid and little sis does too. Excited to get for his birthday.
Published 18 days ago by Monica Southall
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my all time favs!!!
I loved this movie when I was a kid and I love it even more now. This movie is yet another title that I put into my "Watch it 1000 times at least" catagory! Read more
Published 18 days ago by Branden A. Olson
5.0 out of 5 stars
My kid loved it!
I purchased the pack for my 3 year old, she loves karate kid! She watches it every chance she gets. The 4 DVD pack arrived on time and was what I expected.
Published 25 days ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
the product actually showed up before the expected date...it was wrapped still and not even scuff on plastic wrap... Read more
Published 1 month ago by donald0143
5.0 out of 5 stars
loved it
My nephew is taking karate and he enjoys watching karate movies. He is 10 yrs old and had not seen "The Karate Kid" movies and I told him about them. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rachel E. Kownslar
3.0 out of 5 stars
Impossible to Take the Film Seriously.
Viewed: 3/13
Rate: 5
3/13: What is particularly good about The Karate Kid Part II is the rich cinematography. It's visually well-shot. And...that's about it. Read more
Rate: 5
3/13: What is particularly good about The Karate Kid Part II is the rich cinematography. It's visually well-shot. And...that's about it. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Austin Somlo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie.
This was a present for my granddaughter, and she just loved it. It is her favorite of hers, and it arrived in plenty of time for her birthday.
Published 2 months ago by Jim Holland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic!
Who doesn't like all the Karate Kid movies?? I bought them all on Amazon just to have the whole collection to watch when I want and to show my future children! :-)
Published 2 months ago by J. Quinn
