Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4363 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-11-01
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Number of discs: 4
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 60 minutes

Synopsis
David Carradine became a cultural icon with his portrayal of an unassuming hero in the classic television series KUNG FU. Carradine is Kwai Chang Caine, a quiet, reflective man who journeys through the rugged Old West doing his best to remain peaceful. But in a world where violence lurks over every hill, Caine's honor is tested on numerous occasions. This four disc set presents the entire second season of the legendary series.

Customer Reviews

Time Shall Not Wither Them
I am of the generation who were in their formative years when the TV series first aired in the UK. Kwai Chang Caine was a guide and mentor during the years he screened, and although the school bully taught me that I was in no way able to emulate the physical prowess of Caine, his philosophies of forgiveness and avoiding confrontation and revenge never failed. In the end the same bully who had left me in no doubt who was physically stronger became a friend and protector rather than an enemy.

Thirty years later, my memories of the original stories are scant, yet I was still determined to buy the DVD to find out whether time had rendered the stories dated and corny. It has not. The stories are still fresh, the dialogue no more dated than it was in 1973 (it is after all set in a much more distant past) The picture quality is superb, far ahead of my expectations, and the DVD's are tremendous value, with a total of over 30 episodes.. 23 hours worth of Caine for less than £60.

Anyone who remembers the series, buy it, anyone too young to, still buy it. The best entertainment money can buy.

95/100 and marks only deducted for some corny acting from some of the guest stars.

missing features
Before buying I read other customer reviews including one from wtdk which mentioned the interesting featurette 'Zen and Now' , and the Carradine commentaries accompanying 2 of the episodes.
Having bought, in part, on the strength of the reviews , I would like to know why NONE of these extras appear on the dvd's that I bought?
That said, I must add that I have enjoyed what IS on them tremendously - which makes it all the more frustrating!

Great show in widescreen, but where are the extras?
Kung Fu is one of the few series from the 1970's that hasn't dated badly. There are one or two weak episodes but mostly they are well conceived and entertaining. For me the triumph of the show is the philsophy of Kwai Chang Caine, A Shaolin priest who carries a sense of balance and harmony through all adverse situations. There is a wisdom to the morals and ethics in this series that should be learned by children and adults alike.

Extras (region one only) - This region two release has no extras like the region one version. This is a great pity as these consisted of two commentaries by David Carradine and a discussion documentary. There are some good extras planned for the series three release, and if they are not included on the region two version I shall seriously consider getting the region one release instead.

Widescreen (region two only) - The region two release is in widescreen, converted from its original 4:3 aspect. This means they have chopped off some of the top and bottom of the original image to fit your widescreen tv. The region one release is in the original aspect (4:3), but if, like me, you have a widescreen tv, and you find you can't watch a square box in the middle of your screen with lines either side; or you think that 'smart mode' simply distorts everything to fill the whole widescreen, you'll want to get the region two widescreen version for sale here.

The picture quality and sound are superb, the colours are vibrant and well restored, much better than the prints that were broadcast on television a few years ago. If you are a fan, you will want to ditch those videos!

It's just a shame that you are having to choose between extras (region one) or widescreen (region two) in buying this series. Lets have region two widescreen releases with all the extras please.