The Karate Kid Collection (1994)

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 Amazon.com

 none
I never got the movie, i don't know what happen, but it's suck, because i'm here in Iraq, and in my free time i like to watch movies, but i never receive the karate kid collection. April 3, 2008

 my husband loves
The karate kid, one of my husbands all time favorite set of movies. What can I say, he's a big 80's fan. So I bought this set as a v-day gift this year. First of all brand new and with shipping I paid at least $5 less then I saw it anywhere alse. Second it turns out my 7 year old loves the movies to, so bonus. I love amazon March 17, 2008

 Karate Kid Boxed Set (WS)
I am pleased with it. Don't be alarmed that there are only 3 discs in the set, KKIII and Next KK are combined on one DVD. This set took me back to the 80's, and to see it again, in DVD quality and in widescreen format, I think it's great. I recommend for any Karate Kid fan. March 10, 2008

 GET HIM A BODY BAG YEAAAAAAAHHHHH
ive seen these over the past couple of weeks. i agree, all 3 of these movies are great. karate kid 1 is like so corny and cheesy SWEEP THE LEG JOHNNY, 2 is like more serious street-level. the ending is great with the hand drums LIVE OR DIE MAN... WRONG HONNNNNNNKKKK. 3 i only caught the second half of but how can you not appreciate sleazy pony tail guy and his evil grin. NOW THE REAL PAIN BEGINS DANNY BOY February 7, 2008

 Like being a kid all over again.
The films are fantastic. I can't remember a time when I was not in love with The Karate Kid, and having all four films available so easily is a dream come true. The sounds quality and picture are excellent, and except for, "The Next Karate Kid", so were the movies. I can't recommend these movies highly enough. They were by far my favorites growing up, and they still have a place of honor in my list of favorites. January 19, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...