Sony released the Blue-ray DVD of the popular martial arts films, The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid II. These 1980s films gained entrance into pop-culture spawning phrases such as “Sweep the Leg Johnny” and the frequently mimicked Crane Kick.
The DVD release of these pictures is sort of preparation for the remake, “The Karate Kid,” starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith (Will Smith’s son) on June 11.
Both discs feature the exclusive Blu-Pop feature, a picture-in-picture “which includes pop- up” interviews and trivia, fun film facts, anecdotes from the actors and martial arts information. I have a Quicktime video of the Blu-Pop feature that you can include in your review and coverage of the BDs. It includes pop-ups of Ralph Macchio and William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) talking about scenes in the film. The video is 1:18 long.
Viewers will have the opportunity to master Karate Kid-related trivia based on both films with the exclusive Blu-Pop feature, a picture-in-picture “which includes pop- up” interviews and trivia, fun film facts, anecdotes from the actors and martial arts information. The Karate Kid Blu-Pop also contains brand new interviews with stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka!
Viewers can also reminisce via featurettes: “The Way of the Karate Kid,” “Beyond the Form,” and “Life of Bonsai” as well as commentary with Oscar® winning director John G. Avildsen (Rocky), writer Robert Mark Kamen (The Fifth Element) and stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita on The Karate Kid. The Karate Kid II also includes a “sequel” featurette “The Sequel”.
Both films will also be available as separate single-disc Blu-ray editions for $24.95 each.
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 Cobra Kai, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra Kai 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.
DVD Bonus Features
- Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita
- Three Featurettes
- Multi-Part Making-of Featurette:
- “The Way of the Karate Kid”
- “Beyond the Form”
- “Life of Bonsai”
- Multi-Part Making-of Featurette:
- “East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook”
- Blu-Pop – (™Activate the exclusive Blu-ray Exclusive) pop feature to reveal pop up trivia, interviews and more secrets from the film!
Running Time: 126 Minutes.
MPAA Rating: PG.
The Karate Kid II:
Ralph Macchio and 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.
Bonus DVD Features
- “The Sequel” Featurette
- Blu-Pop – (™Activate the exclusive Blu-ray Exclusive) pop feature to reveal pop up trivia and more secrets from the film!
Running time: 113 Minutes.
MPAA Rating: PG.
