The Karate Kid (Special Edition) Reviews

• Stand up and Cheer

  
  By ATS1HA5M3EPZ4 on 2001-12-31
  Karate Kid is not what you may think it is. The premise of a young fatherless boy trying to survive a completely new environment is how this movie gets its humanity. For anyone who has ever had to move to a new town, be raised by only one parent, or face overwhelming odds, and almost everyone has done at least one of these, this movie can be related to on many levels. Ralph Macchio plays Daniel, a teenager from New Jersey who is forced to move across the country with his mother and start a new life in a foreign place, California. Setting aside the differences between East & West coast alone, there is plenty for him to realize. When faced with bullies that he doesn't understand, he finds a friend in an unlikely place; Mr. Miagi, a Japanese handyman, played by Pat Morita, who's hides many talents. To say Karate Kid is a story about over coming your fear is to say that life is just a thing we do everyday. This movie mixes a friendship, a romance, a coming of age story, gaining self confidence and learning to appreciate that which you may not understand right away. After getting sufficiently beat up by the bullies more than once, Daniel enlists the help of Miagi and soon finds himself training for a tournament. This may seem outrageous, but Miagi knows it is a much safer place and a more controlled environment for Daniel to defend himself and gain respect. Miagi's training techniques are unique to say the least, and just as Daniel begins to question what is going on, he realizes that Migai really does know what he is doing. The story is good and solid and allows sympathy for both sides of the characters. They fill a void for each other, an obvious father/son, mentor/student relationship. The chemistry between them is very solid. Elizabeth Shue is good in her first major role, playing the sweet rich girl who sees Daniel for the person he is and not for his social status. Although sounding clichéd on the surface, this movie is well done and not superficial. The characters are very real, the emotions are deep and the fear of growing up with bullies hits home for many of us. The ending will have you cheering as Daniel moves his way through the tournament to the final climatic ending. Highly recommended and highly entertaining.
  
  

• Good Movie, Bad DVD . . . Find out Why!

  
  By AK70GUBFMYCBZ on 2002-12-03
  This movie deserves only 3 stars instead of 3 for the following reasons:

  1) There are no extras other than the trailer on this DVD. Why didn't Columbia Home Video include the trailers for the two sequels? Why didn't they get Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita (academy-nominated for this role) or director John G. Avildsen to supply commentary?

  2) The movie was shot in 1.85:1 which means that the movie was shot full frame (1.33:1) but was projected in the theatre with the top and bottom blocked. This practice gives a widescreen look to movies. Since 'The Karate Kid' was done this way, pan and scan was not needed. You actually see more but this causes the composition to be a little off because there is so much space above the actor's heads. Funny thing, The Karate Kid parts 2 & 3 are letterboxed. Does this mean that an old video transfer was used for this DVD?

  3) Where's the Dolby 5.1?
  
  

• Believe in the Bonsai. Miyagi says so.

  
  By A283NP8NG7X11F on 2006-04-24
  I hate most movies from the 80s. Most of that is because I hate people that go on about how great movies were when they saw them back then, and still talk about how great they are without ever watching them recently. The base their thoughts on pure nostalgia, thinking movies like The Last Unicorn and others are still perfect. The Karate Kid is one of few exceptions I can make, as it still holds up 22 years later. The story of an underdog going up against all odds isn't anything new, but given how pitiful the underdog here is, and how great his teacher is, I can dig it. Being a martial artist myself, I'm not saying that with bias like "anything that has martial arts is good" or anything, but this is one of the better movies out there that doesn't completely exploit martial arts as some flashy heavily choreographed joke. It's just too bad that the movie suffered from having some of the most memorable dialogue like "wax on, wax off", which people still quote today, thinking it's funny. Either way, The Karate Kid is a movie that I can watch over and over, and not get sick of. And that's more than I can say for The Goonies.
  
  If you've been living under a rock for the past decade or two, The Karate Kid is the story of a complete chump- Daniel LaRusso and his mother moving to California, a big change from where they used to live. Daniel is the pure definition of the 90 pound weakling that gets sand kicked in his face often. In fact, his first run-in with other teenagers is at a beach where he promptly gets his ass handed to him by a group of karate students: the Cobra Kais, led by Johnny. He picks on Daniel not only for being a weakling (sticking his elbow out to defend himself against Johnny isn't the best defense there Daniel), but because he hit on his ex-girlfriend, Ali. At school, things aren't any better. Daniel gets picked on there as well, and gets kicked off the soccer field for fighting. He's also confused by the Japanese maintenance worker, Mr. Miyagi, at his apartment complex, who seems wise, but also goofy at the same time. Miyagi helps out Daniel by fixing his bike after it's trashed by the Cobra Kais, and even makes him a costume for the Halloween dance. After nearly getting killed outside of the party, Miyagi saves Daniel from the Kais, pulling a Yoda and takes them all out. Who knew the seemingly harmless maintenance guy had it in 'em? He decides to teach Daniel karate, but through his own way- having Daniel wax his [stunningly beautiful] classic cars, and painting his fence. Daniel gets frustrated, thinking this is all pointless, but it proves useful as shown by when Miyagi throws punches while telling Daniel to do the work motions. The light bulb goes off, and Daniel realizes everything. The rest of the story has Daniel sticking up for himself, trying to win the girl, trying to not get killed, and entering in a big karate tournament to face Johnny and end this pointless rivalry.
  
  Again, this is a movie I can watch over and over, and still get something out of it. The chemistry between Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio is better than most modern teacher/student roles. A lot of it has to do with Morita's presence and delivery. I can't imagine anyone else being Mr. Miyagi, even if it's the same guy from the diner in Happy Days. It's surprising to see how dark some scenes in The Karate Kid are too. The "NO MERCY" rule of the Cobra Kais carries over tot outside the dojo big time. When Johnny's attacking Daniel in an alley, one of the others tells him that Daniel's had enough and to lay off. Johnny insists that he has to finish the job, meaning that he's going to kill the poor kid. What for? For going for your ex-girlfriend? Sheesh. I can't imagine how this guy'd deal with getting turned down for prom, or his mom not making him a paper bag lunch when he wants one. Something that's under appreciated in The Karate Kid is the great cinematography. There are some well-shot scenes, notably the introduction to the tournament. One long shot scrolling as Daniel, Miyagi and Ali walk though, and zooming out to show how big the place is (even if it pales to real tournaments), is impressive for a movie that didn't have much of a budget. Sadly, some people won't see past Daniel's terribly short jean shorts and bad hair, not appreciating the message of being able to triumph over the seemingly impossible. Going from a defenseless weakling to someone who has no problem taking on someone twice his size. I don't think there's anyone who won't be smiling or cheering during the final minute of the movie.
  
  The picture and audio quality aren't the best here, but it's cleaned up compared to the original dvd release. There's still a lot of grain to be found in scenes, and some outdoor ones at night are a little too dark for their own good, but everything looks fine. The audio can be quiet at times, but the action sequences, especially the tournament, make great use of surround sound. Basically, unless some restoration master gets hired to clean this up for either Blu-Ray or HD DVD, this is as good as the movie's going to look and sound.
  
  Starting with an excellent commentary with the director, writer, and Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, the extras on this disc are great. The commentary is nonstop fun with the gang, usually joking around over how everything looks, facial expressions, and dialogue. They're not quite making fun of their work as much as they are realizing how it looks now in this day and age. It's a blast listening to these guys- I was expecting a more serious take on it. Hearing one of them say "we should've put a light bulb going off right above Daniel's head" when he realizes that wax on/wax off = blocking had me laughing for several minutes. It's also good to hear Pat Morita, as he passed away not long ago. It's good that he got the chance to talk about the movie while he was still around. He's a good sport, admitting when it's him doing the action and when it's another person. Definitely listen to this. The Way of The Karate Kid is a two part in-depth look at the making of the movie, from casting to shooting. It's interesting to hear that they considered Toshiro Mifune for Mr. Miyagi. It would've made a completely different movie given how serious and full of pride he would've made the role. Also worth noting regarding casting- William Zabka, the actor who plays Johnny, threw the director in his chair during his casting session on accident, apologizing that it was Johnny, not him that did it. I'd say that gets you the role. He also says, "hey, if I didn't get the part, at least I threw the director". Everything in here is worth checking out. It's almost sickening to think about how the scene of Miyagi talking about losing his wife was almost taken out of the movie because "it just stops the movie, and we should be moving on". This is one of the few making-of featurettes that's really a making-of featurette. It's not just interviews with the actors kissing up- they're talking about how they made their roles what they are today, and what others helped them out with. Very cool. It could've used some behind the scenes footage though, and Elisabeth Shue making an appearance. Beyond the Form is a featurette going over the man who trained all the actors to get a somewhat good fighting sense. Having been in Shotokan for 8 years, I couldn't help but laugh when he'd say that he "trained them all to do traditional moves and powerful, proper fighting stances". He also goes on about the difference in the feeling of sets: the Cobra Kai dojo and Miyagi's home. With all due respect, the guy seems to be trying a little too hard in this interview. East Meets West is a short featurette focuses on the soundtrack. It's alright, but nothing you'll watch more than once. If anything, you'll get what the 3 main types of music are in movies. Finally, Life of Bonsai is a nice featurette (though kind of pointless) on just that- Bonsai trees. You can watch it with or without subtitles, but it's in English. Why not just have him speak his native Japanese instead of making him seem like he can't be understood in English? Anyway, this man, Ben Oki, is indeed a Bonsai master. His work is showcased as he talks about his history with Bonsai trees. Very impressive. Lastly, are the obligatory trailers. I have to ask though, why not include the original script portions of the deleted scenes? There were some scenes taken out, some of which made the tv version of the movie.
  
  There's not much more to say. While the picture and audio quality could've been better, and more extras could've been included, I'm satisfied with this rerelease. Though you're better off just getting the Karate Kid Collection, even if the 3 sequels don't have as much heart as the very first installment.
  
  [And just because I feel I have to- rest in peace Mr. Morita. You are missed.]
  
  

• The 80's are back!

  
  By AYKPRDNBT0HVD on 2004-05-12
  "Wax on, wax off" is a catchphrase that will forever be instilled in the human psyche, thanks to the eighties release, The Karate Kid.

  Now, as you cringe at the images racing through your head of disco balls, pastels, hair spray and corny one-liners and you decide to bury yourself in a deep hole and hide, dust off the cob webs because no matter how many times you've see it, this is one eighties flick you can't help but love.

  Now available on DVD as an Ultimate Collectors Pack, we can relive this inspirational story of courage and friendship.

  While teens of today may call this a retro disaster, and use the video cover as a coaster during a drinking fest at one of their underage parties, there's no denying the saying, "an oldie but a goodie" loudly rings true.

  Moving to a new home and starting over is never easy. Just ask Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio). Leaving Newark for LA, Daniel's the new kid and he thinks the whole world is coming down on him.

  It's all doom and gloom until like any other 16 year old teenager with rushing hormones, meets a beautiful blonde, Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue).

  However, Ali brings baggage to the picture, a wild ex boyfriend Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) who also happens to be the leader of the Cobras, a ruthless youth karate gang.

  Subject to constant bullying by the cobras, Daniel turns to an unlikely source for help, Japanese war veteran turned apartment block handyman Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita).

  Mr. Miyagi, who has been taught karate by his father becomes the helpless teens mentor and teaches him the craft, not as an offensive tool, rather only as a means of self-defence.

  After months of unconventional training such as washing cars, sanding decks and painting fences and houses, Daniel's prepped for his toughest battle, a fight against Johnny in the thrilling conclusion. Will good prevail over evil?

  It's the finale that's most exciting. My finger is always drawn to the rewind button, where I can't help but recap those final gripping moments again and again.

  The youth of today's movie going generation will have a field day laughing at the funky eighties pop music, the tightly worn jeans, and (I must admit) the outrageous hair styles. Despite this, 20 years later, a lot can still be learnt as its messages transcend across the boarder of time.

  An everlasting masterpiece the whole family will enjoy, John G. Avildsen's The Karate Kid, the original of the trilogy, is undoubtedly the standout.

  Though a little hackneyed and slightly predictable at times, it's the relationship between Macchio's and Morita's finely tuned characters that still make this a heartfelt film, two decades after its cinema release.

  It's a shame Ralph Macchio can't brush off that teen type cast. Struggling to get adult roles because of his boy like features is unfortunate as his acting ability is second to none.

  It sadly seems he'll forever be remembered as 'The Karate Kid'. A great performance is somewhat to his detriment. Still, only one word can describe this movie, unforgettable...that's for sure!

  Dim the lights, heat up the popcorn and enjoy this timeless classic.
  
  

• I am SOOOO mortified PAN AND SCAN! %$

  
  By A1KWDRFY5IEFUB on 2000-04-26
  People dismiss this film because of it's simplicity. Well I'll tell you right now, it isn't a movie about Karate. Daniel overcomes an insurmountable goal, the type of goal you achieve once in your entire life (this is why I disregard the sequels, apologies for fans). The Karate Kid is a truly beautiful piece of Cinema. If you believe the Karate Kid is a bad film then hire out the Avengers, then MK:Annihilation.

  What I will say is that I am DISGUSTED at the fact that this film is presented in Pan and Scan. I paid full price for a movie I am seeing half of. I wanted Widescreen. Did I get it? In a word, No. So now I have a VHS and DVD which are both Pan and Scan. Will I ever see this film in it's original format? This is a question I leave to you, Columbia. Regards Mas
  
  

• Plenty of Drama, Romance, and.... Karate!!!
  By A3MCQSIBV7QW8Q on 2001-08-29
  "The Karate Kid" stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso, the new kid in California who just moved with his mother from New Jersey. But problems immediately arise when Daniel has his eye on Ali (Elizabeth Shue) and they start hanging out. And that's not the problem exactly, it's that Ali's old boyfriend, Johnny (William Zabka) gets jealous and with his band of his karate friends from the Cobra Kai Dojo, beat up and pick on Daniel. Daniel wants very badly to have revenge on the Cobra Kai gang and is obsessed on learning karate. With the help of a handyman, Miyage-san (Pat Morita), who is not what he seems, learns karate so he can enter the All-Valley Karate Championship Tournament. Throughout his training, Daniel not only learns how to do karate, he learns that you learn karate not to fight, but to stop fighting.

  A truly touching and heart-warming tale!! I've always been fascinated by karate and since my father learned karate when he was young, he has taught me a few things. I rented this video and couldn't tear myself away from the TV set. The acting is good with Ralph Macchio as 'the karate kid' who learns a few things from a wonderful teacher, Pat Morita. Elizabeth Shue is also great as the girlfriend and William Zabka makes a wonderful and believable villain. The movie has plenty of principles which are important: to have patience, fighting does not solve any problems, trust in your mentors, and more.

  This is a definite must-see for teenagers and adults. Don't miss out on "The Karate Kid"! I can't wait to get this DVD and watch it again!
  
  

• Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything
  By A2NJO6YE954DBH on 2004-01-30
  I often use "The Karate Kid" in class as an example of a "put up or shut up scene." This is something I made up, but the idea is that there is a moment when a movie is either going to work or not work. The moment comes in this 1984 film when young Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who has come to Mr. Miyagi (Oscar nominee Noriyuki "Pat" Morita) to learn karate so he can defend himself from the neighborhood bullies. But all the old man has had Daniel-san do is paint the fence, sand the floor, and wax the car. Finally, the kid has had enough and in an unforgettable scene Mr. Miyagi shows him that all of the repetitive and seemingly meaningless motions he has been doing are actually the fundamental moves of karate. For both Daniel-san and the audience, Mr. Miyagi puts all the pieces together and at the end when he tells Daniel "Come back tomorrow," you know the kid will pick his jaw off the ground and be there. The audience is hooked as well.

  Scriptwriter Robert Mark Kamen gets a lot of credit for this scene; his first script had been "Taps," and he would go on to write "Lethal Weapon 3" and "Gladiator" (no, the other one, with James Marshall Cuba Gooding, Jr.). But credit also goes to Morita's performance in this scene (he lost the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor to Haing S. Ngor in "The Killing Fields"). Familiar to television views as Captain Sam Pak on "M*A*S*H" and "Arnold" on "Happy Days," Morita became another in a long line of "comic" actors who showed serious chops in a dramatic role. You really get the sense that here is an actor who has been waiting his entire career for a scene this good and he absolutely nails it.

  The movie certainly comes close to going over the top, but director John G. Avildsen, who helped write the book on the contemporary inspirational "sports" film when he won the Oscar for the original "Rocky," keeps things on track. Elisabeth Shue plays Daniel's girl in this 1984 film, which was the same year she did "Call to Glory" on the tube and became the cutest girl in creation for me that year. There is always a romantic sub-plot in movies like this and I do not know about her, but he certainly shows extremely good tast in this film.

  William Zabka was Johnny Lawrence, the "bad" kid Daniel has to beat in the big karate tournament, and the other very interesting character in this story. This is because while he is the favored discipline of John Kreese (Martin Kove), the dark ying to Mr. Myagi's yang, we find out there are limits as to how low this kid will go. My biggest disappointment with "Karate Kid II" is that in the opening scene, which shows the aftermath of the big match out in the parking lot, they lay out what would have been a pretty good sequel: Daniel-san and Mr. Myagi trying to get Johnny away from Kresse's destructive influences. Think of all the peer pressure that would be on this kid. It would have made a pretty good film.

  "The Karate Kid" is not a great film, but it has a great scene and every time I see a movie that fumbles the big moment I think on this one. The prime example at the other end of the spectrum for me is "The Secret of My Success," where the big moment has Michael J. Fox's character talking to a bunch of high rollers. If he can convince them his idea is great, things will happen. But we never hear a word he says as the music becomes loud and inspirational. I can only sadly shake my head and tell the screenwriter of that film, "Come back tomorrow."
  
  

• MUCH BETTER THEN YOU WOULD THINK!
  By A1ER6IYOMM8VCT on 2007-07-31
  I hadn't seen this film in 20 years and I am amazed at how well it has held up! Macchio and Morita give excellent performances in this "Rocky" type underdog movie for kids. The thing is, it isn't really just for kids!The uplifting story and acting ring true to anyone who was ever a "new kid" or picked on. It has made me want to re-visit the whole series!....Here we go again!
  
  
• Great Movie, Horrible DVD
  By on 2002-11-27
  Five star movie, 1 start DVD = 3 stars total.

  This is one of my top 5 favorite films. However, I'm not about to buy the DVD when it only has the Fullscreen version and no commentary. Its really sad that such a classic has gone so unappreciated. Parts 2 and 3 are widescreen, wake up people!

  Oh and by the way, if you are one of those people who think that widescreen means that they "cut off the top and bottom" of the film to make it look like you're in the movies, please educate yourself. Its fullscreen versions of films that cut parts of the picture out.
  
  

• Paint the fence, and wax on and off, this movie is superb!
  By A2IAR5XDY0KT2F on 2000-08-27
  This movie improves with age, especially when you watch the teen flicks that are released today. Ralph Macchio stars as Daniel Larusso, an Italian California newcomer who has the misfortune to fall foul of the local gang of bullies who are crack karate students under the tutelage of a sadistic sensei. Morita gives an Oscar-worthy performance as apartment building handyman Mr Miyagi, who becomes Daniel's unlikely mentor after rescuing him from a savage attack of the Cobra-Kais, providing the genesis for 1 of the greatest human bonds ever created upon the silver screen. So much more than a movie about trying to fit in, so much more than a martial arts movie, and so much more than a triumph of the underdog movie, this is a tale about faith, courage, acceptance, and never giving up.
  
  
• A Purely "DVD" Review
  By A1KLUQC2ZMDNVF on 2002-11-20
  I see all of these reviews giving this DVD 5 stars and I have to laugh. No widescreen, sub-standard pan-and-scan print, lack of any quality extras (and this was a 2nd release of this film!) sounds like a VHS review---perhaps these reviews are for that. DVD means widescreen---period! With the exception of the older movies that were filmed in fullscreen (i.e. "Citizen Kane" or "On The Water Front" -- two well-made DVDs btw) no movie, not a one, should be released if there isn't a widescreen version on it---certainly a movie shouldn't ever be released TWICE with both versions fullscreen.... Rumor has it that they have been unable to find a useable widescreen version of this film (hard to believe isn't it?) to use for a DVD, but in that case be up front about it and quit releasing this POS version on DVD---do it a third time and heads will roll.
  
  
• Especially appropriate for young teens and parents
  By AUHG8KSHI529U on 2003-08-31
  In 2004 this movie will be 20 years old. Certainly, some of its cultural references have aged a bit, but the soul of this movie and its core themes hold up just fine. My younger kids, who are karate students, enjoy this movie a great deal. Ralph Macchio gives Danny a nice combination of fear, resentment, vulnerability, and charm that make him live as a good kid trying to make it in a new school and a new life in a strange place.

  This movie rises most on the portrayal of Mr. Miyagi by Pat Morita. A very fine actor in a very fine role. He brings some complexity and pathos to the character. He makes his befriending of Danny believable. His mourning for his lost wife and child who died in an internment camp while he was off winning a Medal of Honor defending the country that imprisoned and neglected his family is powerfully moving.

  Elisabeth Shue, who has gone on to some wonderful things, is also pretty good here as the girl from the right side of the tracks who is attracted to Danny because she sees a lot of good in him while her peers only see the poor skinny kid. Randee Heller is very good as Danny's Mom who means well but is a somewhat clueless (maybe willfully so) about why Danny doesn't want to be in this new place and why push starting the car as she chaperone's Danny and Ali on a date in front of her rich snooty parents might cause Danny real pain. I mean what could she do about it except just push ahead like everything is just fine?

  This is a movie adults can enjoy. However, parents would enjoy it even more watching it with their children. I think young adolescents are a perfect audience or this movie's lessons. They haven't become too cool, yet and will find the story resonates with the trials they are facing in their young lives.
  
  

• to be re-released as a box set?
  By A1EKHMYHO1M0KV on 2004-04-11
  Now that none of the K2's are available, I can only assume the studio that has distributor rights to the series (Columbia/Tristar) will probably re-release all three or four films as a box set. Is that a good thing? Considering the first two are of any relevance, its a good way for the studios to recover any money for the last two. This is simlar to how 'Back to the Future' and the 'Pink Panthers' have been re-released. Let's hope the studio releases K-Kid I in widescreen and with additional content.
  
  
• If I were Ralph Macchio I would kick all your ***es...
  By A28VGWU4UGZ89H on 2005-06-18
  Note to Hollywood... Your fan base for your movies are not completely compiled of retards. You released The Karate Kid on DVD several years ago and disappointed many people who love this movie by releasing it in a full screen format. It seemed as though you wanted to redeem yourselves by releasing it this year with a Special Edition version. It warmed my heart! I finally could watch The Karate Kid the way it was filmed and shown in the theaters. Well brace yourselves everyone, here's the bloody truth. The Special Edition version lists an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 that is pleasing to the widescreen movie lovers' eyes. But the integrity of the producers of this DVD edition is very low on my opinion. From the very second the Columbia Pictures fanfare starts it is plain to see that the full screen version has merely been "re-cropped" to conform to the shape of a panoramic picture. The image is totally lost here. Do you want more proof? I was watching this DVD on a portable DVD player. When watching the movie in FULL mode which stretches the picture completely across the screen only true widescreen images conform to their natural aspect ratios. A cropped full screen image is out of whack, but interestingly enough when I switched the player to NORMAL mode everything magically looked like it was the proper shape again. Now if you were to magically put the top and the bottom of the image back in place you would have a full screen picture again.
  I am very insulted here. I have purchased a lot of DVDs for my private collection and up until now I have only seen this "trick" used to dupe unknowing consumers by pirate movie dealers on eBAY.
  This is dispicable. Who can be made accountable for this failed attempt to swindle the thousands of people who wanted The Karate Kid in widescreen out of $14.00 again? Once again we are not morons. We can accept the fact that maybe it might be impossible to restore the movie to its widescreen image because maybe a celluloid doesn't exsist intact anymore. I would rather hear that than get fooled by these carpetbaggers.
  Thanks for nothing, if I were the CEO of Sony Pictures(who own the movie now) I would fire each and every one of you.
  
  
• Me Just'a Save You 2 Months a'Beating
  By A6KTB9CGAW2SX on 2000-01-14
  Even if you didn't already know this was from the director of Rocky, you might suspect it anyway. Is there anyone who hasn't seen this film? It's one of the true '80s icons - put it in a time capsule. Saw it twice in the theater back in '84 as a kid. Still remember jumping in my seat at the loud "BONG" when Pat Morita clapped his hands together before fixing Ralph Macchio's leg. Anyone who says they didn't get chills when Daniel defeated Johnny at the end (don't think I'm giving anything away there) is either lying or evil. What red-blooded American male kid was not practicing the "Krane Technique" for months after seeing The Karate Kid? Come on, admit it. I bet anyone reading this right now could still give a rough demonstration. To this very day, if you say "wax on, wax off", people know what you're talking about. Mr.Miyagi (that's Miya-"gi", not "ji") is second only to Yoda as far as screen sages. Even Ralph Macchio becomes likeable once you get past the initial irritation. And to snobs (a.k.a. critics) who call this a by-the-numbers teen wish-fulfillment story: SO WHAT. This "simplistic", "predictable" movie will be remembered long after most critical darlings pass into oblivion. And for good reason.
  
  
• Like, THE BEST EVER!
  By A6I0PYMXT4VUR on 2000-02-10
  Oh my god! This movie is so inspirational. It is totally number 3 on my list of best movies right behind Winger "The Videos" and Yanni "Live at the Acropolis". The part where Daniel-sans girlfriend breaks up with him is so sad. I cried and cried but then by the end it all works out! I was so happy! That song when he is training for the tournament is so good! "You're the best. Around! No one's ever going to keep you down! " I love it. It sounds like a Winger song. I wish that Cobra Kai gang would just leave Daniel-san alone. He just wants to do Karate! Geez! Lighten up! So he plays soccer, big deal! That doesn't mean he is dumb or anything. And this movie was really a great springboard for Elizabeth Shue. I mean, she totally went on to awesome heights after this in Adventures in Babysitting. I like how his mom drives that beat up old station wagon. It's just like the one I drive and live in. I park it and sleep outside the landfill because nobody bothers me there. But if they did, I would let 'em have it like Mr. Miagi let the Cobra Kai have it. Go get this movie and get wasted while watching it!
  
  
• I want this movie, but...
  By on 2002-05-15
  I think it needs to be said again --- what's a great movie like this doing only available as a chopped up pan&scan version? Especially considering the lower quality sequels are available widescreen?

  I really want to buy this movie, but I can't justify buying such a poor DVD that doesn't show the entire movie.
  
  

• One of the best movies ever!
  By A98MLQ3XCM5XD on 2003-01-19
  Ralph Macchio had just finished playing Johnny Cade in "The Outsiders" also another great movie and decided to play Daniel in The Karate Kid. A story of a teen who arrives in California and as soon as he meets a new girlfriend, the leader of "The Cobras", a karate "dojo", gets into a fight with Daniel. An instructor named Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) teaches Daniel the secrets of Karate and self-confidence and self-defense after seeing him getting beat up by the Cobras after a prank Daniel did. This movie is the best martial arts movie of all time. See my review about "Crossroads" also starring Ralph Macchio.
  
  
• show me.........sand the floor!
  By A20JJIRF1UV855 on 2003-08-11
  The Karate Kid was THE movie of its generation. Around the time it came out I was only 8 but at least everybody I knew who was my age or even older had seen it. I think its strength lies on how many people at different ages can identify with the story itself. Daniel, "the karate kid", moves from N.J. to southern california and has the difficult challenge of making new friends. Eventually, Daniel becomes the object of bullying after trying to hook up with the ex-girlfriend of the bully's leader. Daniel eventually learns that his handyman is a master of the martial arts and asks him to train him. Well Daniel learns even more than just how to "fight back". He learns that karate is not a weapon but merely a technique used for self-defense to prevent people FROM fighting. Along the way he also learns self-confidence and balance as a key not only for karate but also as a symbol in helping overcoming any obsticles throughout life. This movie just works on so many levels. The father son relationship can be seen through the eyes of the student (Daniel) and the teacher (Mr Myagi). This movie will make you laugh, cry, and cheer!! Highly recommended!!!!
  
  As a sidenote I want to mention that this film sometimes gets criticized because of Daniel's character lacking necessary knowledge of karate (i.e. that kid didn't know S**T). But IMHO, the philosophy that made the film as great as it is is there in full. As Mr. Myagi says, trust not in quantity but quality of what you know. Seems to me the film wants to transcend higher, philosphically, on not only what it takes to win a karate tournament but perhaps what it takes to win in life.
  
  
• The Karate Kid
  By A3T3TF34A77QXM on 2003-11-18
  I don't have much to add to the previous reviews, except to say to parents who have children under age 13 - be warned! There is some profanity in this movie. I suggest you preview it and make a list of the places where you'll press the mute button on your remote control, that is if you don't want your children to hear and ultimately repeat some of the language. The profanity consists of: a** 4 or 5 times, several d***s, several G**D***s (when Macchio's character Daniel is complaining about being Mr. Myagi's slave), sh**, and bulls***. Overall, the movie is super. It's a heart-warming and exciting story about a shy, new kid whose grit and determination earn him the respect of his enemies, and the All Valley Karate Championship. It has good lessons about the value of hard work, being true to oneself, and pressing toward your goals in spite of obstacles. I just wish the writers didn't insist on corrupting an otherwise perfect family movie with so much foul language. It adds nothing to the story and somewhat diminishes the character Daniel, the young teen-aged hero.
  
  
• "Wax On, Wax Off, Sand the floor, Paint the house."
  By A92XVSV8LADWZ on 2004-05-25
  This is one of the best teenage movies in 80s. It has lots of good elements, like romance, school problems, great music, fighting combats, and the zen of karate. This is a unique martial arts movie. Most of them focus on fighting combat scenes; however, Karate Kid instead focuses on the mental side: Wax On, Wax Off, Sand the floor, Paint the house, etc. Those are as a matter of fact the defensive techniques for learning blocking. You can see the director carefully sets up two traditional styles of karate: Hard and Soft. Obviously, the Cobra sensai & his students are from hard style, very aggressive & no mercy. In contrast, Miyagi & Daniel are from soft style, focusing on defensive technique and mental training. They meet together finally in a tournament.

  For this DVD, it lacks of some extra freebies. Only subtitles and theatrical trailer are included. No deleted scenes, no directory's commentaries, and no documentaries. I'm sure lots of people will appreciate if there's a DVD box set for the entire Karate Kid series with some good extra features.
  
  

• Need to be WIDE SCREEN EDITION!!!!
  By ATP2Q6SFD7V3H on 2001-06-27
  I bought this DVD a year ago... Movie itself is awesome. But I was disappointed it was regular 4:3 screen format... Then I heard that "The Karate Kid" will be released AGAIN along with "II" and "III". I was really exciting, but only the first movie will be released in "4:3" again??? I don't get it....... "II" and "III" are "Wide Screen", but why the first one is still "4:3" format????? I know a lot of people is waiting "Wide Screen" Edition of "The Karate Kid". Come on! It MUST be a "Wide Screen"!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Poor Dvd Quality
  By A3LK7QLDYTD3C1 on 2002-03-03
  Great movie. However the dvd transfer is poorly done. Only has dolby surround. And only available in fullscreen. I hope Columbia Pictures releases a dts widescreen version of this great movie.
  
  
• Get him a body bag! Hehehehehehehehehe!
  By A2OXDJP1Z3LNOK on 2003-01-06
  Ahh...one of the finest and most emotionally delivered lines in American cinema history. But I digress....

  This movie truly found it's way into the hearts of all kids who grew up in the 80's. Immediately after seeing this movie - you could witness about 3 dozen boys and girls practicing the Crane technique on car doors.....baby sisters...etc.

  Take a loser kid from New Jersy. Throw him in a station wagon with his mom (who leaves the computer industry for restaurant management. Great career move Mrs. LaRusso.) and make him live in a dumpy apartment building. Ahh! But that building also houses a Karate/Jedi master named Mr. Miyagi. Then, throw in a love triangle that includes loser Daniel, Alison (played by beautiful Elisabeth Shue) and Johnny - the kid with serious anger management problems and a wicked front kick. Seriously, wouldn't you want to kill Daniel if he took Elisabeth Shue from you? Thought so.

  OK - now you have a group of "Kobra Kai's" that have an super-irrational hatred for this wimpy loser named Daniel. After Daniel gets beat up every day for 6 months - he figures he'll call on Yoda...umm, I mean Mr. Miyagi. Miyagi teaches Daniel to kick some serious ... by making him do all of his household chores. Being the spineless wimp Daniel is - he actually hangs around to do the work (which includes painting Yoda's house dark green. What the???) This military dose of Spring-cleaning turns Daniel into a freakin' killing machine. If only he would have had time to learn the other skills like "Grout the Tile" or "Plunge the Toilet!"

  So - to prove him manhood, and to keep Elisabeth Shue from realizing that she's actually dating a girl, Daniel enrolls in the All-Valley Karate tournament for teens and 32 year-old Ralph Macchio.

  Before Daniel can achieve "balance," he has his femur snapped in two by Bobby Brown (no - not that Bobby Brown. The Kobra Kai that got slighted by not being allowed to fight Daniel. What a jip. You know Bobby was going to win it all....)

  No, it's all OK. Miyagi turns back into Yoda and heals the crushed leg by doing some crazy sandpaper thing with his hands. I guess body heat can reset a compound fracture. Daniel is now limping but is feeling A-OK!

  Shock. Daniel wins the tournament by using the most telegraphed Karate move ever conceived. Johnny practically sprints into the Crane move otherwise known as the "I'm gonna kick you" technique. Daniel is champ - gets girl - and gets an approving nod from Yoda...umm....I mean Mr. Miyagi.

  Seriously, this movie is a lot of fun. It's one you must own.
  
  

• good movie
  By A2S166WSCFIFP5 on 2004-05-29
  This 1984, 'modern classic' by director John G. Avildsen ("Lean On Me"; "8 Seconds") is a solid movie--very entertaining. I'll admit there is nothing truly spectactular about it. Robert Kamen's ("The Fifth Element") writing is good, but nothing truly great. Macchio and Morita put in solid performances. The karate is only mediocre, but the principles aren't exactly martial arts experts. Still, it is one of those films I fondly remember as a child, and one I can still go back to all these years later. It holds up over time.
  
  
• Sweep the leg...
  By A1U58QQTR5UG1N on 2005-07-02
  I am not being biased in saying that this is the greatest film to come out of the 80's just because I played a minor role in the film as a Cobra Kai stand in. This is a movie about honor, pride, Elisabeth Shue, a city called Recita, and of course Cobra Kai Karate which is real. Many people don't know this but during the shooting of the film, many of us Cobra Kai stand-ins played our part so well that it became reality to us and after Martin Kove's (Sensai John Kreese) career was over, he summoned us at the old dojo where we were given special training and now reside throughout the nation as the Cobra Kai network. Back to the film...Daniel Larusso (Ralph Machio) plays the part of a smart a-- cake eater who steals Johnny "Sweep the Leg" Lawrence's broad Elisabeth Shue) and then expects to get away with it without a beating. That's when the real heroes come into play representing the Cobra Kai dojo (which is real). At Cobra Kai, we live by a few rules, I'll share one of them..."We do not train to be merciful here, mercy is for the weak. A man confronts you in the street he is your enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy." After all, "pain does not exist in this dojo." Unfortunately there was a major script blunder which leads to an unhappy ending but this movie is still a hit and I strongly suggest that you view it in order to get a small taste of what a privelage and honor it is to be a member of the Cobra Kai Dojo. "Strike first, strike hard, No Mercy Sir!" Heil Sensai Kreese! Cobra Kai never Dies!!!
  
  
• Widescreen Please! This is a classic for goodness sakes!
  By A1QYX50MRTOABU on 2000-10-06
  I'm really upset with the people that made the one and only KARATE KID in regular format. You know what I think. They offered it in regular version first so that y'all will buy it thinking there will never be widescreen...THEN they'll spring the widescreen on you when you already own the regular edition. How sneaky they are! Don't buy it just yet...wait till next year they'll have it! They HAVE TO...I'm hoping. All in all I love this movie and its a classic that I enjoy watching over and over. You will too if you haven't seen karate kid...which shouldn't be the case if your a movie lover. Enjoy!
  
  
• Must be Widescreen!!
  By on 2002-07-20
  This is a great movie and is well deserving of a widescreen presentation, fully restored and with commentary. It is what I believe one of the best movies of the 1980's and it is a shame that in a time when so many mediocre movies are given the star treatment in the DVD world, this one is so unbelievably substandard. I will not buy this movie until it is on widescreen at the very least. Give this movie and its' fans a break! Do it right!
  
  
• John G. Avildsen's The Karate Kid
  By A1V7JA3W5T6E5K on 2002-10-06
  This was a wonderful Action/Drama. It is directed by John G. Avildsen(Rocky). This movie is about a 17 year old named Daniel LaRusso(Ralph Macchio) who moves from Newark, New Jersey to Southern California with his mother(Randee Heller). When Daniel is invited to a beach party, he falls for Ali(Elisabeth Shue) a beautiful blonde girl. Daniel later gets into a fight with Johnny(William Zabka), a bully from a Karate group named the Cobra Kai. Then when school starts, Daniel becomes a target for the Cobra Kai and start to bully him many times(Soccer, Biking, on Halloween). Then Mr. Miyagi(Pat Morita) an Apartment Handyman from Okinawa, leaps to Daniel's defense. Then when Kreese(Martin Kove) becomes upset at Miyagi, he challenges him. Mr. Miyagi accepts the challenge at the Karate Tournament and that gives Mr. Miyagi two Months to train Daniel. This movie had great action and acting. I highly reccomend this.
  
  
• Give me a break
  By A11XKY4EIU2KNR on 2004-03-27
  Ralph Macchio is one of the worst actors Hollywood ever put on the screen. He either overacts everything or is a complete ham. This movie is the pinnacle of his career. This flick is about as realistic as a Friday the 13th movie.

  First of all I cannot believe a karate school run by a sensai as portrayed in this movie could possibly exist. No one is going to pay hard earned money for that kind of abuse. Secondly, a karate student abusing his skills on people would be severely punished or banned from further classes. The sensai in this movie is a stereotypical loon left over from the Vietnam War. The only viewing pleasure this movie has is Mr. Mayagi. Pat Morita is not the propritor of Al's anymore from Happy Days. He plays a wise and noble charactor that has to cool the jets of hot headed Ralph.

  The final contest is a bit far-fetched and the final blow has become a cliched joke.
  
  

• The Karate Kid II
• The Karate Kid Part III
• The Next Karate Kid
• The Karate Kid (1985 film)
• Big