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Mean, green and not so-lean “The Incredible Hulk” burst
onto TV screens back in the late 70’s. Using “The Fugitive”
as its template Stan Lee and John Kirby’s comic book character
found life in the form of bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno when
he’s upset. When he’s the not so jolly green giant he’s
Dr. David Banner (Bill Bixby) a scientist obsessed with
discovering the strength that we tap into when under stress.
When David is exposed to high lev els of gamma radiation
it alters his DNA allowing him to morph into a creature
nearly seven feet tall with the strength of twenty men.
Clearly Banner’s judgment was impaired before he stepped
into the radiation chamber how else to explain exposing
yourself to a massive dose of radiation? Banner goes on
the run for a crime he didn’t commit as the Hulk and tries
to find a cure for his condition. He is pursued by Jack
McGee (Jack Colvin) a tabloid reporter. ***
The initial pilot (included as part of this set by
Universal) first aired in 1977 with the show getting a “green”
light as a series the following year. The second TV movie
which aired the following year “The Return of the Incredible
Hulk” is included as part of this set as well. Banner is
still on the run and must try and stop an unscrupulous doctor
(William Daniels “Saint Elsewhere”, “Knight Rider”) from
killing a young woman so that he and her stepmother can
steal her wealth. The series begins on the second disc and
for the rest of the set each episode runs around 45 minutes.
Bixby plays the role to the hilt as Banner and the mysteries
he’s thrust into week after week makes you wonder if gamma
radiation altered more than his humble physique. This Columbo
in green body paint is entertaining. If the production values
are a bit cheesy compared to what we see today the series
has solid performances from a cavalcade of TV stars to make
it worthwhile for fans of 70’s and 80’s TV. At least the
series if free of the angst that Ang Lee used to fashion
his film.
Image & Sound:
Presented in its original full frame 1:33 aspect ratio
the show looks good in this set. The colors are surprisingly
robust and bright given the age of the show. Analog defects
are apparent but they aren’t obtrusive. Some sequences look
a bit soft or have analog grain but on the whole the show
looks quite good. Edge enhancement occasionally rears its
ugly head but it’s not a big issue. The mono sound comes
across with nice presence with dialogue clear. Chapter stops
are distributed though each episode but there’s no submenu
to choose individual moments from the series. The “play
all” option is included however. ---
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