The Karate Kid Collection

Between The Karate Kid (1984) and The Next Karate Kid (1994), Mr. Miyagi (so iconically portrayed by Noriyuki "Pat" Morita) pretty much uses up all his good aphorisms. "Anything possible if not afraid," is about the best he can muster for future Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, a mere $50 baby starring in the final film. But there's no defense against the Rocky formula that pits a likable, much-put-upon underdog (Ralph Macchio in the first three films) against gangs of fascist toughs and old enemies. Mr. Miyagi is one of the screen's great characters: he dispenses ancient wisdom like Yoda, and when push comes to shove, he kicks butt like Billy Jack. This boxed set contains all four Karate Kid films, making it an essential inclusion for any '80s time capsule. John Avildsen, an Oscar winner for Rocky, directs the first and best film, in which Macchio's Daniel LaRusso, a high school outcast, finds a father figure and mentor in the mysterious handyman with the unorthodox teaching methods ("Wax on, wax off"). The inevitable sequel, The Karate Kid II, also directed by Avildsen, further fleshes out their relationship as Daniel accompanies Miyagi to Japan, where the latter will have to settle old scores. The Karate Kid, Part III returns Daniel to his home turf and inserts a wedge between teacher and pupil as Daniel briefly crosses over to the dark side under the tutelage of rival instructor Thomas Ian Griffith. Finally, The Next Karate Kid stars Swank as an embittered young woman who, under Miyagi's tutelage, ends a reign of terror at her high school. As with the Rocky series, the Karate Kid franchise falls prey to the law of diminishing returns. But each film is undeniably rousing, even as the villains become increasingly over the top. Presented with decent transfers in a three-disc boxed set, DVD extras include commentary on The Karate Kid (by Avildsen, writer Robert Kamen, and actors Macchio and Morita), and six very informative featurettes (totaling 80 min.) spread across the first two films, covering everything from a master karate teacher to a master bonsai artist. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)