Kung Fu: The Complete First Season (DVD, 2004, 3-Disc Set)

Season I is truest to the creators ideals, while II continues, but starts to depart. III shifts to mysticism as creative direction shifted to Carradine's interests and has several part one and two episodes.

I watched most of the series as a kid when originally aired, but in 1982, a college kid, I became a devoted fan watching on cable each week. That is how I was introduced to the wonderful philosophy of the series which has its source in Buddhist Taoism. Many influences ranged from Christianity to Zen to all the great world religions and philosophies. It is interesting to see how Roman Catholic priest are pertrayed as noble. Protestant ministers as idiots. I read reviews on the program from I think Christianity Today and very critical of the series as not appropriate for Christians. Censorship also meant the fight scenes were limited which is why special filming techniques were used like slow motion.

Season I has the pilot movie and I cherish many scenes in it as young Caine is challenged to learn and grow. First few episode filmed shortly after the pilot were filmed on a very short season. Expert marketing execs did not think a East mets West show set in the old West could be popular. Each of the 3-4 1st season programs won its time slot even though moved around the week. This series has many tie ins to the era it was filmed in.
Season II and III are full years. Again, Caine is most interesting and has a distant look in season I. Trying very hard to learn the English language, a harden aloof look to his face and often emotionless with very soft spoken words. David Carradine's (b. 1936- ) performances are amazingly outstanding. Also Keye Luke (1904-1991) as Master Po and Philip Alm (1905-1978) as Master Kan. Young Radames Pera (b. 1960- ) as young student Caine and all 3 are also wonderful actors and said to be acting as their own personalities. The whole tv series was shot on Warner Bros. motion picture sets, and as the result- the background is rich in details. The monastery, for example, was the castle in Camelot. All the main sets have been torn down and that is why the Kung Fu TV Movie from around 1988 lacks those scenes.

I understand there is a new Kung Fu movie is to be release in 2008 and filmed in China. NO special effect fights, rather a return to the roots of Taoism and should again bring us a wonderful product. It maybe the full length pilot film re-telling the story. Around 1970, the execs decided against releasing it in theaters, and had the script scaled back to a TV Movie of the week. Or, it may be a pre series movie with focus upon the development of the Shaolin monastery. Only one of the two original creators still lives.

I recommend The Book of Caine which has a great deal more background about the series, althhough the episode guide is inaccurate. Author used scripts which deviated from what was actually filmed.