I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and was every bit a comic book fan. Not so much because they were comic books, but more so because I was just a voracious reader. I’d read everything I could get my hands on, and still do. Comics were a favorite medium for me simply because the stories were pure escapist fantasy, a far cry from they’ve become over the last few years. This is not a knock on the direction comics have gone, as there are certainly an immense amount of talented writers and artists out there churning out some incredible stories. I just miss the days when comics weren’t so adult-oriented. Having read comics, I was naturally attracted to any movies or TV series that attempted to take my favorite heroes and villains and bring them to life. Some early series really didn’t do too good of a job, and certainly pale in the wake of some of the newer movies that have more successfully translated the medium.

However, one show that sticks out in my mind as being a favorite was “The Incredible Hulk.” I remember watching week after week as David Banner (I know it was really Bruce, but those silly network decisions) traveled from city to city, on the run from those who wished to cage or destroy him and his alter ego. Each week, he would find some injustice and solve it before going on the run again. The line, “Don’t make me angry… you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” became a catchphrase as popular as any other.

There are some who consider the show to be a little corny, and there were times in the series where I would be hard pressed to argue, but I loved the show enough to forgive it’s moments of cheesiness, because they were few a far between. The series was a hit when it first debuted in 1978, and though I remember watching it I was still surprised when I found that it ran an unbelievable five seasons. I didn’t recall it having run that long. That’s quite a feat for show about a guy who turns into a big green monster.

There were a lot of things I loved about the show. The first being that I thought the creators did a great job of telling stories. But mainly I was a big fan of actor Bill Bixby. Growing up, I watched (in reruns) “My Favorite Martian” and “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.” I always enjoyed Bixby’s comic abilities in the former, and the full range he exhibited in the latter. The series I missed the most was the underrated “The Magician” which unfortunately only ran one season. (Somebody please release this in DVD!!). Bixby had a reputation of being an all around nice guy, and it showed in anything he worked on. According to friends and other actors, he made it fun to be on a set, which always the quality on any production. We lost a terrific talent when he died way too soon in 1993 at the age of 59.

The other highlight of the series was Lou Ferrigno. Having lost his hearing from an ear infection at a young age, Ferrigno grew up being picked on by the other kids who thought he was stupid. A big fan of comic books and Hercules movies, Ferrigno decided he would take up bodybuilding as a way to feel good about himself. After going on to win award after award, he was approached to play the role of the Hulk in the series. For Ferrigno, it was a dream come true.

Even though the series was cancelled after five years, its popularity didn’t wane. Six years after the cancellation, the cast re-united for a trilogy of made-for-TV Hulk films. In 1988, “The Return of The Incredible Hulk” pitted the green goliath against the Mighty Thor. In 1999, “The Trial of The Incredible Hulk” introduces Matt Murdock / Daredevil into the series. Then in 1990, the final story of the saga was aired, “The Death of The Incredible Hulk.” There was a script written for a fourth, where the mind of Banner would inhabit the body of the Hulk, but Bixby’s bout with cancer kept the production from becoming a reality.

The first two films have been recently made available on a 2-disc set from Anchor Bay Entertainment. And as is expected from one of their DVD releases, there are some really great extras. The first disc offers “The Return of…” along with an all-new interview with Lou Ferrigno, in which he speaks of his life and enjoyment of playing the role of the Hulk. There’s also a long interview with Stan “The Man” Lee, where he talks about his background, and his beginnings in the comic book industry, as well as the direction comics have gone into TV and movies. He also spends a little time describing how the Hulk came to be. Both interviews are really first-rate. The second disc has “The Trial of…” and an 84-minute documentary about Lou Ferrigno called “Stand Tall.” It is an unflinching look at Ferrigno’s life, career and family. And for those of you with a DVD-Rom you can access the original screenplay for “Trial…”

Both of these first two films were made not only to placate fans who wanted more, but they also served as pilots for hopeful spin-off series featuring Thor (Eric Kramer) and Daredevil (Rex Smith). Though the movies were well received by fans, they were very put off by the way these two characters were presented. Neither looked as they did in the comics costume-wise and this, in part, killed any hope for additional series. The one interesting bit of casting was that of the Kingpin. Most recently, he was portrayed by Michael Clarke Duncan in the “Daredevil” feature film. In “The Trial of The Incredible Hulk”, he is played by none other than John Rhy-Davies. Who was the stronger of the two? I’ll leave that to you to decide.

Those looking to finish out the trilogy in their collection can look to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment as they are gearing up to release “The Death of The Incredible Hulk” onto DVD. Though devoid of any extra features, this film is perhaps the best of the three. It brings a fitting and satisfying close to the series. It also features actress Elizabeth Gracen (“Highlander: The Raven”) and Andreas Katsulas (G’Kar in “Babylon Five”), which makes it a must see for fans.

Again I’ll mention that some may not find the films to their liking, but these will be the younger, less forgiving crowd weaned on the mega-effects movie spectaculars that are “The X-Men”, “Spider-Man” and the upcoming “Hulk.” The ‘tough guy’ new breed of comic fans will ridicule them as being sappy when they are around their friends, but will probably cry at the end in secret when alone. Those of us who grew up in a less demanding time can still enjoy these movies for the simple entertainment they provide. I’m just thankful to both Anchor Bay and 20th Century Fox that all three movies are being made available on DVD around the same time. Now if we can just get the original series released. Excelsior!

The Incredible Hulk Returns
Directed by: Nicholas Corea
Starring: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin, Eric Kramer, Steve Levitt
The Trial of The Incredible Hulk
Directed by: Bill Bixby
Starring: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Rex Smith
Extras: Muscling in on Movies: an interview with Lou Ferrigno, The Marvelous World of Stan Lee, “Stand Tall” – documentary on Lou Ferrigno, Poster and Still Galleries, Talent Bios
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Anchor Bay
Release Date: 5/6/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website: www.anchorbayentertainment.com

The Death of The Incredible Hulk
Directed by: Bill Bixby
Starring: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Elizabeth Gracen, Philip Sterling and Andrea Katsulas
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 6/3/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website: www.foxhome.com/hulk

We'll give The Incredible Hulk: Double Feature an A, and The Death of The Incredible Hulk a B-.