The Incredible Hulk: The Original Television Series Pre

Universal's Incredible Hulk DVD will satisfy fans of the CBS television series by offering the two-hour 1978 pilot, as well as the feature-length second-season opener, "Married," and a commentary track by series creator Kenneth Johnson. In bringing the Hulk to TV, Johnson decided to focus on its human alter ego, scientist Bruce Banner (here renamed David), rather than its rampages. In the pilot, Banner (Bill Bixby) is haunted by the death of his wife and unleashes his untapped rage in the form of a monstrous creature (Lou Ferrigno) after experimenting with radiation. And in "Married," Banner falls for a researcher (Mariette Hartley in an Emmy-winning performance) who attempts to cure his "hulk-outs." Johnson's solid scripting and direction and fine performances from the leads made the series a critical and audience favorite during its network run, and the DVD--deceptive cover art aside (which features images from the 2003 Hulk theatrical feature)--should again please longtime fans and novice viewers alike. --Paul Gaita

Series creator Kenneth Johnson's commentary on both episodes will undoubtedly be the most valuable extra to series enthusiasts, and the veteran TV writer-producer-director (whose credits include The Six Million Dollar Man, V, and Alien Nation) doesn't disappoint in providing a wealth of behind-the-scenes information about the series. For viewers interested in their own directorial careers, the tracks also serve as a valuable learning tool, as Johnson explains his choices in precise detail and recalls the daily challenges involved in shooting a TV movie. Other supplemental features include a brief interview with Lou Ferrigno (which is very similar to the featurettes on Anchor Bay's DVD releases of the post-series TV features), a making-of short for Ang Lee's Hulk, and an excerpt from that film's novelization. --Paul Gaita