Director John G Avildsen goes back to "Rocky"-style basics with "The Karate Kid". Aimed more at children, it still comes with a 15 certificate, but many who were young teens in the 80s will have a soft spot for this enjoyable action drama. Expect to see a few 30-somethings purchasing this fair quality DVD for a trip down memory lane.

Picture quality initially looks a little disappointing with opening scenes both soft and grainy. By the time Macchio makes it to school though, the image has cleared up and remains quite clean throughout.

The 2.0 surround track is a lively enough effort that fills the speakers with such musical blasts from the past like Survivor, Commuter, Bananarama, and many more.

Extra features are disappointing with only trailers and filmographies to flick through.

Region: 2
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Extra Features: Scene selection, cast and crew filmographies, original theatrical trailer, "Karate Kid II" trailer, "Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles - The Pluto Campaign" trailer, and multiple languages and subtitles.

The rest of "The Karate Kid" DVD trilogy:
"The Karate Kid: Part II"
"The Karate Kid: Part III"