Today Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing the financially successful remake of the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid, on Blu-ray & DVD.  Although the level of violence amongst young kids is quite disturbing and it tries too hard to copy the great original, there is still some good stuff in this uneven Jaden Smith/Jackie Chan reboot.

 

We reviewed The Karate Kid remake when it opened in theatres on June 11th, all expressing the same concerns and offering similar assessments.  You can read our in-depth thoughts here, our overall consensus was:

 

“The Karate Kid (2010) lacks what made the original so special.  That film’s messages of peace are traded for a more violent approach – all involving younger kids.  Watching 12-year olds ruthlessly beat each other up just becomes hard to watch.  This unneeded reboot, despite a few good moments, is ultimately a disappointment. **1/4 (Out of 4)”

 

The Blu-ray includes an alternate ending, making of featurettes, Chinese lessons, a Justin Bieber/Jaden Smith music video, an interactive map of China, and more.

 

The Karate Kid is 140 minutes and rated PG.

 

-John C.