It's easy to look back on the 1977 feature-length pilot of the the Incredible Hulk television series, also titled The Incredible Hulk and dismiss it for looking a bit naff. In truth it is, but that's because we've been spoiled by 42 years worth of advances in serialised storytelling as well as astonishing advances in technology just to bring the eponymous character to life.

There's too much science, not enough Hulk and I'm not sure if the dystopian feeling that this 'film' has was a smart move for the pilot. However, given that this is still considered the definitive screen version of the Hulk, I'm looking forward to making my way through this series.

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Was part of a live chat commentary for this tonight at mixlr.com/goliverse/

This is the pilot episode for the Bill Bixby "Hulk" series- one of those shows that was a big part of my childhood. I almost know this by heart so I didn't even need to watch it.

Perfectly fine for a 70s TV movie that's the origin story of a superhero. But it's very slow going in spots for modern viewers.

Hey, they condensed almost everything here into a few minutes over the credits of the last movie- just saying.

I totally didn't realize how much they talk about donuts in this until tonight.

Given a theatrical release in the UK, this feature length pilot for the iconic television series is much better than it has any right to be.
Shot in what is a very cinematic style and with a terrific central performance from Bill Bixby, it tells a very human story of loss and grief.
As long as you can overlook the dodgy effects, this is quite the little gem.

An excellent introduction to the world of David Banner and The Incredible Hulk. Sure... they changed his name because the network thought "Bruce" was a bit of a gay name (Blame Adam West's Batman for that), but this was the first decent crack at a Superhero property in a long time.

One of the reasons I have a soft spot for the recent Lou Leterier movie is its throwbacks to the original series. Formulaic fun from a much simpler time.

I'm checking off that I've seen this before because I was a big fan of the TV show in the 70s and I'm sure I saw this. I just always put it in context as a part of the show. Regardless, it was fun to revisit this after all these years. Learning more about the Hulk, it's interesting to see all the little changes they made in the context of this show that move it away from the comic stories – no Betty Ross or her dad, the context of the gamma experiment, the reporter in pursuit of him, etc. It's also fun to see elements that subsequent filmmakers have pulled from it to put in the Hulk films. It all works still, even if it's different, and it's a lot of fun to watch.

The Incredible Hulk is a mighty bore, but pretty much what I expect from these 70s superhero pilots at this point--doesn't compare to the Wonder Woman pilot. A couple interesting bits here and there and it's easy to see why Lou Ferrigno's Hulk is an icon, but mostly not good.

I grew up watching the show. I would watch reruns on TV. At the time I thought of it is just a “cool old TV show” about the Incredible Hulk. Watching it now as a more intellectual person, I see the pure genius of the writing and the direction of the show. Doing what no other incarnations of the Incredible Hulk have ever done and featuring the pure aspect of carrying this demon with you everywhere you go. The dramatic elements and the suspense help the show gain a real-world feeling. Bill Bixby, the man that plays David banner, in my opinion is the best Dr. Banner there has ever been. His portrayal of the dramatic side of having this monstrous force not only consumes the viewer but allows the viewer to feel for his character. 10 out of 10 would recommend, very good show!

This show was before my time, and I always avoided the reruns because I just thought it looked too cheesy. While there is some cheese here, its interesting to see what they did with the Hulk back then. The science is a little too hokey and the cars catch fire and explode too easily, but this wasn't terrible. I will be interested to take some more glimpses into this series as The Next Reel/Marvel Movie Minute looks at it.

I'm checking off that I've seen this before because I was a big fan of the TV show in the 70s and I'm sure I saw this. I just always put it in context as a part of the show. Regardless, it was fun to revisit this after all these years. Learning more about the Hulk, it's interesting to see all the little changes they made in the context of this show that move it away from the comic stories – no Betty Ross or her dad, the context of the gamma experiment, the reporter in pursuit of him, etc. It's also fun to see elements that subsequent filmmakers have pulled from it to put in the Hulk films. It all works still, even if it's different, and it's a lot of fun to watch.

Shit this is depressing.

A surprisingly slick production with some ridiculously cool shots kicks off a series that ran 5 seasons plus several TV movies. So much of it is there from the start: Ferrigno's massive presence, "you wouldn't like me when I'm angry," and the slow walk away under credits with the Sad Hulk Music playing underneath.

*cries in childhood*

My very favourite hulk story and one that makes me cry at the end every time. Using a body builder instead of CGI keeps things as grounded as possible, while the absence of any villain is a welcome relief. I really wish modern blockbusters would take a leaf out of this movie and put some real soul (not target audience soul) back into their films. A blessing.