RELEASED TO TV IN 1990 and directed by Bill Bixby, "The Death of the Incredible Hulk" is the third of three movies in the wake of the TV series that ran from 1977-82.PLOT AND MAIN CAST: Masquerading as a mentally challenged custodian, David Banner (Bill Bixby) gains access to an Oregon research facility believing that the studies of one of the scientists there, Dr. Pratt (Philip Sterling), may hold the key to curing his gamma-induced curse. Unfortunately, a blackmailed Russian ex-spy named Jasmin (Elizabeth Gracen) inadvertently puts a wrench in Banner's plans. Lou Ferrigno plays the jade giant while Anna Katarina appears as Jasmin's sister. Barbara Tarbuck is on hand as Pratt's wife while Andreas Katsulas plays a Russian heavy.This wasn't supposed to be the last Hulk movie with Bixby and Ferrigno. There were plans for a follow-up called "The Revenge of the Incredible Hulk" (otherwise known as "The Rebirth of the Incredible Hulk"). Regrettably, these plans were scrapped supposedly due to Bixby's diminishing health and unfortunate death in 1993 from prostate cancer while others claim that it was due to the disappointing ratings for this movie.What I like about these Bixby/Ferrigno Hulk movies (and the series in general) is their serious, melancholic tone. You won't find any eye-rolling campiness, like in the 60's Batman series; the inclusion of Thor in "The Incredible Hulk Returns" (1988) is the closest it comes to that (which, by the way, is the most entertaining of the Bixby/Ferrigno Hulk movies). Of course these movies (and the series) are held back by their limited TV budget but, if you can handle that, they're worth checking out. I like the way Bixby shot for moving artistry with the final sequence in this movie and was partially successful.THE FILM RUNS 95 minutes and was shot in the Vancouver, B.C., area. WRITER: Gerald Di Pego.GRADE: B/B-

THE DEATH OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK was the final instalment of the Bill Bixby-starring TV show and later movie series chronicling the adventures of the green giant. As such it's a bittersweet viewing experience, especially when knowing that Bixby himself would die of prostate cancer only a couple of years after making this, what was to be his swansong in the role.The plot is a straightforward adventure that pits the Hulk and a newfound love interest for David Banner against a group of nefarious spies for whom industrial sabotage, kidnapping, and murder are the order of the day. Of course, all this had to happen just when it seemed that Banner would finally rid himself of the Hulk curse, but then if everything had gone right it wouldn't have made for a very dramatic story.This TV movie lacks the presence of the other superhero characters from the last two movies (Thor in THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS and Daredevil in THE TRIAL OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK) but nevertheless proves to be a fun watch, thanks to plenty of Hulk-out action from the reliable Lou Ferrigno and a surprisingly decent turn from a thoughtful Bixby. It's no classic, but at least it brings closure to a much-loved phenomenon.

I was old enough to be a fan of the original television series of 'The Incredible Hulk', though it seems a distant memory. There is nothing specific I remember but the end credits with Banner walking away or hitching a lift coupled with the beautiful piano music. stick mostly in my mind.This is the third and final TV movie following on from the TV series. First came 'The Incredible Hulk Returns' which although nostalgic at the story continuing, it was quite laughable with the appearance of Thor. Then came 'The Trial of the Incredible Hulk', which I haven't seen for a long while. It featured Daredevil and from what I remember, it is that much cop either.Now we come to this instalment, 'The Death of the Incredible Hulk'. This is a completely different kettle of fish. Gone are the usual opening titles and the first scenes see Bill Bixby's Dr David Banner (Bellamy) apparently a cleaner with a submissive perhaps with learning difficulties. It is uncomfortable viewing for the usual Hulk viewer as it is out of character. Watching the film soon shows you why he is acting like that.The film itself is basically about the fight to make a perfect soldier, both to end all wars and to use within wars. This is probably classed as one of the last Cold war films. It is a simple good versus evil tale.The tone is quite different from most Hulk work and Bixby, looking tired plays it to perfection. It is one of the few occasions where Banner reveals who he is to people. In fact, the scene where Banner see a video recording of The Hulk for the first time is moving. Hardly and dialogue, however the facial expression says it all. During the film Banner comes close to getting the cure he so desires.The final scenes of the film are actually very moving. Especially for those who have followed the Hulk. (I have never seen the two new Hulk films, to me The Hulk is Bixby and Ferrigno and always will be). I had heard/read that The Hulk feel from a plane and died but what did happen came as a little surprise. As he clambered into a plane a gunshot goes off blowing it up. Now, we do see a conscious Hulk falling a very long way. Now I have read that he had survived a fall like this in the TV Series. However, you must question that perhaps being at ground zero so to speak of the explosion was enough to kill him. He was fully conscious though. It must be said the music used as he falls "And Something Ends' is truly beautiful and fits perfectly what is about to happen.The stand out moments happen here. Firstly, during the music we see The Hulk talk! He mouthes the name 'Jasmine' who he had fallen in love with during the film. Sadly, we don't hear it as it is during the music. Then we see Banner say 'I am free'. Whether The Hulk within him died, then, he died as well or The Hulk died because Banner was dying is an interesting talking point. Either way, it was moving yet sad as Banner never got a chance to live without this demon.One omission is that of Mr McGee. How poignant and touching would it have been to have him at The Hulk's death. Perhaps seeing for the first time what this creature had made Banner into and how it affected his life perhaps would have been a good resolution.As a footnote, this wasn't meant to be the last film! The 4th in the series had two working titles: 'The Revenge of the Incredible Hulk' & 'The Rebirth of the Incredible Hulk'. The storyline would have seen The Hulk revived with Dr David Banner's mind. To me, I would have loved to have seen this. But due to Bixby's sad passing just three years later it never came to be. In hindsight, this ending now fits perfectly.For those of you thinking of rewatching the TV series, make sure you make you way through the episodes and then end with this. A truly moving journey and highly recommended.

I agree with Big Movie Fan, Jack Mcgee should have been in this one. It would have meant something. Lou Ferrigno and the late Bill Bixby both were exceptional in the final Hulk T.V. movie. I was surprised to find out years later from Lou Ferrigno, that there was supposed to be a fourth Hulk T.V. movie called Revenge Of The Incredible Hulk. But it never happened, Bill Bixby got sick and passed away. It's really sad, He was a terrific actor, and from what I here an all around nice guy. I know all good things half to come, to an end. But I don't want to watch it again. I consider it sad, the fact that Bill Bixby died three years later. A real sad ending. But I'll make way for this years Hulk(2003). I hope Eric Bana will be in the role? But not as good has Bill Bixby was.