View Full Version : MWC Season 4 Question


Corolla
08-09-2007, 09:38 AM
What does this mean? What are syndicated episodes?

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/marriedwithchildrenseason4dvdreview.html

But there is another issue that DOES affect the content of the show. The set contains seven (yes, SEVEN) episodes that are syndicated episodes! Most episodes run at 23:10, but the following episodes run at roughly 22:30: "Dead Men Don't Do Aerobics," "Buck Saves the Day," "At the Zoo," "Rock and Roll Girl," "You Gotta Know When to Hold 'Em, Part 1" (oddly enough Part 2 is UNEDITED), "Peggy Had a Little Lamb," and "Rain Girl." The proof that these episodes are edited (beyond the shorter time length) is simple--you will notice that about 4 or 5 minutes into these episodes, the episodes fade to black. This is something that was added in syndication in order to accommodate an extra commercial break, and this was not in the original airings of the show. It is a shame that any of the episodes on this set are edited. I'm not sure exactly who is in charge of quality control over at Sony, but this is the second Sony set I've reviewed this week (That's My Mama being the other) that has had a substantial amount of edited episodes, and it seems that Sony doesn't realize that fans do not appreciate edited episodes.

zypherix
08-09-2007, 12:03 PM
Syndicated episodes means footage is cut out of the episodes to make space for more commercials. A syndicated ep usually runs at around 22 minutes while a show might run for say 23+ minutes in its original run, so a minute of footage had to be cut out. If you want a more complete fourth season of Married with Children, buy the german region 2 set, which has the complete episodes.

Corolla
08-09-2007, 03:11 PM
I can't speak German and my laptop and DVD player is region 1... I think.

Edit: But there are always commercials by the TV stations so would I be losing any more of the episode than I would if I watched it on TV?

zypherix
08-10-2007, 07:48 AM
German dvd has english audio naturally.. dvds can always be made region free.
Well, the seven syndicated episodes would be exactly what you could see on american television, but all the other episodes would be longer.

Corolla
08-11-2007, 10:14 AM
But wouldn't I want to see the original ones saw on TV, not longer episodes? :confused:

zypherix
08-11-2007, 08:48 PM
Oh I meant the original versions. The ones on american television are *always* shortened when they are rerun. (cut for syndication)

Corolla
08-12-2007, 07:39 PM
So it wouldn't matter then, right? :confused: :confused: :confused:

zypherix
08-14-2007, 08:02 AM
Let me explain.. again...

What you saw on Fox back in the early 1990s (original run): Original episodes, they all ran longer than 23 minutes.

What you see on american television today (in syndicated reruns): cut down episodes to make space for more commercials. (not the way they ORIGINALLY aired) Runtime: about 22 minutes

What you see on american season four dvd: Seven episodes that are cut syndicated versions, like you could just see on american tv, but the rest of season on dvd is the way they were originally presented, albeit with altered theme song.

What you see on german season four dvd: All episodes from season 4 the way they were originally shown on Fox back in the early 1990s, all running longer than 23 minutes. (albeit changed theme song)

So yes, it does matter.

SoapFan71
09-03-2007, 02:28 PM
I am watching Season 9 from Germany & am wondering...as I haven't seen a syndicated ep in awhile. Towards the end of "Business Sucks", when Al says "Boogie Down" & he starts playing music...does the syndicated version have generic music cuz the DVD set has "Maniac" by Michael Sembello playing & I always thought it wuz just generic music? Any1 help with this? Thanx, D PS Also on Season 4(German) Al is singing to "Who'll Stop the Rain" at the beginning of "Hot off the Grill", is this also on the USA set, doesn't the syn. ep have that scene cut? Thanx again, D

floyd2006
09-03-2007, 06:59 PM
I am watching Season 9 from Germany & am wondering...as I haven't seen a syndicated ep in awhile. Towards the end of "Business Sucks", when Al says "Boogie Down" & he starts playing music...does the syndicated version have generic music cuz the DVD set has "Maniac" by Michael Sembello playing & I always thought it wuz just generic music? Any1 help with this? Thanx, D PS Also on Season 4(German) Al is singing to "Who'll Stop the Rain" at the beginning of "Hot off the Grill", is this also on the USA set, doesn't the syn. ep have that scene cut? Thanx again, D

I know Al is singing "Who'll will stop the rain" and picking is belly button but not sure about business sucks. This will help: http://www.bundyology.com/hpg/905.html