http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/24/sony-says-you-demand-it-well-make-the-dvd/

In a deal that could have intriguing implications for film lovers, Reuters is reporting that Hewlett-Packard (HP) has signed up Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) for their manufactured-on-demand DVD (MOD) service. In the year since the service was introduced, HP has contracted with 40 other content providers and digitized "about 5,000 titles for its electronic library."

Sony becomes "the first major studio to license niche and older titles" for the MOD service, according to the article. David Bishop, president of SPHE, says that Sony has been reluctant to release certain content on DVD, including some unspecified foreign and independent movies, because of the uncertainties involved in gauging consumer demand and maintaining inventory. There is no word yet on titles, either which or how many, and pricing.

For HP, the deal is a good way to reposition their service, which was originally trumpeted as a way to make sporting events and broadcast TV shows available on DVD within a few days of their original air dates. Sony's unreleased back catalog content includes classic TV, religious and food shows, and local sporting events, in addition to the aforementioned foreign and independent movies.

Several companies already offer their own versions of MOD service; Amazon's CreateSpace, for example, allows individuals to sell their own content on DVD and other media. This could be a viable alternative for folks who prefer to have a DVD rather than a downloaded computer file. And if it opens up the studio's back catalogs and unleashes some long in-demand titles, so much the better.

HP to make Sony DVD's

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hp24jan24,1,1276080.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

It will create copies of the studio's films and TV shows on demand.

By Michelle Quinn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 24, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hewlett-Packard Co. plans to announce today that it has signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to create made-to-order DVDs of some of the studio's movies and TV shows.

The agreement, whose terms were not disclosed, boosts Palo Alto-based HP's ambition to play the middleman in the future of how entertainment is distributed.

Sony is the first major Hollywood studio to work with HP in its fledgling business of making DVDs of movies, TV shows and other video content only when someone orders them -- much like HP rival Dell Inc. does with computers. It will allow consumers to order DVDs of some of Sony's older or more obscure programming, which retailers tend not to stock because it's not economically viable.

By making DVDs on demand, HP says it can help studios unlock the value of their libraries and give consumers more choice.

"We're hoping this provides another option to make available products that wouldn't necessarily garner widespread retail shelf space," said Jason Spivak, senior vice president of strategic development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, a division of Sony Corp. of America.

The agreement comes a month after HP ended its 11-month-old video download service with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. HP had powered the service on Walmart.com that sold customers TV shows and movies to download to their computers on the same day as DVD releases. But download sales were reportedly not strong.

Separately, HP has started a DVD production business and already has agreements with 40 content partners for 5,000 titles, including classic science fiction movies, exercise videos and children's series. The titles aren't on sale yet, but HP said it planned to soon announce partnerships with websites that would sell these made-to-order DVDs.

"This is part of HP's effort to transform digital entertainment," said Doug Warner, vice president of HP's digital content services business. "If studios can sell more catalog than previously, they can generate more money."

Well this is an idea whose time has come, wouldn't you say? I hope it works out.

watch it only be TV shows available, no sets that haven't been released

Well I hope not, they talked about "unreleased back catalog content..."

watch it only be TV shows available, no sets that haven't been released

If that's how they do it, then that's just stupid. I would LOVE to get a hold of The Nanny Season 3 on DVD, and Season 1 of Designing Women. Sony has been slow about releasing both of those, and this gives me hope, at least. We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

- Kristen

You'd think they would've gotten enough of a demand for Facts of Life's Season 4. The last set was released in October of 2006!!! :confused: :mad:

I'm thinking this would be similar to what the "companies" who sell bootleg dvd's do, except these wouldn't be bootlegged, they would be acquired from Sony. So you go to a site, check out the catalog, order what you want, and HP makes you a copy.
At least that's what I'm hoping "on demand" means. If the bootleggers can do it, it should be easy to do it legitimately with Sony's consent, right? And it seems like it should have been done a long time ago! It's a pretty exciting development if it pans out...

^ I agree...it'll be interesting to see how it all comes together!

I'm thinking this would be similar to what the "companies" who sell bootleg dvd's do, except these wouldn't be bootlegged, they would be acquired from Sony. So you go to a site, check out the catalog, order what you want, and HP makes you a copy.
At least that's what I'm hoping "on demand" means. If the bootleggers can do it, it should be easy to do it legitimately with Sony's consent, right? And it seems like it should have been done a long time ago! It's a pretty exciting development if it pans out...

I like this idea. Imagine if you could sort of mix and match tv show episodes, just like when you create a custom CD for your car. :)

I like this idea. Imagine if you could sort of mix and match tv show episodes, just like when you create a custom CD for your car. :)
That's an even better idea!! :D Thanks, Lisa.

I hope eventually they offer all shows in their catalog.

I hope eventually they offer all shows in their catalog.
So do I...*coughAESHudsonStreetcough*

Good idea, but I hope artwork and packaging don't suffer though. I don't want a no frills dvd set just because I'm the only one who wants it... haha.

I like this idea. Imagine if you could sort of mix and match tv show episodes, just like when you create a custom CD for your car. :)
I thought about that too, when they used that Dell Computer example in the article...certain seasons of certain shows
Good idea, but I hope artwork and packaging don't suffer though. I don't want a no frills dvd set just because I'm the only one who wants it... haha.
Yeah, I wondered about the extras too...any interviews or bloopers or whatever, I would so rather have that but at this point there are some shows that I'd just like to have the uncut episodes and although artwork and extras would be nice I'd take it without if I had to just to have the episodes.

Interesting concept but I don't think they'll be able to successfully keep up with custom orders.

How great would it be to be able to order copies of all of the classic short-run Screen Gems series, like Occasional Wife, Second Hundred Years, Temperatures Rising, Paul Lynde Show, Love on a Rooftop, Nancy, The Good Life, Needles and Pins, Camp Runamuck, Our Man Higgins, etc. Plus the failed Norman Lear shows like The Dumplings, Hot L Baltimore, All that Glitters, maybe even the unaired series Mr. Dugan. But watch, it'll wind up being the same crap that's being running in syndication forever.

I doubt this'll work out the way they want it to. I bet they'll start out with shows that are already out on DVD, then eventually start up with shows that have been abandoned.

It seems like Sony is getting interested in releasing what we want, and what they abandoned, but they're afraid to do it entirely. Like, they just released BM season 2 after 4 years. They're starting to do it, but they're afraid they won't sell well.

It would be nice to finally get the last 2 seasons of Partridge Family and finally be able to get rid of my VHS tapes on that. Also the last 4 seasons of Mad About You, the rest of Family, Police Woman and Here Come the Brides.

The news post from yesterday mentions that there are no scheduled releases for April in Sony's TV-on-DVD department. :(

It would be nice to finally get the last 2 seasons of Partridge Family and finally be able to get rid of my VHS tapes on that. Also the last 4 seasons of Mad About You, the rest of Family, Police Woman and Here Come the Brides.
I agree about Family - I own the DVD of the first two seasons and got hooked. I'd love to see the rest of the series.

I agree about Family - I own the DVD of the first two seasons and got hooked. I'd love to see the rest of the series.

I rented that last year from Netflix and I'm dying to see the rest of the series!!

It seems like Sony is getting interested in releasing what we want, and what they abandoned, but they're afraid to do it entirely. Like, they just released BM season 2 after 4 years. They're starting to do it, but they're afraid they won't sell well.
I agree that Sony's becoming interested in satisfying their customers, but I was thinking this is their solution and way of doing it without having to create a lot of dvds that won't sell well, no?

I rented that last year from Netflix and I'm dying to see the rest of the series!!
:cool:

I agree that Sony's becoming interested in satisfying their customers, but I was thinking this is their solution and way of doing it without having to create a lot of dvds that won't sell well, no?

I hope not - I'd rather haved the DVD's to own.

I just saw that there are no releases planned for April. Maybe May?

I agree about Family - I own the DVD of the first two seasons and got hooked. I'd love to see the rest of the series.

They're on the All-Star Family Feud DVD as well, Monika. :D

I hope not - I'd rather haved the DVD's to own.

I just saw that there are no releases planned for April. Maybe May?

What I'm wondering is, when can we expect to see announcements for the May releases (assuming there are any, of course!)?

Good idea, but I hope artwork and packaging don't suffer though. I don't want a no frills dvd set just because I'm the only one who wants it... haha.


Sony is the worst TV DVD distributor in creation. Their mainstream sets are usually a joke, so if they're only going to produce a couple hundred sets of a show that only a handful of viewers want, I highly doubt they'll even put effort into restoring the episodes. Forget artwork, menus, extras, and everything else that basically makes owning your TV Favorites on DVD so exciting. And I'm not holding my breath with this "plan", because chances are nobody's going to be interested, and we'll all just have to wait another 4 years or so until we can get another season released of ALL IN THE FAMILY, THE JEFFERSONS, THE NANNY, or any other show they distribute. Sony, I think it's safe to say everyone's given up on you.

They're on the All-Star Family Feud DVD as well, Monika. :D
They are? Awesome - thanks, Lisa. :cool:

This all sounds too good to be true, IMO... and it probably is. Like a few others have said, it would be great if people were able to get some older, obscure shows and seasons of shows that haven't been released on DVD, but I'll believe it when I see it.

What I'm wondering is, when can we expect to see announcements for the May releases (assuming there are any, of course!)?

I think the first sets we'd see from Sony will be The Jeffersons and All in the Family season 7, before anything else. I also heard that they were planning a fourth season release of Mad About You. It probably won't happen in May, but it'll happen eventually this year.

I'm also fairly sure we'll see more The Nanny and Mad About You this year. Possibly another One Day at a Time and Benson, because I heard those sold pretty well for Sony. Not sure if we'll see anything else this year, let alone May.

^ ODAAT sold well? That's great news, I've been kinda sure that my season 1 set would be an orphan, and the first year was the worst for that show IMO

Sony is the worst TV DVD distributor in creation. Their mainstream sets are usually a joke, so if they're only going to produce a couple hundred sets of a show that only a handful of viewers want, I highly doubt they'll even put effort into restoring the episodes. Forget artwork, menus, extras, and everything else that basically makes owning your TV Favorites on DVD so exciting. And I'm not holding my breath with this "plan", because chances are nobody's going to be interested, and we'll all just have to wait another 4 years or so until we can get another season released of ALL IN THE FAMILY, THE JEFFERSONS, THE NANNY, or any other show they distribute. Sony, I think it's safe to say everyone's given up on you.


I agree that they are bad but I don't know if they are the worst. There is a lot of competition in that category from Universal, Fox and Warner who all suck IMO. As for artwork, menus and extras, I don't really give a damn about that stuff. That's the desert, not the main course. Give me the shows complete and unedited and I'll be happy. Some of these shows haven't been seen in over 40 years and I would just be happy to see them again. I don't think it will happen but it's nice to dream.

^ ODAAT sold well? That's great news, I've been kinda sure that my season 1 set would be an orphan, and the first year was the worst for that show IMO

From what I heard, it didn't sell too badly. It gives me hope for more seasons on DVD, especially since we have 8 to go.

From what I heard, it didn't sell too badly. It gives me hope for more seasons on DVD, especially since we have 8 to go.
I figured for sure that show was doomed on DVD because it's been about ten years since it last was in reruns and the release didn't get a lot of fanfare. I guess Valerie going on Larry King Live was the kicker the show needed, I remember she promoted that DVD on there

I figured for sure that show was doomed on DVD because it's been about ten years since it last was in reruns and the release didn't get a lot of fanfare. I guess Valerie going on Larry King Live was the kicker the show needed, I remember she promoted that DVD on there

Plus she's in all those Jenny Craig commercials right now. I didn't catch her on Larry King Live, but it is great to hear the show sold well.

If Valerie Bertinelli's upcoming book is a success, Sony could captilize on that sucess by releasing subsequest seasons of ODDAT.

Imad

Plus she's in all those Jenny Craig commercials right now. I didn't catch her on Larry King Live, but it is great to hear the show sold well.
LOL, the years haven't treated her too bad......she still looks pretty good!:D

When will we hear more about this new process? Sony is still releasing dvds. So, is this an extra for those shows that they don't plan on releasing. I still find it hard-to-believe because of music rights and licensing fees. I mean, if one person orders a season of a show not commercially-available, how do they calculate copyright fees, etc.?

This is not aimed at the original poster, but I don't believe this rumor, I don't think Pav has even mentioned it on the blog......would be interested to know Pav if you know anything pertaining to this.....

I hope that they put the rest of Who's the Boss? out on dvd too. Season 1 of that came out in 2004 and they haven't released anymore. Did Season 1 sell well?

I hope that they put the rest of Who's the Boss? out on dvd too. Season 1 of that came out in 2004 and they haven't released anymore. Did Season 1 sell well?

It could be years before we see the next season, but it's at the top of mist as well, along with half of Sony's other shows.

well Sony did announce SQUARE PEGS is coming out in May-lol

How often does Sony make announcements? Once a month, once every 3 months, etc?

How often does Sony make announcements? Once a month, once every 3 months, etc?


probably once a year knowing sony-lol

How often does Sony make announcements? Once a month, once every 3 months, etc?

They barely make announcements. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony pull out of the TV on DVD business altogether. They probably have more shows than any other distributor, yet they are the worst with putting them out.

They barely make announcements. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony pull out of the TV on DVD business altogether. They probably have more shows than any other distributor, yet they are the worst with putting them out.

Actually I think Warber Bros right now tops Sony as worst at putting out TV DVD's. Where is S2 of Growing Pains? What about all the other classic shows WB has that aren't out yet? How long did we have to wait before finally getting Perfect Strangers? Where is Family Matters? I can't think off the top of my head of any previously unreleased sitcoms that WB started putting out in the last few months besides Perfect Strangers. At least we got Benson and Silver Spoons from Sony.

Actually I think Warber Bros right now tops Sony as worst at putting out TV DVD's. Where is S2 of Growing Pains? What about all the other classic shows WB has that aren't out yet? How long did we have to wait before finally getting Perfect Strangers? Where is Family Matters? I can't think off the top of my head of any previously unreleased sitcoms that WB started putting out in the last few months besides Perfect Strangers. At least we got Benson and Silver Spoons from Sony.


And don't forget season 5 of Fresh prince and season 3 of george lopez

And don't forget season 5 of Fresh prince and season 3 of george lopez


Oh no. Couldn't forget those. :rolleyes: