Digital Digest: More "Alice" from Warner Archive
Saturday, July 07, 2012
by Skees


Hopefully, if you are a fan of the classic Linda Lavin series "Alice", then you are enjoying Alice - The Complete First Season on DVD. But if you were excited about that release, then you'll be even more excited to learn that more "Alice" will be making it to DVD by the end of the year!



According to the Warner Archive Facebook page:

"We can officially confirm that due to unprecedented consumer response to ALICE Season 1, clearances have been expedited and work has begun to bring you ALICE Season 2 later this year."



So it's official! "Alice" has done well on DVD, and we'll be seeing more!

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2012/07/digital-digest-more-alice-from-warner.html

Let's just hope that season 2 has a episode guide included:lol:

The real question is will they release Season 2 with the 22 episodes that aired or the 24 episodes that were produced. The Reporter and The Bus were produced for Season 2 but CBS left them unaired and they were never aired in prime-time. Also, strangely, these two episodes had the Season 4 opening credits in syndication.

Another day 1 purchase! Bring it on!

Great news & hope season 2 will have good sales too.

The real question is will they release Season 2 with the 22 episodes that aired or the 24 episodes that were produced. The Reporter and The Bus were produced for Season 2 but CBS left them unaired and they were never aired in prime-time. Also, strangely, these two episodes had the Season 4 opening credits in syndication.

That's interesting. I never heard of episodes of a tv series being produced, but not airing, except for when a show gets cancelled before the remaining eps can be aired. Yes, they need to be included on the DVD set!!!!!!

Great News! I just got Season 1 in the mail and have watched most of the episodes. Really hoping season 3 makes it out, it's one of my favorites from the series.:)

Looking forward to it as I'm enjoying season 1 immensely!

While it's great that this is being released, it should be noted that some Warner Archive releases are made-on-demand, which means they are DVD-Rs and not pressed DVDs.

I believe this applies only to the releases that are only available directly though their website, but I'm not sure.

Will season 2 have a episode guide?:lol:

Will season 2 have a episode guide?:lol:

Hey, you're lucky they're putting them in a plastic case! Just because you spend money you think you're entitled to an episode guide?!?

:rolleyes:

Hey, you're lucky they're putting them in a plastic case! Just because you spend money you think you're entitled to an episode guide?!?

:rolleyes:



Yes, I want a episode guide when money is deducted from my account:lol:

I have no problems with DVD-Rs--they play fine for me in my combo VHS-DVD/R machine :D

I look forward to season two. Finally, it seems WB is noticing that fans want their retro 70's shows. Now, if only Eight is Enough could be on DVD.

Hopefully this release comes with a episode guide.

S1 of Eight is Enough was released this past April. WB have stated on their Facebook page that S2 of EIE is on the schedule, they just don't have a set date for it yet.

I look forward to season two. Finally, it seems WB is noticing that fans want their retro 70's shows. Now, if only Eight is Enough could be on DVD.

Now if they could just realize the show is popular enough to not be just a Warner Archives product, and be pressed on regular dvd discs!:confused:

Alice - The Complete Second Season is coming October 23 from Warner Archive.

As the second season of the break-out hit Alice graced the nation's airwaves, Mel's Diner soon became the nation's dining destination of choice. Thanks to its hearty combination of down-home eccentrics, sweet sentiment, blue-collar ethos, and the spice of edgy topicality, Alice proved a dish the nation could not resist. With the central flavorings of Alice (Linda Lavin), Flo (Polly Holliday), and Vera (Beth Howland) rooting the comedy, and Mel (Vic Tayback) and Tommy (Philip McKeon) on hand to balance the distaff waitstaff with curmudgeonly charm and youthful enthusiasm, Alice was cooking with gas and ready to serve up some sit-com gold. George Burns, Jerry Reed, Desi Arnaz are among those who get served in season 2, as the staff faces working holidays, dispossessed natives, divine stars, and the specter of Mel's fiftieth in this 3-Disc, 24-Episode collection.

Purchase Alice - The Complete Second Season on DVD:
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3848399-10811526?sid=&URL=http://www.wbshop.com/product/code/1000355317.do


Clips:
http://youtu.be/TpBJ90qbTyM
http://youtu.be/xhlsN0c6-9I
http://youtu.be/pjE48u4wnuY

Hope to see a season 4 release this time next year

I'm so excited to not have to wait years for more 'Alice' on DVD :p

Hopefully this sells as well as S1 and they will keep them coming every 4-6 months.

Season 2 is my favorite love Mel's 50th Bday episode.

Great news! I ordered my copy already!:D

Ordered my copy yesterday! Can't wait for it to arrive!

Hopefully this sells as well as S1 and they will keep them coming every 4-6 months.

The best way to help ensure continued releases is to keep buying them.

It was sales of the Family Guy DVD sets that brought the series back from the dead after being off the air for 3 years.

I received mine in the mail today, it has all of the episodes that were produced for season 2 (including The Reporter and The Bus).
Quality looks great. There is no episode guide.

I received mine in the mail today, it has all of the episodes that were produced for season 2 (including The Reporter and The Bus).
Quality looks great. There is no episode guide.


You get mail on a Sunday?:confused:

I meant to say yesterday.

Interestlingly, before the Reporter and The Bus, there is a screen that says

"The following episode of Alice was originally intended for broadcast during the show's second season, but ultimately did not air until the fourth.

It is included in this collection for the purpose of historical production context."

Then the episode starts, with Season 4 opening credits.

I meant to say yesterday.

Interestlingly, before the Reporter and The Bus, there is a screen that says

"The following episode of Alice was originally intended for broadcast during the show's second season, but ultimately did not air until the fourth.

It is included in this collection for the purpose of historical production context."

Then the episode starts, with Season 4 opening credits.


That sounds horrible

I received mine in the mail today, it has all of the episodes that were produced for season 2 (including The Reporter and The Bus).
Quality looks great. There is no episode guide.

Is the inside of the cover art just plain white (blank), again (like season 1)?

I meant to say yesterday.

Interestlingly, before the Reporter and The Bus, there is a screen that says

"The following episode of Alice was originally intended for broadcast during the show's second season, but ultimately did not air until the fourth.

It is included in this collection for the purpose of historical production context."

Then the episode starts, with Season 4 opening credits.
I was led to believe these two episodes didn't air until Alice was in syndication. Interesting to now know they did air in prime-time in Season 4. I'm glad they're put back where they belong for the season 2 dvd set. I guess it would be too much to ask for them to put the proper opening back where it belongs, but I guess its not that detrimental. :ohno:

That sounds horrible
What's so horrible about it? They are (rightfully) including it in Season 2 for sake of production order. It's not a big deal IMO.

I meant to say yesterday.

Interestlingly, before the Reporter and The Bus, there is a screen that says

"The following episode of Alice was originally intended for broadcast during the show's second season, but ultimately did not air until the fourth.

It is included in this collection for the purpose of historical production context."

Then the episode starts, with Season 4 opening credits.
My set hasn't arrived yet. Do the rest of the episodes have the original Season 2 opening? In syndication, it was often replaced with Season 1.

Is the inside of the cover art just plain white (blank), again (like season 1)?

yes

My set hasn't arrived yet. Do the rest of the episodes have the original Season 2 opening? In syndication, it was often replaced with Season 1.

I think so. During season 2, I think they used a mix of openings, same pictures, just different versions of the song.

That sounds horrible

If it aired during season 4, it should not have been included.

Does this mean that season 4 won't have it?

I think they should be in airdate order, not in production order -- the only exception being if it would cause something to be out of sequence in airdate order.

If it aired during season 4, it should not have been included.

Does this mean that season 4 won't have it?

I think they should be in airdate order, not in production order -- the only exception being if it would cause something to be out of sequence in airdate order.

No, the episodes belong with season 2! They were filmed during season 2's production. They ARE season 2 episodes. I have no idea why they aired 2 years later way back then, but this IS correcting an error made 35 years ago!

Think about this, Tommy had aged 2 years when season 4 was produced, and aired. If these 2 episodes were on the season four set, the younger Tommy would cause confusion.

I got my set on Saturday as well and I was so pleased to see The Reporter and The Bus included. These two episodes were produced during Season 2 and for some reason CBS declined to air all 24 episodes produced. Perhaps, CBS only order 22 episodes while Warner decided to to produce a full 24 episodes. This is the same situation with Family Ties and Webster years later.

The episodes on this set are in airdate order. The Reporter and The Bus, I can say have never aired in Prime-time on CBS, they rightfully belong on the set! I have done extensive research and I can find no airdate where either of these episodes aired or repeated during the 4th Season. However, by that time CBS was airing the series in daytime and it is possible it could have originally aired in daytime while Season 4 aired in Prime-Time. Or they aired when the series began syndication.

** These two episodes have always had the Season 4 opening even in repeats on E! and TNN. When these episodes were finalized in the editing room, this was the opening attached.

** I challenge anyone to research this and find the original airdate for these two episodes. I have looked through books, TV Guides, the Copyright Office, online sources and my local library's microfilm and microfiche and have never been able to find airdates.

Yes, AFAIK these episodes were never aired until syndication. These eps were new to me decades later, as I do not remember seeing them in prime time. I watched Alice regularly during the first run.

I remember reading about how that there was a change in the direction of the show at the start of the second season, to feature less Tommy and Flo. A new producer(s) were also added at this time, with the previous producers no longer in charge. I have not seen these episodes in a while, but perhaps Tommy and Flo were missing from these two shows? Maybe there was a push from Linda Lavin to feature less Tommy and Flo?

Evidently this format did not work out, since the producer(s) was/were gone and replaced with yet another set of producers pronto and these episodes never aired on CBS. (AFAIK)

I remember that these two episodes were rather slow and did not really hold my attention or have the same flavor like a typical Alice episode does. There was a different feel to these episodes.

Even so, I am glad that they are included and they do belong with this Season 2 set.

If anyone has any other details or corrections to the above, please add!

Yes, AFAIK these episodes were never aired until syndication. These eps were new to me decades later, as I do not remember seeing them in prime time. I watched Alice regularly during the first run.

I remember reading about how that there was a change in the direction of the show at the start of the second season, to feature less Tommy and Flo. A new producer(s) were also added at this time, with the previous producers no longer in charge. I have not seen these episodes in a while, but perhaps Tommy and Flo were missing from these two shows? Maybe there was a push from Linda Lavin to feature less Tommy and Flo?

Evidently this format did not work out, since the producer(s) was/were gone and replaced with yet another set of producers pronto and these episodes never aired on CBS. (AFAIK)

I remember that these two episodes were rather slow and did not really hold my attention or have the same flavor like a typical Alice episode does. There was a different feel to these episodes.

Even so, I am glad that they are included and they do belong with this Season 2 set.

If anyone has any other details or corrections to the above, please add!

These episodes definitely have a different feel to them (so do the first seven episodes produced for Season 2). They are much slower, and much more serious than the the free wheeling, kiss my grits feel of the first season. Camera angles are a little different, Mel is sometimes wearing a blue shirt. The producers were obviously trying for something different.
Thankfully, the show got it's groove back, and went back to more free wheeling episodes after "The Indian Taker". I think the show hit a nice stride towards the end of Season 2 that lasted until Season 4.

Got my copy in the mail today. The episodes look like Season 1 with some looking better than others. I agree Season 1 episodes seem to be more funny/lighter material. I am enjoying my set and hope for a season 3 release in the new year.

Btw...I hate the music for Season 2. Season 1 theme music sung by Linda Lavin was so much better.

Got my copy in the mail today. The episodes look like Season 1 with some looking better than others. I agree Season 1 episodes seem to be more funny/lighter material. I am enjoying my set and hope for a season 3 release in the new year.

Btw...I hate the music for Season 2. Season 1 theme music sung by Linda Lavin was so much better.

Didn't Linda sing all the versions of the Alice theme song?

Didn't Linda sing all the versions of the Alice theme song?
She did...I just mean her take on the song is rather well crappy. She just doesnt sound as good in Season 2. The lyrics are the same but she sings it differently from Season 1 which I preferred more.

She did...I just mean her take on the song is rather well crappy. She just doesnt sound as good in Season 2. The lyrics are the same but she sings it differently from Season 1 which I preferred more.

Yes she OVER-sings it in S2..."Early to riiiiiiiiise...early to bed" and "Going through life with blinders on is tough to shheeee"....just awful. Also the musical arrangement this time is quite lethargic compared to the snappy S1 theme.

At what point does the beginning lyrics start with, Used to be sad, Used to be shy....?

At what point does the beginning lyrics start with, Used to be sad, Used to be shy....?
During the 3rd Season.

Imad

Her singing on the title theme got more obnoxious as the series went on. That booming, over-the-top Broadway style of singing wears on you -- and this was back when TV theme songs were over a minute long.

Her singing on the title theme got more obnoxious as the series went on. That booming, over-the-top Broadway style of singing wears on you -- and this was back when TV theme songs were over a minute long.

:lol:

I don't think viewers cared for the season 2 version theme song (or the producers)--it was replaced after only a few episodes if I remember correctly.

Her singing on the title theme got more obnoxious as the series went on. That booming, over-the-top Broadway style of singing wears on you -- and this was back when TV theme songs were over a minute long.

AGREED! Season 4 is the most obnoxious and over the top! Boy that woman can warble!

Her singing on the title theme got more obnoxious as the series went on. That booming, over-the-top Broadway style of singing wears on you -- and this was back when TV theme songs were over a minute long.


Exactly!!

Yes she OVER-sings it in S2..."Early to riiiiiiiiise...early to bed" and "Going through life with blinders on is tough to shheeee"....just awful. Also the musical arrangement this time is quite lethargic compared to the snappy S1 theme.

Yes...just dreadful.

AGREED! Season 4 is the most obnoxious and over the top! Boy that woman can warble!

SO GOOOOOOOOD!!!

It has been announced that S3 will come out in early 2013; they are already prepping it for release. There's also news of another series coming next week via Warner Archive that's "already been started". Perhaps Eight is Enough, but I was told that EIE was not an Archive title. I hope to h*ll it's Mama's Family.

I don't understand! If Alice is selling as well as it is, why does Warner keep limiting it to the WB Archives. I wish they would press it on regular DVD's instead of dvd-r, give it full package art, and sell it regular retail!!!! Wouldn't it bring in more sales if it were in stores?:(

I don't get it either...it has to be selling better than some of their retail releases like Scarecrow & Mrs. King, for example, but this appears to be their business plan for Alice. I don't mind really--I've ordered immediately and received pressed discs. And I think the package art and menus are no worse than any regular retail release. But now they've started it as MOD, I don't think they will switch over.

It has been announced that S3 will come out in early 2013; they are already prepping it for release. There's also news of another series coming next week via Warner Archive that's "already been started". Perhaps Eight is Enough, but I was told that EIE was not an Archive title. I hope to h*ll it's Mama's Family.

This is great news! I can't wait for season 3. I am hoping the release next week is Falcon Crest Season 3. I heard they were working on it but wanted better quality crisp episodes.

I've gotten the DVD-R's and they have played perfectly for me. I've had no issues.

I bought season 1 and 2 can't wait til they arrive.

Season 2 arrived yesterday for me! :)

Enjoy Jude! The Jerry Reed episode is hilarious ;-)

Do the season 2 episodes have the correct (season 2) opening credits on the dvds?

Yes, they have the season 2 theme on the episodes that originally aired with that theme, but the producers sometime during season 2 decided they did not LIKE how this version sounded and went back to using the season 1 theme.

Do the season 2 episodes have the correct (season 2) opening credits on the dvds?
Strangely, more episodes have the SHORT version S2 theme than the regular S2 theme. I guess many of these ran slightly longer so they had no choice. Anyway, it's great to have them all.

Strangely, more episodes have the SHORT version S2 theme than the regular S2 theme. I guess many of these ran slightly longer so they had no choice. Anyway, it's great to have them all.
I just appriciate the episodes being as the originally aired in primetime, including the credits!:cool:

Not sure if this has been mentioned but Season 3's What are you Doing New Years? is available streaming on Amazon for $1.99.

I'm going to start watching season 2 now that I've finished with the 1st season.