I went to 2 of my local Walmarts today to see if they had seasons 1 & 2 and they didn't...which wasn't a big surprise. Walmart is pathetic with how they treat new releases now. Anyways, don't get me started on the evils of Walmart.

The main reason I wanted to buy these sets was to see about the edits and report back here but I guess since I went ahead a bought the complete series, (which I had planned on doing anyways later this month) I'll just wait it out until it arrives in the mail.

Btw, any confirmation yet on the edits?

Btw, any confirmation yet on the edits?

Here's what we know from Time Life via their Facebook page:

There are 7 admitted episodes with edits in them (due to music): 3 in Season 2 (Gert Rides Again, Ellen's Birthday and Mama For Mayor [the only one with a full scene cut - the Harper Days Are Here Again segment]), 1 in Season 4 (Zirconias Are A Girl's Best Friend) and 3 in Season 5 (Found Money, Mama In One and Mama Makes Three). I don't know what songs they could have edited in "Gert..." or "Ellen's Birthday" but the other ones probably are

Zirconias: I Feel Pretty (Mama singing in her new jewelry)
Found Money: I'm in the Mood For Love (Mama singing with the auto-teller buttons)
Mama Makes Three: Born Free (Vint recites it)
Mama In One: There are a couple songs: Brazil, Me and My Shadow, Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man and Singin' in the Rain (all sung by Mama when she's alone)

Now, in addition to those, there are of course those rumors going around that 2 episodes in Season 1 - Cellmates and Mama's Boyfriend - are the syndicated versions, because they apparently don't have Harvey Korman intros, run around 21-22 minutes long and have the opening used for the syndicated run of the first two seasons (instead of the original NBC version). Time Life has denied there are any cuts in Season 1, but the specs make you question whether that's true or not. But, right now, we're just not sure.

There's not an episode called "Ellen's Birthday". There's one called "Mama's Birthday" and there's one called "Ellen's Boyfriend". I'm wondering if you're confused about the title.

The song edited from "Gert Rides Again" may be "Chariots of Fire".

Eunice sings (via the telephone) a variation of "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" to Mama in the episode "Mama's Birthday". This is probably what's edited.

There's not an episode called "Ellen's Birthday". There's one called "Mama's Birthday" and there's one called "Ellen's Boyfriend". I'm wondering if you're confused about the title.

The song edited from "Gert Rides Again" may be "Chariots of Fire".

Eunice sings (via the telephone) a variation of "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" to Mama in the episode "Mama's Birthday". This is probably what's edited.

Time Life must have misspoke when they called the episode "Ellen's Birthday." So, I'm not sure if they meant "Ellen's Boyfriend" or "Mama's Birthday."

Eunice sings (via the telephone) a variation of "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" to Mama in the episode "Mama's Birthday". This is probably what's edited.

It's more likely the basic "Happy Birthday" song that will be taken out. The rights and legalities of that song are VERY strict.

In case anyone is interested, I contacted Time Life via their Facebook page, asking them about the collector's box the complete series set comes in and what it looks like inside. I knew the box itself wasn't going to be your standard cardboard box just big enough to hold all the seasons in their standard Amaray cases because on ShopNBC's special where they were selling an exclusive package of the first two seasons with extras, the booklet - or "Family Album" - which was supposed to be exclusive to the complete series set but was part of this special package, was much larger than your standard DVD case.

They sent me two pictures - one of the box closed and one of it opened, with the following description:

"The booklet is 7x9 and the box is 7.5x9.5. The booklet nestles in the front like a picture in a frame and the box shuts with a wrap-around cover and magnetic clasp.

The DVDs sit in a cut-out inside the box. So, they are smaller than the booklet."

I asked them if I could share the pictures and they said yes. I've posted them on my website here: thefanperspective.justeg.com

The fact that the box is so unique, might explain the manufacturing problems that lead to the delay of the set.

I pre-ordered my complete series set the day they first announed it, so mine will be among the first shipment, scheduled to be shipped tomorrow. As soon as I receive it, I plan to post a very lengthy review at that same link where the pictures are now. I'll try to address everyone's questions about the runtimes, edits and special features, too.
Thanx for sharing the pictures. Now we can see the size of the outer box, and how the book fits in.

It's more likely the basic "Happy Birthday" song that will be taken out. The rights and legalities of that song are VERY strict.
You're probably right. I always thought it was in the public domain but after doing research I guess it's not. You learn something new evey day.

If there are just 7 episodes that are edited, that's not TOO bad. It's still worth buying, to me anyways because I'm such a huge Mama fan!

I had heard about the Happy Birthday song costing a lot to license a couple years ago. It seems weird to think that every time someone sings that on a TV show or movie, someone's making money. You'd think a song like Happy Birthday WOULD be in the public domain.

Thanx for sharing the pictures. Now we can see the size of the outer box, and how the book fits in.

You're welcome. I'm really surprised they actually sent me those pictures. I was expecting a description - if that - but the pictures explain it much better than words ever could.


If there are just 7 episodes that are edited, that's not TOO bad. It's still worth buying, to me anyways because I'm such a huge Mama fan!

I would have bought the set anyway, too. No, what bothered me about the edits was the fact that we didn't know about them in the beginning and the only reason we know about them now is because Best Buy put the first two seasons out early, Time Life were asked about the edits on those sets and were then further asked about edits in the rest of the seasons. They've still not publicly come out and said there are edits due to music. All the information we know is information compiled from Facebook and YouTube comment responses.

TimeLife has already said the only edited episode is when Mama runs for Mayor...no other episode has been edited to remove music or other things. Even the notorious Gert Rides Again episode is being included.

I hope I get the email saying the are shipping today...

TimeLife has already said the only edited episode is when Mama runs for Mayor...no other episode has been edited to remove music or other things. Even the notorious Gert Rides Again episode is being included.
I hope you're right but something tells me there WILL be music edits. There's been way too many people commenting on the edits for them not to be true.

TimeLife has already said the only edited episode is when Mama runs for Mayor...no other episode has been edited to remove music or other things. Even the notorious Gert Rides Again episode is being included.

Time Life said that's the only episode with an entire scene cut out (the Harper Days Are Here Again montage). There WILL be additional episodes with edits due to music (how they'll be handled, I'm not sure). If you go to their Facebook page (facebook.com/TimeLifeUS) and read their responses in the comment sections of their Mama's Family-related status updates and Mama's Family-related questions in their "Posts By Others" you'll see where they mention them, though it'll take you a while to find them all. See, that's what I meant before. The only way anyone would know about them is IF they went through the trouble of reading through all the Facebook post comments and replies. There are people who will be getting the set in the next few days who will be very surprised these edits are there, because they aren't officially, publicly stated anywhere.

I was hoping StarVista would pick up the rights to "Maude" and "Step by Step" but seeing as how they've false advertised about "Mama's Family" being complete, I'm not sure how I feel about them now.

It seems as though they put more effort into getting the music for "China Beach" cleared than they did with "Mama".

It seems as though they put more effort into getting the music for "China Beach" cleared than they did with "Mama".


I don't know, there was a LOT of music on MF. So only 7 episodes affected is really very nice.

Sorry I had originally misread the statement

I was hoping StarVista would pick up the rights to "Maude" and "Step by Step" but seeing as how they've false advertised about "Mama's Family" being complete, I'm not sure how I feel about them now. ".

They've stated many people have requested MAUDE but it's not on their 2014 schedule :(

I don't know, there was a LOT of music on MF. So only 7 episodes affected is really very nice.
Another song I would hate to see get cut, is what the ladies are singing the night before the wedding. Mama, Naomi, Ellen and Fran get drunk and Mama and Ellen's dancing is hilarious.

Another song I would hate to see get cut, is what the ladies are singing the night before the wedding. Mama, Naomi, Ellen and Fran get drunk and Mama and Ellen's dancing is hilarious.

I don't think that will be edited out. That's in "The Wedding" (1 & 2), right? Time Life didn't mention that episode as being one with edits.

I never got an email saying it was shipped, but I checked my order status and my tracking number says it's in their system and I should get it tomorrow. Yay!

Time Life must have misspoke when they called the episode "Ellen's Birthday." So, I'm not sure if they meant "Ellen's Boyfriend" or "Mama's Birthday."


It is probably the "happy birthday" song from Mama's birthday. It is, for some reason, expensive to license.


* oops, just saw someone mentioned this already. Anyway, Im sure that's it. They only sing it for about 3 seconds too.

It is probably the "happy birthday" song from Mama's birthday. It is, for some reason, expensive to license.


* oops, just saw someone mentioned this already. Anyway, Im sure that's it. They only sing it for about 3 seconds too.
Eunice sings (via telephone) a variation of "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" in the episode "Mama's Birthday" and the people in the retirement home sing "Happy Birthday to You" to Gert in the episode "Gert Rides Again". Also in that episode the theme from "Chariots of Fire" is used when they play musical chairs.

Yeah mine was shipped yesterday and is on schedule to arrive tomorrow via FedEx.

Eunice sings (via telephone) a variation of "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" in the episode "Mama's Birthday" and the people in the retirement home sing "Happy Birthday to You" to Gert in the episode "Gert Rides Again". Also in that episode the theme from "Chariots of Fire" is used when they play musical chairs.


Don't they sing Happy Birthday when they're bringing the fruitcake out of the kitchen too, in the flashback?

I placed my order yesterday night via telephone. When I tried to do a track on my order online, it said no info was available so I called and spoke with someone. He said my order was showing it was being prepared for shipment and I should receive it in 7 to 10 days! I can't wait! The first thing I'm going to do is watch the mentioned episodes to see if the edits are all true...especially the 2 episodes from season 1.

Don't they sing Happy Birthday when they're bringing the fruitcake out of the kitchen too, in the flashback?
No. I just watched my bootleg copy to see.

Don't they sing Happy Birthday when they're bringing the fruitcake out of the kitchen too, in the flashback?

No. I just watched my bootleg copy to see.

Yes they do. It's at the 4:46 mark below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJJ3jcmB7Q

Somebody has got to get theirs TOMORROW!! Mine shipped today (Fed-Ex).

Yes they do. It's at the 4:46 mark below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJJ3jcmB7Q
My bad. I missed it. I only watched the part exactly when Mama first brought the fruitcake out of the kitchen and set it on the table. I didn't watch it any further.

So, so far these are the epiosdes that have possible music/scene edits:

Season 1: Cellmates, Mama's Boyfriend
Season 2: Mama's Birthday, Gert Rides Again, Mama for Mayor
Season 4: Zirconias Are a Girls's Best Friend
Season 5: Found Money, Mama In One, Mama Makes Three

It's a shame they've cut mama when she's singing "I Feel Pretty" in the "Zirconias" episode. That's one of my favorite episodes and favorite scenes.

Does anyone know if the broadcast masters of the syndicated seasons are longer than the syndicated re-runs? Was anything edited out once the initial run of those four seasons was over, or were the length of the original recordings still about the same length as syndicated re-runs of sitcoms today?

I feel like they could have been aired complete when they were re-run throughout the '90s and 2000s, but then again, run times decrease over time so maybe there were edits after all.

Any ideas?

Does anyone know if the broadcast masters of the syndicated seasons are longer than the most recent syndicated re-runs of the show? Was anything edited out once the initial run of those four seasons was over, or were the length of the original recordings still about the same length as syndicated re-runs of sitcoms today?

I feel like they could have been aired complete when they were re-run throughout the '90s and 2000s, but then again, run times decrease over time so maybe there were edits after all.

Any ideas?

I don't know for sure, but I don't believe there were any cuts from those seasons that have aired over the years. If there were, it was the individual network that did The edits. Since the show was made to be a "syndicated package" for whatever network picked it up, I would assume there was no need to edit since the show wasn't constructed for any specific network's time slot. It could be possible that because advertisements run longer these days, at some point they were shortened. i cant say for sure. Personally, I've never noticed any changes over the years.

Just a general comment, and something I was thinking about all through this marketing is that "original master" can also refer to the quality. Transfers created from the original master (if not damaged) are usually nicer than something that is 2nd or 3rd generation. I'm not exactly sure that is what Time-Life was going for but I was waiting for them to play that card. Time-Life seemed confused about their own comments as well, answering yes to someone's question if these were re-mastered. They cannot be re-mastered and original master at the same time. There could be a re-master done from the original, but I think we all know time life wasn't in there fixing every speck digitally or tweaking the color. The cost of doing that is very high, and very tedious for an entire TV series. I mean...did anyone see the video reviews for China Beach? Not so great.
Either way...it doesn't matter much. All that matters is that it's being released. We all agree on that, I know. It seriously is, for me, a dream come true (corny as that sounds). I can't lie though, an HD version would be amazing someday...

Darn...I was hoping for more "extra footage" in every episode, not just the NBC ones. More fun surprises lol.

Darn...I was hoping for more "extra footage" in every episode, not just the NBC ones. More fun surprises lol.


Well, I really hope I'm wrong! New footage in every episode would be AMAZING. Would be like watching the show for the first time.

You're probably right though. What you say makes sense. Either way at least there are 35 episodes that have "lost footage" edited back in.

You're probably right though. What you say makes sense. Either way at least there are 35 episodes that have "lost footage" edited back in.
If the rumors are true about the 2 season 1 episodes, it will be only 33 episodes.

I got a shipment confirmation this morning....mine is on its way!!! There is no expected delivery date yet but there probably will be later today.

I just got mine! It's beautiful, ya'll. Very nice, solid packaging. Word of caution, open it from the side, just slide it open, don't grab it by the frame on the cover and pull. I almost made that mistake. The booklet is nice, not as flimsy as i expected. Each season is individually wrapped. There is one bonus Amray case that contains 2 discs and an insert listing the special features. I shall list those and what is listed on the back of each season.

Season 1:
-Family History: a classic "family" from the carol burnett show, featuring betty white
- featurette: Mama's family tree: the branches

Season 2:
-The original "Eunice" tv movie
-featurette: Mama's family tree: the roots
- interviews with vicki interviewing mama, vicki and carol, and betty white.

Season 3:
- family history: a classic "family" sketch from the carol burnett show, featuring maggie smith
-Featurette: Mama's family tree: the sprouts
- Mama knows best: a Mama's Family cast reunion
- Interview with Allan Kayser

Season 4
- featurette: mama's family tree: the neighbors
- interview with Beverly Archer
- Under one roof: a mama's family cast reunion

Season 5
-interviews with Vicki, Dorothy Lyman, Ken Berry, and Rick Hawkins (E.P)

Season 6
-interviews with Jim Everling (producer and writer)
- Manny Basanese (writer)
- Vicki Lawrence and Rick Hawkins
- Bob Mackie and Ret Turner (costumes)

Bonus discs:
- first ever carol burnett show "family sketch"
- featurette: Mama's family tree: all about vint and naomi
- family business: a mama's family cast reunion
- family scrapbook: classic bloopers
- interviews with beverly archer, allan kayser, vicki lawrence, dorothy lyman, and ken berry
- mama's family teee: the seeds ( from tcs to mama's family)
- family style : creating the world of mama's family
- family fun: games shows and showdowns on mama's family
- family secrets: the true stories behind some of the classic bloopers
- mama's family tree: a little more about vint and naomi
- mama's family tree: the hometown - all about Raytown
-Family Folklore- the gang remember some special episodes
- Interviews with Tim Conway, Ret Turner, Rick Hawkins, Jim Everling, and !anny Basanese

So...there you have it!

Tybo28, I'll bet you (and the neighbors) are just lovin' this!

Tybo28, I'll bet you (and the neighbors) are just lovin' this!


Oh you know it! As of tonight, it's on!! Gonna be an indoor weekend, for sure!

I just got mine a little while ago, too! I'm going through it now and timing every episode and checking the edits we do know about to see how they're handled.

By the way, it does appear that "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" are the syndicated cuts. "Cellmates" runs 21:23 and "Mama's Boyfriend" runs 21:24. Neither of them have the Harvey Korman introductions and the open credits use the shots of the house used in syndication, not the original house in the NBC openings.

Also, someone mentioned online that the episode "Obscene Call" had a music edit in it, and it does. Time Life didn't mention that one.

By the way, it does appear that "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" are the syndicated cuts. "Cellmates" runs 21:23 and "Mama's Boyfriend" runs 21:24. Neither of them have the Harvey Korman introductions and the open credits use the shots of the house used in syndication, not the original house in the NBC openings.

I wonder if this was done on purpose because the original masters couldn't be found or they were damaged beyond repair or if this was just simply a mistake and TL will admit it and issue a replacement disc.

:mad: I wonder if this was done on purpose because the original masters couldn't be found or they were damaged beyond repaid or if this was just simply a mistake and TL will admit it and issue a replacement disc.

I really don't know. They have said over and over that nothing was cut out of Season 1 and they were the original broadcast masters. Maybe they THOUGHT they were, but they're clearly not. When asked a while ago about it, they said they were told some of the episodes just didn't have Harvey Korman introductions, but that's not all that's missing from the episodes and it wouldn't explain the syndicated house in the credits. I wish we could find someone who taped the original broadcasts and could verify whether Harvey Korman introductions exist for those episodes or not, because unless Time Life is shown proof these are edited and uncut version exist out there, wherever they are, they're going to continue to think the set is unedited.

Im guessing "on the road again" was cut out as well from season 1's music? I've been thinking of that part. It's funny too, so naturally it was probably edited out.

Im guessing "on the road again" was cut out as well from season 1's music? I've been thinking of that part. It's funny too, so naturally it was probably edited out.
That was from season 2's episode "Obscene Call".

Does anyone know if the broadcast masters of the syndicated seasons are longer than the syndicated re-runs? Was anything edited out once the initial run of those four seasons was over, or were the length of the original recordings still about the same length as syndicated re-runs of sitcoms today?

I feel like they could have been aired complete when they were re-run throughout the '90s and 2000s, but then again, run times decrease over time so maybe there were edits after all.

Any ideas?

The run time of the episodes from the first-run syndication seasons (3-6) was about four minutes less than the NBC episodes. The reason for this difference was that these episodes were being sold directly to local stations and as an inducement to carry Mama, these stations were offered more commercial time than the typical half-hour program running on the networks.

In addition, if I recall correctly, Lorimar Telepictures, who were underwriting production for the first-run syndication episodes, also got a cut of the commercial time so they could also sell spots to national advertisers. So if there are any edits to these episodes, it was not due to the run time, unlike the NBC episodes which were heavily edited.

Im guessing "on the road again" was cut out as well from season 1's music? I've been thinking of that part. It's funny too, so naturally it was probably edited out.

Yes, that has been edited. It's from "Obscene Call." I noticed someone mentioned it online and I checked it and the song has been replaced (I can't make out what the song is that they use instead) and Sonja's line about "He's probably not into Willie Nelson" is cut.

Yes, that has been edited. It's from "Obscene Call." I noticed someone mentioned it online and I checked it and the song has been replaced (I can't make out what the song is that they use instead) and Sonja's line about "He's probably not into Willie Nelson" is cut.
Shame, shame, shame on TL. That's one of the funniest scenes/lines from the series.

I'm glad I didn't throw away my bootleg copy. This set is looking worse and worse with every new post on the boards.

Yes, that has been edited. It's from "Obscene Call." I noticed someone mentioned it online and I checked it and the song has been replaced (I can't make out what the song is that they use instead) and Sonja's line about "He's probably not into Willie Nelson" is cut.


Im guessing the list of edits is going to grow. Too bad they couldn't just release all the edits, not some and pretend that's it. There's no denying with every edit named, the show loses a little something. I'm finding it harder and harder to believe these songs were as unavailable as they claim. Sounds like they just wanted their cost at the absolute minimum.

:mad:

I really don't know. They have said over and over that nothing was cut out of Season 1 and they were the original broadcast masters. Maybe they THOUGHT they were, but they're clearly not. When asked a while ago about it, they said they were told some of the episodes just didn't have Harvey Korman introductions, but that's not all that's missing from the episodes and it wouldn't explain the syndicated house in the credits. I wish we could find someone who taped the original broadcasts and could verify whether Harvey Korman introductions exist for those episodes or not, because unless Time Life is shown proof these are edited and uncut version exist out there, wherever they are, they're going to continue to think the set is unedited.

The producers of these DVDs should have immediately noticed the runtime difference for those two episodes, and if the absence of the Harvey introductions wasn't a big enough clue, the house used in the syndicated episodes should have clinched it. TL claims these were the original masters supplied by John Hamilton, so at this point, only he could confirm or deny TL's claim. My guess is that he will not be speaking publicly about this because he's finally making money off of these masters that have been sitting in a vault for the past 30 years and is not going to rock the boat. So whether the use of the syndicated versions of these two episodes is due to a mistake by TL or because the unedited masters were missing or damaged, we will probably never know for sure. But we do know that these are the edited episodes, no matter what TL says.

I'm finding it harder and harder to believe these songs were as unavailable as they claim. Sounds like they just wanted their cost at the absolute minimum.
You read my mind. If Shout! Factory got the rights to the music for "Designing Women", then a bigger company like TL could've gotten most (if not all) the music for this set. It's actually pretty disappointing and sloppy. The bastards.

I can't figure out what song is missing from "Mama's Birthday." It's not the "Happy Happy Birthday, Mama" part with Eunice on the phone; that is there. Someone who's more familiar with the earlier episodes will have to figure it out.

Also, over the first two seasons, only 24 episodes have Harvey Korman introductions. Among the 11 that don't are the two syndicated episodes - Cellmates and Mama's Boyfriend, so of course they don't have introductions - but the others appear to be uncut otherwise (their openings are the original NBC versions) so maybe THOSE never had them to begin with and that's what Time Life was talking about when asked about Cellmates and Mama's Boyfriend? Maybe they assumed they don't have intros because they were just like the others that never did (when we know they are just syndicated/cut versions)?

Happy Birthday to You has been cleared on numerous TV Show DVDs. There is no way TL had "lots of trouble clearing it".

It's a stupid excuse.

I can't figure out what song is missing from "Mama's Birthday." It's not the "Happy Happy Birthday, Mama" part with Eunice on the phone; that is there. Someone who's more familiar with the earlier episodes will have to figure it out.
Everyone at the party sings "Happy Birthday to You" to mama right before or right after (I'm not sure) Vint's cardboard heart on the fruitcake catches fire from the candles.

Mine is expected to arrive via FedEx sometime this afternoon....I'm literally on pins and needles...I have been waiting for this for years

Happy Birthday to You has been cleared on numerous TV Show DVDs. There is no way TL had "lots of trouble clearing it".

It's a stupid excuse.
Exactly. I can see CBS/Paramount pulling a stunt like this but coming from a company like TL....it's pure horse ****. Excuse my language but I'm really pissed off about this. I may end up sending my set back when it arrives and just keeping my bootleg.

Everyone at the party sings "Happy Birthday to You" to mama right before or right after (I'm not sure) Vint's cardboard heart on the fruit and catches fire from the candles.

Nope. I checked and that part is there, too. So, i have no idea.

Nope. I checked and that part is there, too. So, i have no idea.
I wonder since "Happy Birthday to You" is still in "Mama's Birthday", is it still in "Gert Rides Again". It would make no sense for it to be in one episode and not the other. I'll bet the "Chariots of Fire" theme is what's cut from "Gert".

Exactly. I can see CBS/Paramount pulling a stunt like this but coming from a company like TL....it's pure horse ****. Excuse my language but I'm really pissed off about this. I may end up sending my set back when it arrives and just keeping my bootleg.

I'm pissed about it too. It's a beautiful set and the bonus features look great, but, who wouldn't sacrafice some of that for truly COMPLETE episodes? Those are what matters, the rest is just eye candy.

I wonder since "Happy Birthday to You" is still in "Mama's Birthday", is it still in "Gert Rides Again". It would make no sense for it to be in one episode and not the other. I'll bet the "Chariots of Fire" theme is what's cut from "Gert".

...and that scene is hilarious too. It's not like some of these songs were totally pointless, like in the case of "chariots of fire", the song IS the joke.

Here are the edits and how they're handled in the episodes from seasons 4 and 5 we were told about (the edits in the first two seasons are going to have to be verified by someone more familiar with them, because I'm a syndication seasons fan):

"Zirconias Are a Girl's Best Friend"
The snippet of Mama singing "I Feel Pretty" wearing her new jewelry is cut out. After the fade in from black, she had already sang it and the first line is Naomi's "Miss Harper, you are so happy..."

"Found Money"
The edit is when she sings "I'm in the Mood For Love" at the auto-teller. It goes from "This is kind of fun" straight to the moment after the auto-teller buzzes at her and she says "Aww, in your ear" (which is all gone).

"Mama In One"
The edit is in the scene where Mama is alone and starts singing several songs. "Brazil" is there, "Me and My Shadow" is there, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" is there - it's the "Singin' in the Rain" scene that's completely gone (and the cut isn't seamless, one second she's over by the fish bowl and the next she's in front of the coffee table after having performed "Singin in the Rain" and come back inside and heads to her chair singing the rest of "Me and My Shadow"). This one hurts because I LOVE that scene where she's outside stomping in the puddle and the lightning scares here. That's all gone.

"Mama Makes Three"
The part that's edited out is where Vint recites the lyrics to "Born Free." It goes from Vint saying "At last I'm free!" to Mama yelling "SHUT UP!"

"Mama In One"
The edit is in the scene where Mama is alone and starts singing several songs. "Brazil" is there, "Me and My Shadow" is there, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" is there - it's the "Singin' in the Rain" scene that's completely gone (and the cut isn't seamless, one second she's over by the fish bowl and the next she's in front of the coffee table after having performed "Singin in the Rain" and come back inside and heads to her chair singing the rest of "Me and My Shadow"). This one hurts because I LOVE that scene where she's outside stomping in the puddle and the lightning scares her.
I kinda seen this one coming and it royally sucks big balls. It's a great scene.

It looks as though seasons 3 & 6 are the only seasons that are truly "complete". They need to erase the word "complete" from the seasons 1, 2, 4, & 5 sets.

Me and My Shadow has been cleared before.

It's a true shame that music clearance is resulting in several episodes being butchered, but I suppose it's unavoidable. The rights holders often want huge amounts of money for just a few seconds of a song, and if Time-Life cleared every single piece of music, we'd probably be paying $500 for this set instead of $200.

Luckily, I have tapes of the entire series recorded from TBS a few years ago, and, though it will mean a bit of work, I'm going to edit the removed music segments from my tapes back into the episodes from the DVD and burn some new discs to keep with my set. (For my own personal use only, of course.) The picture quality will drop for each restored segment, but at least they will be complete. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about the two syndicated cuts from season 1. I have already done the same thing for an episode of the British comedy "Chef" that had a large chunk of an episode removed due to music rights.

justegofficial, will you please check the season 2 episode "Gert Rides Again" to see if the "Chariots of Fire" theme song is still there when they play musical chairs. I hope they didn't screw with this.

It's a true shame that music clearance is resulting in several episodes being butchered, but I suppose it's unavoidable. The rights holders often want huge amounts of money for just a few seconds of a song, and if Time-Life cleared every single piece of music, we'd probably be paying $500 for this set instead of $200.

Luckily, I have tapes of the entire series recorded from TBS a few years ago, and, though it will mean a bit of work, I'm going to edit the removed music segments from my tapes back into the episodes from the DVD and burn some new discs to keep with my set. (For my own personal use only, of course.) The picture quality will drop for each restored segment, but at least they will be complete. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about the two syndicated cuts from season 1. I have already done the same thing for an episode of the British comedy "Chef" that had a large chunk of an episode removed due to music rights.


I can understand a few, but the list keeps growing. I hope someone is able to add up the amount of time missing, because i'd like to know. It's sad to know that after waiting all these years, you think you're finally going to see a definitve collection and as it turns out, it's not. It's depressing. Better than none at all, but still a mild slap in the face. Also, they lied when they said "harper days" was the only scene cut. The "singin in the rain" is a scene, clearly. From the moment she goes outside, until she comes in....that is a scene...and a good one.

I can understand a few, but the list keeps growing. I hope someone is able to add up the amount of time missing, because i'd like to know. It's sad to know that after waiting all these years, you think you're finally going to see a definitve collection and as it turns out, it's not. It's depressing. Better than none at all, but still a mild slap in the face. Also, they lied when they said "harper days" was the only scene cut. The "singin in the rain" is a scene, clearly. From the moment she goes outside, until she comes in....that is a scene...and a good one.

A mild slap? I think not. It's more like a full-on soap opera bitch slap!

justegofficial, will you please check the season 2 episode "Gert Rides Again" to see if the "Chariots of Fire" theme song is still there when they play musical chairs. I hope they didn't screw with this.

The "Happy Birthday" song in intact. I pulled up the episode on YouTube and watched the musical chairs scene and it is different on the DVD. The song has been replaced.

The "Happy Birthday" song in intact. I pulled up the episode on YouTube and watched the musical chairs scene and it is different on the DVD. The song has been replaced.
Ugh!!! If I weren't such a huge fan of this show I wouldn't care about these edits/replacements but this is my all-time favorite sitcom...followed by "I Love Lucy". I don't think TL actually realized(s) how many loyal and crazy hardcore fans this show has. For the casual buyer they won't notice the edits but the fans will....and it's not going to be pretty. Just wait until the word gets out...they will have a ton of complaints and returns....serves 'em right.

I would say that the people who post for Time-Life on Facebook don't really even know that much about what is or isn't in the set. They seem to be checking with the producers of the set from time to time to confirm edits, etc. and each time they come back with new info about what was or wasn't cut. That's why we seem to learn about a new cut scene or music edit every day. I don't think they are deliberately misleading us or lying to us. When the TL Facebook rep said the "Harper Days" sequence was the only full scene cut, it could be that was the only scene mentioned at the time by the set producers. The same goes for all the marketing information implying that everything is complete. There seems to be a lack of communication between the people actually putting the set together and the people who are marketing it on TL's website and Facebook.

Also, I'd be willing to bet that the reason season 1 has two syndicated cuts in it is due to one of two things: 1) the original masters for those episodes are in a vault somewhere, misfiled or mislabeled, and whoever supplied the masters to Time-Life simply gave them the only version they could find, OR 2) the person/people preparing the masters for TL sent the wrong ones by mistake and the producers at TL just never caught the mistake, since they may not be big Mama's Family fans like us, and may not have even realized anything was different about those two episodes.

Either way...it is very disappointing to know that after waiting for this set for quite some time, it won't be truly complete. I'm afraid we'll just have to accept the music cuts, but I do hope that TL will realize the mistake with the syndicated cuts and fix it with replacement discs.

I got it in my hot little hands!!!!! The box is larger than I thought.

Also, they lied when they said "harper days" was the only scene cut. The "singin in the rain" is a scene, clearly. From the moment she goes outside, until she comes in....that is a scene...and a good one.

When the TL Facebook rep said the "Harper Days" sequence was the only full scene cut, it could be that was the only scene mentioned at the time by the set producers.

The "Singin' in the Rain" bit is technically a part of a scene. So they can still say "Harper Days" is the only entire scene cut. I'll still miss the rain bit though.

Ugh!!! If I weren't such a huge fan of this show I wouldn't care about these edits/replacements but this is my all-time favorite sitcom...followed by "I Love Lucy". I don't think TL actually realized(s) how many loyal and crazy hardcore fans this show has. For the casual buyer they won't notice the edits but the fans will....and it's not going to be pretty. Just wait until the word gets out...they will have a ton of complaints and returns....serves 'em right.

I bet they never had a problem getting the music to I Love Lucy! And theirs tons of music on there.

I got it in my hot little hands!!!!! The box is larger than I thought.
It seems as though they spent more time on the box itself instead of what was actually inside the box.

Mine just arrived in the Fed-ex facility IN Indianapolis. I'm in Cleveland.

I am very disappointed because I got rid of all my VHS tapes once this set was announced back in June.

A mild slap? I think not. It's more like a full-on soap opera bitch slap!

Yea. I know. I'm trying to balance my disappointment with actually having the collection. Im glad to have it, but it was soooo close to perfect, ya know? Then bit by bit we find out how not perfect it is. Then they say that fans take "complete" and "original broadcast" or "unedited" as literal....well...yea? We're the ones paying $200-$300 for this collection. We clearly love the show and want it COMPLETE.

Mine just arrived in the Fed-ex facility IN Indianapolis. I'm in Cleveland.
Just checked on mine and it says I should receive it on Tuesday the 17th. I'm not sure if I should be happy or mad.

Maybe it's just me but I'm not disappointed...I'm just glad to have all the episodes on DVD. We don't know if they tried hard enough to get music clearances or not...I'm just gonna enjoy them. I'm just thrilled beyond belief the first two seasons have their original opening. Plus the Eunice movie which is what I'm watching first.

Maybe it's just me but I'm not disappointed...I'm just glad to have all the episodes on DVD. We don't know if they tried hard enough to get music clearances or not...I'm just gonna enjoy them. I'm just thrilled beyond belief the first two seasons have their original opening. Plus the Eunice movie which is what I'm watching first.

Well...some of the episodes are just "versions" of an episode, but, yea. It's nice to have the rest.

Maybe it's just me but I'm not disappointed...I'm just glad to have all the episodes on DVD. We don't know if they tried hard enough to get music clearances or not...I'm just gonna enjoy them. I'm just thrilled beyond belief the first two seasons have their original opening. Plus the Eunice movie which is what I'm watching first.


I agree. If people have the bootleg sets then they'll basically have a complete set if they combine these two. I know we don't like edits but we need to remember Vicki says everyone, everyone she asked about putting Mama on DVD said it would never happen---never. So with all the legal issues and hurdles only a dozen cuts among 130 episodes---while disappointing, I'll take it. And we won't be able to get all of these interviews and outtakes anywhere else---those are HUGE.

I plan to post a full review of the complete series set once I have time to go through it and watch all the episodes and special features, but until then, I've posted pictures of the set (inside and out) and the full specs (which episodes and special features are on what disc, all their run times and what edits are in the episodes - the ones we know about so far) here: http://thefanperspective.justeg.com

I've updated it with a couple more edits Time Life posted on their Facebook page: An additional one in "Gert Rides Again," and additional one in "Mama For Mayor (1)" and one in "Grandma USA"

And the one edit we were confused about - Time Life mistakenly referred to the episode as "Ellen's Birthday," which we assumed was "Mama's Birthday" - turned out to be the episode "Ellen's BOYFRIEND"

So we now have another edited episode, "Grandma USA"...keeps getting better and better.

So we now have another edited episode, "Grandma USA"...keeps getting better and better.

I think that and 'Ellen's Boyfriend" are the least bothersome ones as they're just instrumentals that are replaced and don't really affect anything (unlike replacing "Chariots of Fire").

And that's supposed to be the last of the edits now that TL has officially published the list of the full 12 edits.

Just finished Eunice, the movie, never seen it before, what an awesome treat.

justegofficial, thanks for the awesome pics! Despite the many edits and music replacements, I'm still somewhat excited about this release. After all, we do get that new reunion! I wouldn't be so upset if they had told the truth from the beginning and said it was "complete" when it's not.

Maybe it's just me but I'm not disappointed...I'm just glad to have all the episodes on DVD. We don't know if they tried hard enough to get music clearances or not...I'm just gonna enjoy them. I'm just thrilled beyond belief the first two seasons have their original opening. Plus the Eunice movie which is what I'm watching first.

I totally agree with you. As I've said before, I wish Time Life had been completely honest in the beginning, but seeing as the majority of the episodes are unedited, I'm still very happy about this release.

justegofficial, thanks for the awesome pics! Despite the many edits and music replacements, I'm still somewhat excited about this release. After all, we do get that new reunion! I wouldn't be so upset if they had told the truth from the beginning and said it was "complete" when it's not.

You're welcome. I know some of them are a little blurry and the page has no coding or anything, but I did all that in a hurry. I'll polish it all when I write my full review.

And despite all the edits (and the fact that we didn't know about them initially) I'm still really happy with the set. And the reunion (which I haven't watched yet) is spread out in three parts - a total run time of 86:08. I can't wait to sit down and really savor every single second of this set.

When my set arrives on Tuesday, I'm gonna make myself a bologna sandwich with a glass of homemade ice-cold lemonade and watch a marathon of Mama!

When my set arrives on Tuesday, I'm gonna make myself a bologna sandwich with a glass of homemade ice-cold lemonade and watch a marathon of Mama!

I was thinking about making some punk lemonade this weekend for my Mama marathon. :)

Yeah I agree...but I guess the edits r not bothering me as much as others. I can understand the disappointments.

I was thinking about making some punk lemonade this weekend for my Mama marathon. :)
Ha ha--yes, from the "Flaming Forties" episode!

I would pop open a beer, but I don't drink so I will make some lemonade. I haven't had homemade lemonade in years.

I'm going to make some barbecued chicken wings, Dames be damned... :)

I'm going to make some barbecued chicken wings, Dames be damned... :)
You got Merv Griffin's recipe? Haha!

We could also make Gary Collins soufflé----don't forget the goat cheese!

The edits bother me some, but i'll get over it.:)

It kinda surprises me that the scene where Naomi and Vint sing "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers wasn't cut from the season 1 episode "For Better or For Worse".

It kinda surprises me that the scene where Naomi and Vint sing "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers wasn't cut from the season 1 episode "For Better or For Worse".

I thought the same thing when i watched that one. Guess it worked out.

This is my first time seeing the Alistair Quince intros and they're so funny.

This is my first time seeing the Alistair Quince intros and they're so funny.
The intros are what I'm looking forward to the most!

I'm hoping they realize their mistake with "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" and issue a replacement disc. The 2 episodes are on the same disc so we might have a chance.

What is wrong with those episodes? I haven't watched them yet.

What is wrong with those episodes? I haven't watched them yet.
They used the syndicated versions.

I've been exploring the bonus features and they're sorta strange. They didn't lie about the length, some of them are quite in depth, but, spread out. It seems pretty clear they conducted one interview but spread it out over 4 different features. It's sort of obvious that they only interviewed Betty White once, for example, but the interview is not a single feature, it's dissected across multiple features. That would be fine, but a huge chunk of the featurettes are just scenes from the show... I don't love that. It's weird how the reunion, for example, is spread out across multiple seasons and the bonus disc. It is very enjoyable, however.
So while there is certainly 13 hours of bonus material, it's not all original material. A nice portion of it is just scenes from the show, dealing with whatever the featurette's theme/character is the focus. It's not a huge deal, but also not exactly what i expected. There are a lot more features I need to get to, so hopefully I just picked the wrong features to start out. I have to say, it's just my opinion, but i think the first season looks better than the Warner release. So far every episode I've watched has looked very good.

P.s. I also LOVE the damn box. I just keep messing with it. It's seriously like a treasure chest to me now!

I plan to post a full review of the complete series set once I have time to go through it and watch all the episodes and special features, but until then, I've posted pictures of the set (inside and out) and the full specs (which episodes and special features are on what disc, all their run times and what edits are in the episodes - the ones we know about so far) here: http://thefanperspective.justeg.com

I've updated it with a couple more edits Time Life posted on their Facebook page: An additional one in "Gert Rides Again," and additional one in "Mama For Mayor (1)" and one in "Grandma USA"

And the one edit we were confused about - Time Life mistakenly referred to the episode as "Ellen's Birthday," which we assumed was "Mama's Birthday" - turned out to be the episode "Ellen's BOYFRIEND"

Thanks for the link....

"Found Money" (21:08)*
*Note: This episode contains a music edit. Mama at the auto-teller making music with its buttons and singing
"In the Mood For Love," the auto-teller buzzing at her and her saying "Aww, in your ear" has all been
cut.

This is one of my favorite scenes and it sucks it has been deleted.:mad:

It sucks about all the edits...the set should have been cheaper then because of the edits and not the complete series.

Obviously the hardcore fans (like myself) are going to be upset over the edits and for TL or anyone else to think otherwise is degrading to us. It's like when they changed the taste of Coke. You get used to something over the years and then they change it. I do understand a big chunk of the music was left in and they (probably) did all they could do to get all the music but they failed.

I guess for me the biggest upsets are "Harper Days" being cut from "Mama for Mayor" and "Singin' In the Rain" from "Mama In One". Those are two wonderful scenes that will greatly be missed. I will also miss mama singing "I Feel Pretty" while wearing all her new jewelry. Heck, I will miss all the edited music/scenes. For the diehard, purist fans it'll be like watching "The Wizard of Oz" without "Over the Rainbow".

I'm really excited to finally be able to own the series, but not super excited about all of the edits that keep getting reported. But regardless, I cannot wait to watch this show again. It has been so ridiculously long.

My set is scheduled for delivery today. I cannot wait!

It does stink about the edits, but personally - it has been SO LONG since I have seen most of the episodes that I doubt I will remember what I am missing. Perhaps it will come back to me as I watch them, but still... it's great to have them on DVD. And, as someone said, the interviews and catch-up of the cast will be great.

For those who have the set already - is there any mention of Rue McClanahan in the extra features? It would be a shame to skip over Aunt Fran.

My set is scheduled for delivery today. I cannot wait!

It does stink about the edits, but personally - it has been SO LONG since I have seen most of the episodes that I doubt I will remember what I am missing. Perhaps it will come back to me as I watch them, but still... it's great to have them on DVD. And, as someone said, the interviews and catch-up of the cast will be great.

For those who have the set already - is there any mention of Rue McClanahan in the extra features? It would be a shame to skip over Aunt Fran.


Yes, they don't skip over her at all. I've only watched a handful of features but they've mentioned her more than once.

While disappointed, I can live without HARPER DAYS, but that SINGIN' IN THE RAIN scene with Mama stomping furiously with both feet in the puddle is so indelible I could kick myself for tossing my VHS tapes so soon after the announcement was made! I'm also not thrilled about ON THE ROAD AGAIN and the Willie Nelson line being cut.

So we're only getting 2 of "The Family" sketches:
--Cleaning out the attic (with Betty White)
--The first sketch (with Roddy McDowall)

I was hoping for one that wasn't already on DVD but I kinda knew that wasn't going to happen.

So we're only getting 2 of "The Family" sketches:
--Cleaning out the attic (with Betty White)
--The first sketch (with Roddy McDowall)

I was hoping for one that wasn't already on DVD but I kinda knew that wasn't going to happen.
I thought I read somewhere, there is more of them, but I don't know where I heard that.

I thought I read somewhere, there is more of them, but I don't know where I heard that.

I thought I saw there were 5 somewhere online. I was really hoping the sketch where Ellen visits for Mama's birthday would be included since part 1 of that is for some reason gone from YouTube but part 2 is still there.

I missed one. The sketch where the family visits Bubba's teacher (Maggie Smith) is also included. So that brings the total to 3.

I missed one. The sketch where the family visits Bubba's teacher (Maggie Smith) is also included. So that brings the total to 3.

Yep, there are 3, but some of the features have scenes from others. "The Restaurant" is my favorite sketch. Wish it was on there!

Yep, there are 3, but some of the features have scenes from others. "The Restaurant" is my favorite sketch. Wish it was on there!
I wish it were too because that's one of the many that's not available on DVD. It would be nice to have the following sketches: Ed visits the massage parlor and Eunice wants to leave him, Aunt Mae dies, Password, or basically one of the many from season 11.

Obviously the hardcore fans (like myself) are going to be upset over the edits and for TL or anyone else to think otherwise is degrading to us. It's like when they changed the taste of Coke. You get used to something over the years and then they change it. I do understand a big chunk of the music was left in and they (probably) did all they could do to get all the music but they failed.

I guess for me the biggest upsets are "Harper Days" being cut from "Mama for Mayor" and "Singin' In the Rain" from "Mama In One". Those are two wonderful scenes that will greatly be missed. I will also miss mama singing "I Feel Pretty" while wearing all her new jewelry. Heck, I will miss all the edited music/scenes. For the diehard, purist fans it'll be like watching "The Wizard of Oz" without "Over the Rainbow".

Sorry but I think it's a bit of a stretch to say opposing views are degrading. Like so many of these posters I grew up watching this show and it is a part of my childhood. I know many fans are upset over the edits, and I understand that. All I meant to say, edits or not, I'm just glad to have finally the whole series on DVD since no tv channel is likely to show it anytime soon. Would I have preferred the set with no edits? Absolutely! I'm just gonna enjoy them and try not to let the obvious edits bother me (though I'm gonna miss certain cut out scenes such as Mama singing "Singing in the Rain". Last but not least, yes I consider myself a hardcore fan.

Delete

On the Time Life Facebook page, TL has finally acknowledged what we have known for over a week now, which is that something is fishy with the first season episodes "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend". The are saying now that they were given all of the available masters from the Hamilton family but they are going to check as to why only the edited for syndication versions were used instead of the original masters.

^I have hope that TL will correct these episodes and issue a replacement disc.

I was just watching my homemade DVDs and I noticed that in the episode "Dependence Day", mama sings "Proud Mary". Thankfully, this wasn't cut from the new set. I'm not sure how much it cost to get the rights to use this song but it had to be a pretty penny.

There's a lot more music that wasn't cut but I can't think of it now. I just wish they could've kept in "Harper Days", "I Feel Pretty", "Chariots of Fire", "Singin' In the Rain", & "On the Road Again".

Just watched "Eunice" for the first time. Wow, it was so great!

TL was overwhelmed by pre-orders for the Mama's Family Box Set. Maybe if they had some idea of how popular this show is, they would have tried harder to get the music clearances. I don't think there's any music missing from I Love Lucy!

I just found out about the Mama's Family set last night and now I'm really anxious to get it! I will admit that I am a little disappointed at some of the edits they made, particularly the removal of the entire "Harper Days" scene in "Mama for Mayor." I watched it on YouTube earlier today where someone recorded it from TBS.

They still needed to remove about 40 seconds of footage since Fran told Thelma she wrote her a campaign song and then you see Thelma actually singing the first few lines of it. After that, they should have left the rest of the scene intact but just changed the music. To me, that was the most memorable part of the episode and it's a shame to not have it on there at all.

Other than that, I understand the other edits they made but I do hope they can locate the original masters of "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" and issue replacement discs. I'll probably end up getting at least the first two seasons at some point since I've never seen them in their original broadcast versions. I've got all of the episodes recorded on VHS, but they are the edited syndicated versions.

TL was overwhelmed by pre-orders for the Mama's Family Box Set. Maybe if they had some idea of how popular this show is, they would have tried harder to get the music clearances. I don't think there's any music missing from I Love Lucy!

Mama's Family isn't I Love Lucy.

Lucy has been in constant syndication since 1957. It's never been forgotten, or off of broadcast television or cable. It had a larger pool of customers for the DVDs, which probably meant a larger budget for the producers of the set to work with. But Mama's Family is more of a cult show at this point, and hasn't been rebroadcast in over a decade, which would have shrank the number of potential customers, at least in the eyes of the company releasing the show, and shrank the budget for the set.

Not to mention, I don't see where I Love Lucy would have used very much music requiring clearance. Much of the music I recall was by either Desi Arnaz, or old vaudeville songs that probably were in public domain. And if you recall, the one thing that would have needed clearance, the film clip in a fifth season episode, was cut completely. And even by the end of the Lucy sets, CBS/Paramount decided to screw things up and release the Lucy/Desi Comedy Hours in edited format for no good reason instead of restoring them to original broadcast form.

So even the Lucy sets weren't perfect. That final set was far from perfect, closer to WB's first Mama set than the new release with it's comparatively less significant flaws.

But Mama's Family is more of a cult show at this point, and hasn't been rebroadcast in over a decade, which would have shrank the number of potential customers, at least in the eyes of the company releasing the show, and shrank the budget for the set.

I'm not arguing with you or anything but there are more people now that like "cult" things and the numbers keep growing. And, another thing, what exactly defines something as "cult"? I've always wondered that. Just because something is a little different, does that make it "cult"? I've always hated labels.

Buffy, Elvira, Pee-wee, Showgirls, Small Wonder, Mister Rogers, ALF, Lisa Frank, RuPaul, Passions, Hocus Pocus, Romy & Michele...I love them all and consider none of them "cult". They're simply just pure entertainment.

Mama's Family was last seen on TV in 2008 on ION. That's not a decade ago.

Mama's Family was last seen on TV in 2008 on ION. That's not a decade ago.

They also showed it occasionally on CMT until December 2008, which I believe was the last time it aired on a cable channel in the United States. That was where I recorded "Gert Rides Again" since both TBS and ION seemed to only show it once or twice before not showing it anymore.

Just checked the status on my order and it says it arrived at my local post office this morning at 8:51am. I should get it TODAY instead of Tuesday like the estimated delivery date says!!!

It's always seems easier for people to focus on the negative. Let's be grateful this show was released at all and every episode including a bevy of special features. Most older shows do not get the deluxe red carpet treatment like this. I was never expecting the bonuses they gave us so this is a real treat.

And remember the songs they did get that were not cut! Sugartime from Bubba's House Band would have been a huge loss. 'O Christmas Tree from Santa Mama, then she comes down the stairs and says 'O knock it off, 'O knock if off. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from season 2 which Naomi, Mama and Fran lip-sync to.

I consider this show my favorite, and a hardcore fan who grew up on this show in the 80s and have been patiently waiting years for it. Yes, it will be strange not seeing the 'I feel pretty' and 'Singing in the rain' parts which I do remember since I've seen this show countless times. But they are mere seconds. Harper Days is probably the biggest loss.

I for one don't want Mama sitting in the vaults for eternity because a few lines of music lyrics couldn't get approved. The people who own them may want an obscene amount of money or simply do not want it associated with the show anymore. What can you do. Time Life really did seem to work hard on this set and it's still worth it for me to spend $200 because we are still getting more than we probably ever thought. Let's enjoy it! :)

Just checked the status on my order and it says it arrived at my local post office this morning at 8:51am. I should get it TODAY instead of Tuesday like the estimated delivery date says!!!

Mine pretty much says the same thing, but I'm wondering if it will still take until Monday. Sometimes when it says that it's arrived at the post office, it's not accounting for the sorting time and everything else. I really would rather get it today, though!

Mine pretty much says the same thing, but I'm wondering if it will still take until Monday. Sometimes when it says that it's arrived at the post office, it's not accounting for the sorting time and everything else. I really would rather get it today, though!
I called my post office and the lady said that the FedEx truck did come this morning at around 8am and that everything in the PO was sent out today for delivery....so, we'll see! My mail usually doesn't run until between 2 and 4/ET.

I called my post office and the lady said that the FedEx truck did come this morning at around 8am and that everything in the PO was sent out today for delivery....so, we'll see! My mail usually doesn't run until between 2 and 4/ET.

Awesome, it sounds like your post office is more efficient than mine!

I called my post office and the lady said that the FedEx truck did come this morning at around 8am and that everything in the PO was sent out today for delivery....so, we'll see! My mail usually doesn't run until between 2 and 4/ET.

I JUST GOT MINE!!:bouncers The box is huge! Hope you get yours today! Mine had just gotten to the post office this morning, also!

I JUST GOT MINE!!:bouncers The box is huge! Hope you get yours today! Mine had just gotten to the post office this morning, also!

Same here. Arrived at the post office this morning, out for delivery soon after.

I'm not arguing with you or anything but there are more people now that like "cult" things and the numbers keep growing. And, another thing, what exactly defines something as "cult"? I've always wondered that. Just because something is a little different, does that make it "cult"? I've always hated labels.

Buffy, Elvira, Pee-wee, Showgirls, Small Wonder, Mister Rogers, ALF, Lisa Frank, RuPaul, Passions, Hocus Pocus, Romy & Michele...I love them all and consider none of them "cult". They're simply just pure entertainment.

I think what makes something a "cult" classic is - you either "get it" or you don't. You either really love it or you really hate it. It's something where the MAJORITY of the fans are "hardcore" while the "casual" ones are in the minority as opposed to most "mainstream" things where there are a lot of "casual" fans and a small minority of "hardcore" ones. Most "cult" classics are a little off beat or unique and not afraid to appeal to a strong niche rather than a mainstream show or movie that is more generic to appeal to as many people as possible. Of course, that's just my interpretation of the definition of a "cult" show (or movie, book series, etc...).

Just got mine!!!!!!! I'm like a pig in slop!!!!!

I hate when the music in the menu is WAY louder than in the episodes. So far, that's my only complaint....other than the edits/replacements, of course.

I hate when the music in the menu is WAY louder than in the episodes. So far, that's my only complaint....other than the edits/replacements, of course.

I noticed that, too. When I first put a DVD in, I had to turn my TV down a couple numbers but when I played one of the episodes, I had to turn it back up. It is a little weird.

This is a red letter day! First, I get mama in the mail...then, we get news that season 5 of "Hazel" is in the works!!

I'm getting a crash course in Mama's Family viewing order.

It looks like the logical viewing order is neither airdate order or production date order.

Instead, it would be something like Vint and the Kids Move In first, then production order (minus "...Move In"), because straight production order puts Vint and the kids moving in three episodes after they've already been living there... just like airdate order has Vint about to marry someone so they can get a green card seven episodes after he got married. :crazy:

I'm getting a crash course in Mama's Family viewing order.

It looks like the logical viewing order is neither airdate order or production date order.

Instead, it would be something like Vint and the Kids Move In first, then production order (minus "...Move In"), because straight production order puts Vint and the kids moving in three episodes after they've already been living there... just like airdate order has Vint about to marry someone so they can get a green card seven episodes after he got married. :crazy:

That is the correct order to view, First "Move In", "Mama's Silver", "Alien Marriage" and then "For Better or Worse", although the Alistair Quince introductions for "Silver" and "Marriage" actually explains the confusing situation for viewers who originally saw the show on NBC, but of course these intros were removed for syndication.

I think what makes something a "cult" classic is - you either "get it" or you don't. You either really love it or you really hate it. It's something where the MAJORITY of the fans are "hardcore" while the "casual" ones are in the minority as opposed to most "mainstream" things where there are a lot of "casual" fans and a small minority of "hardcore" ones. Most "cult" classics are a little off beat or unique and not afraid to appeal to a strong niche rather than a mainstream show or movie that is more generic to appeal to as many people as possible. Of course, that's just my interpretation of the definition of a "cult" show (or movie, book series, etc...).

Yup. I would say many, but not all of the examples he listed have "cult followings". The "campy" and "guilty pleasure" factors also aid in making MF more of a cult TV show.

"A cult following is a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a specific area of culture. A film, book, musical artist, television series, or video game, among other things, will be said to have a cult following when it has a small but very passionate fan base. A common component of cult followings is the emotional attachment fans have with the object of the cult following, often identifying themselves and other fans as members of a community."
-Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_tv

This is a red letter day! First, I get mama in the mail...then, we get news that season 5 of "Hazel" is in the works!!

Are you kidding?! I'm getting more info. from you than TVSODVD.com. I've been worried about Season 5 of Hazel being abandoned.:cool: :cool:

Are you kidding?! I'm getting more info. from you than TVSODVD.com. I've been worried about Season 5 of Hazel being abandoned.:cool: :cool:
It's on this website in the new "digital digest" article.

So far, the "extra" scenes that were cut for syndication are outweighing the edits/replacements. I especially loved seeing more of Aunt Effie in "The Wedding Part 2"! Aunt Effie has always been one of my favorite recurring characters.

I also loved the "new" reference to "The Smurfs" in the episode "Mama Gets a Job".

It's like watching these episodes for the 1st time and trying to find the bits and pieces that were cut for syndication. I really hope they're able to locate the originals for "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" and send out a replacement disc.

Are you kidding?! I'm getting more info. from you than TVSODVD.com. I've been worried about Season 5 of Hazel being abandoned.:cool: :cool:
To be fair, the HAZEL news was in a response on Shout Factory's Facebook page. Someone asked about it and they replied "Hazel will be released, but we haven't announced a date." There has been no formal announcement from the studio, but it's still comforting to know it will be out eventually. I have only seen two episodes from Season 5. It was never syndicated in my area, only the color episodes with George and Dorothy.

I have another gripe. A small one but it's just an "attention to detail" thing.

I wish they would've put a flamingo somewhere on the box art.

I know, I know, I've been complaining a lot lately but I really think a flamingo would've looked good on the box and we all know how much mama loved her ceramic flamingos in her house...and her plastic ones in her yard.

I am having so much fun watching this show again. It's all I've watched since Thursday evening. :)

I've been watching a few of the season 3 episodes and it seems there are extra scenes that were not shown in reruns (at least on TBS). I didn't think the syndicated years (seasons 3-6) would have extra goodies but I guess I was wrong.

Can someone confirm this for me or am I seeing things?

I've been watching a few of the season 3 episodes and it seems there are extra scenes that were not shown in reruns (at least on TBS). I didn't think the syndicated years (seasons 3-6) would have extra goodies but I guess I was wrong.

Can someone confirm this for me or am I seeing things?

I'm on disc 3 of Season 3, but I haven't noticed any extra scenes. Most of my memories of watching this show was its time on TBS, so I don't know.

Did you notice that Mama has dialog with someone else after the closing credits start rolling?

So far, the "extra" scenes that were cut for syndication are outweighing the edits/replacements. I especially loved seeing more of Aunt Effie in "The Wedding Part 2"! Aunt Effie has always been one of my favorite recurring characters.




Did you know that Dorothy Van, who played Aunt Effie, was a writer for Mama's Family?

Did you notice that Mama has dialog with someone else after the closing credits start rolling?
I noticed that on season 1's episodes but it's not always Mama talking with someone. I haven't watched any of season 2 yet. I've watched a few on season 3 to see if I noted any additional scenes. I swear it seems like there are a few extra scenes, but I could be wrong.

Did you know that Dorothy Van, who played Aunt Effie, was a writer for Mama's Family?
Yes. I always wished she was in more episodes. She reminds me so much of my aunt Effene, whose name is almost identical to Effie.

One thing I've learned from watching the new interviews and cast reunion: Allan Kayser is still hot as hell! :D

As a favor to those of us who unfortunately haven't gotten our sets yet, could posters please save spoilers about the "lost footage" edited back into the episodes for McGillicuddy's new "Additional Footage You Notice in the Un-cut Sets" thread?

Thank you from those of us who are still stuck in Raytown limbo but like to share in the excitement without being spoiled lol.

As a favor to those of us who unfortunately haven't gotten our sets yet, could posters please save spoilers about the "lost footage" edited back into the episodes for McGillicuddy's new "Additional Footage You Notice in the Un-cut Sets" thread?

Thank you from those of us who are still stuck in Raytown limbo but like to share in the excitement without being spoiled lol.
Oh crap, I didn't realize there was another thread for that. I've just been coming here to post. Sorry if I ruined anything.

Oh crap, I didn't realize there was another thread for that. I've just been coming here to post. Sorry if I ruined anything.

I did see a couple of things here but I'll get over it lol. It's just hard when your set hasn't arrived yet where you still want to share in the excitement and generalities of the set but still don't want specifics about the actual episodes.

Thanks!

As a favor to those of us who unfortunately haven't gotten our sets yet, could posters please save spoilers about the "lost footage" edited back into the episodes for McGillicuddy's new "Additional Footage You Notice in the Un-cut Sets" thread?

Thank you from those of us who are still stuck in Raytown limbo but like to share in the excitement without being spoiled lol.
I hadn't thought of that, sorry '80's!

Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble playing the feature "Family Style: Creating the World of Mama's Family"? It's on disc 2 of the bonus features disc.

When I play it, it stops at around 19:42 and goes back to the menu but when you skip to the next chapter quickly before reaching the 19:42 point, it plays the rest of the feature.

I'm on season three...is it just me or are seasons 3 through 6 better than the first two?

I loved Betty White's interview...even tho she was a little bit rambling...nice to see she doesn't hold back on her opinion of Harvey Korman who, by many accounts, could be a very cruel man at times.

I'm on season three...is it just me or are seasons 3 through 6 better than the first two?

They are definitely better imo. Video quality is better too.

I loved Betty White's interview...even tho she was a little bit rambling...nice to see she doesn't hold back on her opinion of Harvey Korman who, by many accounts, could be a very cruel man at times.
As far as I'm concerned Betty can ramble all she wants, she's earned the right.

Harvey may have been "cruel" but he was a genius.

Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble playing the feature "Family Style: Creating the World of Mama's Family"? It's on disc 2 of the bonus features disc.

When I play it, it stops at around 19:42 and goes back to the menu but when you skip to the next chapter quickly before reaching the 19:42 point, it plays the rest of the feature.

I just checked mine and yes, it did the same thing. There must be something wrong with that chapter placed at the spot between 19:43 and 19:44. It not going to the next chapter and instead jumping back to the menu must be a defect in the authoring of the disc or something. You're right, about using the "skip" or "next" button on your remote to jump over that defect. If you forget at that moment and it jumps back to the main menu, playing the featurette again and at the beginning, hitting the "next" button twice works, too; it DOES skip right to the 3rd chapter in the title (the 19:44 mark), without jumping back to the main menu. If you have a DVD player that allows you to skip to a specific second of a DVD title, after playing the featurette again, you can skip to 19:44 and it plays the rest of the way, too. I'll note this in my review. Thanks for pointing it out.

^No prob. I just hit the next button to finish watching it. I started to call StarVista to report it but since you can actually watch it by just hitting the next button, I'm not going to fool with reporting it.

I'm on a roll! So far I've watched ALL the bonus features except the "Eunice" movie and I've watched all of season 1. I've also checked out all the edited episodes to see how they were handled----they actually did a decent job with the editing, considering.

It's more likely the basic "Happy Birthday" song that will be taken out. The rights and legalities of that song are VERY strict.
The basic "Happy Birthday" song doesn't seem to have been a problem. They sing it for Eunice at the Bigger Jigger,
in "Cellmates".

The basic "Happy Birthday" song doesn't seem to have been a problem. They sing it for Eunice at the Bigger Jigger,
in "Cellmates".
It's also still in "Gert Rides Again" and "Mama's Birthday".

The basic "Happy Birthday" song doesn't seem to have been a problem. They sing it for Eunice at the Bigger Jigger,
in "Cellmates".
It was on the 2006 release too. Without it, Mama's later line "One of hell of a birthday for ya, eh Barbara" would make no sense.

It was on the 2006 release too. Without it, Mama's later line "One of hell of a birthday for ya, eh Barbara" would make no sense.

If they had cut it from "Cellmates" they probably would've cut Mama's line right after "One hell of a birthday for ya" and immediately cut to Eunice laughing on her shoulder. Nice to know they were able to clear the birthday song for all the episodes.

Quick question: I thought the season 2 episode was titled "Ask Aunt Fran". Why does this set have it titled "Dear Aunt Fran".

They also made a boo-boo on the season 2 episode "A Grave Mistake" by listing it as "A Great Mistake".

Quick question: I thought the season 2 episode was titled "Ask Aunt Fran". Why does this set have it titled "Dear Aunt Fran".

They also made a boo-boo on the season 2 episode "A Grave Mistake" by listing it as "A Great Mistake".


I noticed the "grave mistake" too!

Yes, it was named "Ask Aunt Fran". I don't know why there was a change, other than to play on a "Dear Abby" title. I'm guessing it was probably a mistake, unless the original Master had a different title?

How is the picture quality of the set?? Mine won't come in until Wednesday and I was one of the first to order it. I guess I should have gone fed ex route in delivery.

How is the picture quality of the set?? Mine won't come in until Wednesday and I was one of the first to order it. I guess I should have gone fed ex route in delivery.
The picture is great. I just finished season 1, and my only disappointment is the 2 syndicated episodes. But, maybe they were not available for some reason.

How is the picture quality of the set?? Mine won't come in until Wednesday and I was one of the first to order it. I guess I should have gone fed ex route in delivery.

Fed Ex may have helped. But, even free shipping was handled by Fed Ex up to a certain delivery point in the shipping process.

Anyway, almost finished with season 1. I was never as big a fan of the NBC seasons, but the show is much more entertaining than I remember.

And while I hate syndication cuts, at least they seem to have been edited as well as possible.

Thanks!!

The syndicated dvd released a few years ago has a good picture quality.

I can't wait to see season 2 and the Bubba years....flove Bubba

The video quality is superb on all the episodes, even seasons 1 and 2, considering their age.

Where exactly was the song "Second Time Around" used in the episode "Ellen's Boyfriend"? Is it when the guy in the restaurant plays the violin? I'm not familiar with this song.

Is "Mama In One" a reference to something? I've never understood the meaning of this title.

^ I've also checked out all the edited episodes to see how they were handled----they actually did a decent job with the editing, considering.

Most shows that were syndicated in the 80s and 90s were edited very well, taking out bits and pieces and here and there, and not really messing up the storylines, unlike the butcher shops of today, namely Tv Land and Nick at Nite, or ION.

I had fun the whole weekend watching these again.:)

I had fun the whole weekend watching these again.:)
I did too. And I got absolutely nothing done.

I'm gonna finish off season 2 when I get home from work! My next episode will be "Rashomama" which is one of my (and everybody's) favorites!

Where exactly was the song "Second Time Around" used in the episode "Ellen's Boyfriend"? Is it when the guy in the restaurant plays the violin? I'm not familiar with this song.

I had checked the episode on an old VHS tape I had of the episode when I taped it off TBS years ago and compared it to the DVD and the song the violin player plays is different, so that must be "Second Time Around." But, like you, I wasn't familiar with the original song either.

The video quality is superb on all the episodes, even seasons 1 and 2, considering their age.



Is "Mama In One" a reference to something? I've never understood the meaning of this title.

I'd agree that the tape quality is decent, especially for a 30-year-old show. There is the occasional tape hit, but nothing major. It's better than, say All in the Family or Three's Company.

But the thing that threw me was the heavy make-up used for season one. Everyone seemed to be extremely red. Season 2 is much better.

As for Mama In One? I dunno, a play on "Hole In One"?

I'm pissed about it too. It's a beautiful set and the bonus features look great, but, who wouldn't sacrafice some of that for truly COMPLETE episodes? Those are what matters, the rest is just eye candy.
With the music issues, let's say they had been up front and advertised that each season set would be ONLY 10 dollars more (maybe 30 dollars for the whole set) to get COMPLETE episodes, who would buy? I would, in a Mama's heartbeat! Never heard of a company doing this, but there's a first time for everything!

That aside, I've never seen those Alistair Quince things and they're great! Interestingly, they altered all the location shots for S1 and S2 on the syndication prints, both opening and closing. They appear to have gotten the location shots from the S4-S6 openings/closings, and used them for S1/S2. The only thing they kept from the originals was the Vicki shot and the photo montages.

I missed the mail person Sat and was so disappointed. But went to the post office first thing this morning and picked it up! Very happy :)

I really liked Dorothy Lyman's solo interview and hearing everyone's thoughts as to what made the show special and why it stands the test of time. And the roundtable discussion with the cast from the syndicated years was a real treat having them all together again.

Kinda wish they had done a bonus feature like they did with Vint and Naomi, that highlighted the Iola character more and another highlighting the Bubba character. And maybe one that had 'Mama's Funniest Moments.'

Otherwise terrific set and very grateful for what Time Life gave us. Never thought we would get anything for special features and for awhile wondered if we were ever going to get anymore seasons on dvd.

I'm gonna finish off season 2 when I get home from work! My next episode will be "Rashomama" which is one of my (and everybody's) favorites!

It's my favorite from the NBC episodes. :)

But the thing that threw me was the heavy make-up used for season one. Everyone seemed to be extremely red. Season 2 is much better.



I noticed Vint and Naomi looked so much older in Season 1 and 2 than they did in Seasons 3-6. The makeup and lighting was definitely better for the later seasons.

And the roundtable discussion with the cast from the syndicated years was a real treat having them all together again.

So far, this is my favorite bonus feature and I was disappointed when it ended.

Is that true for movies and tv shows? The fact that certain kind of lighting can make someone look older than they are?

Is that true for movies and tv shows? The fact that certain kind of lighting can make someone look older than they are?

I would say it's at least a part of it because there was a noticeable difference in Vint and Naomi.

In season 2's DVD booklet, it makes mention of "Fey Ray", which was the gay bar in Raytown. I don't remember this ever being mentioned in an episode. Does anyone remember this being mentioned?

I feel so late to the game here, but I finally got mine today. :)

In season 2's DVD booklet, it makes mention of "Fey Ray", which was the gay bar in Raytown. I don't remember this ever being mentioned in an episode. Does anyone remember this being mentioned?

I don't recall it either. Wonder which episode its mention in.
Maybe it was cut for syndication.

Is that true for movies and tv shows? The fact that certain kind of lighting can make someone look older than they are?
Most definitely true--check out the first episodes of THE GOLDEN GIRLS vs. the final season. They all have harsh eye makeup and look older early on but by the end Rue especially looks 10 years younger than when they started!

Just finished Gert Rides Again... then I watched the edited pieces on Youtube.

The edit for Ain't Misbehavin' was jarring... it could have used something like a fade or a dissolve instead of a straight cut.

And Chariots of Fire... I understand the edit because of rights issues, but the song was part of the joke.

I would have preferred to see another comparable song to complete the joke edited in instead of generic muzak. Ride of the Valkyries, for example, is public domain, and would have still completed the joke almost as well as the original music.

But, thanks to the US's absurd music rights issues, it is what it is.

Here's a good question I have:

Of all the songs confirmed to have been removed or replaced, which songs do we know for a fact have been cleared on past TV Show DVD releases?

The only one I can think of is Me and My Shadow.

Here's a good question I have:

Of all the songs confirmed to have been removed or replaced, which songs do we know for a fact have been cleared on past TV Show DVD releases?

The only one I can think of is Me and My Shadow.

Yep. The Dick Van Dyke Show, season 5: The Great Petrie Fortune.

Of course, that was a decade ago, before music substitution and cuts became the major issue they are today. Perhaps the rights holders were asking less in 2003 than they do in 2013, and Image could swing the money they were asking then for the song while T/L couldn't make it work at 2013's asking price.

And also on Mr. Belvedere: Season Three and Gimme a Break: The Complete Series.

Fey Ray was never in the show. Vicki Lawrence made a joke in an interview when they were talking about everything being named 'Ray.' She asked if there was ever a gay bar in town.

Also, my apologies from an earlier post. There are special features dedicated to Iola and Bubba but not on the special features bonus disks. They are on the seasons 3 & 4 disks seperately. Made me happy they didn't forget them :)

Just finished Gert Rides Again... then I watched the edited pieces on Youtube.

The edit for Ain't Misbehavin' was jarring... it could have used something like a fade or a dissolve instead of a straight cut.

And Chariots of Fire... I understand the edit because of rights issues, but the song was part of the joke.

I would have preferred to see another comparable song to complete the joke edited in instead of generic muzak. Ride of the Valkyries, for example, is public domain, and would have still completed the joke almost as well as the original music.

But, thanks to the US's absurd music rights issues, it is what it is.

The edit in the episode "Mama in One" isn't very seamless either. One second she's over by the fish bowl behind the couch and the next she's in front of the coffee table, walking over to her chair.

Here's a good question I have:

Of all the songs confirmed to have been removed or replaced, which songs do we know for a fact have been cleared on past TV Show DVD releases?

The only one I can think of is Me and My Shadow.

Me and My Shadow is included in the Mama's Family episode "Mama in One." The only song cut from that episode was the "Singin' in the Rain" part.

Here's a good question I have:

Of all the songs confirmed to have been removed or replaced, which songs do we know for a fact have been cleared on past TV Show DVD releases?

The only one I can think of is Me and My Shadow.
Me and My Shadows WASN'T cut from Mama's Family. It was Singin' in the Rain that was cut from the episode "Mama in One".

Sorry, I read wrong. But were any of the other songs cut cleared on past TV show DVD releases?

Just a recap...here are the edited songs:

"Obscene Call" - "On the Road Again"
"Ellen's Boyfriend" - "Second Time Around" instrumental played on violin
"Gert Rides Again" - "Chariots of Fire" and "Ain't Misbehavin'"
"Mama for Mayor Part 1" - "Harper Days" and "Moonlight Becomes You"
"Mama for Mayor Part 2" - "Harper Days"
"Grandma USA" - "Something" instrumental
"Zirconias Are a Girl's Best Friend" - "I Feel Pretty"
"Found Money" - "In the Mood For Love"
"Mama in One" - "Singin' in the Rain"
"Mama Makes Three" - "Born Free" spoken by Vint

The edits aren't that bad considering how most of them are replaced and/or faded in and out of. The biggest noticeable goof-ups are "Singin' in the Rain" and "Ain't Misbehavin'". Yes, "Harper Days" is truly missed but its not noticeable. If you didn't know it was there before, you would be none the wiser.

How is the picture quality of the set?? Mine won't come in until Wednesday and I was one of the first to order it. I guess I should have gone fed ex route in delivery. Mine is still on back order! I called last Friday! I ordered mine on June 27th!

The audio quality is so good too. Very crisp and clear; I'm picking up background lines and lines where different characters are talking or yelling at once that I've never distinguished before.


It's sort of obvious that they only interviewed Betty White once, for example, but the interview is not a single feature, it's dissected across multiple features.

I don't understand this; there are a few interviews with people that are separated into two parts on two separate discs, but in my box set there is only one Betty White interview and it's on the season 2 bonus features disc.

Got mine today ....

Wow...such a BIG box with all the seasons in it...love it!

I started with the Bubba years and Season 3...love me some Bubba....my fav...him and Alan Kaysar...so hot...yummy......I did notice on the first episode there was a red and green line in some scenes on the left side of the screen. I can't wait to see the Alan Kaysar interview and the whole cast reunion and the Eunice movie....

One question...why does season 3 seem to have the NBC closing credits and some of the opening credits?? Doesnt Mama appear getting the newspaper on the credits??

love me some Bubba....my fav...him and Alan Kaysar...so hot...yummy
Ditto! :)

Mine is still on back order! I called last Friday! I ordered mine on June 27th!

That's odd. I ordered mine around the first week of September and received it on Monday.

-J\/\/

That's odd. I ordered mine around the first week of September and received it on Monday.

-J\/\/It seems like their filling the most recent orders first! I ordered mine mid August, and got it Saturday. I feel sorry for you guys that ordered in June!

Got mine today ....

Wow...such a BIG box with all the seasons in it...love it!

I started with the Bubba years and Season 3...love me some Bubba....my fav...him and Alan Kaysar...so hot...yummy......I did notice on the first episode there was a red and green line in some scenes on the left side of the screen. I can't wait to see the Alan Kaysar interview and the whole cast reunion and the Eunice movie....

One question...why does season 3 seem to have the NBC closing credits and some of the opening credits?? Doesnt Mama appear getting the newspaper on the credits??
Glad you finally got yours! Enjoy Bubba!

It seems like their filling the most recent orders first! I ordered mine mid August, and got it Saturday. I feel sorry for you guys that ordered in June!
I ordered mine by phone on September 11 and received it on the 14th...and that is with free shipping! Excellent service!

I ordered mine by phone on September 11 and received it on the 14th...and that is with free shipping! Excellent service!

Why did you wait so long? lol

Time Life has officially confirmed on their Facebook page what we all knew already - that the episodes "Cellmates" and "Mama's Boyfriend" are the syndicated edits:

After a lengthy investigation with our partners at the estate of the original producer of Mama’s Family, we are able to confirm the unfortunate news that the original broadcast masters for “Cellmates,” Episode 6 from Season 1 (Episode #7008) and “Mama’s Boyfriend,” Episode 9 from Season 1 (Episode #7010) have not withstood the test of time and were lost.

We share in the great disappointment at the loss of these TV treasures, especially the Harvey Korman intros for those episodes. Our Web site has been updated to note this change.

We’d like to thank everyone for their support of this project. We feel strongly that Mama’s Family fans will love this collection, the beautiful collector’s box and almost 13 hours of new bonus materials. And, we look forward to creating more amazing classic television collections for you in the future.

The update on their order page is under the Season 1 description (which should be in the description of the set, not in the episode guide, but at least they put a message there) and it says:

Unfortunately the original broadcast masters for “Cellmates,” Episode 6 and “Mama’s Boyfriend,” Episode 9 have been lost to time. Those two episodes are the syndicated versions.

I'm glad they finally acknowledged this publicly, but I'm not giving up hope that someone out there somewhere has a copy of those episodes from their original broadcast (that they taped on video) and we all can at least get a copy of - regardless of the quality. Hopefully one day we'll be able to find them.

Well with only 2 out of 35 original masters non-existent I'm certainly not going to complain. I'm just very thankful that 33 originals managed to survive. If 2 didn't then the other 33 could have gone that same way too. Yikes.

From StarVista/Time Life's Facebook:

We’d like to thank everyone for their support of this project. We feel strongly that Mama’s Family fans will love this collection, the beautiful collector’s box and almost 13 hours of new bonus materials. And, we look forward to creating more amazing classic television collections for you in the future.

Hopefully they'll release a lot of classic titles like Maude, Empty Nest, Perfect Strangers, Major Dad, Green Acres, and Step by Step that have been sadly neglected!

I'd like to see a proper release of Bosom Buddies with the original Music.

They should try to release Batman, The Wonder Years, or WKRP in Cincinnati.

Finally made it to season 3, the first year of syndication.

Bottom line: the NBC seasons look horrible compared to the syndicated years.

I don't know if technology improved in the two years the show was off, if they shot the NBC years on lesser quality videotape, or what, but the NBC shows look pretty bad while season 3 looks as good as any sitcom shot in the 90s before HD took over the airwaves.

I'd really like to know what more about the show's production process, like what tape formats they recorded the show onto, what studio cameras they used, and how the show was edited. I wouldn't know where to find out that information though. It could be that the syndicated years were shot with different, newer cameras than the ones used on the NBC seasons. That could certainly make a difference.

Theoretically, the original masters for the NBC years should look better than the video on the 2006 first season release, because the syndicated cuts would be at least one tape generation down from the masters. But, then again, the masters are 30 years old and probably looked better at one time than they do now. Still, they look pretty good to be 30 years old. I think the 2nd season looks just a little bit better than the 1st.

I'd really like to know what more about the show's production process, like what tape formats they recorded the show onto, what studio cameras they used, and how the show was edited. I wouldn't know where to find out that information though. It could be that the syndicated years were shot with different, newer cameras than the ones used on the NBC seasons. That could certainly make a difference.


I do believe you're right.

It looks like the NBC years were taped at CBS Television City, while the Syndicated years were taped at Metromedia/Fox Television Center.

The NBC years have the same look as other shows taped there, like All in the Family or Three's Company... passable, but not spectacular.

The episodes taped at Fox definitely look better, IMO.

the NBC shows look pretty bad while season 3 looks as good as any sitcom shot in the 90s before HD took over the airwaves.

Well one thing also--the lighting was very terrible in several of the NBC shows. I don't know why but it's not like syndication where it was consistent through the run.

I'm noticing more things about Raytown and prop details in syndication. Some things in season 3 I missed before:

(possible spoilers)

--in "Santa Mama" the store behind Mama and the others is called "Lady Ray Fashions"
--in "Mama and Dr. Brothers" signs for "Sunray Cabs" and "Rayvis Rent-A-Car" are at the airport (I did notice "Sunray" before) and the "Rayvis" sign is also at the bus station in "Steal One, Pearl Two"
--this may be the verbal Raytown reference most easily missed (I caught it once but forgot about it)...in "Have It Your Way" when they're in the kitchen at the beginning and Iola gets ready to tell them about the $900 trip to Hawaii listen carefully and you'll hear her say she went to the "SafaRAY Travel Agency"--a word-play on "Safari" haha
--in "Buck Private Bubba" when Naomi is reading "The Celebrity Snooper" at the start there is a small headline in the upper right corner that says "May West Is Alive And Living As A Man!" haha (yes it's "Mae" but it looked like "May")
--also in "Buck Private Bubba" Naomi is looking at an edition of The Raytown Bugle at the kitchen table at breakfast but it looked more like "Ray Town Bugle"

I also never noticed before that the phone in the kitchen isn't there when season 3 starts. It doesn't appear until "Mama and Dr. Brothers". Before that the owl plaque (which I never noticed before) that is on the left side of the kitchen door was hanging where the phone is; when the phone was put in the owl's place they moved the owl over to the left.

I'm now on Season 6 and this is probably my favorite season. Naomi being pregnant made it even funnier!

I'm now on Season 6 and this is probably my favorite season. Naomi being pregnant made it even funnier!
Even in its last season, the show never ran out of steam. I think it could've went for at least 2 more seasons but they quit when they had enough episodes to be shown in second-run syndication.

Even in its last season, the show never ran out of steam. I think it could've went for at least 2 more seasons but they quit when they had enough episodes to be shown in second-run syndication.

I agree and it's gonna be sad when I finish this season. So, I may just have to start over at Season 1. :)

Well one thing also--the lighting was very terrible in several of the NBC shows. I don't know why but it's not like syndication where it was consistent through the run.

I'm noticing more things about Raytown and prop details in syndication. Some things in season 3 I missed before:

(possible spoilers)

--in "Santa Mama" the store behind Mama and the others is called "Lady Ray Fashions"
--in "Mama and Dr. Brothers" signs for "Sunray Cabs" and "Rayvis Rent-A-Car" are at the airport (I did notice "Sunray" before) and the "Rayvis" sign is also at the bus station in "Steal One, Pearl Two"
--this may be the verbal Raytown reference most easily missed (I caught it once but forgot about it)...in "Have It Your Way" when they're in the kitchen at the beginning and Iola gets ready to tell them about the $900 trip to Hawaii listen carefully and you'll hear her say she went to the "SafaRAY Travel Agency"--a word-play on "Safari" haha
--in "Buck Private Bubba" when Naomi is reading "The Celebrity Snooper" at the start there is a small headline in the upper right corner that says "May West Is Alive And Living As A Man!" haha (yes it's "Mae" but it looked like "May")
--also in "Buck Private Bubba" Naomi is looking at an edition of The Raytown Bugle at the kitchen table at breakfast but it looked more like "Ray Town Bugle"

I also never noticed before that the phone in the kitchen isn't there when season 3 starts. It doesn't appear until "Mama and Dr. Brothers". Before that the owl plaque (which I never noticed before) that is on the left side of the kitchen door was hanging where the phone is; when the phone was put in the owl's place they moved the owl over to the left.
The hospital where Ellen had her surgery was St. Ray Memorial Hospital:lol:

Even in its last season, the show never ran out of steam. I think it could've went for at least 2 more seasons but they quit when they had enough episodes to be shown in second-run syndication.

That's the odd thing, though... including the NBC years, they could have quit after season 4 and had enough for an average syndication package (which is somewhere between 65 and 80 episodes, IIRC). In fact, the season 4 finale could very well have been a series finale.

Now, with four seasons of first run syndication episodes, they had enough of just the syndicated years alone (95 episodes) for second run syndication. But the NBC years have always been a part of the package, haven't they?

But if the show was still going strong ratings-wise, I don't see why they quit so suddenly.

Of course, better to quit while they're still ahead than jump the shark.

So I take it these songs:

"Obscene Call" - "On the Road Again"
"Ellen's Boyfriend" - "Second Time Around" instrumental played on violin
"Gert Rides Again" - "Chariots of Fire" and "Ain't Misbehavin'"
"Mama for Mayor Part 1" - "Harper Days" and "Moonlight Becomes You"
"Mama for Mayor Part 2" - "Harper Days"
"Grandma USA" - "Something" instrumental
"Zirconias Are a Girl's Best Friend" - "I Feel Pretty"
"Found Money" - "In the Mood For Love"
"Mama in One" - "Singin' in the Rain"
"Mama Makes Three" - "Born Free" spoken by Vint

Were never (and I mean NEVER) cleared on past TV Show DVD sets.

So I take it these songs:


"Grandma USA" - "Something" instrumental

Were never (and I mean NEVER) cleared on past TV Show DVD sets.

What "Something" is that?

Is it the Beatles song? If so, the Beatles generally do not get cleared on American releases because the song rights are too expensive.

Also, never say never. UK DVD releases can clear most music because the laws are different over there. So, songs that can't be cleared in the US could have been easily cleared in the UK. Check out the UK releases of Quantum Leap seasons 2 and 3, or the Doctor Who serial "The Chase" (which included a Beatles song clip in the UK release, but had to cut it for US release) to see what I mean.

Speaking of all the products and organizations in Raytown that included the word "Ray", this site has a list of ALL the products, places...etc. that was mentioned on the show.

http://www.televisionhits.com/mamasfamily/raytown.html

What "Something" is that?

Is it the Beatles song? If so, the Beatles generally do not get cleared on American releases because the song rights are too expensive.
Yes, it's an instrumental version of The Beatles song.

But if the show was still going strong ratings-wise, I don't see why they quit so suddenly.

Of course, better to quit while they're still ahead than jump the shark.

Vicki discusses that in the round table reunion (or maybe her solo interviews but I think it's the round table)---apparently at least at that time 95 or 130 was the magic number. Maybe not perfectly clear but at least she addresses it.


Speaking of all the products and organizations in Raytown that included the word "Ray", this site has a list of ALL the products, places...etc. that was mentioned on the show.

http://www.televisionhits.com/mamasfamily/raytown.html

Yeah I've seen that before but I was sharing things I'd never ever noticed before---more "easy-to-miss" things I'm noticing after not watching the series for a while. I bet most people never picked up on Iola's "SafaRAY" lol.

It wouldn't be as much fun to look at the list right now though--I like "discovering" these things as little Raytown surprises along the way lol.

And I'd never before tried to make out that little headline in that upper right corner of "The Celebrity Snooper".

And I can't believe I never noticed there was no phone in the kitchen for the first few episodes of season 3!

I'm also noticing the same extras appearing around Raytown.

The woman I call "Lemon-O indeed!" has a small part in "Supermarket" and she is seen on Mama's side of the courtroom in "Harpver vs. Harper" in the back and she also shows up at Food Circus in "Porn Again".

The lady who asks about a tea stain in a rug in "Supermarket" is one of the ladies in Chuck's karate class in "Black Belt Mama" and she too shows up at Food Circus in "Porn Again".

Also the last man to enter the Bigger Jigger men's room (the man with the reddish hair and mustache) while Mama is lecturing to Vint in there about Vinnie Vegas is also in line at Kwik Keys in the Courteous Crook episode "The Key to the Crime".

And while you can't really consider the man who plays Sam an "extra" because he speaks in all his appearances I've seen he plays Sam twice at Food Circus and also a member of the press in "Mama For Mayor".

In the segment with Vicki and Carol reminiscing, they acknowledge that Mama had six kids. Eunice, Ellen, Vinton, Phillip, and they couldn't remember the names of the other 2, but they said Alan Alda and Tommy Smothers played sons on "The Family". I thought that was interesting. By the way Alan Alda played Larry and Tommy Smothers played Jack.

Mama also had more grandkids. Ellen had two daughters, Debbie and Mary Beth (Ellen's name is Mary Ellen). And Jack had kids too.

Mama also had more grandkids. Ellen had two daughters, Debbie and Mary Beth (Ellen's name is Mary Ellen). And Jack had kids too.

Wow! very good. And Eunice and Ed had another son named Billy.

Wow! very good. And Eunice and Ed had another son named Billy.

Well between the sketches and "Eunice" his name was Billy Joe and Raymond and Billy. lol

And Ellen's husband was Tom and then Arthur before they finally settled on Bruce.

I liked the "bloopers" segment. Wow, they saved a lot. I love when Betty White kept saying "Mayor Titwyler" instead of Tutwyler. Finally she just called him Mr. Mayor.

I liked the "bloopers" segment. Wow, they saved a lot. I love when Betty White kept saying "Mayor Titwyler" instead of Tutwyler. Finally she just called him Mr. Mayor.

I loved the bloopers, too, I just wish there were more. The bloopers segment was 14 minutes yet 9 and a half of them were bloopers from the first two seasons. We only got 4 and a half minutes of bloopers from the last 4 seasons. What happened to the rest of them?

But, other than the ones we imagine are out there somewhere, there's one we've actually seen before that wasn't included - Eunice laughing at Mama in the kitchen in "Positive Thinking" and Vicki improvising the line "Have you been smokin' the drapes again?" It was in one of Dick Clark's bloopers shows.

Also, in the DVD special features, 2 other bloopers were mentioned that we didn't get to see. One was in "Workman's Holiday" during the scene where Vint shows Mama what an expert he is at using the key grinder. Vicki said Ken went over to it and couldn't get it to work (which would have been hilarious to see, especially in the context of the scene). She also mentioned in her co-interview with Rick Hawkins a blooper in "The Key to the Crime," the scene where Mama and Iola break into the key store - something about Beverly having trouble trying to go in through the window.

I'm also noticing the same extras appearing around Raytown.

For years I wondered if the show used crew members as extras since many show up in both NBC and syndicated episodes. Ret Turner says that he did and so far I've spotted him twice. He's wearing the same brown outfit with blue ascot at the wedding and later at McRay's. In his interview he says that he often wore a white suit in crowd scenes, but I have yet to spot it.

The woman whose pastries are destroyed by Mama at Food Circus shows up a lot. She's "Sgt-At-Arms" Tilly when Bernice Corp. is going to close Kwik Keys. She's also a rowdy fan at the wrestling match. I used to wonder if this was Jenna McMahon, but I've since seen photos of Jenna and it isn't. Plus, I doubt Jenna had much if anything to do with the syndicated episodes since the "happier" Mama was disliked by her and Dick Clair.

There's also an old woman who appeared throughout all six years. Vint knocked her over at the country club, Mama challenged her to arm wrestle before Big Joan showed up ("Yeah, you with the flabby arms!") and many other appearances.

-J\/\/

For years I wondered if the show used crew members as extras since many show up in both NBC and syndicated episodes. Ret Turner says that he did and so far I've spotted him twice. He's wearing the same brown outfit with blue ascot at the wedding and later at McRay's. In his interview he says that he often wore a white suit in crowd scenes, but I have yet to spot it.

Oh wow I'll have to watch for him at the wedding. And McRay's. I've seen him twice in "What a Dump" and "Mama's Layaway Plan". In "What a Dump" he is wearing the white suit and straw hat he says he wore as "the mayor" around town (but funnily enough that's the only syndicated episode with the real mayor actually in it). In "Mama's Layaway Plan" he's one of the mourners in the chapel behind Vint and Naomi.

Now I'll also have to watch out for "Chubs" (the pastry woman) and "Toots" (the haughty woman from "Country Club" that Mama insults and Vint knocks over).

This thread completely died. Everyone must've gotten their set and too busy watching to post on the boards.

This thread completely died. Everyone must've gotten their set and too busy watching to post on the boards.

Haha! That's what I've been doing!

Just wondering if anyone else noticed a few film glitches on "An Ill Wind" or if it was just on my set.

Just wondering if anyone else noticed a few film glitches on "An Ill Wind" or if it was just on my set.

I noticed it, too. I'm glad it wasn't just me.

Is that the one where the glitch lines appear in the black fade-outs between "acts"? ("Is that the one with Susan Hayward where she drinks?" haha)

Just wondering if anyone else noticed a few film glitches on "An Ill Wind" or if it was just on my set.

Yep. There are some noticeable glitches in the opening credits and then later in the episode these weird transparent lines appear across the bottom and get wider and skinnier.

Also, the episode "There's Nothing Like the Dames," the video appears to be a little draggy (I don't know if that is the right word). It's almost like when you let your eyes go out of focus and you see double of things, and when the actors move, it creates a sort of video noise trail. It's weird. I think "draggy" sort of sums it up.

Our review of the set:

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

This thread completely died. Everyone must've gotten their set and too busy watching to post on the boards.
I'm still watchin Mama! Finished with the NBC eppys, now on season 3. It was interesting to see the entrances of Bubba and Iola, and great that Ellen was back one last time! "Cat's Meow" was hilarious, and "The Love Letter" was good too. I picked up The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction, so I'll be rotating the 3 shows.

I'm still watchin Mama! Finished with the NBC eppys, now on season 3. It was interesting to see the entrances of Bubba and Iola, and great that Ellen was back one last time! "Cat's Meow" was hilarious, and "The Love Letter" was good too. I picked up The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction, so I'll be rotating the 3 shows.
I'm still watching "Mama", too. I'm stretching it out to make it last as long as possible. I'm watching half a season a week.

I should receive the new PJ and TBH releases in the mail tomorrow so I will be rotating them as well.

Wow season 6 was a whole disc shorter than the other syndicated seasons. I never realized it was that much shorter before. I wish they could have done 7 or so more to get a full season out of it.

I loved the bloopers, too, I just wish there were more...

But, other than the ones we imagine are out there somewhere, there's one we've actually seen before that wasn't included - Eunice laughing at Mama in the kitchen in "Positive Thinking" and Vicki improvising the line "Have you been smokin' the drapes again?" It was in one of Dick Clark's bloopers shows.

Oh yeah I forgot about those...odd they weren't included.


Also, in the DVD special features, 2 other bloopers were mentioned that we didn't get to see. One was in "Workman's Holiday" during the scene where Vint shows Mama what an expert he is at using the key grinder. Vicki said Ken went over to it and couldn't get it to work (which would have been hilarious to see, especially in the context of the scene). She also mentioned in her co-interview with Rick Hawkins a blooper in "The Key to the Crime," the scene where Mama and Iola break into the key store - something about Beverly having trouble trying to go in through the window.

Wow that's true...I would love to have seen that key grinder one as well. But about the window I thought Vicki was just talking about Iola getting through the window which is of course a big gag/laugh in the episode. I'd have to go back and see what she says again.

*SPOILER*

I didn't like how they "split up" Beverly's front porch blooper though. Why did they split it up by sticking the Vicki interview excerpt between Mama's line and Beverly's blooper? It would be so much funnier "run straight" instead of wedging an interview clip into it and messing up the natural rhythm and pace and timing of the blooper.

I've discovered another music edit. The song in part 2 of the Hawaii episode when Mama goes searching for her Aloha Hula Lamp (the one that "winds down" to show how exhausted she is) has been replaced.

In "The Key to the Crime" on S4 Disc 1 around the 13:15 mark when Mama is looking through her purse she says "Well, this is odd" under her breath, but it doesn't sound like Vicki. It sounds like it was dubbed by someone else in post-production. Anyone else notice this?

Was it always (and I mean ALWAYS) like that?

In "The Key to the Crime" on S4 Disc 1 around the 13:15 mark when Mama is looking through her purse she says "Well, this is odd" under her breath, but it doesn't sound like Vicki. It sounds like it was dubbed by someone else in post-production. Anyone else notice this?

I checked it and it sounds like her to me. She says the line while she has her head down (her vocal cords are being compressed) so it does sound a little different but it still sounds like Vicki (to me). Hmm, I don't know.

I've discovered another music edit. The song in part 2 of the Hawaii episode when Mama goes searching for her Aloha Hula Lamp (the one that "winds down" to show how exhausted she is) has been replaced.
I'll have to check this out later tonight when I get back home from playing bingo. Hope I win big! As Iola would say, "super bingo". LOL :)

I'll have to check this out later tonight when I get back home from playing bingo. Hope I win big! As Iola would say, "super bingo". LOL :)

Don't forget your 4-leaf clover, lucky horseshoe and can of mace for the parking lot when you leave with your winnings. :)

This thread completely died. Everyone must've gotten their set and too busy watching to post on the boards.

That would be me! I think I'm on my 3rd go-around watching . I can't get enough!

I've discovered another music edit. The song in part 2 of the Hawaii episode when Mama goes searching for her Aloha Hula Lamp (the one that "winds down" to show how exhausted she is) has been replaced.

I just watched this episode again and noticed it. I have found other little quirks and I need to post them when I see them again.

That would be me! I think I'm on my 3rd go-around watching . I can't get enough!

I just watched this episode again and noticed it. I have found other little quirks and I need to post them when I see them again.

I can't seem to get enough either. I had every intention to sit down with this set and watch it with a reviewer's eye so I can write up my full review but I'm just having too much fun watching them again to care about the review right now. Man, I missed this show. I really can't understand why it isn't in syndication anymore (or hell, why it was cancelled in the first place).

And I really wasn't expecting to find another music edit because Time Life released their official list of all the edits on their Facebook page but there it was. I really thought all the surprises from Time Life were over with. I mean it is a small edit and the scene plays just the same, but it's the fact that they didn't disclose yet another thing that's frustrating.