It is reported today that StarVista/Time-Life is re-releasing Season 1 of Mama's Family and releasing Season 2 in September. It is believed that these releases will include the original network airings, this time! Wow, I didn't have very high hopes for this! The post at TVSODVD.com, also states that a Complete Series Set of all 6 seasons may be in the works, also.:cool:

I hope these episodes include the Harvey Korman (as Allistar Quince) openings. He used to introduce each episode.

This is the best news I've heard so far this year!! I hope these are uncut but I will still buy the seasons if they're the syndicated versions. I love mama that much!! Hopefully we'll hear more firm news soon.

I hope this is true!! I can't wait!!:D

I sent tvshowsondvd.com an email about Mama's Family and I got a quick reply from David Lambert stating that NEW news would be posted tomorrow (5/31). He didn't specify what the news was about, all he said was "don't worry" about the amazon links not working now.

I really hope this happens!! It would be amazing if it did.

I'm about to pee my pants waiting on news about this. tvshowsondvd.com is suppose to post more news about it today.....I'm waiting with my fingers crossed thats it's a complete series set!! Mama's Family is my absolute favorite comedy and a complete series set (hopefully unedited) would be epic!

I'm about to pee my pants waiting on news about this. tvshowsondvd.com is suppose to post more news about it today.....I'm waiting with my fingers crossed thats it's a complete series set!! Mama's Family is my absolute favorite comedy and a complete series set (hopefully unedited) would be epic!
MAMA is one of my Holy Grail's too (along with MAUDE and IT'S A LIVING which both have big music issues) so I really hope they go all-out and just release all 6 seasons together since we fans have waited FOREVER for anything past the butchered S1 set. Even if they don't, I will be happy at least with S1 and S2 uncut. After that, maybe Warner Archive will start putting out the syndicated seasons.

This is GREAT news! And wouldn't it be terrific if there was also a companion piece with the stars today reminiscing about their time on the show? Throw in a blooper reel, some "Family" sketches from Carol's show, some advertising stuff, maybe an interview with Bob Mackie and Ret Turner about how the costumes helped define each character...WOW, would that be amazing!:)

"In a hen's hiney!"

Could this really be happening?!?! YES it is!! The complete series on DVD is coming soon with tons of bonus features AND uncut episodes!! I can't wait!

This news calls for a celebration. I think I'll have a bologna sandwich and a beer for lunch! LOL :)

http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-DVD-Plans/18520

Ten hours of bonus features?!! I wonder if the special, Eunice, (which aired before Mama's Family came along) might be a bonus!! Likely that is owned by Joe Hamilton Enterprises! Also some of "The Family" schetches from The Carol Burnett Show, would be great!

Ten hours of bonus features?!! I wonder if the special, Eunice, (which aired before Mama's Family came along) might be a bonus!! Likely that is owned by Joe Hamilton Enterprises! Also some of "The Family" schetches from The Carol Burnett Show, would be great!
I hope the TV movie "Eunice" is included. I have a bootleg copy of it and the quality of it is horrid. StarVista/Time-Life are famous for doing awesome jobs with the titles they release. I'm so happy "Mama's Family" is in their hands now. I have faith that they will give us fans a set that mama herself will be proud of!! I actually think that NEW Mama footage will be shot for this set!!! I'm about ready to pop with excitement!!!!

I'm so excited and happy about the complete series boxset. I've been kicking myself for years for not recording this show when it was on TBS.

Neat news :) This would really take away the stink associated with the show from the edited first season DVD.

I hope the TV movie "Eunice" is included. I have a bootleg copy of it and the quality of it is horrid. StarVista/Time-Life are famous for doing awesome jobs with the titles they release. I'm so happy "Mama's Family" is in their hands now. I have faith that they will give us fans a set that mama herself will be proud of!! I actually think that NEW Mama footage will be shot for this set!!! I'm about ready to pop with excitement!!!!

There also was a reunion of the cast in the '90s, on Vicki Lawrence's talk-show, with Ken Berry, Dorothy Lyman, Allen Kayser, Beverly Archer and Betty White. Maybe this will be included.

Awessome...awesome.......awesome....awesome news!! I am getting the complete series with extras when it comes out!:D

This blows the news about the upcoming Dobie Gillis set out of the water. I can't think of a better announcement this year for DVD. I can finally toss my old TBS tapes. WOW!

When those 35 NBC episodes aired again in 1985, they took out the Harvey Korman introductions.

Hopefully, those will be retained.

This is great news- I may have to invest in the complete series. :)

I hope they include the reunion that Vicki Lawrence did on her 90's talk show, "Vicki!". I know it probably won't happen but I'd love if they would also include the episode of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" where mama was a contestant. The episodes of "Password" with mama and Eunice would also be a nice addition to the bonus features but I don't see it happening.

I'm so excited, I still can't believe this set is in the works....it'll finally hit me when I see box art and a preorder listing.

I've never seen the original openings with Harvey Korman as Alistar Quince. From what I understand, the entire opening sequence is totally different from what is shown in syndication. I was told that the exterior house is not the same one. I can't wait to see this!!!

I just realized that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the show. The premiere date was January 22, 1983.

Can't wait for the box art and description of the bonus features for Mama's Family The Complete Series, 30th Anniversary Edition!

Were there longer versions of S3 - S6, than what TBS showed? I thinke these were 22 minute versions. I never was able to detect obvious edits.

Were there longer versions of S3 - S6, than what TBS showed? I thinke these were 22 minute versions. I never was able to detect obvious edits.
Only seasons 1 & 2 were edited for syndication because they originally aired on NBC. Seasons 3-6 were always around 22 minutes because they originally aired in syndication on different channels.

The NBC episodes ran approximately 25 minutes, which was the typical length of a half-hour network show in the 1980's. When the show went into first-run syndication in 1986, the show's length was reduced to about 22 minutes to allow for more commercial time. This was because both Lorimar (who was distributing the show) and the local stations shared the advertising revenue, so as an inducement to the stations the amount of time reserved for commercials was increased. So season 3-6 episodes never needed to be edited for time when the show went into daily syndication in the 1990's, only the NBC shows.

This is great news- I may have to invest in the complete series. :)
If it doesn't "break the bank" I probably will. If nothing else I'm getting the first 2 seasons.

The price will probably be the same as the China Beah and Carol Burnett sets. I estimate the total will be (including tax) $213.95. That's $199.95 without tax. I think that's a fair price.

It can be a little tricky trying to predict what a complete series box set may cost since there are a lot factors: hour vs. half-hour show, number of episodes, music clearance issues, bonus features, need to remaster episodes of decades old shows, etc. Maybe a better comparison might be with a show like Barney Miller, which ran eight seasons. The box set had several hours of bonus features including the first 13 episodes of the spinoff series Fish. The suggested retail price for BM is $160, though of course it can be purchased for much less at Amazon or other retailers.

Mama's Family ran five and half seasons, had relatively little music so clearance issues shouldn't have been too difficult and because they have been in release since the original broadcasts, season 3 thru 6 masters should still be in good shape. The uncut masters for the NBC shows may not be in as good condition and might have required remastering, which can be expensive. Also, we don't know the full list of bonus features, and the price will certainly be affected by the cost of producing or acquiring the additional material.

So $200 may be a little on the high side, but if it turns out to be that, I still won't be complaining since what already know about the contents of the box set makes it worth the money.

This is great news!

My old VHS tapes from when "Mama" was on TBS are almost worn out from being watched so many times. Just watched the Jeopardy and Hawaiian trip episodes last week, and the quality was horrid (tracking issues galore).

I asked David Lambert if the Alistar Quince introductions will be reinstated (again, they were taken out in 1985). So let's hope they will be.

I asked David Lambert if the Alistar Quince introductions will be reinstated (again, they were taken out in 1985). So let's hope they will be.
The Alistar Quince introductions WILL be included!!! I have a feeling this series set is going to be one of the best ever. It's going to be the jewel of Raytown and something Mama can be truly proud of!!

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-DVD-Update/18560

The Alistar Quince introductions WILL be included!!! I have a feeling this series set is going to be one of the best ever. It's going to be the jewel of Raytown and something Mama can be truly proud of!!

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-DVD-Update/18560

Kinda figured they would be, but its great to know straight up that Alistar Quince will be included. I'm glad Vahan thought to ask that question.

The truth is, I just remembered someone (forgot who it was) saying that they were taken out when they were were reran in 1985. That was what prompted me to ask.

Why NBC would have done such a thing in '85, though, I don't know.

This is going to be such a huge treat finally being able to see the 35 NBC episodes uncut. I can't wait to spot the segments that were cut for syndication. I've seen the syndicated episodes millions of times so spotting a scene that's new won't be hard for me. I can only imagine the bonus features they're getting for this....I hope that press release comes out later this month...I can't wait much longer!! As far as I'm concerned, this is going to be the ultimate DVD set of all-time!

Box art for season one!! And "Eunice" to be included!!!

http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-Season-1/18585

I'm still holding out for the complete series set. I can't wait for more info on that!!

Eunice!!! YES! At first I intended to get just seasons 1 & 2, but now I too, am going to splurge on the Complete Series Set!!!

I really like the box art for season 1 with one exception. Where's Naomi? She really needs to be on the cover!

I really like the box art for season 1 with one exception. Where's Naomi? She really needs to be on the cover!

Oh wow, I didn't notice that at first, but it looks like she was standing next to Fran/Rue, and got cut off...Major fail! :( They should fix that.

I really like the box art for season 1 with one exception. Where's Naomi? She really needs to be on the cover!

Maybe, since this is the first season, they wanted to show the family as they were at the very beginning. Naomi hadn't joined the family until the 5th episode.

I have another question about new season 1 dvd set. Isn't the episode "Mama's Silver" out of sequence with the other episodes? On the WB set, its episode 13. Naomi is not in the episode, and it seems that Vint and Naomi weren't married yet.

I wonder if this episode will be put back where its supposed to be, like the 2nd or 3rd episode, or if it was aired as episode 13 when NBC originally broadcasted it. :confused:

I have another question about new season 1 dvd set. Isn't the episode "Mama's Silver" out of sequence with the other episodes? On the WB set, its episode 13. Naomi is not in the episode, and it seems that Vint and Naomi weren't married yet.

I wonder if this episode will be put back where its supposed to be, like the 2nd or 3rd episode, or if it was aired as episode 13 when NBC originally broadcasted it. :confused:WB put the episodes in airdate order not in production order. I usually tend to like airdate order better but in this case it doesn't make sense to see episodes with Vint and Naomi married and then a few episodes later they're not. The 1st season episode "Alien Marriage" is also another example of this.

Since StarVista has been releasing The Carol Burnett Show, it wouldn't surprise me if they ported over a few of "The Family" sketches to the new "Mama's Family" sets. In particular, the very first sketch. It would be nice if they would include a few of the sketches that haven't been released yet (like the family visiting a fancy restaurant, Ed visits a massage parlor, mama's sister Mae dies, the family playing Password, Dick Van Dyke drops by as Dan when Ed leaves Eunice).

Since StarVista has been releasing The Carol Burnett Show, it wouldn't surprise me if they ported over a few of "The Family" sketches to the new "Mama's Family" sets. In particular, the very first sketch. It would be nice if they would include a few of the sketches that haven't been released yet (like the family playing Sorry!, Ed visits a massage parlor, mama's sister Mae dies, Password, Dick Van Dyke drops by as Dan when Ed leaves Eunice).

Is the episode where Dick Van Dyke drops by, the one where Mickey Hart (Tim Conway) is imitating an elephant, and has Carol, Vicki and Dick laughing so hard that they can't speak their lines? (I would love for that to be on DVD!)

Is the episode where Dick Van Dyke drops by, the one where Mickey Hart (Tim Conway) is imitating an elephant, and has Carol, Vicki and Dick laughing so hard that they can't speak their lines? (I would love for that to be on DVD!) That's the sketch when they play Password. Dick Van Dyke is in it, too.

I'm gonna work on a "The Family" sketch guide and post it soon.

That's the sketch when they play Password. Dick Van Dyke is in it, too.

I'm gonna work on a "The Family" sketch guide and post it soon.

Really? Well it shouldn't surprise me because Vicki Lawrence was a PW pro. In fact one episode of Password Plus had her and Carol playing "The Family" characters.

I can't wait to check this new set out...I saw Vicki Lawrence live in Rahway months ago, and she was great. That made me want to search out more of her work.

Really? Well it shouldn't surprise me because Vicki Lawrence was a PW pro. In fact one episode of Password Plus had her and Carol playing "The Family" characters.

I can't wait to check this new set out...I saw Vicki Lawrence live in Rahway months ago, and she was great. That made me want to search out more of her work.
I think it was a week-long special with Mama and Eunice on Password Plus. I've seen some of it on YouTube, you may want to check it out, it's pretty funny!

So are they only going to release seasons one and two as stand-alone sets?

I hope they'll also give the syndicated years stand-alone releases. Because the complete set is going to be quite pricey.

So are they only going to release seasons one and two as stand-alone sets?

I hope they'll also give the syndicated years stand-alone releases. Because the complete set is going to be quite pricey.

Pricey or not, I'd rather they do it this way after 7 years than make us wait another 2-3 years to finish the whole series.

So are they only going to release seasons one and two as stand-alone sets?

I hope they'll also give the syndicated years stand-alone releases. Because the complete set is going to be quite pricey.
It's a safe bet that they will release seasons 3-6 separate but it will probably be a few months after the complete series is released.

I can't wait for more info on the complete set. I've always been a huge fan of Mama and this set is just what I've been waiting forever for!

So are they only going to release seasons one and two as stand-alone sets?

I hope they'll also give the syndicated years stand-alone releases. Because the complete set is going to be quite pricey.

Like most long-running series, future season sets will depend on the sales for season 1 and 2. But given the show's continuing popularity, I imagine that more season sets will be coming in time. Even Warner's "take it or leave it" edited season 1 release had respectable sales, but since many fans like myself refused to support such a shoddy release, the unedited episodes, not to mention the bonus of additional features should make the new DVDs a hot seller.

Since seasons 3-6 are already produced for the complete series set, it would only be to their benefit to sell them seperately also, later on.

Official press release: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=18620
It says it will include key "Family" sketches. I wonder if it will be some that's already been released on the Carol Burnett sets or if they'll pull a surprise and through a few unreleased ones in the mix.

Update: according to the website mamasfamilydvds.com, it says only the one "Family" sketch will be included. It's the very first one called "Family Reunion" with Roddy McDowall.

I JUST PLACED MY ORDER!!!! I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER!!!!

i am gonna do the 5 easy payments on this set!

EEeeeeeeeeeeeee:D Just ordered my copy and the set looks great plus all the extras....I used the payment installments....cant wait to get it!

So what do you think tlc38? This set sounds awesome. Glad to know some of the special features.

I have one minor disappointment. Why are Karen Argoud and Eric Brown not included in the featurettes. Everybody else is there except for the late Rue McClanahan and the late Harvey Korman. It would be interesting to see what Buzz and Sonya look like today, and where the heck they are!

So what do you think tlc38? This set sounds awesome. Glad to know some of the special features.

I have one minor disappointment. Why are Karen Argoud and Eric Brown not included in the featurettes. Everybody else is there except for the late Rue McClanahan and the late Harvey Korman. It would be interesting to see what Buzz and Sonya look like today, and where the heck they are!

I'm very pleased with this news. I peed a little bit when I got the email about the press release.

My only two complaints are no Karin Argoud (Sonja) and Eric Brown (Buzz) at the reunion and I would've loved to have seen a different "Family" sketch than the one included. I was hoping for one that hasn't already been released on a DVD set.

That's it....my only complaints....other than that I'm very excited about this release! I've already got my order placed. September won't come soon enough!

My thoughts as to why Eric Brown is not included in there:

He probably wants to forget about his career as an actor. Especially when you consider the fact that he was in two low-budget erotic movies: 1981's Private Lessons, and 1984's They're Playing with Fire. In both movies, he was seduced by two Euro Erotic actresses (Sylvia Kristel and Sybil Danning respectively).

Not to mention he was just 15 when he made Private Lessons.

EEeeeeeeeeeeeee:D Just ordered my copy and the set looks great plus all the extras....I used the payment installments....cant wait to get it!

Me too! I'm so excited. :)

P.S. If anyone uses eBates.com, you can get 6% of your purchase back.

My thoughts as to why Eric Brown is not included in there:

He probably wants to forget about his career as an actor. Especially when you consider the fact that he was in two low-budget erotic movies: 1981's Private Lessons, and 1984's They're Playing with Fire. In both movies, he was seduced by two Euro Erotic actresses (Sylvia Kristel and Sybil Danning respectively).

Not to mention he was just 15 when he made Private Lessons.

Since they were both written out of the series when the show came back in first-run syndication they could have less than warm feelings about promoting the show today.

I want to order the set but I want to know if it has closed captioning/english subtitles before I order it...

I want to order the set but I want to know if it has closed captioning/english subtitles before I order it...
Just call StarVista. The number is on their site.

Just call StarVista. The number is on their site.

Thank you, will do!

now THAT is how you do a DVD release. :D

But, it's only going to be available via TimeLife?

Just called them twice and the jerk hung on me twice :mad:

now THAT is how you do a DVD release. :D

But, it's only going to be available via TimeLife?
Yes, the complete series set will only be available to purchase trough their website but eventually the individual season sets will be in stores---minus all the goodie extras.

Just called a 3rd time and they said it will not have english subtitles or closed captioning

That is very disappointing but I told the guy to put english subtitles on the set or I will not be buying and he said he will pass the information along but I doubt they will put english subtitles on the set but it is worth a try

I guess I will stick with the season 1 set I have

It is a damn shame, I was looking forward to buying it :(

I'm very pleased with this news. I peed a little bit when I got the email about the press release.

My only two complaints are no Karin Argoud (Sonja) and Eric Brown (Buzz) at the reunion and I would've loved to have seen a different "Family" sketch than the one included. I was hoping for one that hasn't already been released on a DVD set.

That's it....my only complaints....other than that I'm very excited about this release! I've already got my order placed. September won't come soon enough!
It doesn't say there's only one family sketch. I get the idea they'll be a selection of them.

A poster that I do not want to name, quoted someone on IMDB who claimed to have seen "Snow Job".


"So a friend of mine actually has a tape of a bunch of Mama's Family episodes that he recorded when they first aired and I just popped it in one day at his house simply for something to do, and Bedtime for Bubba came on and I watched that. And then it took me a while to realize that I had never seen the next episode before. And then it hit me!

In this episode, it snows in Raytown and everyone goes crazy! All the businesses close for days and everyone is excited...everyone but Mama, who is stuck at home with her family...her worst nightmare. It was pretty funny!

I think these episodes' tapes just got lost."

Whoever made this claim is probably some wacko who spends too much time on the Internet, and needs to go outside more often.

I tend to believe the people who say that everything they filmed aired, more than this loser.

I didn't quote him, merely paraphrasing.

The whole "lost episodes" rumors will always be around no matter how many people shoot the theory down. Mama herself could say no to the idea and people would still believe that there are 5 episodes out there just floating around. I still think that if there were lost episodes then they would've surfaced by now....at least on YouTube. Hell, eveything's on YouTube, I know these would be sooner or later.

Speaking of YouTube, while browsing the other day I found the "Famiky" sketch where Mama and Eunice go visit Carl's grave. It aired on "Carol & Company" and it was the very last "Family" sketch. Just do a search for "rarely seen Eunice sketch" and it'll be the first result to pop up!

It doesn't say there's only one family sketch. I get the idea they'll be a selection of them.
The press release says "Key "Family" sketches from THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW" and then the official website (mamasfamilydvds.com) says "The Carol Burnett Show Family sketch (Family Reunion)"

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what's included unless someone breaks down and calls StarVista.

My thoughts as to why Eric Brown is not included in there:

He probably wants to forget about his career as an actor. Especially when you consider the fact that he was in two low-budget erotic movies: 1981's Private Lessons, and 1984's They're Playing with Fire. In both movies, he was seduced by two Euro Erotic actresses (Sylvia Kristel and Sybil Danning respectively).

Not to mention he was just 15 when he made Private Lessons.
:lol:

I still think that if there were lost episodes then they would've surfaced by now....at least on YouTube. Hell, eveything's on YouTube, I know these would be sooner or later.

False.

No, TLC is correct. In fact, I am currently researching broadcasting magazine right now to prove to you that whoever said those 5 episodes aired once and then never again is lying.

I've watched the "commercial" on the official website (mamasfamilydvds.com) over 20 times now and there are a few things I noticed about it. They only show clips from the 2nd season (there may be 1 or 2 from season 1, I'll have to go watch it again now lol). They don't show Aunt Fran, Buzz, or Sonja at all. They show Ellen (Betty White) a lot...I'm sure this is because of her popularity.

By the way, I think the 30th anniversary (syndicated) cast reunion will be worth the $200 alone.

I'm sure many residents in the Mobile, Alabama-Pensacola, Florida TV market would love the news about the DVDs planned by StarVista Entertainment, since "Mama's Family" was very popular in this area during the 1990s.

Here is a link (http://www.examiner.com/article/commentary-good-news-for-folks-who-love-the-tv-program-mama-s-family) to an article about the popularity of the program in the area and the news about StarVista Entertainment's plans.

No, TLC is correct. In fact, I am currently researching broadcasting magazine right now to prove to you that whoever said those 5 episodes aired once and then never again is lying.

My statement to TLC was in response to his/her claim that "everything is on youtube". They made it sound like every single show and movie ever filmed is on there and that is so false it's laughable. It's not even close.

You can't prove that these episodes don't exist so don't even bother trying. You have a weird obsession with this matter.

btw, in case anyone wants to see it for themselves, here is the link to the episode guide where it mentions the 5 lost episodes. And being that there are episodes names and episode numbers, I can't believe these don't exist.

http://forehead511.tripod.com/lkhkjh.html

That episode guide is not official and even if the shows were unaired originally, they would have surfaced in syndication later.

That's very smart Wiseguy. You just insulted my intelligence. Look in the mirror to see somebody who has a weird obsession with this.

It seems you have never heard of broadcasting magazine before. It is a long-time weekly trade magazine, now known as broadcasting and cable. It's been a while since I looked it up, but come to think of it, I do remember seeing an ad for the show in a 1987 issue, announcing 110 episodes, including, for the first time in syndication, all 35 original NBC episodes, slated to begin stripping in Fall 1989. No mention of unaired episodes (1 in season 4, 3 in season 5), otherwise, it would have said 114.

I will post a picture of the ad when I get to it again.

That's very smart Wiseguy. You just insulted my intelligence. Look in the mirror to see somebody who has a weird obsession with this.

It seems you have never heard of broadcasting magazine before. It is a long-time weekly trade magazine, now known as broadcasting and cable. It's been a while since I looked it up, but come to think of it, I do remember seeing an ad for the show in a 1987 issue, announcing 110 episodes, including, for the first time in syndication, all 35 original NBC episodes, slated to begin stripping in Fall 1989. No mention of unaired episodes (1 in season 4, 3 in season 5), otherwise, it would have said 114.

I will post a picture of the ad when I get to it again.
There are no unaired episodes. All unaired episodes are automatically put in the syndicated package. That's been the case with many different shows as well. The only case that I can think of an episode being left out was the I Love Lucy Christmas episode and that was well documented. There have been cases where certain seasons weren't syndicated with the rest but that hasn't happened in years and everybody knows about them. If any episodes had not been included it would have been well documented.

REALITY CHECK!!

When you include the 5 lost episodes, combined with the other episodes post NBC, that comes out to exactly 100. The magic number for syndication. Granted not every syndicated show had to have 100, but that was always the ideal number. That's another reason I believe they exist.

And as for you people's ignorant claims that these lost episodes definitely would be put in the syndicated packages, had they existed, I will draw your attention to Married...With Children. This is an example and it's only because I saw the lost episode for the first time yesterday, on the dvd's I purchased. The lost episode "I'll See You In Court" never aired during the show's original run. Additionally, I watched this show religiously on syndication for years, as late as 2003, and never saw that episode in there either. So please spare me your wild speculation that you are passing off as truth that the lost episodes definitely would have made syndication.

And here's another example of your ignorance:

The lost episode of MWC originally aired in some parts of the world during 1988-1989, such as Canada and Australia.

Try again. You're the one who needs a reality check, not us.

Proof?

Meanwhile, here's yet another person claiming to have heard about one of the lost episodes. Says that 2 of Carol's daughters had knoweldge of an unaired episode that would have taken place after the episode we knows as the finale. Vint and Naomi move on and Iola moves in with Mama and Bubba.

http://radiodiscussions.com/smf/index.php?topic=154225.0;wap2

Would a copy of a swedish tv schedule from 1997 (BEFORE the show went off the air) where said episode of married with children aired do?

Here is a link (http://www.examiner.com/article/history-of-mama-s-family-on-television-mobile) to an article about the TV history of "Mama's Family" in Mobile, Alabama (the article includes details about national broadcasters and local broadcasters).

if u sign up for their emails(starvista) they will send a 10% off coupon(that's $20 off!!)

Would a copy of a swedish tv schedule from 1997 (BEFORE the show went off the air) where said episode of married with children aired do?

not really, my point was already proven. People were claiming that unaired episodes are automatically included in syndication packages and I proved that it wasn't. Another example would be Promised Land and the episode "A Day in the Life". It was filmed but never aired during the show's original run (the episode was filmed for the 1998-1999 season) and didn't air when GMC (now UP) aired the series a few years ago.

I'm sure the unaired PL episode also aired during the local syndication run, prior to the GMC cable run.

if u sign up for to their emails(starvista) they will send a 10% off coupon(that's $20 off!!)
Since I've already ordered MF, I'll just save my code and use it when I buy China Beach later this year!

I wish someone would hurry up and get brave and call StarVista to see which (if more than the one) "Family" sketches will be on the set. I don't have enough courage to call but I know someone on the boards does...

I'm willing to bet that if we do get more than the one sketch, the others will have already been released on The Carol Burnett Show ultimate collection. It would be awesome if we could get one or two unreleased sketches.

Mama's Family Complete Series Preview

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfDH833CDJc

was a "guest star"? She was a series regular during the NBC run. :lol:

was a "guest star"? She was a series regular during the NBC run. :lol:
Yeah, I don't know why she was considered a "guest star", she was on as much as Rue McClanahan!

was a "guest star"? She was a series regular during the NBC run. :lol:
They're taking full advantage of Betty's current popularity. Basically, anything with her name attached to it is a huge hit.

They're taking full advantage of Betty's current popularity. Basically, anything with her name attached to it is a huge hit.

The Betty White show was not a huge hit

The Betty White show was not a huge hit
That was in the 70's. I meant everything she does NOW.

That was in the 70's. I meant everything she does NOW.

Ohhhh

Joined this site just because of my excitement for this set! I've been waiting 20 years for this! Never thought it would ever happen, let alone with such a great package and features. I gotta respond to the person insisting there are unaired episodes.... There are not. People on Facebook wasted no time asking Time-Life about these episodes, they promised to look into it, and finally confirmed they don't exist. "Every thing that was shot, was aired." Maybe there were un-shot scripts, but there are no "lost"episodes.

The Betty White show was not a huge hit

I thought the Betty White show was hilarious and can't understand why it wasn't a hit. It may not have lasted, but Betty and Gloria Engel's working relationship lasts to this day on Hot in Cleveland, well over 30 years after the fact.

I noticed that they were originally taking pre-orders on the 26th, but started a week ago instead. Since the shipping week is listed as "expected" I wonder if there's a chance they will send them out early? I tried to get my order in asap, because i know time-life ships in waves of first come, first serve. I've waited long enough for this!

was a "guest star"? She was a series regular during the NBC run.

Betty talks in her book "Here We Go Again" about how she arranged her contract with this show to be only a certain number of episodes so she would legally be considered a guest star and still be able to do other projects. She was always billed as a guest star (along with Carol and Harvey).

http://www.oocities.org/goldengirlskatie/mf21.jpg



Yeah, I don't know why she was considered a "guest star", she was on as much as Rue McClanahan!

Comparing their IMDB pages Rue was in in 9 more episodes than Betty.

Betty talks in her book "Here We Go Again" about how she arranged her contract with this show to be only a certain number of episodes so she would legally be considered a guest star and still be able to do other projects. She was always billed as a guest star (along with Carol and Harvey).

http://www.oocities.org/goldengirlskatie/mf21.jpg





Comparing their IMDB pages Rue was in in 9 more episodes than Betty.
Kinda like Cloris Leachman was billed as "Special Guest Star" on TMTMS and Heather Locklear on Melrose Place was too.

Time-life is also listing a "signature" set, signed by Vicki Lawrence for $299.99. I'm not really sure it's worth it, but I decided to upgrade. I've been waiting so long, might as well get it signed too.

Time-life is also listing a "signature" set, signed by Vicki Lawrence for $299.99. I'm not really sure it's worth it, but I decided to upgrade. I've been waiting so long, might as well get it signed too.
I'm not upgrading and paying $100 more just for an autograph on the box art. If it were an actual exclusive photo of Mama, that would be different but my boxes almost always end up getting scratched up and bent in some form so I can't see spending $100 for an autograph that I can't frame or put in a keepsake book.....but I still love 'ya StarVista for giving up this awesome set!

I'm not upgrading and paying $100 more just for an autograph on the box art. If it were an actual exclusive photo of Mama, that would be different but my boxes almost always end up getting scratched up and bent in some form so I can't see spending $100 for an autograph that I can't frame or put in a keepsake book.....but I still love 'ya StarVista for giving up this awesome set!


No doubt, it is definitely expensive! I thought about maybe trying to get her to sign it at one of her shows, but some of the reviews i read said she doesn't sign afterwards. Oh well. I'll have to find a place to keep it where it'll be safe. Someday I'd like to get a signed photo of Mama too...or the whole cast...that would be amazing. I'm so excited for this I could explode.

I impulsively bought a signed set for The Carol Burnett Show. Carol, Vicki and Tim signed them.

Time-life is also listing a "signature" set, signed by Vicki Lawrence for $299.99. I'm not really sure it's worth it, but I decided to upgrade. I've been waiting so long, might as well get it signed too.


I believe it should come included with the original price for those who bought it early. Just my thought on it.

I just realized that the release of Mama's Family is on My Bday..yay...what a great Bday present it will be!

I'm not upgrading and paying $100 more just for an autograph on the box art. If it were an actual exclusive photo of Mama, that would be different but my boxes almost always end up getting scratched up and bent in some form so I can't see spending $100 for an autograph that I can't frame or put in a keepsake book.....but I still love 'ya StarVista for giving up this awesome set!

Same here....I try to keep my dvd boxes in good shape but they always seem to get bent or peel at the end...that gets on my nerves...lol

I impulsively bought a signed set for The Carol Burnett Show. Carol, Vicki and Tim signed them.

I don't blame you. I'd buy that too!

http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-The-Complete-Series-Signature-Set/18736

Limited to 500? At $300.00 a piece...thats not very limited. Oh well, I'm still going for it. ;)

Limited to 500? At $300.00 a piece...thats not very limited. ;)I'm settling for the unsigned set this time.

I own it on dvd.http://renee.clothcan.com/1.jpg


This is the first official release, though. Unedited, and should be the best quality available, not recorded from television. I'd love to see the series in HD someday, but i doubt it will happen. :( The 10+ hours of bonus features doesn't hurt either. Im so excited for that.:happyface i'm way too impatient for this.

I just ordered the $199 version (no autographs). I did sign up for the StarVista email, which gave me $20 off. I'm doing the five installment payments -- ~$35 each.

Can't wait to watch the cast reunion and see Iola. I have missed her!

Can't wait to watch the cast reunion and see Iola. I have missed her!

You and me both! I think Iola is one of TV's most underrated sidekicks. To me, she's just as good (if not better than) as Lucy's Ethel, Laverne's Shirley or Mary's Rhoda. Especially with Iola being a "character" that is so not like Beverly Archer in MANY ways... that just goes to show her acting abilities are limitless. She is truly one of the greats!

I am new to the boards, but I was just giddy when I got the press release from tvshowsondvd.com. I fell in love with this show when I was a little girl and it's one of all my time favorites. The box art is very nice and I am excited for all the extras! :)

The countdown is on!! It's less than a month before the sets start shipping!

I got a bit concerned when I checked my order and it said back ordered because I thought I hadn't pre-ordered in time for the first batch of DVDs Time Life would receive. But, a quick reply from TL assured me all pre-orders say back ordered until they are in stock and my order would ship the week of 9/2. Phew!

For those fans who can't swing the $200 for the complete series, a number of E-tailers have all four releases scheduled for Sept. 10 ready for pre-order at very reasonable prices, among them Buy.com, DeepDiscount and CDImports. DeepDiscount even has the box art for all four. Strangely, Amazon still only has Season 2 listed for pre-order and still no box art. They are usually the first to have new releases up for pre-order.

For those fans who can't swing the $200 for the complete series, a number of E-tailers have all four releases scheduled for Sept. 10 ready for pre-order at very reasonable prices, among them Buy.com, DeepDiscount and CDImports. DeepDiscount even has the box art for all four. Strangely, Amazon still only has Season 2 listed for pre-order and still no box art. They are usually the first to have new releases up for pre-order.

Just an update that Barnes and Noble and Best Buy both have all four releases for pre-order now. Amazon still only has Season 2, still without box art, listed. Someone at Amazon or Time-Life must be asleep at the switch.

Just 3 weeks before the sets start shipping!!!!! It seems like it was so long ago when we first got news about this and now it's only 3 weeks away!

I wonder which episodes will be on the "best of" sets.

Man, 3 weeks still feels like a lifetime! I can't take it!! :)

I'm counting down the days, and yes, 3 weeks seem like an eternity right now!

Just 3 weeks before the sets start shipping!!!!! It seems like it was so long ago when we first got news about this and now it's only 3 weeks away!

I wonder which episodes will be on the "best of" sets.

I have a partial answer to your question about the "best of" sets. On the CD Universe website, the description of BOS1 mentions: Vint and the Kids Move In, The Wedding - Part 1, The Wedding - Part 2, Cellmates, Family Feud, Positive Thinking and Mama's Boyfriend. So all four appearances by Carol Burnett that season are included.

For season two, the description only mentions Ask Aunt Fran, Rashomama (Carol's final appearance) and Aunt Gert (Imogene Coca) Rides Again, but I would assume there will be four additional episodes similar to season 1. Funny that StarVista hasn't issued a press release for these sets as they did for the complete series. Just a wild guess on my part but since they made special mention in their video of the special guest stars featured on the show that the episodes with Jerry Reed and Fred Willard might be included as well as at least one episode that spotlighted Ellen (Betty White).

For season two, the description only mentions Ask Aunt Fran, Rashomama (Carol's final appearance) and Aunt Gert (Imogene Coca) Rides Again, but I would assume there will be four additional episodes similar to season 1. Funny that StarVista hasn't issued a press release for these sets as they did for the complete series. Just a wild guess on my part but since they made special mention in their video of the special guest stars featured on the show that the episodes with Jerry Reed and Fred Willard might be included as well as at least one episode that spotlighted Ellen (Betty White).


I found the 6 episodes on the best of season 2 set from the Amazon listing. You have to do a search for "mama's family favorites" for it to appear. It's funny that when you do that search, it still doesn't list the best of season 1 set.

Country Club, Rashomama, Gert Rides Again, Mama Learns to Drive, Mama Buys a Car, and Dear Aunt Fran

I've seen the episode title as both Dear Aunt Fran and Ask Aunt Fran, I'm not sure which one is actually correct.

I have no interest in buying the best of sets because I'm getting the complete series but it's still nice to know that the episodes on these best of sets were picked by Vicki herself.

I found the 6 episodes on the best of season 2 set from the Amazon listing. You have to do a search for "mama's family favorites" for it to appear. It's funny that when you do that search, it still doesn't list the best of season 1 set.

Country Club, Rashomama, Gert Rides Again, Mama Learns to Drive, Mama Buys a Car, and Dear Aunt Fran

I've seen the episode title as both Dear Aunt Fran and Ask Aunt Fran, I'm not sure which one is actually correct.

I have no interest in buying the best of sets because I'm getting the complete series but it's still nice to know that the episodes on these best of sets were picked by Vicki herself.

So Vicki will actually be introducing each of the episodes picked for the "Best of" sets. Nice. So Amazon has both the Season 2 and Best of Season 2 sets for pre-order (if you can find them), but still no Season 1 or BOS1. Very strange that Amazon is about the only major online retailer that still is missing Season 1.

I also ordered the complete series but the "best of" sets might make nice stocking stuffers at Christmas. Hats off to StarVista for figuring out how to make MF available to both the casual and serious fan and at different prices for just about every budget. I hope Warner Home Video is taking notes.

So Vicki will actually be introducing each of the episodes picked for the "Best of" sets. Nice.
I'm not sure if she'll introduce the episodes or not but the episodes were chosen by her as the "best" ones from seasons 1 and 2.

I hope Warner Home Video is taking notes.
Honestly, if it weren't for the Warner Archive releasing "Alice", "Growing Pains", "Night Court", and "Eight is Enough", I don't give a flying flip about Warner Home Video. I only hope that the Warner Archive continues to release more season sets that otherwise wouldn't make it in retail stores. I wish Warner Archive would take over releasing "Family Matters" and "Perfect Strangers" that way we might see a new season at least every year or so.

[QUOTE=tlc38tlc38]I'm not sure if she'll introduce the episodes or not but the episodes were chosen by her as the "best" ones from seasons 1 and 2.

Actually, the description on Amazon does mention that Vicki will be on camera talking about each episode.

http://www.amazon.com/Mamas-Family-Favorites-Season/dp/B00EGWHALK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376479475&sr=8-2&keywords=mama%27s+family+favorites

I just pre-ordered my complete series set! I rarely pre-order anything, but this is too good to wait for, any longer.

By the way, if Vicki is introducing her favorite episodes, what happens with the Allistar Quince introductions.:confused:

I just pre-ordered my complete series set! I rarely pre-order anything, but this is too good to wait for, any longer.

By the way, if Vicki is introducing her favorite episodes, what happens with the Allistar Quince introductions.:confused:

I'm sure that Vicki's comments will precede each episode which will then be presented in full. StarVista has been adament that the NBC shows will be 100% complete as first broadcast, including Alistair Quince. So I'm pretty sure there is nothing to be concerned about. As far as I know, Vicki's introductions will only be included in the "Best of" DVDs.

I hope not. I think they should be included in the main set too. I can't understand giving features on smaller sets that are not included in the complete "exclusive" collection. As someone paying $300, I won't be too happy about that. Im hope StarVista wouldn't do something so dumb.

The official press release for the four DVD sets scheduled for Sept. 10 has been posted on TVShowsOnDVD.com, and it contradicts earlier information about the extras for Season 1 and 2 sets. The extras are as follows:

THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE - Featurette: Mama's Family Tree: The Branches (All About Eunice and Ellen); Family History: A Classic "Family" Sketch from 'The Carol Burnett Show', featuring Betty White (Show #1012, December 11, 1976).

THE COMPLETE SEASON TWO - Movie: "Eunice" (Original Air Date: March 15, 1982); Featurette: Mama's Family Tree: The Roots (All About Mama and Fran); Interviews: Vicki Lawrence interviews Mama, Vicki Lawrence interviews Carol Burnett, Betty White.

So the "Eunice" movie is actually an extra for Season 2, not Season 1 as reported earlier.


Taken from: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Mamas-Family-Seasons-1-and-2/18869#ixzz2cSbWZ2AO

Please note they are not shipping everyone's copy on September 2nd...if u preordered call them and they will tell you the date your copy is going to be mailed...mine won't be mailed until September 9th despite ordering the day after the announcement....I was told they weren't prepared for the high number of orders.

Please note they are not shipping everyone's copy on September 2nd...if u preordered call them and they will tell you the date your copy is going to be mailed...mine won't be mailed until September 9th despite ordering the day after the announcement....I was told they weren't prepared for the high number of orders.

I guess mine won't becoming 'til the 9th. But its interesting to know that they weren't expecting such a high number of pre-orders. That goes to show you how popular Mama's Family is.:cool:

Amazon still only has Season 2, still without box art, listed. Someone at Amazon or Time-Life must be asleep at the switch.
Who ever is in charge of posting pictures of products on Amazon, must not have any idea Season 1 is being re-released. They probably aren't a Mama's Family fan. The question is, how do you order it?

They are both listed on Amazon now.

They are both listed on Amazon now.

If I type in Mama's Family Season 1, it shows up. If I just type Mama's Family, its not there. Weird!

If I type in Mama's Family Season 1, it shows up. If I just type Mama's Family, its not there. Weird!

I find only the old season 1, from 2006.

I find only the old season 1, from 2006.

The link below will take you directly to the new season 1 listing. But there is certainly something screwy about the way Amazon has the new Mama's Family releases listed that makes them difficult to find.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D2UMHB0/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=084M63ETNASQ02VRVNHT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846

Just out of curiosity, does anybody know what the special features are (if any) on the The Complete First & Second Season DVDs? I'm not talking about the complete series on DVD, I'm talking about the individual DVD sets for Seasons One and Two.

Just out of curiosity, does anybody know what the special features are (if any) on the The Complete First & Second Season DVDs? I'm not talking about the complete series on DVD, I'm talking about the individual DVD sets for Seasons One and Two.
The "Eunice " movie is on season 2; A new Betty White interview; an interview with Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett; Vicki Lawrence interviewing Mama; there's more!

I saw the extras somewhere, not I can't figure out where!

I cant believe people who ordered the day after the presale started have their order delayed! Thats so crazy. Im glad it's selling, though. I wonder when the people who just getting around to ordering will recieve theirs...November?! Mine is supposed to ship the 3rd. Hope it does, cause i cant wait any longer!

I placed my order on the day it was announced for preorder (June 26) but I had to call about 2 weeks ago and cancel it due to unexpected expenses. I plan on ordering it again late September or early October. Hopefully with me doing this it won't be Christmas before I receive it. I've so looked forward to this but things happen and more important things have to come first.

Yup, gotta be responsible and frugel, even though that sucks sometimes. :( I'd be willing to bet its just initial orders that are delayed, Im sure all of them will ship in September or early October. The website says backorders ship in less than 30 days, typically much sooner.

I see on the Starvista/TimeLife website, preorders now are shipping the week of September 11th. It's great to know the show still has so many fans. :)

It seems that new ship date is for everyone, all orders are delayed a week (or more). Disappointing :(

Yeah that is disappointing. I was counting down to this week. :(

Im hoping there's still a chance they'll send out some of them this week. I did buy the signature set, of which there is only 500 and not all of them are sold. So, I don't see why they couldn't send those? I don't know. Ive just been so anxious to get this i hate waiting another 2 weeks!! I would think they'd at least send an e-mail out about a delay. When I called to inquire about it, they told me they could give no shipping date, only that i'd receive a tracking number when it's in the mail. Not so helpful...

Yeah, you would think they could send out the signature set at least. And with someone saying they were able to get their shipping date a while back, but now, you couldn't, it's just odd. It would be interesting to know how many preorders have been taken as opposed to how many preorders they anticipated. My fingers are crossed the Sept. 11th release is just for preorders taken recently and we will get ours shipped this week!

I think it makes for great discussion!http://smith.blogdet.com/1.jpg
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Same here! A lot of online media magazine have been covering the release. This website, in fact, recently posted an article about it being one of the biggest releases of the year. Some media sites are still posting the 3rd as the "release date", stating that is when they will be shipping. It seems strange though, that Time-Life couldn't say so 3 days beforehand. I really don't think it would be fair to change the date and not tell anyone! They never gave a specific day, but the week of shipping has been listed for 2 months...until now. :( well i hope if anyone out there gets one, they'll fill us in on the details. :)

On their website, they do say the preorder shipping date is an estimate and can change, but yeah, why change it so soon before the original date listed? You would think they would have anticipated it much sooner since people have been preordering since late June.

Here is the bad news direct from Time-Life's Facebook page: I apologize for the delay in reply. The set appears to have been delayed at the manufacturer, though we are working hard with them to try to get it shipped out this week. We'll announce here when they start to go out. Sets are shipping in order the purchases were placed. So, if you purchased in June, you will ship out on the first day they are available.

So it looks very unlikely sets will be shipping before next week at the earliest. And if you only ordered the complete series recently, you may be in for a long wait.

I wish I had ordered mine in June, but for whatever reason, I didn't get to order until mid-July. Hopefully, mine won't be too delayed. I was wondering when Time Life was going to say something when I saw the thread on their FB page at the end of last week. I'm glad they let us know what's going on.

THAT. SUCKS. It's also sort of strange...since the manufacturer would be contracted to have them ready by a certain date. I wonder if that means the signature sets will take even longer if they are not ready and need to be signed.

Oh, wow, I ordered mine in mid August. Looks like it'll be an early Christmas present for me. You guys that ordered in June were smart!!

Here is TimeLife's latest update via their FB page:

Hi all - The signature sets are also delayed. Vicki is signing the final sets, so if they aren't complete, she can't sign them. We are working with the manufacture to try to rush a few to our warehouse asap to get to those that ordered the earliest. We apologize for the unexpected delay. We've put the pressure on the supplier to get back on schedule.

This sucks:mad:

Anyone have a link to their facebook page so I can see and add them...I hate this...I was expecting my copy at the end of the week or early next week....:mad:

Here is the link to their FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/TimeLifeUS You'll have to look on the right side and look for Recent Posts by Others.

Here is the link to their FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/TimeLifeUS


Thank you

TVshowsondvd now has the listing for the release next week and NOT this week.:mad:

I was hoping to get mine sooner too, but it is what it is I suppose. But, even if some get Seasons 1 and 2 before we get the complete set, we'll end up getting the complete set before they get all seasons on DVD. :)

Thank you

TVshowsondvd now has the listing for the release next week and NOT this week.:mad:

That is for the individual season 1 and 2 releases, not the complete series. Since June, Time-Life has posted on it's web site that the complete series will ship the week of Sept 2. That is certainly not going to happen now since whoever is manufacturing the sets for T-L is way behind schedule and has no sets ready to go yet.

I just checked TVShowsOnDVD and their website now reflects the September 11th release date.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/Mamas-Family-Complete-Series/13530

I just checked TVShowsOnDVD and their website now reflects the September 11th release date.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/Mamas-Family-Complete-Series/13530

For all practical purposes, that's just a date they pulled out of the air. On their Facebook page they are not making any promises about when they will actually be able to start shipping since the manufacturer has yet to deliver even a single complete set.

Well the bright side is that the set is selling well! Maybe it will encourage Star-Vista to bring other long awaited shows, since Mama is so successful!

For all practical purposes, that's just a date they pulled out of the air. On their Facebook page they are not making any promises about when they will actually be able to start shipping since the manufacturer has yet to deliver even a single complete set.

Exactly. I think they're avoiding saying they don't know when they'll be available. I've read on other boards that they have had releases delayed a month or more before, but usually because they were adding more features at the last minute. This is not the case. I think it's going to be longer than they let on.

You would think Star Vista would have checked with the manufacture in August to see how they were going with Mama's Family. This is sloppy work from Star Vista and whoever their manufacture is/are.

It still bothers me that they couldn't even send out an email. If you don't have them on facebook, you wouldn't even know about it. What's more, they didn't even make a statement on there, just responded to a question. Mine isn't a gift, but if it were, it would have been nice to be informed it could be coming 2 weeks (or more) later than I expected. This whole "you'll get it when we send it, whenever that is" Is totally ridiculous and unprofessional. The manufacturer works you, get a date from them and tell your customers! Sure, part of it is my being impatient, but the few times I called to ask a question, they tried selling me the Carol Burnett set. I told them I was interested, but wanted to see how this goes first. So far, since i don't have the item to review... i'm not impressed. Between the lack of and misinformation on the product from the beginning, and now it's shipping...disasterous. I expected better customer service and information for $300.

It still bothers me that they couldn't even send out an email. If you don't have them on facebook, you wouldn't even know about it. What's more, they didn't even make a statement on there, just responded to a question. Mine isn't a gift, but if it were, it would have been nice to be informed it could be coming 2 weeks (or more) later than I expected. This whole "you'll get it when we send it, whenever that is" Is totally ridiculous. Sure, part of it is my being impatient, but the few times I called to ask a question, they tried selling me the Carol Burnett set. I told them I was interested, but wanted to see how this goes first. So, far, since i don't have the item to review... i'm not impressed. Between the lack of information on the product and it's shipping...disasterous. I expected better customer service and information for $300.

Agreed....I've gotten complete season box sets from them with great results...but this is just bad. They should have emailed everyone that the shipment would be late...hell even a discount for the delay...

More bad news folks. On both the Time-Life/StarVista Facebook page and also the Home Theater Forum Mama's Family board there are reports that several of the so-called "unedited" season 1 and 2 discs are in fact the edited syndication versions. Both reports are from people who claim to have advance copies of both seasons and six episodes total are edited. So....if true, StarVista has lied royally about having complete and unedited episodes, something they made a big point of in their PR, which as we have come to realize is mostly a lot of baloney.

Uhhh... Well. If that's true, im not playing nice with them anymore. Is it just me or has every aspect of this release been a total mess? I'm close to just canceling my order and saving myself $300 until i know for sure what this set is about. I'll be interested to see what they say.

Have you all checked out that person's FB page? They have 1 Like and it's the Time Life page. There is nothing else to see at all. I'm not saying they're just trying to start something, but it's suspect.

Have you all checked out that person's FB page? They have 1 Like and it's the Time Life page. There is nothing else to see at all. I'm not saying they're just trying to start something, but it's suspect.


That is interesting... But is it possible their privacy settings only allow us to see that because its something in common? Perhaps they signed up to yell at time life? :)

Honestly, they could have just called Time Life to voice their concern. IMO, taking to FB usually just gets you the attention you're craving.

Honestly, they could have just called Time Life to voice their concern. IMO, taking to FB usually just gets you the attention you're craving.

I was thinking that too, i would have called them. If it is true, however, im glad someone put it out there.

I have to also wonder if Best Buy would legitimately sell copies of a DVD before it's released?

I have to also wonder if Best Buy would legitimately sell copies of a DVD before it's released?

It does happen. I don't know if they actually had permission or not from the distributor. Usually, if its before the release date, the system will not let you sell it because the fine for selling items before the release date is hefty.

It sounds like something someone online would take the chance doing, but I'm not sure a big national company like Best Buy would want to chance it. I would think they would like to stay in good with the production companies, but that's just me.

And when I say someone online, I mean an individual on an auction site or the like.

It sounds like something someone online would take the chance doing, but I'm not sure a big national company like Best Buy would want to chance it. I would think they would like to stay in good with the production companies, but that's just me.

The only thing the makes me question it is that fact that they made a point of saying specific episodes. I feel like if they really wanted to cause trouble, why not say all the episodes are cut? On the flip side, if they purchased them today...did they really watch both seasons to find out? Thats a lot of hours, ya know? Maybe its a bootlegger worried about losing business.

Now, someone else has posted on there agreeing with them. I just don't know. I do agree it may be bootleggers as I know some sets were selling for as much as $75. And yeah, could they really have watched both seasons today?? This could get really interesting.

Now, someone else has posted on there agreeing with them. I just don't know. I do agree it may be bootleggers as I know some sets were selling for as much as $75. And yeah, could they really have watched both seasons today?? This could get really interesting.

It makes me want to hit a Best Buy in the morning to see if I can find a copy of S1.

I'd almost be willing to eat the 20 buck cost just to see whether the three lone voices (one on Amazon, one on FB, one on HTF, all using the same posting style with words like "Fraud" and "Edited" in all caps, BTW) are just one person messing with everyone.

It makes me want to hit a Best Buy in the morning to see if I can find a copy of S1.

I'd almost be willing to eat the 20 buck cost just to see whether the three lone voices (one on Amazon, one on FB, one on HTF, all using the same posting style with words like "Fraud" and "Edited" in all caps, BTW) are just one person messing with everyone.

Yep, I saw all three posts as well. Good response on HTF too. I'm like you, while 6 edited episodes aren't cool, it isn't a dealbreaker for me either. I actually saw seasons 3-6 first and then seasons 1 and 2 later on, so it's not the biggest deal to me. Let us know if you go to BB and see them.

Yep, I saw all three posts as well. Good response on HTF too. I'm like you, while 6 edited episodes aren't cool, it isn't a dealbreaker for me either. I actually saw seasons 3-6 first and then seasons 1 and 2 later on, so it's not the biggest deal to me. Let us know if you go to BB and see them.

I'm definitely not a fan of syndicated versions.

I held out for ALF for ages until I could find the German versions, which are mostly uncut. And, yeah, there are a few edited episodes on those sets as well. But, overall, not enough to make me say "No. No money for you. Bad company." the way the American versions of ALF did, and the WB version of Mama's Family did.

If six of the first 35 episodes are edited... Yeah, it's disappointing, and it should have been mentioned up front. And I'd still love to hear a good reason for it... missing network masters, damaged network masters, whatever.

But, like you, I first saw the Syndicated seasons (3-6), so those are what I'm really looking forward to.

I'm definitely not a fan of syndicated versions.

I held out for ALF for ages until I could find the German versions, which are mostly uncut. And, yeah, there are a few edited episodes on those sets as well. But, overall, not enough to make me say "No. No money for you. Bad company." the way the American versions of ALF did, and the WB version of Mama's Family did.

If six of the first 35 episodes are edited... Yeah, it's disappointing, and it should have been mentioned up front. And I'd still love to hear a good reason for it... missing network masters, damaged network masters, whatever.

But, like you, I first saw the Syndicated seasons (3-6), so those are what I'm really looking forward to.

I am hoping if this guy did get advanced copies, that maybe those are edited and the final versions aren't. I thought TL said the delay was something with the complete set and the individual seasons would release on schedule, but maybe the delay was because of the edited episodes.

I am hoping if this guy did get advanced copies, that maybe those are edited and the final versions aren't. I thought TL said the delay was something with the complete set and the individual seasons would release on schedule, but maybe the delay was because of the edited episodes.

There are a lot of unanswered questions at this point, and hopefully, someone like TSoD is on the case to get it sorted. :lol:

Here is TL response

Our releases will not be available for purchase until next week. You CANNOT purchased them now. However, there are OLD releases out on the market that were the syndicated versions. We know the old releases weren't great. That's why we bought the rights to RE-release ALL the seasons, including 1 and 2.

Here is TL response

Our releases will not be available for purchase until next week. You CANNOT purchased them now. However, there are OLD releases out on the market that were the syndicated versions. We know the old releases weren't great. That's why we bought the rights to RE-release ALL the seasons, including 1 and 2.

It looks like TL is standing their ground, but so is that guy. I guess we all shall see.

Can someone post a link for the HTF thread? Im having trouble finding it...

Can someone post a link for the HTF thread? Im having trouble finding it...

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/320752-mamas-family-30th-anniversary/

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/320752-mamas-family-30th-anniversary/

Thank you! Did everyone see the edits they listed on facebook? Im sort of crushed. Im guessing the cut from season 2 is the "happy days are here again" parody...which i loved. They listed there were other "minor" edits. Reading that broke my heart just a little. Isn't their claim of uncut original masters slightly misleading? No, its not a deal-breaker but...it's not the definitive set we were led to believe.

Thank you! Did everyone see the edits they listed on facebook? Im sort of crushed. Im guessing the cut from season 2 is the "happy days are here again" parody...which i loved. They listed there were other "minor" edits. Reading that broke my heart just a little. Isn't their claim of uncut original masters slightly misleading? No, its not a deal-breaker but...it's not the definitive set we were led to believe.

I saw that and yes, TL should have been upfront about the minor edits. But, if the majority of the 130 episodes are there (as it seems they will be), I will be happy.

The only song I can remember from "Mama for Mayor" is "Harper Days Are Here Again"....which has the same music as "Happy Days Are Here Again".

I was also thinking that Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" might be edited from "Obscene Call". I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

This news is a disappointment but I will still buy this set later on.

I hope "Boogie, Woogie Bugle Boy", performed by Thelma, Fran and Naomi isn't cut. That would destroy that episode. (The Flaming '40's)

They didn't list that... Im guessing if there were more cuts they would let it at all out now. They should, anyway, because they're foolish if they think we won't notice!

As I type this message, Shop HQ (also known as ShopNBC) is broadcasting a program with Vicki Lawrence talking about "Mama's Family" and the DVD sets for the episodes from the first two series (or seasons) of the program.

A friend of mine ordered their set today. He told me they said that they will have 2,000 units on tuesday to send out. So, apparently, even if you order now it will be sent next week. Im sure they did not have 2,000 orders. He said the operator also told him the Signature sets are going to sell out. (Eventually, probably... I dont know about anytime soon.)

Shop HQ is set to have another program dedicated to "Mama's Family" today at 9:00 p.m. (Central time).

Shop HQ is set to have another program dedicated to "Mama's Family" today at 9:00 p.m. (Central time).

Thanks for the info. I set my dvr. Interested to see it.

My cable system just has QVC and HSN. Somebody let us know if Vicki has anything worth while to say about the sets!

OH Wait! I do get SHNBC, and Vicki Lawrence is on the schedule! Got it DVRd! Anyways I never watch the shopping channels, so I had no idea.

They were pushing a "special" package of Season 1 and 2 plus one of the extra discs from the complete set along with the booklet for $50. They showed a lot of clips from the NBC episodes and an interview "via satellite" with Mama herself. The host kept repeating that people who order this will get the DVDs before anyone else, although I'm sure that's misleading since it will probably take several days to ship and Season 1 and 2 will be available in stores by Tuesday.

They also took a few calls from viewers. One viewer asked Vicki what happened to Vint's kids when the show came back after cancellation. She said that NBC insisted that MF had a couple of kids but that they really didn't know what to do with them since most of rest of the family was dysfunctional but they were two perfectly normal kids. When the show came back in syndication, they basically saw it as a chance to reboot the show and that's why they disappeared.

It's a shame that TL lied to us and said all the episodes would be unedited.

I still plan to purchase the Mama's Family set, but I'm going to be very disappointed if the "Harper Days" sequence has been cut from the season 2 episode Mama For Mayor. It's a hilarious bit and shows the gist of Mama's campaign for mayor. I understand if they couldn't clear the music, but at the very least a royalty free song could have been placed over it because the scene doesn't have dialogue. The theme song would have even been appropriate. :(

I still plan to purchase the Mama's Family set, but I'm going to be very disappointed if the "Harper Days" sequence has been cut from the season 2 episode Mama For Mayor. It's a hilarious bit and shows the gist of Mama's campaign for mayor. I understand if they couldn't clear the music, but at the very least a royalty free song could have been placed over it because the scene doesn't have dialogue. The theme song would have even been appropriate. :(


I agree, it would have required some editing but it would have been nice for the sequence to stay in with alternate music of some kind. Oh well. What can ya do?

I see there is yet another person who has posted on FB about the edited episodes who has a hidden account and no profile picture. This one says they're an attorney and will sue TL. This is almost comical.

I see there is yet another person who has posted on FB about the edited episodes who has a hidden account and no profile picture. This one says they're an attorney and will sue TL. This is almost comical.

LOL how would that lawsuit work, exactly? What is wrong with people. In the end, we'd have bought the collection even if it was syndicated, wouldn't we? I would have, anyway. The bonus features make up for it. But, i do think TL should have been up front about the cuts instead of waiting for us to find out on our own.

LOL how would that lawsuit work, exactly? What is wrong with people. In the end, we'd have bought the collection even if it was syndicated, wouldn't we? I would have, anyway. The bonus features make up for it. But, i do think TL should have been up front about the cuts instead of waiting for us to find out on our own.

People are crazy! lol I know I would have bought them even if they were edited and been just as happy. I love this show and it's awesome to get all the episodes on DVD, edited or not. Of course, yes, they should have been upfront about the edits. And again, maybe these people are really bootleggers and want to discourage fans from ordering from TL and just buy the bootlegged sets. I read somewhere Vicki Lawrence encouraged fans to buy bootlegged sets, trying to get the complete series on DVD, and even bought one set herself, but the quality was horrible. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's interesting.

Well, he's not a lawyer. His grammar is pretty poor for someone who went to Law School and apparently he didn't learn that "class action suit" is not correct terminology. I'm thinking angry bootlegger.lol i wonder if TL is starting to regret this release? I bet the China Beach fans were not this crazy...

A represenative from Time Life has just confirmed that 'Harper Days' has indeed been cut from Mama for Mayor on their Facebook page. Disappointed, but oh well, there's always my recorded copy of that episode.

Hi Rob. Unfortunately, that was the scene that had to be removed. It was the only removed scene in the entire series. We do try to replace songs that can't be cleared with new music when appropriate. But, in this case, we were not able to make a replacement work. Sorry to disappoint.

We understand everyone's desire to have the series as complete as possible. We share your passions and it's one of the reasons we go try to release these classic shows after other studios have set them aside or only released them in broken pieces. We're confident that Mama's Family fans are going to love this set. But, if you are unhappy with your collection when you receive it for any reason, our company has a generous return policy that allows for full refunds until 30 days after shipment even if the product has been open. Thanks.


Unfortunately, it was the Happy Days are Here Again montage. It was the only scene cut in the entire 6 seasons, we were unable to get the music rights and could not include it.

I bet the China Beach fans were not this crazy...

I never knew this show had so many loyal crazy fans. lol

I never knew this show had so many loyal crazy fans. lol

I actually caught the shopnbc broadcast and she said, "Mama's family fans are crazy." Well, at least she knows.

Does anyone know where the sets are going to ship from? I was thinking of upgrading my shipping method, so once my set is shipped, I'll get it faster. But, if I'm closer to where it's shipping from, I may just stick with the standard shipping.

I was told Kentucky. Apparently most of them are shipping the 13th except for the earliest orders.

What channel is ShopNBC on directv?

Vicki Lawrence is going to be on "Today" Tuesday (9/10) morning! She will probably be talking about the DVD set!

I was told Kentucky. Apparently most of them are shipping the 13th except for the earliest orders.

I think at this point, anything we're told by Time-Life about shipping dates should be taken with a grain of salt. Until the sets are actually sitting in their warehouse, any dates they give us are just speculation.

I think at this point, anything we're told by Time-Life about shipping dates should be taken with a grain of salt. Until the sets are actually sitting in their warehouse, any dates they give us are just speculation.

Yes i agree.

I think time-life should tell Vicki to stop saying "uncut" and "untouched" in interviews. There's gonna be a backlash from the purists!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/vicki-lawrence-reflects-mamas-family-621006

I think time-life should tell Vicki to stop saying "uncut" and "untouched" in interviews. There's gonna be a backlash from the purists!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/vicki-lawrence-reflects-mamas-family-621006

Okay, this must be the interview I read about her buying the bootlegged set that was horrible quality. It says 9/6/13, but I read this about a month or so ago, before we all heard about the edits. Hopefully her interviews now won't include those terms.

It says that the "Happy Days Are Here Again" is the only scene that was COMPLETELY cut. I'm wondering what (if any) are the other music REPLACEMENTS.

It would look strange for Mama, Naomi, and Fran to be lip-syncing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" with different music playing. The lips wouldn't sync up.

Seriously, these people just creating FB accounts to gripe to TL in all caps with bad spelling and grammar is tiring. Build a bridge already.

It says that the "Happy Days Are Here Again" is the only scene that was COMPLETELY cut. I'm wondering what (if any) are the other music REPLACEMENTS.

It would look strange for Mama, Naomi, and Fran to be lip-syncing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" with different music playing. The lips wouldn't sync up.

Time Life didn't make any mention of this episode being edited on their FB page, so hopefully, it's safe.

Seriously, these people just creating FB accounts to gripe to TL in all caps with bad spelling and grammar is tiring. Build a bridge already.

Right? It's gotta be the same person. They need to get a life. It's getting old... They also write like a psychopath.

I was told Kentucky. Apparently most of them are shipping the 13th except for the earliest orders.

When I get anything shipped from Kentucky, it always gets here quickly, so I may just stick with standard. Thanks!

Right? It's gotta be the same person. They need to get a life. It's getting old... They also write like a psychopath.

Yes, it's a bit scary. It surprised me several of the negative posters actually had profile pictures. I guess some bootleggers aren't scared. haha

Is there any email confirmation that your shipment is on its way?? I dont recall if they send emails.

Is there any email confirmation that your shipment is on its way?? I dont recall if they send emails.

I haven't received any emails about my order but they did say they would email us when it was shipped. Hopefully, we'll all get our emails sometime next week.

I will eventually buy the complete set because I love Mama with a passion but my plans to destroy my bootleg copy is now scrapped. I will keep my bootleg DVDs until its completely and officially confirmed about the edit(s).

I will eventually buy the complete set because I love Mama with a passion but my plans to destroy my bootleg copy is now scrapped. I will keep my bootleg DVDs until its completely and officially confirmed about the edit(s).
Good plan! I was given a dvd-r of Rhoda with the 3 edited episodes from season 1, including the most important scene, Mary seeing Rhoda off at the airport.

Good plan! I was given a dvd-r of Rhoda with the 3 edited episodes from season 1, including the most important scene, Mary seeing Rhoda off at the airport.

Rhoda season 1 dvd has fifteen edited eps :S

I heard it mentioned that the episode "Mama's Boyfriend" was edited, and the only thing that I can think of that could've been a problem is when Mama and her boyfriend sang the "Three Little Fishies" song (the one that went "they swam all over the dam").

Another possible edit is on the "Flaming Forties" episode when Mama plays the ukulele and sings a line from "My Little Grass Shack". And that's aside from the "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" scene in the same episode.

In "Gert Rides Again", they sing the notoriously expensive to license "Happy Birthday" song. I would honestly be a little surprised if that part makes it to the DVD.

That episode also features the instrumental "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis when the nursing home patients play musical chairs.

One more thing that could possibly be edited is at the end of the episode "Mama's Birthday", Eunice sings "Happy, Happy Birthday Mama" on the phone. It's a version of "Happy Happy Birthday Baby".

Keep in mind, I don't have the sets and these are just guesses based on what I remember from the show, and copy-written material that could be a possible licensing problem for the DVDs.

I heard it mentioned that the episode "Mama's Boyfriend" was edited, and the only thing that I can think of that could've been a problem is when Mama and her boyfriend sang the "Three Little Fishies" song (the one that went "they swam all over the dam").

Another possible edit is on the "Flaming Forties" episode when Mama plays the ukulele and sings a line from "My Little Grass Shack". And that's aside from the "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" scene in the same episode.

In "Gert Rides Again", they sing the notoriously expensive to license "Happy Birthday" song. I would honestly be a little surprised if that part makes it to the DVD.

One more thing that could possibly be edited is at the end of the episode "Mama's Birthday", Eunice sings "Happy, Happy Birthday Mama" on the phone. It's a version of "Happy Happy Birthday Baby".

Keep in mind, I don't have the sets and these are just guesses based on what I remember from the show, and copy-written material that could be a possible licensing problem for the DVDs.


Thanks for the info! The more music people list, the more nervous i get. Surely they got the rights to at least some/most of the songs. Here's to hoping the only edits are the ones they listed. I have a sneaking suspision they are not. :(

TL did an awesome job with getting a big chunk of the music when they did the China Beach series so I actually still have some faith that they did the same for MF...of course with the exception of "Harper Days"...which, to my knowledge, is the only confirmed edit we know of so far. If that is the only edit, I can live with that since I still have my bootleg copy.

My concern is less about the minor music edits and mainly with the two season one episodes that run about four minutes shorter than the other episodes in that set, are missing the Alistair Quince intros, and reportedly, have the syndicated opening credits with Mama coming out of her house and picking up her newspaper and going back in, rather than the NBC openings with the original house used for those episodes. Could there be more in season 2 that we don't know about?

On their Facebook page, T-L is saying that the first complete series sets will start to ship on Wednesday, which would be all of the pre-orders through mid-August. The rest, they say, will be shipped by the end of the week.

My concern is less about the minor music edits and mainly with the two season one episodes that run about four minutes shorter than the other episodes in that set, are missing the Alistair Quince intros, and reportedly, have the syndicated opening credits with Mama coming out of her house and picking up her newspaper and going back in, rather than the NBC openings with the original house used for those episodes. Could there be more in season 2 that we don't know about?

On their Facebook page, T-L is saying that the first complete series sets will start to ship on Wednesday, which would be all of the pre-orders through mid-August. The rest, they say, will be shipped by the end of the week.


That does seem strange...i don't understand why the syndicated opening would be used for those episodes. The NBC credits are used on the Warner Bros disc and everyone knows those were all edited. That just makes no sense to me. Perhaps the Korman intos are missing, although Time-Life said on facebook that there were no intros for those episodes. I have no idea. I don't understand why different credits would be used, however, when they're not even from the same run of the series. It would almost be like using opening credits from a different show.

That does seem strange...i don't understand why the syndicated opening would be used for those episodes. The NBC credits are used on the Warner Bros disc and everyone knows those were all edited. That just makes no sense to me. Perhaps the Korman intos are missing, although Time-Life said on facebook that there were no intros for those episodes. I have no idea. I don't understand why different credits would be used, however, when they're not even from the same run of the series. It would almost be like using opening credits from a different show.


Exactly. How could the original masters for two season 1 episodes have the openings for seasons 3 thru 6, THREE years before this new opening with the different house was filmed? The only conclusion I can think of is that Time-Life used the syndicated cuts for (at least) those two episodes. But why??

Exactly. How could the original masters for two season 1 episodes have the openings for seasons 3 thru 6, THREE years before this new opening with the different house was filmed? The only conclusion I can think of is that Time-Life used the syndicated cuts for (at least) those two episodes. But why??

Even if they used the sydicated cuts, the opening credits shouldn't be different. It's an entirely different cast. That just makes no sense at all. Even the syndicated versions would still have the right opening NBC credits. If it's true, that is an obvious cut and paste job on time-life's part...why is the question.

Call me crazy, but I upgraded my shipping so I can hopefully get my order by the weekend. :)

The separate seasons (1 & 2) are available today. Maybe someone reliable (from this board) will get a copy and confirm/deny the edits.

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.

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.

That is a fun box! Love it!

That is a fun box! Love it!

Isn't it? It's not at all what I pictured, but I was very pleasantly surprised. They really went all out with the set, to go through the trouble of making such a unique box. I don't know how thick the spine width will be, but it should be at least 7 Amaray cases thick, if not 8 (it depends whether they put each bonus disc in its own Amaray case or if they doubled them up or put them in slim cases). By the mock-up on their website, they'll each be in a standard size case, so the width might be as much as 5 inches. It definitely won't be a set that'll fit among the rest of our DVDs, but something like this DOES deserve to be "displayed" rather than stacked next to the rest of our collection. I can't wait to get it.

Same here! I'm glad i decided against the signature set in the end. I just changed my order the other day after I found out they were going to take longer. It's the "album" that's signed and not the box itself. I just dont love that idea. Very, very excited to have this in my hands!

Same here! I'm glad i decided against the signature set in the end. I just changed my order the other day after I found out they were going to take longer. It's the "album" that's signed and not the box itself. I just dont love that idea. Very, very excited to have this in my hands!

I ordered the unsigned complete series set, too. I could barely afford $200, but $300? There was just no way. And you'd think with the book/album being what's signed and not the box (which I was surprised about as well), the signature sets would ship at the same time as the rest of them. I mean, they should have had Vicki signing the booklets AS the boxes were being made, so there would be no further delay.

By the way, I just checked my bank account and my first payment for the set (I got the installment billing) was taken out today by Time Life. It's on its way!!

By the way, I just checked my bank account and my first payment for the set (I got the installment billing) was taken out today by Time Life. It's on its way!!

I just checked and mine was taken out too. Whoo Hoo!

I used a CC but i see my tracking says "being prepared for delivery." It's really happening! AHHH!

I just called and ordered my set! The guy said it should ship out within 24 to 72 hours. He also said they still had about 500 sets that were ready to ship that had yet to be ordered.

I just called and ordered my set! The guy said it should ship out within 24 to 72 hours. He also said they still had about 500 sets that were ready to ship that had yet to be ordered.

Wow, that's great! I thought for sure that people who ordered recently would have a much longer wait. Right now on Amazon.com and Walmart.com, the season sets and "favorites" DVDs are all either out of stock or have wait times of a couple days to over a week. These must be really popular sets.