I'd like to catch up on this long running show, but it seems like decades since it has been widely available. Are there distribution/rights issues? There were a few Best of DVDs back in the day, but not much since. Music clearances maybe? with Ricky's hits?

I'd like to catch up on this long running show, but it seems like decades since it has been widely available. Are there distribution/rights issues? There were a few Best of DVDs back in the day, but not much since. Music clearances maybe? with Ricky's hits?

For one thing all the episodes have lapsed into public domain.

For another thing there is probably no syndication agreement, and any network showing it uses whatever source (PD DVD, probably) is available.

You did hit on another problem: the music clearance issue. It's very complicated, from all I've read.

Since rumor has it MPI is (finally) working on mastering the episodes from the best sources available, one would hope Sam Nelson would have them prepare TV masters for syndication.

One of the problems I've read about on Home Theater Forum is the "chopped up" negatives. Some chopped for previous contracts with Disney Channel, and some for the simple purpose of cutting in new footage and/or songs for summer reruns.

As far as the public domain goes, there are an amazing number of episodes available (in the upper 300's out of 435), probably most taken from old 16mm films still "out there." When and if they get around to issuing DVDs, they probably would copyright the DVD episodes. Whether this could generate copyright claims for what's on Youtube, and what's on PD DVDs, is another question.

Back to music: it was such an integral part of the show, I'd hope the DVD sets would include the Rick performances.

One thing I would look forward to is the one color season done right. Right now it's a hodgepodge on Youtube, some in black and white, and some in color but in horrible quality.

As stevea stated, it’s mostly because of the public domain issue.

However....there are plenty of DVD sets out there! Just Google! None are in series order, but IMO the best ones were by Shout! Mill Creek has a very cheap 100 ep set out there, although many of the eps are cut.

There is a RIFE of episodes on YT as well. So there are still many options for viewing O & H for free or very inexpensively.

Thanks to both for the detailed backstory. I'll start checking out what's on youtube. Hope they get a change to restore some more of these.

Thanks to both for the detailed backstory. I'll start checking out what's on youtube. Hope they get a change to restore some more of these.

You’re welcome! YT has a treasure trove of O & H. Also you might get lucky with free streaming platforms like Tubi, Pluto etc.