is that there is no latest news. It's been over two months since the last update on the www.dickvandykeshow.com site (although that isn't unusual because over 7 months went by between updates on the progress of the dvd's before the last one in June).

I'm so anxious to see this thing happen, and I continue to get NO response to emails I send in. You know, why have an email link on the site if you're never gonna get a reply?!!

I'm patiently (and with fingers still crossed) waiting for the day when I go to the web site and see an update that says "DVDonDVD is finished and will be available in one month! Pre-order today!" Then and only then will I really believe that this set is coming out for sure.

B&W "if they are gonna make this happen for Christmas, I would expect an update very soon telling us it's almost done - otherwise we can kiss another December 25th goodbye without our DVDonDVD set sitting under the tree" fan

Originally posted by B&W fan
is that there is no latest news. It's been over two months since the last update on the www.dickvandykeshow.com site (although that isn't unusual because over 7 months went by between updates on the progress of the dvd's before the last one in June).

I'm so anxious to see this thing happen, and I continue to get NO response to emails I send in. You know, why have an email link on the site if you're never gonna get a reply?!!

I'm patiently (and with fingers still crossed) waiting for the day when I go to the web site and see an update that says "DVDonDVD is finished and will be available in one month! Pre-order today!" Then and only then will I really believe that this set is coming out for sure.

B&W "if they are gonna make this happen for Christmas, I would expect an update very soon telling us it's almost done - otherwise we can kiss another December 25th goodbye without our DVDonDVD set sitting under the tree" fan

I totally understand your frustration! But I'm sure it will come out on DVD, since every time you turn around a new classic show has been put out for the first time. I can't promise it'll be out for Christmas, but I'm sure eventually.

BTW, reading the subject line of this thread nearly gave me a heart attack, I thought you really had heard from dvdondvd! LOL!

Kristen

Originally posted by Kristen


I totally understand your frustration! But I'm sure it will come out on DVD, since every time you turn around a new classic show has been put out for the first time. I can't promise it'll be out for Christmas, but I'm sure eventually.

Well, I "hope" you are correct, but I'm not 100% convinced of it. I have more hope for it to happen with The Dick Van Dyke Show than others, but even with it I'm not completely sold. They've left us hanging too many times already!

And while I see alot of newer shows coming out on DVD very quickly, I don't see many of what I would consider "classic" shows coming out. A few yes, but not to the degree that I'm happy with. For instance, here's a few shows I would like to see come out that I consider classics (and I'm not counting Columbia House in this because their prices are outrageous for only 2 hour long or 4 half hour episodes per dvd!):

1) Dick Van Dyke
2) Andy Griffith Show
3) The Fugitive
4) I Love Lucy (coming out in very limited amounts per volume)
5) Leave it to Beaver
6) Father Knows Best
7) Gunsmoke
8) Perry Mason
9) Twilight Zone (out but same problem as Lucy - not alot of value for the money as compared to other shows coming out)
10) Flintstones (ok, it's a cartoon, but admittedly the most classic of cartoons and one that I would pay to see on DVD)

Now, there are a few show that have come out on DVD recently, but not nearly enough of those shows in the 50's & 60's to make me believe I'll ever see ALL or even MOST of the shows I listed be out on DVD within the next couple of years. I could be wrong, but I still think shows like Leave it to Beaver, the Fugitive, and Father Knows Best are a long ways off from being put out in DVD Seasonal sets.

Shows that started in the 70's are coming out, like M*A*S*H, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Mary Tyler Moore (which I did pre-order), and Sanford & Son. But most of these I don't really care about.

A quick check of the shows that have forums here at TVLINKSONLINE from the 50's and 60's demonstrate that out of 63 "sitcoms" (and we know there are many other classics that aren't sitcoms and thus not listed here - like the Fugitive) ONLY a total of 5 are out on DVD that I can count, and not even all those are in "Season" sets.

And "Season" sets are the only way to go if I personally am gonna be happy. I don't want just 4 episodes on one $19.95 DVD. Give me a Season set, like the upcoming MTM dvd, or forget it. I'm a stickler for getting episodes in order, at least via season. Plus when they put them in such small quantities (like the new I Love Lucy series, which only carries four episodes per release) they really fleece you. Let them offer a whole season for $30.00 or so.

At the rate the I Love Lucy's are coming out, it would cost someone well over $125.00 just to get the 1st season! That's insane!! That's why I won't purchase them in that package, even though I love the show. Same with the Honeymooners, Twilight Zone and Star Trek (the original series) DVD's that are currently out. They put them out in such small quantities per disk, for such large amounts of money, that it makes collecting quite expensive. Compare that to the "Seasonal" formats of shows mentioned above like M*A*S*H and the Jeffersons, which are very inexpensive!

Oh well, I've rambled for some time now. But my bottom line is that I want to see the classics come out, but at affordable prices, and in Season sets. DVD on DVD is supposedly working in this direction. Let's just hope that if and when it is released, it is more in line price wise with the sets of M*A*S*H and All in the Family, and not like the I Love Lucy or Honeymooners DVDs.


BTW, reading the subject line of this thread nearly gave me a heart attack, I thought you really had heard from dvdondvd! LOL!

Kristen [/QUOTE]

Sorry to fool you like that. I just wanted a title that would generate some interest and response.

Take care,

B&W "let's keep our fingers and toes crossed for DVDonDVD to make it by this Christmas" fan

I'm so anxious to see this thing happen, and I continue to get NO response to emails I send in. You know, why have an email link on the site if you're never gonna get a reply?!!


I agree. It's like the guy is holding the show hostage:mad: I've scoured the net for more info on the DVD DVD but that one lame site appears to be the only site with any useful, if not dated info on the subject.

Who else can we bug to get the ball rolling?

Originally posted by dix


I agree. It's like the guy is holding the show hostage:mad: I've scoured the net for more info on the DVD DVD but that one lame site appears to be the only site with any useful, if not dated info on the subject.

Who else can we bug to get the ball rolling?

I don't believe there is a whole lot more we can do, dix. That site (dickvandykeshow.com) is supposedly run by some of the folks associated with the original show. The site reads as follows:

This site is created by the original creative team of talent responsible for your favorite show :
Carl Reiner - Creator of the series
Bill Persky & Sam Denoff - Writers and producers of the series
and, of course, Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore

If they can't get it done, I doubt anyone else can.

It is frustrating though to have such huge gaps between updates!

B&W "I would think that IF the set was going to be ready by Christmas, we would have already heard about it" fan

I did a bit of research and found out who owns the DICKVANDYKESHOW.com site that never returns our emails. It is indeed owned by the son of Sam (Denoff that is). There's a phone number and address but I'm not mad enough to call yet.
....plus there's probably some anti-stalking law that would get me in trouble.

Originally posted by dix
I did a bit of research and found out who owns the DICKVANDYKESHOW.com site that never returns our emails. It is indeed owned by the son of Sam (Denoff that is). There's a phone number and address but I'm not mad enough to call yet.
....plus there's probably some anti-stalking law that would get me in trouble.

One of us could still just politely call and ask if they have any information though (as long as it's a business phone # and address). It'd be better than nothing anyway. Just a suggestion. BTW, how'd you find this out Mr. Researcher? ;) I'm impressed.

Originally posted by Roz1013


One of us could still just politely call and ask if they have any information though (as long as it's a business phone # and address). It'd be better than nothing anyway. Just a suggestion. BTW, how'd you find this out Mr. Researcher? ;) I'm impressed.

I just went to namesecure.com (any domain registering site will work) and asked if 'dickvandykeshow.com' was available as a domain, which of course it isn't. Then there's a link to "who owns it" and voila, there it is. Check it out for yourself and give 'em a call. Let us know what they say.:lol:

The kind fellow from The Walnut Times Dick Van Dyke Show Newsletter (thewalnuttimes.com) sent back an immediate response to my DVD DVD inquiry:

Me:

I was wondering if you, by chance had any info on the Dick Van Dyke Show DVD collection. I've tried many times to contact the owner of the Official Dick Van Dyke Show website but have never received a response. I thought you might know something about it

WT:

Yes, I do have some info for you.

Calvada Productions has confirmed that TIME-LIFE will start running a commercial in late December or early January offering "THE BEST OF THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW" on DVD. Initially there will be 10 volumes available with each volume containing four (4) episodes along with additional bonus footage.

Hope that helps.

David

:wave: Christmas would have been nice but at least Calvada isn't asleep at the wheel as I suspected.

David,

You move to the head of the class for that great job!

Now, as to the news itself... I'm torn between two emotions and thoughts.

1) I'm glad that some tangible news is out for us. A Time-Life collection is better than nothing. In fact, although I own no DVDs from Time-Life, I do own some from Image Entertainment (the company that had supposedly been working on the DVDonDVD project for the last couple of years) and I must say I've never been real impressed with their quality. So Time-Life may be better (unless Image is still making the disks and Time-Life will just be the distributor).

2) I'm sad that this is the direction they are going. Initially, we had been promised a COMPLETE SET - ALL IN ORDER! But a "Best of" isn't the same thing. And 10 volumes is far short of the entire series (even if they plan on doing more). And why hasn't this info been posted on the DVDS site?

Oh, don't misunderstand. I'll be the first in line to purchase this new set, but it isn't the same as having ALL the episodes at once, in order.

B&W "thanks again for that leg work - keep us updated if there is more news" fan

Having just purchased the Mary Tyler Moore Show First Season boxed set of DVD's, I found out that you can fit 8 half hour shows on one disk.

When a company only puts 4 episodes on a disk, and still charges $14.99 to $20.99, I feel majorly fleeced!! I have no idea what these Time-Life disks will cost, but a person usually gets a better deal on a full "set" being offered, rather than one disk at a time.

Perhaps Time-Life will offer the first 10 disks in a set at a better price. I hope so, otherwise this is gonna be VERY EXPENSIVE! Look at the "I Love Lucy" set being offered right now by Paramount. They are doing the 4 episodes per disk thing, and charging something like $14.99 per disk. If we get the same thing for Dick Van Dyke, we will be looking at $150.00 for just 40 episodes - that's almost $4.00 per episode. Compare that with the recent release of Mary Tyler Moore, where each episode averages out to less than $2.00 each!

I know I'm kinda rambling here, but I just don't want to be on the outside looking in on this set. I love the show, and would find a way to pay for it, but I'm not a millionaire, and I hope Cavalda Productions and Time-Life keep that in mind when they set prices.

B&W "ok, I'm still happy with the news - I just had to voice my concerns with other DVD friends" fan

Good news!!! While a full set would be far better, this is better than nothing and considering they really do put on the best episodes (which is unlikely) hopefully it will be pretty good, especially with the bonus features.

Also, I Love Lucy is coming out on DVD?! Well, part of it anyway. Can you please give me more info. about when it comes out/where you can get it? Thanks. :)

I really need to get a DVD player, lol.

Originally posted by Roz1013
Good news!!! While a full set would be far better, this is better than nothing and considering they really do put on the best episodes (which is unlikely) hopefully it will be pretty good, especially with the bonus features.

Also, I Love Lucy is coming out on DVD?! Well, part of it anyway. Can you please give me more info. about when it comes out/where you can get it? Thanks. :)

I really need to get a DVD player, lol.

I think it's good news too, as long as the price isn't something like $24.99 per disk. I can't imagine paying $6.00 per episode (even though, dope I am, I probably would because I love the show).

Lucy has been out on DVD for a few months now. You could actually get it one of two ways:

1) Buy it thru Columbia House. A DVD will be delivered to your door about once a month and contain 4 episodes of I Love Lucy. It'll cost you between $25 to $30 each though. NOT RECOMMENDED - unless you just really have that kind of money to spend.

2) Buy it thru Paramount. They are offering the same thing, but you can get it most anywhere. They are called "I LOVE LUCY: SEASON ONE, VOLUME _. Right now, they have volumes 1-4, each having 4 episodes on them. These are more reasonably priced, going for $14.98 retail, and around $11 at some internet stores.

I've heard that Paramount will switch to Season sets once they get past Season 1. In other words, they will offer the entire Season 2 together, instead of dividing it up into volumes. That's good news, as the price will surely get lower doing it this way.

You can get I LOVE LUCY's first 15 episodes right now (again, they have 4 Volumes out at present), if you want them! Go to buy.com, or barnes and noble, or amazon.com, or most any other online bookstore.

Hope that helps.

B&W "DVDonDVD - YES!!!!!" fan

C'mon,
I hate to sound like a whiner, but 40 or so episodes from Time-Life? And at about $4.00 each? What a let down. What happened to the ottoman filled with goodies from Image Entertainment? And will they still be absolutely uncut?
Yeah, I'm glad to get something instead of nothing, and I don't want to jinx it, but I don't like the prospect of being overcharged for it either. Seriously, at those portions and prices I want them to hit us with everything they've got, and yes, they've got it; I'd like to see original outtakes, cast interviews, Grammy speeches, commercials starring MTM & DVD, show promos, photo stills, directors/producers notes, and trivia questions and answers(do I sound greedy?).
It's just that we've been waiting so long, patiently, and loyally, why not give us what we want and make it at least feel like a bargain? How much more work would that be? OK, a lot, but how many more copies would they sell? A lot.
Come to think of it, I'm originally posting this here on the message board, but I think I'll copy and paste it in a email to TDVDS's website. It never hurts to let 'em know how you feel.

Originally posted by SawgrassSteve
Come to think of it, I'm originally posting this here on the message board, but I think I'll copy and paste it in a email to TDVDS's website. It never hurts to let 'em know how you feel.

Just a thought. Perhaps you should wait until this becomes "official." IOW, wait until www.dickvandykeshow.com posts this info. I wouldn't want to see the guy from Walnut get put into a bad situation, by sharing info early.

Just something to consider. After it is announced officially, and we find out pricing and everything, I agree with you that we should express our thanks and disappointment to them!

B&W "my biggest fear is that we get the $24.99 pricetag per dvd that Time-Life is now offering for other shows" fan

Another scenario is that we'd end up with two sets of DVD show DVDs, three if you count the six episode DVD out now (which I already own). The "best of" from Time-Life and the "complete set" from Image. Of course I'll buy which ever one comes out first, but it'd be a bummer to have to buy episodes more than once what ever the price is.

Re: putting the Walnut Times in a bad position. Why not email him yourself David Van Deusen headwalnut@thewalnuttimes.com (hey, another 'dvd'!). He's clearly as insane as us so he probably wouldn't mind hearing from other DVD Show fans (especially if they were to subscribe to his WT newsletter). But frankly I don't think emailing the Official DVD will make any difference anyway since the guy rarely if ever reads his email.

dix

hey SawGrass - can I join the Cult of Laura?

Greetings, everyone, here's the truth from me, Doug Denoff, owner of www.dickvandykeshow.com and son of Sam Denoff.

your posts have just been brought to my attention by Steve and after reading all of them, I want you to have the facts. Then maybe we can all use our power to get The William Morris Agency to undo the mess they've caused.

For those of you unfamiliar with the nonsense of Hollywood, The William Morris Agency represents Calvada Productions which of course owns the DVD Show. Calvada was formed by Carl Reiner, Dick Van Dyke, Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas.

The Agency also represented my dad and Bill Persky for many years.

I created the website in 1998 originally out of love for the joyous experience of growing up with the DVD show in my house. As you may know, Good Times entertainment released about 30 episodes on VHS in 1995 but this was pre-Internet and they didn't sell at all. I originally wanted to release the 1968 color CBS Special "Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman" because 1) it's a wonderful special which never re-ran, and 2) I had a small part in it!

In 1999 I contacted WMA and they told me that a scumbag named Paul Brownstein had been given the right to try to sell the special on behalf of Calvada, but it was hard to sell because so many famous songs were used in it that the music royalties would make it unprofitable. for many months I chatted repeatedly with Paul about my idea and he kept telling me it was pointless.

I also came to know Dave Van Deusen at The Walnut Times. He's a good friend now and encouraged my ideas and projects.

In October 2000, I realized that October 3, 2001 would be the 40th anniversary of the show. I spoke with my Dad and we agreed that it made sense to release all 158 episodes on the anniversary on DVD which had never been done; hence www.dvdondvd.com !

I dicussed it with Mr. Brownstein who continually said it would be a very tough sale (now you KNOW he's an idiot). So I called WMA and arranged a meeting with the lead agent for Calvada. My Dad and I went in with a full presentation, research, and copies of many of your letters from the dvdondvd website. She agreed that the idea was wonderful. We proposed licensing the rights in exchange for a very favorable profit sharing with Calvada. They would put up zero money. I would pay for the manufacturing of the DVD's out of my own pocket. I had spoken with La-z-boy about manufacturing the ottoman for the special edition.

We began negotiating a contract. WMA suggested that we keep Brownstein on our team to handle the many administrative and royalty issues and he agreed to become a participant as a part of MY company. But he continued to downplay the entire idea - suggesting we'd only sell a few hundred complete sets.

We began researching additional material and I found bloopers and other material never before seen (although Mr. Reiner later asked that we not use bloopers because he wants the world to only see rob and laura in character - we would of course respect his wishes)

The final step was to get the blessing of Mr. Van Dyke's personal agent. Dad and I met with him, gave him the presentation.

Meanwhile, in March 2001, behind my back, Brownstein talked to Image Entertainment and got them to bid on buying the rights from Calvada. I was furious since he did not approach them on behalf of ME or what I thought was 'OUR' project. Paul claimed that Image was just an alternative for US to hire to do the actual manufacturing - not a competitor. By the way, if you visit image-entertainment's website, you'll see that they are hardly the right fit for the DVD show with all the soft-core junk they release.

Anyway, Dick's agent refused to make a decision for many months. Brownstein and I spoke several times a week and he constantly played as if he was on the team, and I constantly talked to Calvada's agent at WMA. She commisserated with me but said she could'nt get the blessing from Dick's Agent.

Then of course came 9-11 and everything went on hold for a while.

In mid-november, having already blown the 40th anniversary, my mother became very ill. Three days before she died on November 26, 2001, Brownstein came over to have lunch with me at the deli by Cedars Sinai Hospital in LA, to tell me that Dick's Agent had decided to make a deal with Image. He claimed to have nothing to do with it (LIAR!) and that he would not be financially involved, but that they had preserved my right to release the 'Ottoman Collection"

Of course I was furious but days later had to face the death of my mother (my dad's first wife).

Then we started to see press from Brownstein how HE was releasing the show on DVD. Then Mary Tyler Moore's wonderful retrospective show had amazing ratings and the world craved 'comfort TV' in the wake of 911. Now I was ready for a fight.

I called the WMA Agent in charge of Calvada and requested a meeeting. We finally met in August and I told her that both WMA and Brownstein had outright stolen the project from my father and me and that if they didn't come up with a solution, I'd take legal action. Of course this is contrary to my original intent to nurture and support the release of the show, but I was not going to stand by and see Brownstein make money off of my idea.

At the meeting WMA basically agreed that they had mis-handled the entire situation, that they had never told Dick Van Dyke OR Carl Reiner about our proposal (but my Father had) and proposed a solution which I found acceptable, but now THAT hasn't happened either. Brownstein has cooked up this ridiculous Time-Life deal and who knows what else.

I still intend to release the Ottoman Collector's edition, but unless I can get WMA to change their tune, it's going to have to wait until these other silly things take their course. I am going to California on Wednesday and plan to do everything I can to get this thing done the right way - and as originally promised.

Dontcha just love Hollywood?

Please feel free to email me at doug@dickvandykeshow.com. I hope you will support my original goals and look forward to bringing you the product as originally intended.

Hey SawGrass - can I join the Cult of Laura? [/B][/QUOTE]

LOL! Yes!
Dix, all that's required is that you have a deeply profound and abiding love, appreciation, and admiration for the singularly wonderful character who first introduced us to wifely grace, charm, humor, sweetness, beauty and modesty, while wearing Capri pants; known as Laura Petrie.
Actually, the fact that you asked tells me you're already a brother in the order. Welcome

Steve

Thanks for that wonderful update, Doug!

I'm very sorry things have gone the way they have for you and the project. This other fellow that keeps screwing it up will have to be dealt with eventually. He obviously doesn't have the passion or concern for the show you do.

If he is behind the Time-Life deal, I will not buy it! I'm with you and the direction you want to go. I'll lend my support 100%.

Thanks again!

B&W "Doug, you ought to put this info on his site so folks know what's up" fan

Yeah, thanks Doug for your very thorough response. I'm sorry what is clearly a labor of love for you is turning out to be a rather ugly and
emotional situation. I apologize if my previous posts imply that you were remiss in your emailing duties as The DVD Show web contact. Obviously you have had your hands full with the matter. I'm encouraged in the fact that there is at least movement, albeit slow, in getting the show to DVD. Since the website hadn't been updated I feared it the DVD project had been put on a back burner. We now learn the opposite is true. Sadly, from what I know of Hollywood this type of mess is rather typical. But it sounds like if anyone can sort it out it's you since you are obviously very passionate about it.

Thanks again and please keep up us informed if you can. ...the world awaits DVD on DVD (or at least the half dozen people on this list).

LOL! Yes!
Dix, all that's required is that you have a deeply profound and abiding love, appreciation, and admiration for the singularly wonderful character who first introduced us to wifely grace, charm, humor, sweetness, beauty and modesty, while wearing Capri pants; known as Laura Petrie.
Actually, the fact that you asked tells me you're already a brother in the order. Welcome

Steve [/B]


That's it? I'm in? No hazing by exposure to impudent child No adorning of ceremonial capri slacks? (probably best, since I'm male). Excellent! I
hereby proclaim my undying love and obedience to Laura Petrie, and accept her as my queen, nay, my GODDESS!

Thank you so much for all your dedication and hard work Doug, I'm amazed. I too am sorry everything has taken such a wrong turn when all you had in mind was getting this beloved show out to the people who love it. Good luck this weekend in CA, we're behind you all the way!

Thank you also for taking time out of your very busy schedule to give us a heads up, we appreciate it. :)

*~*Becki*~*

Doug, I want to thank you for coming here to explain the situation, even though you really didn't have to. After buying The Mary Tyler Moore Show on DVD, I can't think of another show that deserves to be on DVD more than this one! I'll be pulling for you!!

Kristen

maybe even say a prayer or two for Doug today as he heads to California to try and work out the details on the dvd collection.

I for one hope he can work this all out and produce the collection the way it should be done - not the goofy, over-priced (I'm assuming on this part, but with good reason) Time Life garbage!

B&W "here's hoping you can get past the hurdles that others have thrown up in your path, Doug" fan

Originally posted by B&W fan
I think it's good news too, as long as the price isn't something like $24.99 per disk. I can't imagine paying $6.00 per episode (even though, dope I am, I probably would because I love the show).

Lucy has been out on DVD for a few months now. You could actually get it one of two ways:

1) Buy it thru Columbia House. A DVD will be delivered to your door about once a month and contain 4 episodes of I Love Lucy. It'll cost you between $25 to $30 each though. NOT RECOMMENDED - unless you just really have that kind of money to spend.

2) Buy it thru Paramount. They are offering the same thing, but you can get it most anywhere. They are called "I LOVE LUCY: SEASON ONE, VOLUME _. Right now, they have volumes 1-4, each having 4 episodes on them. These are more reasonably priced, going for $14.98 retail, and around $11 at some internet stores.

I've heard that Paramount will switch to Season sets once they get past Season 1. In other words, they will offer the entire Season 2 together, instead of dividing it up into volumes. That's good news, as the price will surely get lower doing it this way.

You can get I LOVE LUCY's first 15 episodes right now (again, they have 4 Volumes out at present), if you want them! Go to buy.com, or barnes and noble, or amazon.com, or most any other online bookstore.

Hope that helps.

B&W "DVDonDVD - YES!!!!!" fan

This is odd. The "I Love Lucy" series on DVD is expensive, while "The Lucy Show" on DVD is cheap. You can get like 20 episodes/10 DVDs of "The Lucy Show" like for $9.99 and less.
It makes no sense at all.