So who's got the Season 1 DVD set? - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

iDOhavealife · 02-08-2004, 10:50 PM

Interesting article, thanks for the link.

I have to disagree with the following statement from the article, though, as it pertains to GI:

"There were no social issues examined, no valuable moral lessons imparted, and there was no shocking edge to make the series a water-cooler classic of immense social significance."

No social issues examined? The whole show was about a "social microcosm" (Sherwood Schwartz's words), with each character representing a different aspect of society. They had to learn to work together in order to survive, a good lesson for the world. No valuable moral lessons imparted? I can think of several episodes that had a moral.

But overall, this wasn't a bad article. I need to order these DVDs--I meant to do it about a month ago, LOL.

Steve's Roadhouse · 02-09-2004, 01:09 PM

Well, I got it yesterday, but I don't have my DVD player at the moment. Anyway, I only paid $33 Canadian, and bought the last one. But I've seen it prominantly displayed elsewhere and I'm sure it will do well. The disks have no picture, which is kind of cheap. Overall, I'd rather pay less for DVD sets than have extras. As long as they're complete.

Steve's Roadhouse · 02-09-2004, 01:28 PM

Just a thought reading the article. Although the show was unfairly cancelled after 3 seasons, we do have about 100 episodes. While I love the show, I can't imagine there being a lot more of Gilligan. It seems there is the right amount to instill a fondness for the show without becoming too tiresome. It worked out perfectly for after-school reruns.

JWood201 · 02-09-2004, 01:29 PM

Well, there's no picture on the discs because they're two-sided. And I don't believe that you can have a picture on them and have them still be readable. Personally, I think it's better to pay less for less discs with no picture, than to end up with double the discs with a photo and pay twice as much.

Screenwriter · 02-09-2004, 02:39 PM

I agree. I'm wondering if this is how they'll release the other two seasons... The digipak is better than a box set of individual releases.. I Love Lucy was terrible with that aspect of the release.

Bring on S2 and S3

Kristina · 02-09-2004, 08:28 PM

I got mine for only $29.99 at Best Buy! I bought it two days ago and haven't got around to watching it yet! Bummer!

I'll probably put it on tonight, I need this since TV Land doesn't air it anymore!

Steve's Roadhouse · 02-09-2004, 09:21 PM

Hmm, I didn't think of that. Double-sided, so no picture. I guess the package looks pretty good then, overall. And to respond to the I Love Lucy point, I hope they market Season 2 at a better price. I think it's important that budget sets like Gilligan:Season 1 sell well.

Jack1000 · 02-10-2004, 03:01 AM

A special Thanks to everyone that bought the Series One DVD set!!!

We look forward to the reviews!

How about a list or summery of some cut scenes as you review each episode for the board?

Jack

doctort13 · 02-24-2004, 12:11 AM

I was an infant when this show aired in 1964, and the local UHF TV stations never broadcast the B & W episodes, so...these are all NEW to me!

I think that Warner did a GREAT job with S1. I'll gladly buy the next two sesaons without a doubt.

Has anyone purchased Rescue from GI? I read a review on Amazon.com, and most of the reviews say that the DVD's A/V quality is HORRIBLE.

LucyFan · 04-19-2004, 09:15 PM

I bought the DVD, I couldn't resist. I looked at the cover and the cover was just staring me back . . . oh, what wonderful memories!
I purchased my copy at Wal-Mart and it cost $32.99. That's a good price.

algebra74 · 04-20-2004, 08:26 PM

Everyone has heard of Gilligan's Island since it first set sail in America's living rooms in September 1964. Such fans of the show have been waiting for complete season sets for many, many years. I must say that I, too was thrilled to learn, in September 2003 that Warner-Brothers were planning to release the First Season of Gilligan's Island. One of their promises, I shall never forget: "We assure that fans will be happy with this set." I beg to differ. Below is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of this DVD set.

Pros:
1. All the episodes are here, in their entire uncut and B&W form, and in the order of original airdate.
2. The rare pilot episode is here, complete with commentary by the creator Sherwood Schwartz.
3. The quality is moderate, although some episodes have a high volume of grain.
4. There is a "play all" for the marathon lovers.
5. Subtitles: In English, French, and Spanish.
6. The price is right.

Cons:
1. Lack of Scene Selections
2. Ridiculous Bonus Features: the pilot with commentary is nice and the trivia is nice, but the rest of the bonus features are stupid. Also, why the tropical tidbits trivia is only on one episode, I will never know. Producers could have put different trivia tracks on at least one episode on each side of the disk.
Another thing is the lack of commentaries by any one of the original castaways. Bob Denver, Dawn Wells, and Russell Johnson could have done a few commentaries on a few of the episodes. Two possible bonus features that should be considered for the remaining two seasons might be the episode where five of the original castaways guest star on Family Feud, and some of the original commercials used to support the show.
3. Lack of good packaging. The slipcase and the package itself seems very flimsy to me. The DVD set does not even come with a booklet that might include actor biographies.

In my opinion, Gilligan's Island fans would have appreciated a better set like those of The Dick Van Dyke Show, even of it meant raising the price to fifty or sixty dollars. Hopefully, producers can do a better job on the second and third season sets. If money restrains the elaborate bonus features, such as actor commentaries, then please, raise the price! It would be better for fans to have to pay ten to twenty dollars more for a set that would have actor commentaries, than it would for a cheap set with weak bonus features. Also, may I suggest releasing "The Castaways on Gilligan's Island" and "The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island" on DVD?

Burford Lives!! · 04-20-2004, 10:51 PM

I broke down and bought the set a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure I would like the B&W episodes, but I forgot just how many great episodes there was that first season.

And as far as the price, you get 37 episodes for goodness sakes! That's more than any other show for ANY season. I was very happy at the price considering how many episodes it came with.

As far as how good they are, I have one episode left to watch. One. I can't stop watching them. I'll sit through three, four, maybe five episodes at a time. I forgot just how good those early shows were.

And I realize some people are spoiled by all of the extras that come with the DVD's boxed sets, but frankly, I'm just happy to get commercial-free, uncut, very good quality versions of the shows. And if not having the extras keeps the price down, that's okay by me.

All in all, if you liked GI at all, I think you will like the first season. It is very good.

ficlopri · 04-20-2004, 11:42 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JWood201
[B]I've watched a whole bunch of the episodes and, yes, the A/V is very good. Two sided discs aren't really a problem, and keep the cost down (as compared to Dick Van Dyke Show; that's insane) since it's less DVDs to purchase.

Anyway, yeah, the bonuses are lacking, but hopefully the next two seasons will have more.

If they don't they won't be much good. Season one had the pilot to make up for the lack of many extra features.

algebra74 · 04-21-2004, 06:25 PM

I agree that there should be more bonus features. I think that there should be at least two audio commentaries for the second season set, and a new batch of cast interviews would be nice. Also, why can't they include some of the original commercials and promotional spots? I know that there were many. And another thing that these producers could include would be some of the various reunion over the years, including the time the cast played Family Feud against the Batman cast.

Steve's Roadhouse · 04-26-2004, 10:40 PM

I think it's perfect for the price. I can't complain. Personally I'd rather have no extras if it means paying less. I am quite happy with All in the Family Season 2, for example. 24 episodes and that's it. If they are complete, that's all I need. There's no way I would have bought Gilligan if it was priced like Dick Van Dyke. There are too many alternatives when it comes to entertainment.

02-09-2004, 01:29 PM	#19
JWood201 TV Nerd Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 25, 2001 Posts: 798	Well, there's no picture on the discs because they're two-sided. And I don't believe that you can have a picture on them and have them still be readable. Personally, I think it's better to pay less for less discs with no picture, than to end up with double the discs with a photo and pay twice as much.
	Last edited by JWood201; 02-09-2004 at 03:19 PM.

02-09-2004, 02:39 PM	#20
Screenwriter Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 18, 2002 Posts: 760	I agree. I'm wondering if this is how they'll release the other two seasons... The digipak is better than a box set of individual releases.. I Love Lucy was terrible with that aspect of the release. Bring on S2 and S3
	__________________ I have to leave you now... don't TVDVDs I own All in the Family: Season 1, 2 & 3 Charlie's Angles: Season 1 Cheers: S1, 2. (need S3) DVD Season 1 and 2 Dallas Season 1 & 2 Happy Days: Season 1 Laverne & Shirley: Season 1 Taxi (Season 1 Coming Soon) The Jeffersons: Season 1 and 2 The MTM Show: Season 1 MAS*H: S1,2,3,4,5 Mork & Mindy Season 1 Sanford and Son: Season 1 (needing 2, 3, 4, and 5) I Love Lucy S1, 2. (3 in Nov.)

02-10-2004, 03:01 AM	#23
Jack1000 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 05, 2001 Posts: 2,055	Thanks! A special Thanks to everyone that bought the Series One DVD set!!! We look forward to the reviews! How about a list or summery of some cut scenes as you review each episode for the board? Jack

02-24-2004, 12:11 AM	#24
doctort13 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 13	Gilligan! I was an infant when this show aired in 1964, and the local UHF TV stations never broadcast the B & W episodes, so...these are all NEW to me! I think that Warner did a GREAT job with S1. I'll gladly buy the next two sesaons without a doubt. Has anyone purchased Rescue from GI? I read a review on Amazon.com, and most of the reviews say that the DVD's A/V quality is HORRIBLE.
	__________________ Down with laugh tracks!

02-08-2004, 10:50 PM	#16
iDOhavealife "Let It Be" Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 24, 2003 Location: Sitting here in Blue Jay Way Posts: 195	Interesting article, thanks for the link. I have to disagree with the following statement from the article, though, as it pertains to GI: "There were no social issues examined, no valuable moral lessons imparted, and there was no shocking edge to make the series a water-cooler classic of immense social significance." No social issues examined? The whole show was about a "social microcosm" (Sherwood Schwartz's words), with each character representing a different aspect of society. They had to learn to work together in order to survive, a good lesson for the world. No valuable moral lessons imparted? I can think of several episodes that had a moral. But overall, this wasn't a bad article. I need to order these DVDs--I meant to do it about a month ago, LOL.

02-09-2004, 01:09 PM	#17
Steve's Roadhouse Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 15, 2004 Posts: 91	Well, I got it yesterday, but I don't have my DVD player at the moment. Anyway, I only paid $33 Canadian, and bought the last one. But I've seen it prominantly displayed elsewhere and I'm sure it will do well. The disks have no picture, which is kind of cheap. Overall, I'd rather pay less for DVD sets than have extras. As long as they're complete.

02-09-2004, 01:28 PM	#18
Steve's Roadhouse Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 15, 2004 Posts: 91	Just a thought reading the article. Although the show was unfairly cancelled after 3 seasons, we do have about 100 episodes. While I love the show, I can't imagine there being a lot more of Gilligan. It seems there is the right amount to instill a fondness for the show without becoming too tiresome. It worked out perfectly for after-school reruns.

02-09-2004, 08:28 PM	#21
Kristina Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 27, 2001 Location: CaLiFoRnIa, UsA Posts: 8,890	I got mine for only $29.99 at Best Buy! I bought it two days ago and haven't got around to watching it yet! Bummer! I'll probably put it on tonight, I need this since TV Land doesn't air it anymore!

02-09-2004, 09:21 PM	#22
Steve's Roadhouse Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 15, 2004 Posts: 91	Hmm, I didn't think of that. Double-sided, so no picture. I guess the package looks pretty good then, overall. And to respond to the I Love Lucy point, I hope they market Season 2 at a better price. I think it's important that budget sets like Gilligan:Season 1 sell well.

04-19-2004, 09:15 PM	#25
LucyFan Still Loving Lucy! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 23, 2001 Location: In the Wonderful World of Lucy! Posts: 8,198	I bought the DVD, I couldn't resist. I looked at the cover and the cover was just staring me back . . . oh, what wonderful memories! I purchased my copy at Wal-Mart and it cost $32.99. That's a good price.

04-20-2004, 08:26 PM	#26
algebra74 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 14, 2004 Posts: 337	Everyone has heard of Gilligan's Island since it first set sail in America's living rooms in September 1964. Such fans of the show have been waiting for complete season sets for many, many years. I must say that I, too was thrilled to learn, in September 2003 that Warner-Brothers were planning to release the First Season of Gilligan's Island. One of their promises, I shall never forget: "We assure that fans will be happy with this set." I beg to differ. Below is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of this DVD set. Pros: 1. All the episodes are here, in their entire uncut and B&W form, and in the order of original airdate. 2. The rare pilot episode is here, complete with commentary by the creator Sherwood Schwartz. 3. The quality is moderate, although some episodes have a high volume of grain. 4. There is a "play all" for the marathon lovers. 5. Subtitles: In English, French, and Spanish. 6. The price is right. Cons: 1. Lack of Scene Selections 2. Ridiculous Bonus Features: the pilot with commentary is nice and the trivia is nice, but the rest of the bonus features are stupid. Also, why the tropical tidbits trivia is only on one episode, I will never know. Producers could have put different trivia tracks on at least one episode on each side of the disk. Another thing is the lack of commentaries by any one of the original castaways. Bob Denver, Dawn Wells, and Russell Johnson could have done a few commentaries on a few of the episodes. Two possible bonus features that should be considered for the remaining two seasons might be the episode where five of the original castaways guest star on Family Feud, and some of the original commercials used to support the show. 3. Lack of good packaging. The slipcase and the package itself seems very flimsy to me. The DVD set does not even come with a booklet that might include actor biographies. In my opinion, Gilligan's Island fans would have appreciated a better set like those of The Dick Van Dyke Show, even of it meant raising the price to fifty or sixty dollars. Hopefully, producers can do a better job on the second and third season sets. If money restrains the elaborate bonus features, such as actor commentaries, then please, raise the price! It would be better for fans to have to pay ten to twenty dollars more for a set that would have actor commentaries, than it would for a cheap set with weak bonus features. Also, may I suggest releasing "The Castaways on Gilligan's Island" and "The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island" on DVD?

04-20-2004, 10:51 PM	#27
Burford Lives!! Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 12, 2004 Location: Louisville Posts: 38	I broke down and bought the set a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure I would like the B&W episodes, but I forgot just how many great episodes there was that first season. And as far as the price, you get 37 episodes for goodness sakes! That's more than any other show for ANY season. I was very happy at the price considering how many episodes it came with. As far as how good they are, I have one episode left to watch. One. I can't stop watching them. I'll sit through three, four, maybe five episodes at a time. I forgot just how good those early shows were. And I realize some people are spoiled by all of the extras that come with the DVD's boxed sets, but frankly, I'm just happy to get commercial-free, uncut, very good quality versions of the shows. And if not having the extras keeps the price down, that's okay by me. All in all, if you liked GI at all, I think you will like the first season. It is very good.

04-20-2004, 11:42 PM	#28
ficlopri Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 27, 2001 Location: Methuen, Ma.USA Posts: 659	[QUOTE]Originally posted by JWood201 [B]I've watched a whole bunch of the episodes and, yes, the A/V is very good. Two sided discs aren't really a problem, and keep the cost down (as compared to Dick Van Dyke Show; that's insane) since it's less DVDs to purchase. Anyway, yeah, the bonuses are lacking, but hopefully the next two seasons will have more. If they don't they won't be much good. Season one had the pilot to make up for the lack of many extra features.

04-21-2004, 06:25 PM	#29
algebra74 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 14, 2004 Posts: 337	I agree that there should be more bonus features. I think that there should be at least two audio commentaries for the second season set, and a new batch of cast interviews would be nice. Also, why can't they include some of the original commercials and promotional spots? I know that there were many. And another thing that these producers could include would be some of the various reunion over the years, including the time the cast played Family Feud against the Batman cast.

04-26-2004, 10:40 PM	#30
Steve's Roadhouse Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 15, 2004 Posts: 91	I think it's perfect for the price. I can't complain. Personally I'd rather have no extras if it means paying less. I am quite happy with All in the Family Season 2, for example. 24 episodes and that's it. If they are complete, that's all I need. There's no way I would have bought Gilligan if it was priced like Dick Van Dyke. There are too many alternatives when it comes to entertainment.