Would you choose Original Broadcast Versions on VHS of a Sitcom over the DVD set? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 03-25-2004, 07:56 PM

I will alaways choose the Original Broadcast with FAIR Quality which means Watchable because you get to see commercials and promos during the time the episode was aired. On a DVD all you get is the SHARPNESS of a Picture and that's it-LOL Not Impressive to me. I heard the first season of Mork and Mindy is coming out on DVD in the summer. And i know the pilot will be CRISPY Clear but I have something better which is the Original 1978 ABC broadcast of the pilot with commercials and ABC promos. Now Would anyone agree that Original Broadcast versions with OK quality on VHS is better than that same episode on DVD?

Brian · 03-25-2004, 08:08 PM

I would also prefer original broadcast versions of a sitcom and other TV shows instead of the DVD set. A DVD set for the most part has the episodes uncut (except for some episodes of Sanford and Son and What's Happening) but they don't have the commercials and the network promos. Even if the promos were added to the DVD set it wouldn't be complete without the commercials.

I used to have a copy of The Muppets 30th Anniversary when it originally aired. I love it today after countless watchings but I like the ads just as much. Like the old Doublemint commercials (double pleasures waiting for you *whistles*). The McDonalds commercials were ten times cooler than the ones you've seen the past 10 years. And the Mighty Dog ads. It was cute seeing a small dog dressed in a superhero outfit. I even remember seeing an offer in the ad for a Mighty Dog stuffed dog.

Unfortunately, many people didn't think to tape these shows when they aired. One reason I believe is because they probably viewed the series and ads like a lot of people today view them: the show's weren't yet classics and the commercials were average at the time, unbeknownst to the viewer that they would one way or the other end up as a trip through nostalgia years later (like the McDonald's, Doublemint, and Mighty Dog commercials I mentioned in my post). There aren't too many original broadcast copies of classic sitcoms that were taped when VCR's first came out (when the VCR was first released, it was very, very expensive, like DVD players a few years ago were when they were first marketed). Since every originally-aired episode of shows from the late 70s and early 80s are not readily available, I'll just have to stick to DVD sets.

TVFactFan · 03-25-2004, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian
I would also prefer original broadcast versions of a sitcom and other TV shows instead of the DVD set. A DVD set for the most part has the episodes uncut (except for some episodes of Sanford and Son and What's Happening) but they don't have the commercials and the network promos. Even if the promos were added to the DVD set it wouldn't be complete without the commercials.

I used to have a copy of The Muppets 30th Anniversary when it originally aired. I love it today after countless watchings but I like the ads just as much. Like the old Doublemint commercials (double pleasures waiting for you *whistles*). The McDonalds commercials were ten times cooler than the ones you've seen the past 10 years. And the Mighty Dog ads. It was cute seeing a small dog dressed in a superhero outfit. I even remember seeing an offer in the ad for a Mighty Dog stuffed dog.

Unfortunately, many people didn't think to tape these shows when they aired. One reason I believe is because they probably viewed the series and ads like a lot of people today view them: the show's weren't yet classics and the commercials were average at the time, unbeknownst to the viewer that they would one way or the other end up as a trip through nostalgia years later (like the McDonald's, Doublemint, and Mighty Dog commercials I mentioned in my post). There aren't too many original broadcast copies of classic sitcoms that were taped when VCR's first came out (when the VCR was first released, it was very, very expensive, like DVD players a few years ago were when they were first marketed). Since every originally-aired episode of shows from the late 70s and early 80s are not readily available, I'll just have to stick to DVD sets.

That's why I think DVD's could never replace VHS. There will never be original commercials on a DVD. And after reading the Sanford and Son and What's Happeing boards, i'm not even sure if the Episodes on DVD will be UNCUT-LOL

tvfan0101 · 03-25-2004, 10:43 PM

I'm torn.

On the one hand, VHS tapes degrade. I've got some that are about 15 years old and they're starting to fall apart. DVDs, I think, will withstand the test of time. Plus, the quality won't be affected the more you watch.

On the other hand, I highly doubt that DVDs will ever include original commercials or promos and I really enjoy that aspect of TV. So I don't know. Original broadcasts on DVD would be best, but it isn't going to happen.

Given the choice between a season of any given show on a few DVDs, with perfect quality and longevity, and original broadcasts at watchable quality and the possibility of the tape itself breaking in 15 years, I honestly don't know which I'd choose.

barwars · 03-25-2004, 10:53 PM

woah.... Solomon.... the new name works.

Id like to have a PERFECT world with ORIGINAL broadcasts uncut, with commericals and promos.... on DVD.

dawsongirl · 03-25-2004, 11:12 PM

If the OB is old, then yes. If it's from the mid-90s on, gimme the DVD.

dawsongirl · 03-25-2004, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tvobscurities
On the one hand, VHS tapes degrade. I've got some that are about 15 years old and they're starting to fall apart.

I have some that are 10. Because I originally taped in SLP, they're starting to look like crap. Especially the cheap tapes.

TVFactFan · 03-27-2004, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dawsongirl
If the OB is old, then yes. If it's from the mid-90s on, gimme the DVD.

I agree, i don't need any original broadcasts from 1995-2004

tvfan0101 · 03-27-2004, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dawsongirl
I have some that are 10. Because I originally taped in SLP, they're starting to look like crap. Especially the cheap tapes.

My older tapes range from 10 to 16 years old and it isn't like I watched them all that often. The darn things just degrade sitting in the closet. Too bad, really. Maybe I should try and convert some of the older stuff to DVD or VCD...

Dean Winchester · 03-27-2004, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
I heard the first season of Mork and Mindy is coming out on DVD in the summer. And i know the pilot will be CRISPY Clear but I have something better which is the Original 1978 ABC broadcast of the pilot with commercials and ABC promos.

if you get a DVD-recorder, I'd recommend transferring that to DVD pronto. I bet a lot of people would be interested in copies of it too.

I prefer DVD to VHS because I like the ability to go straight to the episode I want to see. However, if the original broadcast with commercials is of a certain age (like from the 70's or 80's), I'd definately still like to own that for the nostalgic value, but I would prefer the DVD

03-25-2004, 07:56 PM	#1
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,101	Would you choose Original Broadcast Versions on VHS of a Sitcom over the DVD set? I will alaways choose the Original Broadcast with FAIR Quality which means Watchable because you get to see commercials and promos during the time the episode was aired. On a DVD all you get is the SHARPNESS of a Picture and that's it-LOL Not Impressive to me. I heard the first season of Mork and Mindy is coming out on DVD in the summer. And i know the pilot will be CRISPY Clear but I have something better which is the Original 1978 ABC broadcast of the pilot with commercials and ABC promos. Now Would anyone agree that Original Broadcast versions with OK quality on VHS is better than that same episode on DVD?

03-25-2004, 08:08 PM	#2
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	I would also prefer original broadcast versions of a sitcom and other TV shows instead of the DVD set. A DVD set for the most part has the episodes uncut (except for some episodes of Sanford and Son and What's Happening) but they don't have the commercials and the network promos. Even if the promos were added to the DVD set it wouldn't be complete without the commercials. I used to have a copy of The Muppets 30th Anniversary when it originally aired. I love it today after countless watchings but I like the ads just as much. Like the old Doublemint commercials (double pleasures waiting for you whistles). The McDonalds commercials were ten times cooler than the ones you've seen the past 10 years. And the Mighty Dog ads. It was cute seeing a small dog dressed in a superhero outfit. I even remember seeing an offer in the ad for a Mighty Dog stuffed dog. Unfortunately, many people didn't think to tape these shows when they aired. One reason I believe is because they probably viewed the series and ads like a lot of people today view them: the show's weren't yet classics and the commercials were average at the time, unbeknownst to the viewer that they would one way or the other end up as a trip through nostalgia years later (like the McDonald's, Doublemint, and Mighty Dog commercials I mentioned in my post). There aren't too many original broadcast copies of classic sitcoms that were taped when VCR's first came out (when the VCR was first released, it was very, very expensive, like DVD players a few years ago were when they were first marketed). Since every originally-aired episode of shows from the late 70s and early 80s are not readily available, I'll just have to stick to DVD sets.

03-25-2004, 10:43 PM	#4
tvfan0101 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 29, 2003 Posts: 961	I'm torn. On the one hand, VHS tapes degrade. I've got some that are about 15 years old and they're starting to fall apart. DVDs, I think, will withstand the test of time. Plus, the quality won't be affected the more you watch. On the other hand, I highly doubt that DVDs will ever include original commercials or promos and I really enjoy that aspect of TV. So I don't know. Original broadcasts on DVD would be best, but it isn't going to happen. Given the choice between a season of any given show on a few DVDs, with perfect quality and longevity, and original broadcasts at watchable quality and the possibility of the tape itself breaking in 15 years, I honestly don't know which I'd choose.

03-25-2004, 10:53 PM	#5
barwars .. Forum Star Join Date: May 04, 2002 Posts: 13,273	woah.... Solomon.... the new name works. Id like to have a PERFECT world with ORIGINAL broadcasts uncut, with commericals and promos.... on DVD.

03-25-2004, 11:12 PM	#6
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	If the OB is old, then yes. If it's from the mid-90s on, gimme the DVD.