WKRP in Cincinnati - The Complete First Season DVD Review - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 04-08-2007, 01:37 AM

Baby, if you’ve ever wondered where the WKRP DVDs, they’re here now! The Complete First Season of WKRP in Cincinnati (the show that we all thought would never see on DVD) is finally coming to DVD... though maybe not in the way that we remember it. Nearly all of the funny moments that we remember from the series can be found in this three disc set from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

WKRP in Cincinnati was, for those that don’t know, a sitcom from the late 70s/early 80s about the life of those that work at an under-performing AM radio station in Cincinnati. The station is run by a general manager that is afraid of his mama, Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump), and programming director Andy Travis (Gary Sandy). The employees at the radio station are all crazy in their own distinct way but all come together to make for one crazy show, from secretary Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), who somehow makes more money than anybody else at the station, news report Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), the (ineffective) sales manager Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner), producer Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers), and disc jockeys Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid).

Read our review here:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/wkrpinc...dvdreview.html

Post any questions or comments about this set.

jaime_weinman · 04-08-2007, 01:46 PM

In response to the reviewer's question, here are the episodes that have had footage cut from their original versions, and what's been cut:

Hoodlum Rock (22:18) - syndication version
Bailey’s Show (24:35) - the end of the scene with Bailey, Johnny and Andy in the booth
Turkeys Away (24:18) - part of the Pink Floyd scene
Love Returns (24:46) - the end of the scene with Johnny in the booth in act 2
A Date With Jennifer (21:03) - syndication version
The Contest Nobody Could Win (23:42) - opening scene cut
Tornado (24:46) - beginning of the first scene in the booth
Never Leave Me, Lucille (23:53) - opening scene with Les singing "Heartbreak Hotel"
I Want to Keep My Baby (23:58) - Little bits snipped from beginning and end
A Commercial Break (24:24) - Scene of Johnny singing "So Long for a While"
Young Master Carlson (24:05) - Mr. Carlson dancing to "Soul Man"
Fish Story (23:21) - Venus singing "I'm tore down"

That's a lot o' cuts.

catlover79 · 04-09-2007, 01:59 PM

I am looking forward to owning these eps! Having said that, I am shocked and disgusted at Hugh Wilson's attitude toward the music changes, and that some scenes have been cut altogether. I still think it's a crummy deal. Look at how successful the Miami Vice DVDs have been since Universal paid for the music licensing rights. I think WKRP could take a cue from that. Oh well...

It's so cool to see Loni Anderson, Frank Bonner and Tim Reid involved in the extras. I look forward to owning the Turkey Drop episode and watching it every Thanksgiving!!

John Carovella · 07-31-2007, 12:06 AM

I have the set now and enjoy it. Hugh's comments don't rile me up as much as I thought they would. I liked how he said he's a Pink Floyd fan and enjoyed having an opportunity to include their music in Turkey's Away when it first aired.

The two short documentaries I enjoyed alot, I wish they were longer and more fleshed out but they're enjoyable as they are.

I'm encouraged by the sales figures I've been hearing for season one, hopefully more seasons will come and they'll continue with commentary tracks and featurettes. I hope they are maybe able to include Jan Smithers, Howard Hessmen and Richard Sanders in future featurettes.

bencasey · 02-02-2008, 03:36 AM

I'm transferring my VHS tapes which are about 80% from the CBS airings. Quality is not as good as DVD but mine have the music in them.

dabluguy · 02-07-2008, 04:55 AM

i wish i could get a copy of those...i ordered the complete series from allmyfavoriteshows.com and most of the discs i got were not playable on my dvd player. i wrote to them, chatted with them about replacement discs (which they said they would replace), but haven't gotten them yet. i wouldn't really care about the quality, just as long as i would have the episodes.

sunsetflyer · 08-10-2008, 06:27 PM

I have been watching the show on WGN tv. They are showing all the episodes which seem intact. Of course I have my favorites. I loved the funeral director show where they made a commercial. That song was one of the funniest I have heard. I fell on the floor laughing when I first saw the show and heard the song when it was originally aired. I have heard about the chops in the season one dvd which is why I probably would not buy it.

catlover79 · 08-10-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsetflyer

I have been watching the show on WGN tv. They are showing all the episodes which seem intact. Of course I have my favorites. I loved the funeral director show where they made a commercial. That song was one of the funniest I have heard. I fell on the floor laughing when I first saw the show and heard the song when it was originally aired. I have heard about the chops in the season one dvd which is why I probably would not buy it.

The Ferryman's Funeral jingle!!!

That's one of the catchiest tunes and it is impossible to get out of your head!

Lester · 09-04-2008, 05:42 AM

I've just got the Series 1 set in time for the 30th anniversary, when I intend to watch the commentary version of the pilot episode. It is indeed a shame that the episodes are not the original versions, but what is available is better than the series not turning up on official DVDs.

However, there is one thought that occurs to me: It's nearly eighteen months since series 1 came out on DVD. What news might Les Nessman

have regarding further series of WKRP being officially released on DVD?

Lester · 10-06-2008, 05:49 AM

Something I've just noticed about the series 1 DVDs - or at least disc 1:

I was watching Love Returns yesterday, and it occurred to me that the logo title lettering at the start of the show was blue. On other versions of the same episode, that is, taped off TV, the logo lettering was white. I did a quick check of the episodes I taped off Tyne Tees in 1988/89, and came to the conclusion that not only has the music been messed about with, but the show's opening titles too!

Also, in scenes with Andy and Linda, on the DVD sometimes her singing a song is on the soundtrack - for instance, at the very end of the episode, after he leaves her a note, we see "flashback" footage of them walking in the park. On the DVD, her singing is on the soundtrack; on the Tyne Tees version, it's just very quiet. Was there an "international" version of this episode, perhaps?

friendsfan77 · 10-10-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunsetflyer

I have been watching the show on WGN tv. They are showing all the episodes which seem intact. Of course I have my favorites. I loved the funeral director show where they made a commercial. That song was one of the funniest I have heard. I fell on the floor laughing when I first saw the show and heard the song when it was originally aired. I have heard about the chops in the season one dvd which is why I probably would not buy it.

"there ain't no way to deny it... someday, you're gonna buy it"

Overtime, that we're now just over halfway into season 2, I notice that with WGN's episodes, there are some music replacements and fake voiceovers ("Fish Story" has an obvious voiceover for Johnny Fever, and "For Love or Money (2)" has one for Venus), but you're right, it's not as bad as it could be. For instance, Much Too Much, Boogie Oogie Oogie, and Jailhouse Rock were still heard in season 1's episodes.

I hate that even in syndication there are edits, but these are still way better than the episodes from the more recent syndication package, and from what it sounds like, the DVD set too. I also love how with most WGN eps, they run 23-24 mins.

catlover79 · 10-10-2008, 04:36 PM

^ Not to mention the "Hallelujah Tabernacle Choir"'s "stunning rendition" of "Having My Baby".

The looks of complete, utter boredom on Howard Hesseman's and Jan Smithers' faces were priceless.

Marvo301 · 04-28-2009, 02:20 AM

I've been watching my season one DVD's and loving them. I had forgotten just how well written this show was, how great the actors were, and just how brilliantly funny it is! I'd also forgotten that in the pilot Silvia Sydney played Mother Carlson. I definitely prefer Carol Bruce who played the role for the rest of the series. I'm having so much so much fun watching theses episodes that I hope the rest of this wonderful series will make its way to DVD soon! Oh and BOOGER!!!

Marvo301 · 04-28-2009, 11:19 PM

I watched Turkeys Away today. As God is my witness that was one brilliantly funny episode. It was very well written and brilliantly performed by the cast. The funniest line didn't even have anything to do with turkeys. It occurred when the entire staff was gathered in Andy's office to complain about Mr. Carlson's strange behavior. Venus complains that Mr. Carlson was nice to him and asked if he needed anything. Someone asked like what? And Venus looks around helplessly before answering "watermelon". A very funny line and brilliantly delivered by Tim Reid. I nearly peed myself!!!

04-08-2007, 01:37 AM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,681	WKRP in Cincinnati - The Complete First Season DVD Review Baby, if you’ve ever wondered where the WKRP DVDs, they’re here now! The Complete First Season of WKRP in Cincinnati (the show that we all thought would never see on DVD) is finally coming to DVD... though maybe not in the way that we remember it. Nearly all of the funny moments that we remember from the series can be found in this three disc set from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. WKRP in Cincinnati was, for those that don’t know, a sitcom from the late 70s/early 80s about the life of those that work at an under-performing AM radio station in Cincinnati. The station is run by a general manager that is afraid of his mama, Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump), and programming director Andy Travis (Gary Sandy). The employees at the radio station are all crazy in their own distinct way but all come together to make for one crazy show, from secretary Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), who somehow makes more money than anybody else at the station, news report Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), the (ineffective) sales manager Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner), producer Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers), and disc jockeys Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid). Read our review here: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/wkrpinc...dvdreview.html Post any questions or comments about this set.

04-09-2007, 01:59 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I am looking forward to owning these eps! Having said that, I am shocked and disgusted at Hugh Wilson's attitude toward the music changes, and that some scenes have been cut altogether. I still think it's a crummy deal. Look at how successful the Miami Vice DVDs have been since Universal paid for the music licensing rights. I think WKRP could take a cue from that. Oh well... It's so cool to see Loni Anderson, Frank Bonner and Tim Reid involved in the extras. I look forward to owning the Turkey Drop episode and watching it every Thanksgiving!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

09-04-2008, 05:42 AM	#9
Lester Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jun 19, 2008 Location: North-East England Posts: 79	I've just got the Series 1 set in time for the 30th anniversary, when I intend to watch the commentary version of the pilot episode. It is indeed a shame that the episodes are not the original versions, but what is available is better than the series not turning up on official DVDs. However, there is one thought that occurs to me: It's nearly eighteen months since series 1 came out on DVD. What news might Les Nessman have regarding further series of WKRP being officially released on DVD?
	__________________ "Good day, and may the good news be yours!"

10-06-2008, 05:49 AM	#10
Lester Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jun 19, 2008 Location: North-East England Posts: 79	Something I've just noticed about the series 1 DVDs - or at least disc 1: I was watching Love Returns yesterday, and it occurred to me that the logo title lettering at the start of the show was blue. On other versions of the same episode, that is, taped off TV, the logo lettering was white. I did a quick check of the episodes I taped off Tyne Tees in 1988/89, and came to the conclusion that not only has the music been messed about with, but the show's opening titles too! Also, in scenes with Andy and Linda, on the DVD sometimes her singing a song is on the soundtrack - for instance, at the very end of the episode, after he leaves her a note, we see "flashback" footage of them walking in the park. On the DVD, her singing is on the soundtrack; on the Tyne Tees version, it's just very quiet. Was there an "international" version of this episode, perhaps?
	Last edited by Lester; 10-11-2008 at 06:11 AM.

04-28-2009, 02:20 AM	#13
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	I've been watching my season one DVD's and loving them. I had forgotten just how well written this show was, how great the actors were, and just how brilliantly funny it is! I'd also forgotten that in the pilot Silvia Sydney played Mother Carlson. I definitely prefer Carol Bruce who played the role for the rest of the series. I'm having so much so much fun watching theses episodes that I hope the rest of this wonderful series will make its way to DVD soon! Oh and BOOGER!!!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-08-2007, 01:46 PM	#2
jaime_weinman Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 22, 2000 Posts: 122	In response to the reviewer's question, here are the episodes that have had footage cut from their original versions, and what's been cut: Hoodlum Rock (22:18) - syndication version Bailey’s Show (24:35) - the end of the scene with Bailey, Johnny and Andy in the booth Turkeys Away (24:18) - part of the Pink Floyd scene Love Returns (24:46) - the end of the scene with Johnny in the booth in act 2 A Date With Jennifer (21:03) - syndication version The Contest Nobody Could Win (23:42) - opening scene cut Tornado (24:46) - beginning of the first scene in the booth Never Leave Me, Lucille (23:53) - opening scene with Les singing "Heartbreak Hotel" I Want to Keep My Baby (23:58) - Little bits snipped from beginning and end A Commercial Break (24:24) - Scene of Johnny singing "So Long for a While" Young Master Carlson (24:05) - Mr. Carlson dancing to "Soul Man" Fish Story (23:21) - Venus singing "I'm tore down" That's a lot o' cuts.

07-31-2007, 12:06 AM	#4
John Carovella Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Dec 02, 2004 Posts: 26	I have the set now and enjoy it. Hugh's comments don't rile me up as much as I thought they would. I liked how he said he's a Pink Floyd fan and enjoyed having an opportunity to include their music in Turkey's Away when it first aired. The two short documentaries I enjoyed alot, I wish they were longer and more fleshed out but they're enjoyable as they are. I'm encouraged by the sales figures I've been hearing for season one, hopefully more seasons will come and they'll continue with commentary tracks and featurettes. I hope they are maybe able to include Jan Smithers, Howard Hessmen and Richard Sanders in future featurettes.

02-02-2008, 03:36 AM	#5
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	I'm transferring my VHS tapes which are about 80% from the CBS airings. Quality is not as good as DVD but mine have the music in them.

02-07-2008, 04:55 AM	#6
dabluguy Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Posts: 3	i wish i could get a copy of those...i ordered the complete series from allmyfavoriteshows.com and most of the discs i got were not playable on my dvd player. i wrote to them, chatted with them about replacement discs (which they said they would replace), but haven't gotten them yet. i wouldn't really care about the quality, just as long as i would have the episodes.

08-10-2008, 06:27 PM	#7
sunsetflyer Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Nov 16, 2002 Location: Houston Posts: 40	I have been watching the show on WGN tv. They are showing all the episodes which seem intact. Of course I have my favorites. I loved the funeral director show where they made a commercial. That song was one of the funniest I have heard. I fell on the floor laughing when I first saw the show and heard the song when it was originally aired. I have heard about the chops in the season one dvd which is why I probably would not buy it.

10-10-2008, 04:36 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	^ Not to mention the "Hallelujah Tabernacle Choir"'s "stunning rendition" of "Having My Baby". The looks of complete, utter boredom on Howard Hesseman's and Jan Smithers' faces were priceless.

04-28-2009, 11:19 PM	#14
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	I watched Turkeys Away today. As God is my witness that was one brilliantly funny episode. It was very well written and brilliantly performed by the cast. The funniest line didn't even have anything to do with turkeys. It occurred when the entire staff was gathered in Andy's office to complain about Mr. Carlson's strange behavior. Venus complains that Mr. Carlson was nice to him and asked if he needed anything. Someone asked like what? And Venus looks around helplessly before answering "watermelon". A very funny line and brilliantly delivered by Tim Reid. I nearly peed myself!!!