Cancelling TV-DVD sets question - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BuddyHinton · 05-11-2007, 01:18 AM

So, is it "official" that the Bob Newhart Show, Hazel, Green Acres, and Leave it to Beaver are FOR SURE not going to have additional seasons made for dvd? I find it odd that a show like Bob Newhart which had a few extra's and came pretty close to being completed (4 out of 6 seasons!) would suddenly cease. The numbers must have been fair to get them to 4. I find it strange that the same people who bought the first two seasons (and kept the ball moving to 4) wouldn't buy the last 4. Almost the same can be said for Green Acres (another AMAZING SHOW!) we are so close and yet seemingly so far. Then there's the Beaver. The Beaver is as Americana as the Brady Bunch (another of my faves) and I am at a loss especially over this one stopping at a meager "two". Leave it to Beaver is simply TIMELESS humor I don't care how old/young you are. I myself am 38 and in no way watched this while it aired but I find the writing to have an amazing wit.

Thoughts; are people who would "normally" buy the Beaver and Hazel simply too old that the market simply isn't there? On the other hand all the Andy Griffith Seasons are out (and in FINE fashion might I add, this is one amazing efforts) and the years are fairly close enough. Then again that wouldn't explain the Newhart dilema... I am baffled at what is going on. What can be done?????

Funny to think of the shows that keep being RE_RELEASED over and over (like the Twilight Zone) but we can't get some shows released ONCE!! And do my eyes decieve or are they releasing the Cosby Show (not one I buy) Seasons 3 and 4 ON THE SAME DAY.....? What's a fella to DO?

applecherry · 05-11-2007, 12:34 PM

Two Thumbs Up For First Look Studio's For Really Being The First STUDIO To Release Two Seasons DVD'S At The Same Time Same Date.(THE COSBY SHOW S-3 & 4) I Don't Think Any Other Studio Done This Before, Unless You Want To Count The Studios That Release 2 Season Togather Because The First Season Had Only 6 Episodes (dallas Season 1), And Release The 2nd To Make A Complete Set.
If Only The Rest Of The Studio's Who Follow And Give Us 2 Season At A Time.
It Doesn't Have To Be A Set Togather.as Long As The 2 Season Come Out On The Same Day, That Would Be Great. & I Really Don't Think That Fans Would Complain As Much

BuddyHinton · 05-12-2007, 11:11 PM

Any opinions with relevance?

Eric Paddon · 05-13-2007, 12:12 AM

It all depends IMO on the practices of the particular studio. With the MTM produced shows, you have Fox which is fast becoming the worst studio for showing committment to any kind of series on DVD. The only MTM produced show that has its entire run out on DVD is "Remington Steele" and I suspect that was done just to piggyback Pierce Brosnan's 007 status at the time. Look also how Fox won't commit to any of the shows they produced other than the Irwin Allen shows and you see a studio you just can't trust at all.

And Sony is even more of a joke. They release only the 13 episode S1 of "Barney Miller", one of the five greatest sitcoms in TV history THREE YEARS ago, and then consign it to "one and done" status and don't so much as give it any kind of second chance at all for the period when the show starts to gel more in quality (of course why a show like "Barney Miller" didn't get a combined S1 and S2 the first time out, but "Facts Of Life" did is another bizarre mystery of life from Sony, which also saw fit to give a total committment to the forgettable "That's My Mama's" two season run). Anytime I see Sony announce a new sitcom on DVD with S1 when they have such a long broken trail of abandoned titles, I immediately say, "Here comes the next one and done."

At this point, the best hope for seeing more vintage shows come out lies with Paramount, and to a lesser degree Universal. Universal is not all the way back yet, as there are still eight abandoned titles crying out for more right now, but they are resurrecting two "one and done" releases from 2005 this summer with second sets of "Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep" so I have more guarded optimism with Universal than I do with Sony or Fox (I'm happy Warner is finishing "F-Troop" but beyond that they don't seem to give much of a damn about their classic catalog at all so I can't say much about them).

bencasey · 05-13-2007, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyHinton

So, is it "official" that the Bob Newhart Show, Hazel, Green Acres, and Leave it to Beaver are FOR SURE not going to have additional seasons made for dvd

What is your source? Since studios never "officially" say anything of the sort, where are you getting this from? Mad About You was cancelled but then it's not as Sony put out the 3rd season about 4 years after the second.

Every studio has their own practices as well as sales quotas that they feel they have to meet. Universal and Warner for example have exhorbitant in-house fees that it costs them to master shows. For Universal it's about $5000an episode and Warner is more. So for Universal to master a show like Beaver with 39 episodes a season, we're talking about $200,000 right off the bat.

Paramount is by far the best company for great TV with all of the others tied for worst, IMO. Although at least Sony gives more shows a chance, something the others won't even consider.

Eric Paddon · 05-13-2007, 08:36 AM

I would rather see Sony give fewer shows a S1 release as part of a throw titles at the wall en masse and see what sticks approach, and instead show more patience with some deserving titles to get at least past S1 ("Barney Miller" again). Universal did the same thing two years ago during the height of their obsession with DVD-18s and their high defective pressing rate, and the end result is why people like me still waiting for more of "Dragnet", "Adam-12", "McMillan And Wife", "Night Gallery" etc. remain waiting. But Universal at least is moving more in the right direction with no more DVD-18s, and bringing back some of the abandoned titles.

BuddyHinton · 05-13-2007, 11:27 AM

So, is it "official" that the Bob Newhart Show, Hazel, Green Acres, and Leave it to Beaver are FOR SURE not going to have additional seasons made for dvd?

It's clearly a question. I have no sources except for the fact they never seem to come out.

I think pretty much EVERY show should just be released of "high" notoriety.. Some will sell, some won't, but isn't that business?

fox3eyes · 05-13-2007, 01:44 PM

I prefer seperate packages but I will take complete series sets. I cant wait for Saturday Night Live to put a new season out.

Ant-Lox · 05-13-2007, 02:32 PM

I say just wait it out, maybe down the line something will happen to spark interest in your shows, maybe a death or a anniversary might make the studios think of releasing the sets again.

I thought season sets were over for Mad About You since they released a best of set after season 2, but next thing you know Season 3 was released. Studios are weird, and we'll never understand why they do some things.

Madame X · 05-13-2007, 03:01 PM

Since everything in this country is based on

, I find it odd that they won't release what the public wants. I am sure "Leave it to Beaver" would still sell as would many others.

They are enthusiastic to market dolls, clocks, placemats, T-shirts, plates and all the other collectible crap, but not the real thing we want: the show itself in its original format.

BensonFan · 05-20-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyHinton

I think pretty much EVERY show should just be released of "high" notoriety.. Some will sell, some won't, but isn't that business?

That's what I said. If they're concerned about certain titles not selling in mass quantities (not every show enjoyed the popularity of a "Seinfeld" or a "Friends"), then I suggest they manufacture smaller quantities and put those out first and see how they do. There is always going to be a buyer but maybe not 10 million wanting the same DVD set.

I also think once a first season is released of any show, then the entire show should be released. It seems idiotic and senseless to have one or two seasons of any show on the shelves and nothing more. I think it reflects poorly on the studios owning the rights to those shows. It tells me they lack commitment to their own product and this doesn't sit well with me as a consumer who enjoys many of those shows. Give me a chance to buy what I want and enjoy it in the comfort of my own home.

BuddyHinton · 05-21-2007, 02:00 AM

I think in general there should be a more efficient way or a schedule of some kind that consumers can keep informed on. This "wait for 3 years or maybe 3 months" for the next season nonsense has to be hurting sales. There should be some sort of clear schedule for releases.

friendsfan77 · 05-21-2007, 05:53 AM

What got to me is that in an article I read about WKRP in Cincinnati on DVD, it said that many more sets of My Name Is Earl are being sold than Mary Tyler Moore. IMHO, that is an unfair comparison; at least compare MTM to a show that originally aired in the same decade and is out on DVD.

I hope that they'll continue with BNS. It wouldn't make sense to abandon the show now. There are only two seasons left.

Lee G · 05-21-2007, 11:21 AM

Yep, we need seasons 3 thru 6 of Beaver, seasons 2 thru 5 of Hazel, seasons 4 thru 6 of Green Acres, and the second and final season of The Bill Cosby Show. The problem is, the only thing the companies that release these shows care about is the bottom line. If sales don't add up to a profit, they will abandon the show. I agree that once they start releasing a show on DVD, all the seasons should be made available. But the companies just don't give a damn. No profit, no further DVD's. It's not looking good at the moment for Beaver, Hazel, Green Acres, and The Bill Cosby Show.

There are bootleg DVD sets for Beaver, Hazel, and Green Acres. But the problems with those sets are you get inferior quality, the episodes are usually cut and sometimes the DVD's can freeze up and will not play. Unless you're willing to take a chance, save your money and hope that official releases of the remaining seasons of these shows will eventually be available.

blue4t · 05-28-2007, 02:31 PM

Never say never. Maybe in many years from now many shows that aren't out in full seasons or any seasons on DVD will come out. It may become cheaper or they may find the fans are there now. A show may become a cult classic in many years. We don't know. So never say never to a DVD release.

05-11-2007, 01:18 AM	#1
BuddyHinton Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: CA Posts: 441	Cancelling TV-DVD sets question So, is it "official" that the Bob Newhart Show, Hazel, Green Acres, and Leave it to Beaver are FOR SURE not going to have additional seasons made for dvd? I find it odd that a show like Bob Newhart which had a few extra's and came pretty close to being completed (4 out of 6 seasons!) would suddenly cease. The numbers must have been fair to get them to 4. I find it strange that the same people who bought the first two seasons (and kept the ball moving to 4) wouldn't buy the last 4. Almost the same can be said for Green Acres (another AMAZING SHOW!) we are so close and yet seemingly so far. Then there's the Beaver. The Beaver is as Americana as the Brady Bunch (another of my faves) and I am at a loss especially over this one stopping at a meager "two". Leave it to Beaver is simply TIMELESS humor I don't care how old/young you are. I myself am 38 and in no way watched this while it aired but I find the writing to have an amazing wit. Thoughts; are people who would "normally" buy the Beaver and Hazel simply too old that the market simply isn't there? On the other hand all the Andy Griffith Seasons are out (and in FINE fashion might I add, this is one amazing efforts) and the years are fairly close enough. Then again that wouldn't explain the Newhart dilema... I am baffled at what is going on. What can be done????? Funny to think of the shows that keep being RE_RELEASED over and over (like the Twilight Zone) but we can't get some shows released ONCE!! And do my eyes decieve or are they releasing the Cosby Show (not one I buy) Seasons 3 and 4 ON THE SAME DAY.....? What's a fella to DO?
	Last edited by BuddyHinton; 05-11-2007 at 01:36 AM.

05-13-2007, 02:32 PM	#9
Ant-Lox Cloud Watcher Senior Member Join Date: Feb 18, 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,824	I say just wait it out, maybe down the line something will happen to spark interest in your shows, maybe a death or a anniversary might make the studios think of releasing the sets again. I thought season sets were over for Mad About You since they released a best of set after season 2, but next thing you know Season 3 was released. Studios are weird, and we'll never understand why they do some things.
	__________________ Currently Watching: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Sports Allegiances Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Eagles Detroit Red Wings New York Football Giants

05-11-2007, 12:34 PM	#2
applecherry Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 17, 2005 Posts: 496	Two Thumbs Up For First Look Studio's For Really Being The First STUDIO To Release Two Seasons DVD'S At The Same Time Same Date.(THE COSBY SHOW S-3 & 4) I Don't Think Any Other Studio Done This Before, Unless You Want To Count The Studios That Release 2 Season Togather Because The First Season Had Only 6 Episodes (dallas Season 1), And Release The 2nd To Make A Complete Set. If Only The Rest Of The Studio's Who Follow And Give Us 2 Season At A Time. It Doesn't Have To Be A Set Togather.as Long As The 2 Season Come Out On The Same Day, That Would Be Great. & I Really Don't Think That Fans Would Complain As Much

05-12-2007, 11:11 PM	#3
BuddyHinton Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: CA Posts: 441	Any opinions with relevance?

05-13-2007, 12:12 AM	#4
Eric Paddon Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 22, 2006 Posts: 164	It all depends IMO on the practices of the particular studio. With the MTM produced shows, you have Fox which is fast becoming the worst studio for showing committment to any kind of series on DVD. The only MTM produced show that has its entire run out on DVD is "Remington Steele" and I suspect that was done just to piggyback Pierce Brosnan's 007 status at the time. Look also how Fox won't commit to any of the shows they produced other than the Irwin Allen shows and you see a studio you just can't trust at all. And Sony is even more of a joke. They release only the 13 episode S1 of "Barney Miller", one of the five greatest sitcoms in TV history THREE YEARS ago, and then consign it to "one and done" status and don't so much as give it any kind of second chance at all for the period when the show starts to gel more in quality (of course why a show like "Barney Miller" didn't get a combined S1 and S2 the first time out, but "Facts Of Life" did is another bizarre mystery of life from Sony, which also saw fit to give a total committment to the forgettable "That's My Mama's" two season run). Anytime I see Sony announce a new sitcom on DVD with S1 when they have such a long broken trail of abandoned titles, I immediately say, "Here comes the next one and done." At this point, the best hope for seeing more vintage shows come out lies with Paramount, and to a lesser degree Universal. Universal is not all the way back yet, as there are still eight abandoned titles crying out for more right now, but they are resurrecting two "one and done" releases from 2005 this summer with second sets of "Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep" so I have more guarded optimism with Universal than I do with Sony or Fox (I'm happy Warner is finishing "F-Troop" but beyond that they don't seem to give much of a damn about their classic catalog at all so I can't say much about them).

05-13-2007, 08:36 AM	#6
Eric Paddon Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 22, 2006 Posts: 164	I would rather see Sony give fewer shows a S1 release as part of a throw titles at the wall en masse and see what sticks approach, and instead show more patience with some deserving titles to get at least past S1 ("Barney Miller" again). Universal did the same thing two years ago during the height of their obsession with DVD-18s and their high defective pressing rate, and the end result is why people like me still waiting for more of "Dragnet", "Adam-12", "McMillan And Wife", "Night Gallery" etc. remain waiting. But Universal at least is moving more in the right direction with no more DVD-18s, and bringing back some of the abandoned titles.

05-13-2007, 11:27 AM	#7
BuddyHinton Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: CA Posts: 441	So, is it "official" that the Bob Newhart Show, Hazel, Green Acres, and Leave it to Beaver are FOR SURE not going to have additional seasons made for dvd? It's clearly a question. I have no sources except for the fact they never seem to come out. I think pretty much EVERY show should just be released of "high" notoriety.. Some will sell, some won't, but isn't that business?

05-13-2007, 01:44 PM	#8
fox3eyes fox3eyes Occasional Poster Join Date: Nov 26, 2006 Location: ohio Posts: 25	I prefer seperate packages but I will take complete series sets. I cant wait for Saturday Night Live to put a new season out.

05-13-2007, 03:01 PM	#10
Madame X Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,831	Since everything in this country is based on , I find it odd that they won't release what the public wants. I am sure "Leave it to Beaver" would still sell as would many others. They are enthusiastic to market dolls, clocks, placemats, T-shirts, plates and all the other collectible crap, but not the real thing we want: the show itself in its original format.

05-21-2007, 02:00 AM	#12
BuddyHinton Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: CA Posts: 441	I think in general there should be a more efficient way or a schedule of some kind that consumers can keep informed on. This "wait for 3 years or maybe 3 months" for the next season nonsense has to be hurting sales. There should be some sort of clear schedule for releases.

05-21-2007, 05:53 AM	#13
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	What got to me is that in an article I read about WKRP in Cincinnati on DVD, it said that many more sets of My Name Is Earl are being sold than Mary Tyler Moore. IMHO, that is an unfair comparison; at least compare MTM to a show that originally aired in the same decade and is out on DVD. I hope that they'll continue with BNS. It wouldn't make sense to abandon the show now. There are only two seasons left.

05-21-2007, 11:21 AM	#14
Lee G Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 24, 2004 Posts: 850	Yep, we need seasons 3 thru 6 of Beaver, seasons 2 thru 5 of Hazel, seasons 4 thru 6 of Green Acres, and the second and final season of The Bill Cosby Show. The problem is, the only thing the companies that release these shows care about is the bottom line. If sales don't add up to a profit, they will abandon the show. I agree that once they start releasing a show on DVD, all the seasons should be made available. But the companies just don't give a damn. No profit, no further DVD's. It's not looking good at the moment for Beaver, Hazel, Green Acres, and The Bill Cosby Show. There are bootleg DVD sets for Beaver, Hazel, and Green Acres. But the problems with those sets are you get inferior quality, the episodes are usually cut and sometimes the DVD's can freeze up and will not play. Unless you're willing to take a chance, save your money and hope that official releases of the remaining seasons of these shows will eventually be available.

05-28-2007, 02:31 PM	#15
blue4t Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 15, 2005 Posts: 168	Never say never. Maybe in many years from now many shows that aren't out in full seasons or any seasons on DVD will come out. It may become cheaper or they may find the fans are there now. A show may become a cult classic in many years. We don't know. So never say never to a DVD release.