Is Batman ever coming on dvd? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Miss Kitty · 11-19-2007, 01:09 AM

The original 1966 Batman. What's the story behind the holdup on that dvd?

Zoneboy · 11-19-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

The original 1966 Batman. What's the story behind the holdup on that dvd?

Greed as far as I'm concerned. 20th Century FOX and DC Comics can't seem to come to a compromise so the rest of us have to suffer for it. I don't know the full details so perhaps someone else can explain it a little better.

gidgetgrape · 11-19-2007, 07:23 PM

You can read stories about the various holdups here:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Batman/841

Eric Paddon · 11-19-2007, 08:04 PM

The roadblock is caused by the contracts that result in Batman the show being owned by Fox, the character by Warner (which owns DC) and how the language wasn't in a way where Fox could release it free and clear like they can with the 1966 movie (which is getting a new DVD release this coming year). Also, the family of executive producer William Dozier is currently engaged in a lawsuit with Fox which further hampers long-term progress.

I don't like to go the bootleg route, but "Batman" was one show where I was left with no choice and thankfully I found a set of uncut episodes from airings in TV Land Canada in good quality.

applecherry · 11-19-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Paddon

The roadblock is caused by the contracts that result in Batman the show being owned by Fox, the character by Warner (which owns DC) and how the language wasn't in a way where Fox could release it free and clear like they can with the 1966 movie (which is getting a new DVD release this coming year). Also, the family of executive producer William Dozier is currently engaged in a lawsuit with Fox which further hampers long-term progress.

I don't like to go the bootleg route, but "Batman" was one show where I was left with no choice and thankfully I found a set of uncut episodes from airings in TV Land Canada in good quality.

YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE MOVIE AND TV VERSION WOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS.

Eric Paddon · 11-19-2007, 09:58 PM

The contracts just weren't written up the same way back then. Someone more expertise in Batman matters could explain it better, but that's just something to keep in mind the next time you see the movie repackaged on DVD, because it doesn't mean the TV series is just around the corner.

comedyfreak · 11-21-2007, 06:17 AM

It seems like it could be very lucrative for all parties involved if they could reach an agreement. In the mean time the fans are the ones being cheated out of getting to see a classic show.

tv star collector · 11-21-2007, 08:45 AM

Being a "baby-boomer," I have fond memories of the "campy" TV version of
Batman. I think that, besides the legal issues involved, the popularity of Tim
Burton's darker interpretation of the Caped Crusader has to be factored into
the equation. Once Michael Keaton's portrayal became the definitive one (for
many people), Adam West's version began to look like a joke. Similarly,
Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman, in the 1978 film, dimmed the memories of George Reeves (no relation) in the minds of even the most loyal
fans of the '50s TV series. Don't get me wrong. For me, Adam West will
always be the definitive Batman. But a lot of comic book purists would strongly disagree.

OH Nuts! · 11-21-2007, 07:38 PM

BAM POW ZAP. Holy DVD Nostalgia Batman. When's it coming to DVD for its fans?

I liked Batman but wouldn't go so far to say I loved it. But what I do love is seeing steadfast fans get their shows on DVD.

dakert · 11-22-2007, 01:57 PM

I got my DVD copy of the Batman series from ioffer.com--in nice shape

Zebra 3 · 11-23-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tv star collector

Once Michael Keaton's portrayal became the definitive one (for many people), Adam West's version began to look like a joke.

The joke (and a bad one at that) is trying to compare the best Batman (Adam West) to that rubberized lot.

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-23-2007, 11:12 PM

I sure hope so

storrs19 · 11-24-2007, 08:55 AM

I wound up buying several sets of shows from people on I-Offer as I am sick of waiting for the greedy (or stupid) studios to release my shows.

comedyfreak · 11-24-2007, 09:29 AM

That's how I got most of mine, just couldn't wait.

11-19-2007, 01:09 AM	#1
Miss Kitty Mrs. Zack Morris Occasional Poster Join Date: Nov 22, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 42	Is Batman ever coming on dvd? The original 1966 Batman. What's the story behind the holdup on that dvd?

11-21-2007, 06:17 AM	#7
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	It seems like it could be very lucrative for all parties involved if they could reach an agreement. In the mean time the fans are the ones being cheated out of getting to see a classic show.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

11-23-2007, 11:12 PM	#12
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I sure hope so
	__________________ Who Dat

11-24-2007, 08:55 AM	#13
storrs19 B&W TV Lover Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 07, 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 742	I wound up buying several sets of shows from people on I-Offer as I am sick of waiting for the greedy (or stupid) studios to release my shows.
	__________________ Bring back my B&W TV Shows !!

11-19-2007, 07:23 PM	#3
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,505	You can read stories about the various holdups here: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Batman/841

11-19-2007, 08:04 PM	#4
Eric Paddon Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 22, 2006 Posts: 164	The roadblock is caused by the contracts that result in Batman the show being owned by Fox, the character by Warner (which owns DC) and how the language wasn't in a way where Fox could release it free and clear like they can with the 1966 movie (which is getting a new DVD release this coming year). Also, the family of executive producer William Dozier is currently engaged in a lawsuit with Fox which further hampers long-term progress. I don't like to go the bootleg route, but "Batman" was one show where I was left with no choice and thankfully I found a set of uncut episodes from airings in TV Land Canada in good quality.

11-19-2007, 09:58 PM	#6
Eric Paddon Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 22, 2006 Posts: 164	The contracts just weren't written up the same way back then. Someone more expertise in Batman matters could explain it better, but that's just something to keep in mind the next time you see the movie repackaged on DVD, because it doesn't mean the TV series is just around the corner.

11-21-2007, 08:45 AM	#8
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,487	Being a "baby-boomer," I have fond memories of the "campy" TV version of Batman. I think that, besides the legal issues involved, the popularity of Tim Burton's darker interpretation of the Caped Crusader has to be factored into the equation. Once Michael Keaton's portrayal became the definitive one (for many people), Adam West's version began to look like a joke. Similarly, Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman, in the 1978 film, dimmed the memories of George Reeves (no relation) in the minds of even the most loyal fans of the '50s TV series. Don't get me wrong. For me, Adam West will always be the definitive Batman. But a lot of comic book purists would strongly disagree.

11-21-2007, 07:38 PM	#9
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	BAM POW ZAP. Holy DVD Nostalgia Batman. When's it coming to DVD for its fans? I liked Batman but wouldn't go so far to say I loved it. But what I do love is seeing steadfast fans get their shows on DVD.

11-22-2007, 01:57 PM	#10
dakert Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2007 Location: Altoona PA Posts: 3,411	I got my DVD copy of the Batman series from ioffer.com--in nice shape

11-24-2007, 09:29 AM	#14
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	That's how I got most of mine, just couldn't wait.