Preserving the original show

[nicoge21]

What do you think are the chances someone out there recorded the show from 1987-2002 and has every segment made? As well as all the final appeal broadcasts, the live at the telecenter, and the alcatraz specials besides First Look, or Cosgrove/Meurer?

[Mystery Man]

That's a good question. I guess someone could've taped the first special in 1987 and found it so amazing that they taped every show afterwards up until the last Lifetime episode, though I don't know how likely it is. I'm sure there's gotta be a surviving copy of every segment somewhere, maybe even the ones on the Springfield Three and Kim Nguyen that no one's sure if they really exist or not.

On a similar note...are there any segments that they didn't air or update for the Farina run? Because there's so many, you gotta wonder about those ones that just kinda slipped under the cracks.

[DanCart]

Originally Posted by nicoge21

What do you think are the chances someone out there recorded the show from 1987-2002 and has every segment made? As well as all the final appeal broadcasts, the live at the telecenter, and the alcatraz specials besides First Look, or Cosgrove/Meurer?

There is an outside chance that such a person exists but here are some anti-climatic factors to consider : (1) 15 years is a long time to be tape recording any TV show , imagine how many VHS tapes that would be and then the storage space for them required ....
(2) VHS tapes degrade over time especially with them being replayed constantly , the footage in some instances wouldnt be pretty
(3) in the years since the show stopped the person could have moved house, had their place burn down , or flooded or his or her other half threw out the tapes because they were taking up too much space ....or the person could now be very old unable to do much with their collection and their carer could have just dumped the tapes in a dumpster somewere

I hate to sound negative but unfortunately if someone with all the episodes taped exists I doubt they are on this forum neither would they have uploaded them online ; this whole situation with UM episodes has got me real sad and we probably will never see a lot of epsodes again given the way things are shaping up , I wish I had downloaded the ones on Dailymotion a few weeks back there were some interesting classics which are now probably gone for good ....

[mikewho]

I hope one day they release all of them on DVD. We can all hope. Is there a reason the producers haven't released more than just those box sets?

[DMRS]

Originally Posted by mikewho

I hope one day they release all of them on DVD. We can all hope. Is there a reason the producers haven't released more than just those box sets?

I doubt more box sets will ever be released, let alone seasons or full episodes.

The remake of the series tells me they are still trying to make money off of UM. The thing is, the remake was horrible, and they spent a decent chunk of money trying to do something with it. The monstrous "Call center" in the background, the extra noises, butchered segments... I couldn't watch it. I tried, but it didn't do much for me. Not interesting, mostly annoying.

What they should have done, is kept it as it aired, Stack and all. They could have then had another host for the new segments. It may sound a bit odd, but I think it could have worked. I think it would have also cost less. Also, for updates to older cases, have the text at the end like they used to do on Lifetime, or have the new host give the update. It would have cost less money, and I think it could have worked. They could have even thrown in during the end credits some reference to Robert Stack 19__ - 2003.

They could have had the older fans happy, and also grabbed some newer ones.

People sharing their recordings from network TV or Lifetime is about all there is now. That, and the compilations put together.

[TracyLynnS]

I wonder if they just didn't want to have to pay royalties to Robert Stack's estate or something, and that's why UM was redone with Dennis Farina, but the narration script stayed the same...

Also... What the heck? How could these people create something as unique, memorable, and perfect as the original UM (music, narration, host, segments) but manage to suck so badly in creating the new UM with those stupid ADD, MTV, crappy music and edit effects?

Did they just hand UM over to a bunch of newbies to restyle it, or did they maintain creative control over that colossal screw up?

[DanCart]

Originally Posted by TracyLynnS

I wonder if they just didn't want to have to pay royalties to Robert Stack's estate or something, and that's why UM was redone with Dennis Farina, but the narration script stayed the same...

Also... What the heck? How could these people create something as unique, memorable, and perfect as the original UM (music, narration, host, segments) but manage to suck so badly in creating the new UM with those stupid ADD, MTV, crappy music and edit effects?

Did they just hand UM over to a bunch of newbies to restyle it, or did they maintain creative control over that colossal screw up?

All the changes brought about in the "new" UM could be classic signs of a change behind the scenes ( in production & editorial staff), I doubt for example they used the same producers & directors throughout the intire span of the series ....

I too also wonder why they dont want to release some of the old episodes on new media , I have looked at some of the cases listed on the UM wiki site and a surprising number are still unsolved .

[mikewho]

I'm still hopeful they'll release the seasons one day. The remakes seemed like shorter recaps which wasn't nearly as good or suspenseful. Just didn't feel the same.

[ontarioboi]

what if you got in contact with the parent company nbc, i am sure it may be archived somewhere.

On a side note, they could be gone forever(some clips). If you pay attention to wrestling, follow me: In 2001 www purchased wcw which included all of their past video content as well. I believe one of the wwe execs said something along the lines that many of the archived video was in poor condition and was not preserved. In essence, what if this happened to unsolved mysteries?

[Oldschooler81]

Considering how big a show it was, there probably were a few people who did tape all/almost all of them. But yeah, the bigger question is: would all of the tapes still exist (without some being recorded over years later, etc) and what quality would the recordings and tapes still be in NOW?

VCRs, although commonplace by circa 1985, were on the expensive side for most of the 80s, and even into the first half of the 90s. Not unaffordable, but it was like a luxury (kinda like smartphones with data contracts, or flatscreen TVs are now), so it wasn't unusual for people to only have a mono VCR (i.e. without all 3 stereo auxillary inputs, and one that won't record in Hi-Fi).

Because of this, along with the cost of blank tapes back in the day, many people would tape in SLP 6 hour mode to make the most out of the tapes and have as much room as possible. That's USUALLY what I did as a kid. That also reduces the quality too.

And also, would they necessarily go online to forums like this or YT or sites to trade? If someone was 25 in 1987, they're 51/52 now. Still not old at all, but also probably not the age where they'd be spending lots of time online either, so it might not even occur to them.

[SpigotonHOT]

Originally Posted by Oldschooler81

Considering how big a show it was, there probably were a few people who did tape all/almost all of them. But yeah, the bigger question is: would all of the tapes still exist (without some being recorded over years later, etc) and what quality would the recordings and tapes still be in NOW?

VCRs, although commonplace by circa 1985, were on the expensive side for most of the 80s, and even into the first half of the 90s. Not unaffordable, but it was like a luxury (kinda like smartphones with data contracts, or flatscreen TVs are now), so it wasn't unusual for people to only have a mono VCR (i.e. without all 3 stereo auxillary inputs, and one that won't record in Hi-Fi).

Because of this, along with the cost of blank tapes back in the day, many people would tape in SLP 6 hour mode to make the most out of the tapes and have as much room as possible. That's USUALLY what I did as a kid. That also reduces the quality too.

And also, would they necessarily go online to forums like this or YT or sites to trade? If someone was 25 in 1987, they're 51/52 now. Still not old at all, but also probably not the age where they'd be spending lots of time online either, so it might not even occur to them.

We will probably never know, because whoever did record the show is either too lazy to help preserve the show for everyone, or just hoarding them for some strange reason (i.e. fear/paranoia etc.). Either way its a very sad state of affairs for anyone who would love to see more of this great show. There are members of this board who basically refuse to share what they have with anyone even though compensation for their efforts through monetary means or simply providing the hard drive space has been offered many many times. So my guess is we probably wont see anyone's VHS collection come to light any time soon.

What I dont understand is that with all the dvr's available nowadays, why someone doesnt just start capturing them now. They have to still play them somewhere on some network no? Or is it only the Farina episode? (Sorry, I dont own a TV anymore)

[DanCart]

Originally Posted by SpigotonHOT

We will probably never know, because whoever did record the show is either too lazy to help preserve the show for everyone, or just hoarding them for some strange reason (i.e. fear/paranoia etc.). Either way its a very sad state of affairs for anyone who would love to see more of this great show. There are members of this board who basically refuse to share what they have with anyone even though compensation for their efforts through monetary means or simply providing the hard drive space has been offered many many times. So my guess is we probably wont see anyone's VHS collection come to light any time soon.

What I dont understand is that with all the dvr's available nowadays, why someone doesnt just start capturing them now. They have to still play them somewhere on some network no? Or is it only the Farina episode? (Sorry, I dont own a TV anymore)

I understand your frustration on this matter but I should point out that if anyone accepts money for any of these UM episodes then they will be in serious trouble with the Feds for copyright infringment and possibly other charges as well. The copyright of the episodes belongs to CM productions and they are the only people who can sell or give permission to sell and make money from these episodes . When people upload them on Youtube its usually for entertaiment and/or educational purposes which is why no one posting them up gets busted and charged ..... I hope no one tries to sell those episodes if they have them or they could they could land themselves in very hot water !

Hypothetically speaking , the episodes can be shared via torrents - I have come across links to torrents for some of the episodes online ,. People are also weary about sharing these episodes because CM productions is really putting a tremendous effort to make sure the episodes are not uploaded or shared anywere hence people are weary of responding to unsolicited requests for copying the episodes for someone else (especially if they dont know you well enough) as they could get into trouble for doing. Its sad that we have to resort to sneaky behaviour like this in order to see the episodes when most of us would like nothing better than to buy and own legal copies of all the episodes of the show .....

[SpigotonHOT]

Originally Posted by DanCart

I understand your frustration on this matter but I should point out that if anyone accepts money for any of these UM episodes then they will be in serious trouble with the Feds for copyright infringment and possibly other charges as well. The copyright of the episodes belongs to CM productions and they are the only people who can sell or give permission to sell and make money from these episodes . When people upload them on Youtube its usually for entertaiment and/or educational purposes which is why no one posting them up gets busted and charged ..... I hope no one tries to sell those episodes if they have them or they could they could land themselves in very hot water !

Hypothetically speaking , the episodes can be shared via torrents - I have come across links to torrents for some of the episodes online ,. People are also weary about sharing these episodes because CM productions is really putting a tremendous effort to make sure the episodes are not uploaded or shared anywere hence people are weary of responding to unsolicited requests for copying the episodes for someone else (especially if they dont know you well enough) as they could get into trouble for doing. Its sad that we have to resort to sneaky behaviour like this in order to see the episodes when most of us would like nothing better than to buy and own legal copies of all the episodes of the show .....

Yes, I'm aware of the torrents available as I have searched the internet far and wide for any available video recordings of this show. I think ive tapped out that resource long ago. Through my searches I have collected about 5 full episodes of the orig. shows, some with original commercials still intact and 6 of the inferior Farina episodes. As well as the huge compilation that was graciously released by some kind soul. I appreciate their efforts and if that person is still out there and reading this I urge you to the release anything else you might have. I would be forever indebted to you. And as far as legality, I would love to be able to purchase these "legally" as I have purchased all 6 box sets and would purchase any others that they would put out, but sadly I dont see anymore being put out at all, which is why its so important for the community to take it into their own hands and preserve it themselves. Its totally possible, but as long as everyone is in fear of communicating with one another and sharing with one another it will never happen. If accepting money is the issue then don't do it for money, do it for the hundreds if not thousands of people who like myself would looooooove to reexperience this show how it was meant to be seen. Unedited in complete episodes.

[Necco]

SpigotonHOT,
Please read: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=234830

Please don't make more work for the admins or worse yet, endanger the board by pursuing this topic. They already had to delete one thread this week. UM is the intellectual property of CM. It sucks that they have chosen not to make it available the way most of us want it, but that's the way it is.

[SpigotonHOT]

Originally Posted by Necco

SpigotonHOT,
Please read: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=234830

Please don't make more work for the admins or worse yet, endanger the board by pursuing this topic. They already had to delete one thread this week. UM is the intellectual property of CM. It sucks that they have chosen not to make it available the way most of us want it, but that's the way it is.

"Please do not post any links to segments on YouTube. Any mention of segments on there is also not alllowed. They will be deleted. Any threads that mention buying or selling of episodes will also be deleted without notice. If you want to trade episodes privately, that should be ok. Thank you."

I didnt do any of these things, unless mention of legally purchasing retail dvds is prohibited as well.