My Beef With Columbia/Tri-Star Regarding Sitcom Releases

[andyradke]

First off, I think it's great that Columbia/Tri-Star Home Video are releasing classic sitcoms on DVD in the form of complete season sets. In the past year or more, they have released the first seasons of "All In The Family", "The Larry Sanders Show", "The Jeffersons", "Sanford And Son" and "Mad About You". I recieved word last week from www.tvshowsondvd.com that they plan on releasing the first seasons of "Married With Children" and "Charlie's Angels" among others.

Knowing all this, you may wonder where I may have a problem with Columbia/Tri-Star. Well it seems that they have neglected to follow up on these successful DVD's with SECOND season sets. For example, "Larry Sanders" and "All In The Family" were released at least a year ago. There has been absolutely no word on whether or not second season sets will be produced. And if so, when? Loyal customers have to wait forever and a day (and possibly never) to recieve future seasons.

It seems they're focusing on "how many" different sitcoms they can produce on DVD as opposed to completing the current sets currently available. I've contacted Columbia/Tri-Star about this matter on a few occasions, but my cries have gone unanswered.

I purchased "The Jeffersons" Complete First Season a couple of months ago, and frankly, I don't want to think that the first season is the only one I'll own, especially since it ran for 9. Same goes for "All In The Family" which aired for 10 seasons if I'm not mistaken.

I give credit to companies such as Fox Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video who are quick to release season sets promptly. For example, the first & second seasons of "Friends" were made available 5 months apart from each other. Same goes for "The X Files". Fox releases 2 seasons a year for that.

If you've seen a TV-to-DVD release from Columbia/Tri-Star, you'll notice that they are basically bare bones. In other words, no special features, chapter skips, etc. So obviously, it really wouldn't take too long to produce future seasons for the existing shows. I can't help but wonder if they even "intend" on producing the follow-up seasons. In all honesty, I'm dying to get my hands on the upcoming "Married With Children" set, but I refuse to do it unless I know that the 10 seasons which follow it will also be released.

I apologize for griping, but I think what I'm saying makes a lot of sense. People who purchase these sets need to have their voices heard, so Columbia/Tri-Star knows that we want the future sets.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please respond with your thoughts.

[boechsner]

I agree, I'm not content only owning the 1st season of The Jeffersons. I have to have at least another season.

[TJL]

Amen Brother!

I don't see why it takes so long for them to release new sets of these great shows. I'm waiting another few months for them to release season 3 of "M*A*S*H" and at this rate I have to wait another four years to complete my collection!

[ABC1]

Maybe there's hope that someday somebody will release The Love Boat on DVD. I have no idea who would distribute though. Other Aaron Spelling shows have been released--I wish they'd bring The Love Boat to DVD...

[TJL]

Maybe the people who own the rights to these shows get more $$$ from syndication than DVD sales.

Isn't it a bizarre coincidence that they release the first season of Larry Sanders on DVD, then Bravo pays big money to show the reruns, and we have yet to see season two released...

[TVFactFan]

Originally posted by andyradke
First off, I think it's great that Columbia/Tri-Star Home Video are releasing classic sitcoms on DVD in the form of complete season sets. In the past year or more, they have released the first seasons of "All In The Family", "The Larry Sanders Show", "The Jeffersons", "Sanford And Son" and "Mad About You". I recieved word last week from www.tvshowsondvd.com that they plan on releasing the first seasons of "Married With Children" and "Charlie's Angels" among others.

Knowing all this, you may wonder where I may have a problem with Columbia/Tri-Star. Well it seems that they have neglected to follow up on these successful DVD's with SECOND season sets. For example, "Larry Sanders" and "All In The Family" were released at least a year ago. There has been absolutely no word on whether or not second season sets will be produced. And if so, when? Loyal customers have to wait forever and a day (and possibly never) to recieve future seasons.

It seems they're focusing on "how many" different sitcoms they can produce on DVD as opposed to completing the current sets currently available. I've contacted Columbia/Tri-Star about this matter on a few occasions, but my cries have gone unanswered.

I purchased "The Jeffersons" Complete First Season a couple of months ago, and frankly, I don't want to think that the first season is the only one I'll own, especially since it ran for 9. Same goes for "All In The Family" which aired for 10 seasons if I'm not mistaken.

I give credit to companies such as Fox Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video who are quick to release season sets promptly. For example, the first & second seasons of "Friends" were made available 5 months apart from each other. Same goes for "The X Files". Fox releases 2 seasons a year for that.

If you've seen a TV-to-DVD release from Columbia/Tri-Star, you'll notice that they are basically bare bones. In other words, no special features, chapter skips, etc. So obviously, it really wouldn't take too long to produce future seasons for the existing shows. I can't help but wonder if they even "intend" on producing the follow-up seasons. In all honesty, I'm dying to get my hands on the upcoming "Married With Children" set, but I refuse to do it unless I know that the 10 seasons which follow it will also be released.

I apologize for griping, but I think what I'm saying makes a lot of sense. People who purchase these sets need to have their voices heard, so Columbia/Tri-Star knows that we want the future sets.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please respond with your thoughts.

I think the first season of the jeffersons is the only season worh buyng on DVD. I know you had to enjoy it but I really cannot see any other season of the Jeffersons being on DVD.

[FOLrocks1]

I agree with you. I have so far bought The Complete 1St season Jeffersons, AITF, and Friends. For Christmas I'm probably getting MTM and Friends 2nd. I really wish that they would do more seasons rather than more shows. I would like to see the Golden Girls in DVD.

[andyradke]

Originally posted by SOLOMON



I think the first season of the jeffersons is the only season worh buyng on DVD. I know you had to enjoy it but I really cannot see any other season of the Jeffersons being on DVD.

In which case, why didn't they just make up a 2-disk "Best Of" collection featuring the best shows from its 10-year run? That would make a lot more sense. People go out and buy these sets under the assumption that they are starting a collection. As I said above, it seems that they're (Columbia/Tri-Star) concerning themselves with releasing first seasons of a multitude of television shows as opposed to completing the shows which have already been made available.

I mean, with this upcoming "Married With Children" first season set, there really is nothing worth writing home about. That first season was undoubtedly the worst, and every fan of the show knows that the memorable episodes occurred seasons later. But yet, they intend of releasing it, possibly with the same false pretenses, allowing people to think that future seasons will soon follow.

I don't know. I just think if someone's going to release a season set of a particular show, they should be quick to follow that first season up.

[Ericguy]

I agree with you totally with a few comments. I think they base future releases on how well the first set sells. After all, there is no use releasing subsequent seasons if season one bombs. Shows like Friends and the Simpsons they know will sell well, but old shows are just simply a crapshoot. I was shocked to see Sanford and Son but I would fall down if there was ever another season released. Next, we should feel lucky that even one season of our shows make it to DVD considering all the shows we can't get on tape, let alone DVD, so simply rejoice for whatever bones they throw at as. By the way, I agree on Married with Children but I also think it will sell well enough to have at least a couple of more seasons released.

[Czas na Zywiec]

I'm sort of mad that they're puting shows like Friends and Married with Children on DVD already because they just recenly ended or are still going on and can be seen on TV a lot, especially Friends. I think that they should stick to 50's, 60's, 70's, and now 80's shows, since it's the new century and the 80's are about 20 years back. That way, rarer shows that aren't shown on TV, like Diff'rent Strokes, Facs of Life, Silver Spoons, Gimmie a Break, etc. could still be purchased and seen by fans, because no damn station is smart enough to pick up these shows and run them a decent amount of time.

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by Original Prankster
I'm sort of mad that they're puting shows like Friends and Married with Children on DVD already because they just recenly ended or are still going on and can be seen on TV a lot, especially Friends. I think that they should stick to 50's, 60's, 70's, and now 80's shows, since it's the new century and the 80's are about 20 years back. That way, rarer shows that aren't shown on TV, like Diff'rent Strokes, Facs of Life, Silver Spoons, Gimmie a Break, etc. could still be purchased and seen by fans, because no damn station is smart enough to pick up these shows and run them a decent amount of time.

I agree 100%

[andyradke]

Well folks, talk about coincidence. A mere 2 weeks after I created this post, I learned from www.tvshowsondvd.com (and this news was further confirmed by www.dvdfile.com) that Columbia/Tri-Star are releasing SECOND season sets of "All In The Family" and "Sanford And Son". I guess they've decided to wake up and smell the toast!! They're also releasing the FIRST season of "Good Times".

I guess the "Married With Children" DVD plans have been changed. What was originally supposed to be the complete first season is now nothing more than a "Best Of..." compilation containing 5 of the most outrageous MWC episodes. I was hoping for full seasons, but I guess I'll take'em any way I can get'em. lol.

All we need now is that 2nd season of "The Jeffersons" to be announced and I'll be one happy camper. I'm just glad they've taken the initiative and decided to follow up on their existing DVD releases.

[ClassicTV4Ever]

Originally posted by andyradke
I guess the "Married With Children" DVD plans have been changed. What was originally supposed to be the complete first season is now nothing more than a "Best Of..." compilation containing 5 of the most outrageous MWC episodes. I was hoping for full seasons, but I guess I'll take'em any way I can get'em. lol.

I was also really looking forward to a season set. However, I'm still going to buy the "Best of.." DVD. We could still be getting full seasons, though. You never know

[Brenton]

I might be able to help answer this one since I work in VHS/DVD marketing. One thing I am certain the folks at Columbia/Tri-Star are doing is monitoring the sales of these DVDs. And, with the exception of "All in the Family" which has done moderate sales, there isn't a lot of interest in these shows on DVD. For one thing, many consumers don't see why they should pay $40 when these episodes are ran on TV everyday. The "first season" has been a successful marketing tool and generates a lot of interest. After that, sales fall off considerably. You receive a flood of fan mail requesting specific episodes on DVD, which of course, is not possible.

For every "I Love Lucy", "Star Trek", "Sopranos" or "The Simpsons", there are a lot shows that simply don't do well in VHS and DVD sales. That is why you will probably see only the first season on DVD for most of these series.

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by Brenton
I might be able to help answer this one since I work in VHS/DVD marketing. One thing I am certain the folks at Columbia/Tri-Star are doing is monitoring the sales of these DVDs. And, with the exception of "All in the Family" which has done moderate sales, there isn't a lot of interest in these shows on DVD. For one thing, many consumers don't see why they should pay $40 when these episodes are ran on TV everyday. The "first season" has been a successful marketing tool and generates a lot of interest. After that, sales fall off considerably. You receive a flood of fan mail requesting specific episodes on DVD, which of course, is not possible.

For every "I Love Lucy", "Star Trek", "Sopranos" or "The Simpsons", there are a lot shows that simply don't do well in VHS and DVD sales. That is why you will probably see only the first season on DVD for most of these series.

That's too bad. I'd love to get all my favorite shows out on dvd. I understand 40 bucks is pretty pricey, but it's worth it to me. If I'm watching something on tv, I just growl at all the commericials the networks have inserted into the show. It would seriously be worth it to me to buy a straight dvd and not have to worry about all the commericials.