One Year Wonders = PERFECT DVD releases?? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

barwars · 11-22-2003, 10:49 PM

Who else agrees??
They'd be very collectable.

And all shows have their fair-share of fans.

I think its a great idea.
who agrees??

Servo · 11-24-2003, 12:54 AM

Perfect for us collectors, but VERY risky (financially) for studios who need to make profits from the DVD sets. However, some studios are taking the gamble as, amazingly, two of my favorite "one-year wonders" have resurfaced as DVD complete sets this year. The CBS police drama Brooklyn South (10/28), and Fox's The Ben Stiller Show(12/2).

Check'em out at Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...483698-3390552

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...483698-3390552

bencasey · 12-04-2003, 12:43 AM

Who cares about recent shows? Anything that I liked in the past 25 years since VCRs came out I recorded anyway. I need the short run shows from the 50s and 60s to come out. Stuff that has never reaired like Hank, Love on a Rooftop, The Hero, etc.

vashti1999 · 12-04-2003, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bencasey
Who cares about recent shows? Anything that I liked in the past 25 years since VCRs came out I recorded anyway. I need the short run shows from the 50s and 60s to come out. Stuff that has never reaired like Hank, Love on a Rooftop, The Hero, etc.

Lots of people care about recent shows and dvd is a much better, durable, space-saving format to own tv series collections than stuff recorded on a vcr. As for short-lived series I'd like to see released on dvd: Dangerous Minds, I have most of the (19?) episodes on vhs, and South Central.

bencasey · 02-01-2004, 04:29 AM

Lots of people may care but the point is anything that has aired in the last 25 years, if someone wanted it they could have recorded it. The shows I want all were on prior to home recording and no one had any opportunity to get them. Given the choice of a show I already have on tape (It's Your Move for example) or a show from the pre-taping era, give me the old show anytime. I can do my own DVD transfers from my VHS masters.

sbeamish · 10-29-2004, 11:18 AM

I have to agree with bencasey. Let the newer shows wait a little while. Fans mostly have those episodes on tape anyway.

There must be some cost effective way that studios can get those "lost" old shows into the home video market. They should act now, while we "boomers" are still around and have enough interest to make the effort worthwhile.

In a couple of decades those rare treasures from the 50s, 60s and even the 70s will lose their nostalgic effect and virtually all of their fiscal value.

dlemond · 10-29-2004, 11:44 AM

How about guarantee pre-order sets?

They will be refundable if there is not enough ordered (to make it's release worthwhile), but not refundable once it reaches a significant number.

Therefore everyone wins- even though you have to put out your money ahead of time. It would be worth it for some shows.

tvfan0101 · 10-29-2004, 12:42 PM

It is a gamble for studios but there have been a handful of DVD releases, in addition to those mentioned already. Freaks and Geeks, although a recent show, is probably one of the most noteworthy, especially considering the expense. Also, the 1974 live-action Planet of the Apes series was released on DVD in conjunction with the release of the latest theatrical film. V: The Series and Battlestar Galactica were recently put out on DVD.

For shows that only lasted a handful of episodes the chances of a DVD release are slim to none. Planet of the Apes had only 14 episodes, with one unaired during the original run, but it had the momentum of the film to help it along. Battlestar Galactica was on for a full season, V: The Series for 19 episodes and Freaks and Geeks had 18 total.

Oddly enough, some short-lived shows from the past few years have found their way onto DVD, aside from Freaks and Geeks: The Tick, Keen Eddie (without the original broadcast music, though), Firefly and Wonderfalls (in a set containing nine unaired episodes).

The studios seem willing to take the risk of releasing these short-lived shows because they have fan bases and very strong ones. The fans of Freaks and Geeks were instrumental in getting the DVD set released. And Firefly is coming to the big screen soon, thanks in part to the fans and the sales of the DVD sets.

But what studio wants to risk remastering and producing DVD sets for short-lived shows from the 1960s or 1970s? Or even short-lived shows from the 1990s? What are the odds of My Life & Times getting a DVD release, with six episodes? Perhaps all six episodes could be compressed onto one disc but how many people will purchase it?

I am a vocal supporter of getting short-lived shows released on DVD. But I realize that DVD releases for most of the shows I would love to see are simply never going to appear.

D-Dey · 01-05-2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvobscurities

It is a gamble for studios but there have been a handful of DVD releases, in addition to those mentioned already. Freaks and Geeks, although a recent show, is probably one of the most noteworthy, especially considering the expense. Also, the 1974 live-action Planet of the Apes series was released on DVD in conjunction with the release of the latest theatrical film. V: The Series and Battlestar Galactica were recently put out on DVD.

For shows that only lasted a handful of episodes the chances of a DVD release are slim to none. Planet of the Apes had only 14 episodes, with one unaired during the original run, but it had the momentum of the film to help it along. Battlestar Galactica was on for a full season, V: The Series for 19 episodes and Freaks and Geeks had 18 total.

Oddly enough, some short-lived shows from the past few years have found their way onto DVD, aside from Freaks and Geeks: The Tick, Keen Eddie (without the original broadcast music, though), Firefly and Wonderfalls (in a set containing nine unaired episodes).

The studios seem willing to take the risk of releasing these short-lived shows because they have fan bases and very strong ones. The fans of Freaks and Geeks were instrumental in getting the DVD set released. And Firefly is coming to the big screen soon, thanks in part to the fans and the sales of the DVD sets.

But what studio wants to risk remastering and producing DVD sets for short-lived shows from the 1960s or 1970s? Or even short-lived shows from the 1990s? What are the odds of My Life & Times getting a DVD release, with six episodes?

Perectly understandable, TVObscurities. Personally, I would've liked to see reruns of "The Two of Us," and the pilots for "Dear Teacher," "Carlton, Your Doorman," The Jackie Bison Show," "Beanpole," and "The World According to Straw," on DVD, but if it won't sell, I'll just have to live with not seeing them. On the other hand, there's a special edition of "Blazing Saddles," which features the failed pilot for "Black Bart" as one of the special features.

Oh FYI, here's the main cast for "The Two of Us." Just thought I'd post it here since I can't put it in the photo gallery yet.

dlemond · 01-05-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Dey

Perectly understandable, TVObscurities. Personally, I would've liked to see reruns of "The Two of Us," and the pilots for "Dear Teacher," "Carlton, Your Doorman," The Jackie Bison Show," "Beanpole," and "The World According to Straw," on DVD, but if it won't sell, I'll just have to live with not seeing them. On the other hand, there's a special edition of "Blazing Saddles," which features the failed pilot for "Black Bart" as one of the special features.

Oh FYI, here's the main cast for "The Two of Us." Just thought I'd post it here since I can't put it in the photo gallery yet.

Speaking of pilots that never made it (aired or unaired), I think it would be a good idea for studios to release box sets of these episodes.
(maybe each studio could box them by time frame - 1970-79; 1980-89 etc.)

Besides the fact that all the episodes (or almost all) would be brand new to us, it would be a great to see all the up and coming actors and the time frames of each era.

And how much could it possibly cost to release shows that are basically non-existant?

tvfan0101 · 01-05-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlemond

And how much could it possibly cost to release shows that are basically non-existant?

Actually, the real problem would be to even find some of these unsold pilots. A while ago, ABC aired a special on pilots that were never picked up (aired and unaired) and I remember the producer mentioning in an article or in a newsgroup that there were at least two pilots that he wanted to use in the special but could not find copies of them anywhere. And he had the full resources of a major network.

If I recall correctly, one of them starred Alan Alda and involved an invisible alien baby being left on a doorstep!? I would love to see that. But it may be lost forever.

factsoflife · 01-07-2005, 11:24 PM

I disagree because as someone that grew up in the 1980's and 1990's there are many shows i liked that i was not able to tape for many reasons, such as my parents wouldn't let me or they were watching other shows and so on... and DVD is much better as it is a much more space saving format which can hold more data, and the picture never fades like it does with VHS. VHS fades after each viewing, DVD stays in top quality all the time. And i think that it is very unfair to say that just because a show is newer that it should have to "wait". Why can't they release both new and old shows? i'm tired of being made to feel like just because i am a fan of a new show that it isn't as important or good as an old show.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbeamish

I have to agree with bencasey. Let the newer shows wait a little while. Fans mostly have those episodes on tape anyway.

There must be some cost effective way that studios can get those "lost" old shows into the home video market. They should act now, while we "boomers" are still around and have enough interest to make the effort worthwhile.

In a couple of decades those rare treasures from the 50s, 60s and even the 70s will lose their nostalgic effect and virtually all of their fiscal value.

sbeamish · 01-08-2005, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factsoflife

I disagree because as someone that grew up in the 1980's and 1990's there are many shows i liked that i was not able to tape for many reasons, such as my parents wouldn't let me or they were watching other shows and so on... and DVD is much better as it is a much more space saving format which can hold more data, and the picture never fades like it does with VHS. VHS fades after each viewing, DVD stays in top quality all the time. And i think that it is very unfair to say that just because a show is newer that it should have to "wait". Why can't they release both new and old shows? i'm tired of being made to feel like just because i am a fan of a new show that it isn't as important or good as an old show.

You got me. I didn't mean to infer that anyone's desires were less important than my own. There may, however, be a little more urgency to mine. After all, statistically speaking, I'm probably closer to the end of the line than you are. (Here's hoping we both live a good, long time.) Besides, the longer a show goes without being released the less likely are its chances of ever being available. (Or so it seems to me.)
I'll make a deal with you, though. You get me the entire 17 episode, one and only season of Mr. Terrific on crummy old VHS tape, and I'll buy you a brand new DVD of a season of some newer show.

(P.S. There's one other pertinent point. Just because you were unable to videotape a certain program doesn't mean that someone else didn't tape it. That's what tape trading sites and message boards are for. If you look hard enough, you'll probably be able to get a print of pretty much any show aired during the post-VCR era. Maybe you'd prefer DVD, but at least you've got a chance of seeing your show. The programs I'm looking for, especially Mr. Terrific, appear to be virtually non-existent. I'll take them in any format.)

robby76 · 03-05-2005, 04:28 AM

I'd love to get "Just Our Luck" and "Mr Smith"... one about the genie and the other the orangutan. I taped an episode of each way back in the early eighties, but the mold got to them many years ago... classics never to be seen again... I hope I'm proven wrong!!!

Riff · 03-05-2005, 05:03 AM

I still have a couple "Just Our Luck" episodes on tape. Or I did. Maybe the mold got to them, too. But I'm not going to hold my breath for a DVD. I got a buddy of mine who's registered with the Home Theater Forum to ask about the possibility of that show on DVD when they were having some chat or thread or something with a Warner Bros. representative. The guy didn't even know what it was.

Well, the show lives on in a way -- through the cover of the theme song done by Klymaxx.

11-22-2003, 10:49 PM	#1
barwars .. Forum Star Join Date: May 04, 2002 Posts: 13,273	One Year Wonders = PERFECT DVD releases?? Who else agrees?? They'd be very collectable. And all shows have their fair-share of fans. I think its a great idea. who agrees??

11-24-2003, 12:54 AM	#2
Servo Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Jun 22, 2002 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 3	Perfect for us collectors, but VERY risky (financially) for studios who need to make profits from the DVD sets. However, some studios are taking the gamble as, amazingly, two of my favorite "one-year wonders" have resurfaced as DVD complete sets this year. The CBS police drama Brooklyn South (10/28), and Fox's The Ben Stiller Show(12/2). Check'em out at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...483698-3390552 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...483698-3390552
	__________________ Servo

03-05-2005, 04:28 AM	#14
robby76 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 18, 2004 Posts: 949	I'd love to get "Just Our Luck" and "Mr Smith"... one about the genie and the other the orangutan. I taped an episode of each way back in the early eighties, but the mold got to them many years ago... classics never to be seen again... I hope I'm proven wrong!!!
	__________________ Edison Twins * Automan * Whiz Kids Vote @ tvshowsondvd.com

12-04-2003, 12:43 AM	#3
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	Who cares about recent shows? Anything that I liked in the past 25 years since VCRs came out I recorded anyway. I need the short run shows from the 50s and 60s to come out. Stuff that has never reaired like Hank, Love on a Rooftop, The Hero, etc.

02-01-2004, 04:29 AM	#5
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	Lots of people may care but the point is anything that has aired in the last 25 years, if someone wanted it they could have recorded it. The shows I want all were on prior to home recording and no one had any opportunity to get them. Given the choice of a show I already have on tape (It's Your Move for example) or a show from the pre-taping era, give me the old show anytime. I can do my own DVD transfers from my VHS masters.

10-29-2004, 11:18 AM	#6
sbeamish Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 28, 2004 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 296	I have to agree with bencasey. Let the newer shows wait a little while. Fans mostly have those episodes on tape anyway. There must be some cost effective way that studios can get those "lost" old shows into the home video market. They should act now, while we "boomers" are still around and have enough interest to make the effort worthwhile. In a couple of decades those rare treasures from the 50s, 60s and even the 70s will lose their nostalgic effect and virtually all of their fiscal value.

10-29-2004, 11:44 AM	#7
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	How about guarantee pre-order sets? They will be refundable if there is not enough ordered (to make it's release worthwhile), but not refundable once it reaches a significant number. Therefore everyone wins- even though you have to put out your money ahead of time. It would be worth it for some shows.

10-29-2004, 12:42 PM	#8
tvfan0101 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 29, 2003 Posts: 961	It is a gamble for studios but there have been a handful of DVD releases, in addition to those mentioned already. Freaks and Geeks, although a recent show, is probably one of the most noteworthy, especially considering the expense. Also, the 1974 live-action Planet of the Apes series was released on DVD in conjunction with the release of the latest theatrical film. V: The Series and Battlestar Galactica were recently put out on DVD. For shows that only lasted a handful of episodes the chances of a DVD release are slim to none. Planet of the Apes had only 14 episodes, with one unaired during the original run, but it had the momentum of the film to help it along. Battlestar Galactica was on for a full season, V: The Series for 19 episodes and Freaks and Geeks had 18 total. Oddly enough, some short-lived shows from the past few years have found their way onto DVD, aside from Freaks and Geeks: The Tick, Keen Eddie (without the original broadcast music, though), Firefly and Wonderfalls (in a set containing nine unaired episodes). The studios seem willing to take the risk of releasing these short-lived shows because they have fan bases and very strong ones. The fans of Freaks and Geeks were instrumental in getting the DVD set released. And Firefly is coming to the big screen soon, thanks in part to the fans and the sales of the DVD sets. But what studio wants to risk remastering and producing DVD sets for short-lived shows from the 1960s or 1970s? Or even short-lived shows from the 1990s? What are the odds of My Life & Times getting a DVD release, with six episodes? Perhaps all six episodes could be compressed onto one disc but how many people will purchase it? I am a vocal supporter of getting short-lived shows released on DVD. But I realize that DVD releases for most of the shows I would love to see are simply never going to appear.

03-05-2005, 05:03 AM	#15
Riff My Name Isn't Earl Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 06, 2003 Posts: 37	I still have a couple "Just Our Luck" episodes on tape. Or I did. Maybe the mold got to them, too. But I'm not going to hold my breath for a DVD. I got a buddy of mine who's registered with the Home Theater Forum to ask about the possibility of that show on DVD when they were having some chat or thread or something with a Warner Bros. representative. The guy didn't even know what it was. Well, the show lives on in a way -- through the cover of the theme song done by Klymaxx.