When are We going to see a Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea DVD Release?!!!!!

"As for VOYAGE, I thought the first year was pretty good. I always liked Richard Basehart. He was a super actor and added quality and class to that show. He gave the impression that what he was doing was important and with a lead like that a writer can do anything. I pitched some ideas to the story editor Sidney Marshall but he couldn't get them past Irwin Allen. When I did THE TIME TUNNEL Irwin would say, 'Len, why don't you pitch some good stories for VOYAGE?' but I was too busy to bother."--Leonard Stadd, Scriptwriter for THE TIME TUNNEL ("The Death Trap," "The Revenge of Robin Hood" and "The Ghost of Nero").

VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - Adventure

Debut

Stars of this adventure series are the Seaview a glass-nose atomic powered submarine of the 1970s, Richard Basehart as Admiral Harriman Nelson director of the Nelson Oceanographic Research Research Institute and David Hedison the sub's captain. Although they're supposedly research scientists the crew actually conduct cloak-and-dagger missions for the Government.

Tonight: "Eleven Days to Zero."

Seismologist Fred Wilson and Nelson's crew are headed for the Arctic where they hope to forestall a predicted earthquake. But they're attacked en route by an unidentified foe.

Others regulars: Bob Dowdell as Lieutenant Commander Chip Morton, Henry Kulky as Chief Petty Officer Curley Jones and Del Monroe as Crewman Kowalski and on the enemy side Theodore Marcuse as the sinister Dr. Gamma.

Guest Cast

Dr. Fred Wilson.................................................. .Eddie Albert
Dr. Selby.................................................. ......John Zaremba
Chairman.................................................. ......Booth Colman
Crewman Malone.................................................. Mark Slade
Crewman O'Brien.............................................Gordon Gilbert
Captain John Phillips..............................................Bill Hudson

Taken from TV GUIDE magazine dated September 12th - 18th, 1964.

Today (September 14th, 2004) marks the (momentous) 40th Anniversary of the ABC-TV Network debut of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) that would not only establish itself as the highest rated SF tv series of the 1960s but also one of the longest running with four smash tv seasons outlasting even STAR TREK (NBC 1966-69) with its respectable three seasons.

Always innovative and a trendsetter VOYAGE would launch the Irwin Allen SF television dynasty of the 1960s with LOST IN SPACE (CBS 1965-68), THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) and LAND OF THE GIANTS (ABC 1968-70) following in quick succession similarly setting new standards and achieving loyal fan followings in their own right.

A winner of 4 Emmy Awards (two for outstanding visual effects, one for outstanding cinematography and one for outstanding film editing) and the one of the first 1960s SF tv series to be produced in colour VOYAGE remains one of the best known and most popular SF tv shows in television history and its devout worldwide following shows absolutely no signs of slowing down even in the 21st Century as the futuristic adventures of Admiral Nelson, Captain Crane and the courageous Seaview crew still continue to entertainment and captivate tv audiences.

VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (arguably) gave renowned film and television actor Richard Basehart his greatest featured role and capably supported by his costar David Hedison both exceptional actors made this extraordinary program a permanent landmark as one of most distinguished achievements ever produced for television.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY TO VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA!!!!!

It's a sad commentary that this truly historic event couldn't have been commorated with a DVD collection but hopefully this oversight will be rectified presently.

Jeff T.

I'd like to see Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants out on DVD as well. But I fail to see the point you're making.

I'm sure I can find people who like one of those shows and prefer them to any other show you care to name. But what does a statement like "I know this guy who prefers Time Tunnel to Star Trek" mean? Does it mean it will out sell Star Trek?

Studios are going to look at overall sales and user preferences.

Look at the voting on TVShowsonDVD

Time Tunnel, Unreleased Rank 172nd, Overall 283rd
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Unreleased Rank 217th, Overall 336th
Land of the Giants, Unreleased Rank 320th, Overall 475th

Based on that and taking a far wider sample than my mate down the street, there are 171 TV series that will probably out sell Time Tunnel that haven't yet been released, even more that would out sell Voyage. Some of them probably owned by Fox.

I don't know what they all are, probably I like some, certainly I suspect I'll hate others, but so what I'm not their only market.

Also you've been very vociferous against foreign releases, go to ask why. Personally I got a multi-region DVD player from day one. Couldn't care less where its released so long as it is and in decent quality.

Most stuff released R2 makes it to R1 in reasonable time if you don't want an R2 release there's a bit of a wait.

The R2 market is in fact larger than the R1 market which is why so many TV series are released there first (Buffy, Angel, Stargate, Farscape and many more were out months or years earlier in R2). More Europeans per capita, and more overall own DVD players than in North America.

I don't have any known friend participating in this particular discussion forum and all are supposedly registered forum members here.

All the quotes given are from other discussion forums (some from Amazon.com) where individuals (all of them unknown to me incidentally) have voiced their own opinions about the handling of the DVD releases of LOST IN SPACE (CBS 1965-68), the advance release of the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD COLLECTION in the U.K. last July 05th, 2004 and their interest in the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series.

You say that 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment has other tv properties that are (probably) more in demand than VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68), THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) and LAND OF THE GIANTS (ABC 1968-70)...but just what are they? In the Fox online poll taken (earlier this year) for a specific group of tv series listed VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA came in second capturing 22% of the votes taken only preceded by THE PRETENDER that came in first with 24% of the total registered votes.

After these two giants absolutely none of the other tv series in the (approximately) 20 titles listed even came remotely close.

As far as the TV Shows on DVD voting polls are concerned just how many people out there with computer access are even aware of this particular online service? And more importantly of those that do participate in the voting just how many are SF fans period?

If you take the time to read the previous posts in this discussion thread then you'll at least be aware it was addressed that not everyone who purchases any of the Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series will necessarily be an established fan and much will also depend on these tv franchise's (undeniably) interesting and attractive SF content plus enthusiastic word-of-mouth that will (undeniably) count for a lot.

You've also ignored the fact that all of the Irwin Allen 1960s SF already have established fan bases that will certainly get any DVD collection of these tv properties off to a rousing good start.

Now I understand your personal concern about these (high demand) SF tv series also being made available specifically in the U.K. but the Region 2 market is fragmented as evinced by the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD COLLECTION only now just being released in Japan and Australia and the only real reason that the second season (1966-67) of LOST IN SPACE was made available in the U.K. first was because of the delays in deciding whether to split the next DVD release in the U.S. to accomodate powerful retail lobbyists like Walmart who wouldn't carry the larger and more expensive complete first season (1965-66) collection.

When I say "fragmented" this means by national borders and language. Not everybody speaks primarily English throughout Europe do they?

The fact also remains that North America is the single largest DVD market in the world and that alone will insure that most tv series releases will probably be made available over here first. Pertaining specifically to the Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series interest in the U.S. and Canada is also far greater than anywhere else.

Lastly as far as STAR TREK (NBC 1966-69) is concerned the quote that you're probably referring to (which came from this discussion forum incidentally) helps establish that there are SF fans who happen to prefer the Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series.

We can debate this issue till doomsday but you have your opinion and I certainly have my own so in this instance let's just agree to disagree albeit you haven't really said anything that I personally find to be valid or even (generally) relevant. To listen to you tell it DVD releases should be made available in the U.K. first and if that were (truly) the case then why are the vast overwhelming majority of U.S.-produced films and tv series being marketed in North American primarily sometimes never being made available abroad?

Jeff T.

"But what does a statement like "I know this guy who prefers Time Tunnel to Star Trek" mean? Does it mean it will out sell Star Trek?--David Simmons.

Point-of-fact in its initial Amazon.com (in the U.S. and Canada) release on September 14th, 2004 the LOST IN SPACE, SEASON TWO, VOLUME DVD SET had a higher sales rank than the STAR TREK - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD COLLECTION did!

At present the second season (1966-67) LOST IN SPACE set still maintains a respectably high placing and if this proves to be a (determining) criteria for subsequent DVD releases of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) and the other two Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series then everything indeed bodes well for their future.

In the U.S. the LOST IN SPACE, SECOND SEASON, VOLUME TWO DVD SET is scheduled for a November 30th, 2004 release date while the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON DVD COLLECTION has now been (tentatively) scheduled for a January 10th, 2005 sales date in the U.K.

Thus far everything is in (apparent) readiness for LOST IN SPACE but WHAT ABOUT VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA?

The main concern on the part of 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment is just how well would a DVD collection of VOYAGE commercially perform but the distribution outfit already has (ample) statistics on the performance of LOST IN SPACE in both North America and abroad.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has (recently) released ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY (NBC 1970-73) and THE MUNSTERS (CBS 1964-66) complete first season DVD collections not to mention Rhino Home Video's MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON 3-disc DVD set all proving to be unqualified successes (according to their Amazon.com sales ranks substantiating that classic genre tv properites sell and sell big with the buying public out there.

To bring the matter even closer to home on this very discussion forum interest (and anticipation) in Image Entertainment's forthcoming THE TWILIGHT ZONE (CBS 1959-64) complete season-by-season DVD sets is also very strong indeed.

So why any further delays on this matter on the part of Fox Home Entetainment? There is only one individual here who can intelligently address this inquiry and thus far he's maintained a profound (or disinterested) silence on the matter in this discussion thread...which is boarding on (outright) irresponsibility.

As I've already addressed in this discussion thread one (faulty) mistake that is (repeatedly) being made is the thinking that it's a necessary prerequisite that a substantially large enough fan base must already exist for a DVD release to succeed and in the cases of VOYAGE, THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) and (yes) THE INVADERS (ABC 1967-68) these particular tv franchises will have (definite) appeal and attraction to SF fans in general and this is what their respective distributors must come to understand (and believe in) if they intend to (successfully) market these tv properties that VOYAGE, THE TIME TUNNEL and THE INVADERS et el be targeted directly at SF enthusiasts in general not just specific fans of each individual program. I'm sure that many of the customers who purchase these respective DVD collections will buy them sight unseen simply because (outwardly) they look interesting and they're something new and different from the ordinary.

To reiterate: ALL of the recent DVD releases of MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN, THE MUNSTERS and ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY have proven to be unqualified successes and many of these collections may not have tv titles that the general public out there
would have necessary asked for as their first choices but there is a definite market out there for the (so-called) older tv stuff particulary the SF and Fantasy genres and the powers-that-be just can't (seemingly) continue to ignore that reality of life.

Jeff T.

Which would presumably be more relevant if Star Trek wasn't a re-release with several people having already purchased the DVDs when they were released on the original two episodes per DVD format.

"Also the most anticipated for me. I sold my complete series (the 5 boxsets) back in March in anticipation of the season sets.--Dane Marvin.

The above quote pertains to Image Entertainment's forthcoming season-by-season THE TWILIGHT ZONE (CBS 1959-64) DVD collections but it could have just as easily applied to the STAR TREK (NBC 1966-69) re-released DVD sets.

When the first STAR TREK single-disc two episode sets came out the DVD market was then just getting into vogue ergo I dare say that the current issue most probably did even better because of more owners of DVD players now out there and in addition to the second issue being marketed at much more affordable (read: economical) price.

The point here is that the LOST IN SPACE, SEASON TWO, VOLUME ONE DVD SET (according to its Amazon.com sales rank in both the U.S. and Canada) did a truly outstanding performance in sales (and still is) regardless of how well the STAR TREK re-release has done.

Now it's of paramount importance that the powers-that-be at 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment seize the opportunity and momentum that's been established and commence plans for marketing VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) and the two other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series franchises all of which will also (certainly) prove their clout with the buying public out there.

If Fox Home Entertainment wants (tangible) proof of the (potential) success for a VOYAGE release then don't just consider the retail sales stats for the LOST IN SPACE sets (albeit admittedly it makes an excellent and persuasive starting point) but also take note of just how well the ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY and THE MUNSTERS - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASONS DVD SETS respectively performed (with plans already being discussed for a second season DVD set for THE MUNSTERS by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment). Take note of the (tremendous) interest in the upcoming THE TWILIGHT ZONE collections on this very discussion forum.

The evidence is (truly) overwhelming in favour of continued success for the other Irwin Allen tv franchises and now it's really up to 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment to decisely take action and make one of these (extraordinary) SF tv classics available in 2005.

Anyway this (particular) discussion thread isn't going to disappear until that eventually (finally) happens.

WE WANT VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA RELEASED ON DVD IN 2005!!!!!

To be continued!

Jeff T.

"I have just read over on The Mausoleum Club forums that the new amary box sets of The X Files contain flyers promising the R2 UK release of Voyage and Time Tunnel in 2005 along with the season 3 box set of Lost In Space."--Simon Templer.

Just where did we go so wrong here?

The LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD COLLECTION was nationally released in North America (the U.S. and Canada) on January 13th, 2004 first and since then instead of decisively moving forward from one complete season release to another in a quick steady succession and onto the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series the football has been (literally) fumbled and dropped by 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment in the U.S. and picked-up by the U.K. division and the single largest global market for DVD retail sales is now sadly lagging behind with talk about the "unlikeliness" of either VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) or THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) being made available in North America...period!

This is a foregone conclusion that I'm just not willing to accept without a valid reason...and there is none to speak of here!

If there are individuals who are content in purchasing Region 2 players in North America that's fine but there's a reason that the global boundaries are so rigidly divided and I'm (personally) not going to accumulate a lot of excess machinery just to accomodate the wide variety of disparate DVD formats available. In North America we are designated as Region 1 and we (also) want VOYAGE and THE TIME TUNNEL made available here as well!

While the above quote is (admittedly) based on imprecise imformation at this point in time I have to (seriously) question the thinking and rationality of the executive level at 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment in making these time-honoured SF tv classics available (apparently) exclusively in the U.K.

Something that's going to be continually addressed and challenged on this discusssion thread!

All the other major DVD distribution companies (without exception) are making their tv properties available in North America first as their major retail market. Just what is it that they happen to see (and understand) that the powers-that-be at 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment (U.S. division) doesn't?

These companies (wisely) know that North America is the richest global market by far and it's certainly sound business sense to always go where the money is!

WE WANT A VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA DVD RELEASE IN NORTH AMERICA!

Jeff T.

Admiral Nelson: "Do you think we'll ever make it onto a DVD release Lee?"

Captain Crane: "Admiral Nelson you can count on it!"


It would seem that the (tentative) release date of January 10th, 2005 for the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON DVD COLLECTION in the U.K. was premature and will be delayed for an (at present) undetermined period of time.

Curiously some DVD online news services (confidently) claimed that THE FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN (1995) tv special was to included in the package as a bonus extra but it would seem that the corporate thinking has now changed on this.

This means that tomorrow (Tuesday, November 30th) once the LOST IN SPACE - SEASON TWO, VOLUME TWO DVD SET hits the local retail store shelves North America will have caught-up with our overseas counterparts.

So let's hope that now it's the North American sales market that moves ahead and maintains the lead pertaining to future DVD releases of the Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series.

Incidentally the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD COLLECTION has only just recently be released in Australia (Region 4 format).

When the LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD COLLECTION was released in the U.K. last July 05th, 2004 (happy) comsumers were given the invitation to request their other favourite Irwin Allen tv series for (possible) DVD and let's hope that a similar call by 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment is also extended to North American (the U.S. and Canada) purchasers as well.

For Pete's sake don't we count for anything here? Frankly I'll be very disappointed and annoyed if it isn't.

WE WANT VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA RELEASED IN A DVD COLLECTION!

Jeff T.

Jeff, you need to chill. I mean, stop writing enormous posts that hurt my eyes with their italics and random bolding, and go play in the hay dude.

I mean, I want a release as much as anybody, but ranting about it here isn't going to do anything about it. No offence, but you're hurting my eyes and my head man!

We get it... you want it on DVD.

Well it should be clear that I'm (primarily) having fun with my own posts and with all the neat state-of-art features that can accentuate the printing I'm simply exercising all these interesting tools afforded me.

Nobody is under any obligation to read every message post made on this discussion forum. I certainly don't myself and you have the selfsame option of exercising choice to be more selective in the topics that you choose to read.

I've often wondered myself (and have repeatedly asked) whether making message posts expressing interest in certain tv properties as prospective DVD releases really does any good here. This discussion forum does have a reputation for being a very high profile online site for many of the major Studio distribution companies.

Point-of-fact Peter Staddon, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Promotion for 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment has (infrequently) participated in some of the discussion threads himself so (hopefully) I've been bending someone's ear who's in a position to influence some positive action toward a possible DVD release of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68).

There are a good many people who read these message posts and could also spread the (good) word to other online discussion forums thereby interest (hopefully) escallates possibly to the extent that public opinion will be substantial enough that chances of a DVD release will become a definite possibility. Surely it's better to give it a try rather than to do nothing.

Lastly the reason my posts are here so long is because VOYAGE is such an extraordinary SF tv series that it inspires discussion. Whether or not this particular discussion thread really does any good...only time will tell!

Jeff T.

So, acting like a hard-on with all these threads is for the benefit of Peter Staddon? If anything, this stuff will just scare the suits away from the fans. Just chill dude.

It will all come out eventually. The hunt is more fun than the kill!

What he said. What I mean Jeff is that if your point and aim is to let them know you want the 'extraordinary' (which is pushing it a little bit, IMO) Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea released, then I think you've made it.

In response to Ed City:

No, this is all done for my own benefit as an interested and concerned VOYAGE fan who's gotten impatient. For the record the frustration of fans of the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series is mounting. If necessary I'll be only too glad to provide quotes from other discussion forums to substantiate this!

As far as VOYAGE (or THE TIME TUNNEL and LAND OF THE GIANTS for that matter) eventually coming out on DVD is concerned I really hope that you're right on this. I sure want to believe it!

Hey! I'm not the only one making requests here and I reiterate that you (or anyone else for that matter) don't have to read all the message posts in this discussion forum.

As far as "scaring" away the so-called "suits" is concerned I can't speak with the absolute certainty that you apparently do but I hardly think that an individual in a position of responsibility (of a mega-comglomerate film and television entertainment giant) is easily intimidated.

I also find it laughable that an individual who professes to have (any) concern in proper online etiquette when it comes to communicating with a company executive so blantantly talks in the (smugly) sarcastical street-smart gargon and communicative tone that you do!

Now why don't you just chill down guy and stop making an issue out of absolutely nothing? I haven't said anything improper and haven't broken any rules here. Maybe the problem is that you're just too sensitive when it comes to participating in an open discussion forum!

Even better why don't you make your own message post here and let's see just how well it's received? Not that I'd (personally) bother to read it!

Jeff T.

Pushing it a little bit?

Consider the original unaired colour pilot version of "Eleven Days to Zero" (14/09/1964), the great series star casting of Richard Basehart (August 31st, 1914 - September 17th, 1984) and David Hedison, the exceptional lineup of distinguished featured guest-stars week-after-week, the remarkable visual effects (ie. the SSRN Seaview and The Flying Sub) that still brilliantly hold-up very well even by today's highly vaunted CGI standards and the dynamically breathtaking action-packed adventures....

I'm mean at its best VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF SEA (ABC 1964-68) puts what's generally (lamely) considered to be the very finest of tv nowadays to (pathetic) shame. Certainly the overwhelming entropic flow of dullness that's (relentlessly) flooding the DVD market.

Frankly I don't think that I've done this extraordinary SF tv series enough justice! Who can?

Jeff T.

Run! Run! Viva Revolution!

It would seem that 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment will indeed be providing all the next week previews (narrated by Dick Tufeld) for the upcoming LOST IN SPACE - SEASON TWO, VOLUME ONE 4-disc box set due out on March 1st, 2005 afterall at least according to Kevin Burns of Synthesis Entertainment that is!

Also it's now be announced just what special (bonus) extras will be included with the upcoming LOST IN SPACE - THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON - DVD COLLECTION coming out on March 28th, 2005 and presumably with later LOST IN SPACE, Season Two, Volume Two 4-disc box set (tentatively) scheduled for a June 2005 release date.

The special extras will include:

3 interviews with Bill Mumy,

3 interview clips with Jonathan Harris,

Dick Tufeld's "Next Week on Lost In Space" teasers,

Programme interstitials,

The Original CBS Television Network bumpers and tags.

I've also come to understand that Fox International in the U.K and the parent concern in the U.S. operate completely independently of one another which explains just why the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series may be released aboard first.

The size of the retail market has absolutely nothing to do with this determination so if we're to see VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) released in North America (the U.S. and Canada) it will solely depend upon what 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment decides to do about it over here irregardless of whether this classic 1960s SF tv favourite is released in the U.K.

In response to David Levy's previous post:

Never underestimate the determination and resolve of SF fans when it comes to their favourite tv series in the genre.

Jeff T.

"According to the 'Coming Soon' section of the FoxTVDVD.com consumer website, Lost In Space - Season 3, Volume 2 will be released on June 14th. This "second half-season" release goes with the first half-season (which releases in March), and together they conclude the classic series. Our thanks to reader Dillon Gonzales for tipping us off to the update at Fox's site. Stay tuned and we'll have more information once the official announcement is released to the press."--David Lambert.

Finally after an indeterminably long wait some (possible) light at the end of the tunnel!

Well I (personally) went to the FoxTVDVD.com website myself and didn't see anything there that indicated the LOST IN SPACE, SEASON THREE, VOLUME TWO 4-disc box set would (definitely) be released on June 14th, 2005 but assuming that this information is indeed correct then that leaves half the remaining year (2005) for 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment to (now) turn its attention toward the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series like VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68), THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) and LAND OF THE GIANTS (ABC 1968-70) for a possible DVD release in North America (the U.S. and Canada).

Which one will it be?

Jeff T.

< wiping tears from eyes that resulted from reading a glaring mix of regular and bold type, compounded by a flickering green logo nearby >

Go to the site. At the bottom click "View All TV DVD Titles". In the resulting pull-up list, click "Coming Soon" at the top. Scroll down; it's third-from-last.

David Lambert:
Without bombarding you with mixed regular/bold text and flashing green logos, what are your sources saying (or what does your "gut" say) about the possibility of a "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" release in the second half of '05 (or beyond for that matter)?

My gut says we ought to have a new HTF chat with Peter Staddon and ask!

My intellect certainly concurs with this (apt) proposal!

Discounting my VOYAGE discussion thread (deemed too brash by some) others have made similar inquiries about VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68), THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) and LAND OF THE GIANTS (ABC 1969-70) as possible DVD releases and Peter Staddon hasn't seen fit to respond to any of them!

These Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series are still very popular...and (potentially) profitable and should by now be of serious and definite consideration as prospective DVD tv series merchandising.

But in the wake of the (near) completion of the LOST IN SPACE (CBS 1965-68) disc sets it would be interesting to hear what Mr. Staddon at present has to say about the other Irwin Allen tv franchises and their future on DVD.

I think that at the very least we're all entitled to this.

Jeff T.

Bear in mind, Jeff, that Peter Staddon hasn't posted in threads at HTF for a loooooong time now.

TSoD is going to try to make some independent inquiries about these titles; you're certainly not the only person asking about them. Regularly.


Gonna go get some Visine now. If we find out anything, we'll post it as news at the site.

I was drinking milk when I read that line. You can picture the rest.

Steve

Well, I distinctly remember Mr. Staddon answering a question about Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea in a previous chat. He specifically said, at that time, that while he personally had fond memories of the show, it's release would more than likely have to come from a third party "rent out" (think Image, Shout, etc).

I'm sure things can change, and I hope that's the case, because I'd dearly love to see VOYAGE released. But after what Mr. Staddon said in that chat, I'm not holding my breath. Heck, VOYAGE scored 2nd in that Fox poll from a year ago, and yet still no hint of it.

Gary "while TIME TUNNEL and LAND OF THE GIANTS were fun, they can't compare to those first 2 seasons of VOYAGE which were marked by really good action/drama stories" O.

P.S. Steve O., please tell Rush I hope to get back on a regular schedule and see "the family" soon. And take care yourself, buddy.

Yes, you remember correctly. Here's how we wrote that up:


That's what Peter Staddon said at the time (about a year ago). Don't think Image or Shout!, though. Fox and Anchor Bay has a deal for all AB discs to be manufactured via Fox's relationships with the plants, and circulated through Fox's distribution channel to get merchandise to retailers. As a result, Fox has a relationship with them which sent Doogie Howser, M.D. to AB, along with films like Modern Problems, License to Drive, Project X, Dutch, Rhinestone, Mischief, Turk 182, Moving Violations, Damnation Alley, Eyewitness and assisted AB to get movie properties that Fox distributed like The Entity and The Pirate Movie.

If a 3rd party will get the Irwin Allen TV shows, I betcha anything it's Anchor Bay. Time will tell, though.

And Anchor Bay would be perfect for these shows.

Put me down for at least Season 1 and 2 of VTTBOTS-after that it got silly-
hopefully in complete season sets-

I have the Japan Laserdisc edition of Season 1, or the first half-and will say that they will need remastering if not restoring...
but since it is a part of FOX's heritage and history-they will have to scrub up the negatives sooner or later, before they go bad...

oh-and am I the only one who doesnt like the new design of the Seaview started very early in the second season?

Season one has so many lovely detailed close ups of the largest model (there were 3 or 4)....

"Next week Admiral Nelson and the Men of the Seaview challenge the powers of an Alchemist! Victor Jory guest-stars in Fires of Death next week's exciting, thrill-packed episode on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea in colour on this television channel!"--Ray Didsbury's stirring narration for the next week preview from the VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) episode entitled "Fires of Death" (17/09/1967) written by Arthur Weiss and directed by Jerry Hopper.

Well I'm a devout VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA fan myself and as such would naturally purchase all 110 hour lone episodes (79 including the unaired tv pilot of "Eleven Days to Zero" produced in colour).

For me it's interesting to see this classic 1960s SF tv series go through its various phases of development and while the first two seasons are undeniably VOYAGE's best there were still episodes of (considerable) interest produced in the third (1966-67) and fourth seasons as well.

VOYAGE was one of the first SF tv series to be produced in colour from the mid-1960s and pioneered many extraordinary visual effects to be seen on television (in both black-and-white and colour).

Richard Basehart (August 31st, 1914 - September 17th, 1984) and David Hedison and company were always consistently good throughout the entire series' run and it's during the latter two season in particular where (priceless) comedic performances from this extraordinary (and delightful) cast of players are much more in evidence over the first two seasons giving some added dimension (and variety) to their more (typically) stalwart, grim and intense characterizations.

In regards to the two versions of the SSRN Seaview while I like them both I feel that that the more streamlined and refined version introduced in the second season (1965-66) complete with the four larger observation windows, the loading bay for the Flying Sub with its retractible sliding hatch sections, the (even further enhanced) flamboyantly designed stablizing tail fins and rear propulsion engines is far more advanced and dynamic looking than the (earlier) eight windowed designed submarine (originally) from the VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (1961) theatrical motion picture and provided a necessary upgrading of this extraordinary futuristic undersea research vessel.

One thing is for certain that collectively speaking the VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA universe with its now-classic characters is justing as interesting and impressive as that of any other SF tv series and worthy of repeated visits and rediscovery.

Lastly I feel that VOYAGE would do an outstanding performance in DVD retail sales on a global scale and now with the LOST IN SPACE (CBS 1965-68) tv series DVD collection near completion (this coming June 14th, 2005) hopefully 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment has already turned its focus of attention toward the other Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series franchises for possible release sometime later this year.

Jeff T.

According to TV SHOWS ON DVD the current 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment TV-DVD catalogue lists the following titles for upcoming release (including the welcomed inclusion of two in particular):

* M*A*S*H Season 9 - December 2005
* MURDER ONE Season 2 - November 2005
* REMINGTON STEEL Season 2 - November 2005
* 24 Season 4 - December 2005
* KING OF THE HILL Season 5 - November 2005
* REBA Season 2 - December 2005
* THE SHIELD Season 4 - Winter 2006 (depends on the premiere of season 5)
* NYPD BLUE Season 3 - January 2006
* SIMPSONS Season 7 - December (Fox has told us this may move) 2005
* ALIEN NATION - Coming Soon
* HILL STREET BLUES - Coming Soon
* OVER THERE - Coming Soon
* SPACE: ABOVE AND BEYOND - Coming Soon
* THE TIME TUNNEL - Coming Soon
* VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - Coming Soon
* WHITE SHADOW - Coming Soon

I must point out to any skeptics among you (and I've had my definite difference of opinion with a few in this discussion forum here specifically on the topic pertaining to the meritable quality of the Irwin Allen produced SF tv shows) that even Mr. Lacey himself acknowledges (in the provided quote posted above) that both VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (ABC 1964-68) and THE TIME TUNNEL (ABC 1966-67) are among the major releases listed in this most extraordinary announcement for which Fox Home Entertainment (and no doubt Mr. Peter Staddon) has our undying gratitude for.

While an actual release date wasn't included it will most probably be sometime in 2006 but I can certainly wait for something special like VOYAGE and THE TIME TUNNEL to be sure.

Now if only 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment will utilize superior, fully restored, pristine source elements taken from the original vault stored 35 mm print masters with all the original bumpers, next week previews or (in the case of THE TIME TUNNEL) the cliffhanger endings included complete and intact.

Don't forget about the original unaired pilot versions for both these classic Irwin Allen 1960s SF tv series as well a la the complete first season (1965-66) DVD release of LOST IN SPACE (CBS 1965-68)!

Is this asking (or expecting) too much from Fox?

Anyway 2006 is certainly shaping up to be a banner year for tv series released on DVD! If these are but the only two tv show DVD collections of interest to me (personally) in the new year I certainly won't complain and I'm thoroughly satisfied and elated about the prospect of having both these two incredible SF television classics made readily accessible to their fans at long last (as I'm sure a good many others will be as well).

Thank you 20th Century-Fox Home Entertainment (and TV SHOWS ON DVD) for the great news!

All that remains to be said is BRING ON VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA AND THE TIME TUNNEL TO DVD!!!!!

YAHOO!

Jeff T.

I have nothing to go on but I would think that Voyage would
be released in the first quarter of 2006. The Lost In Space
episodes were released about 6-8 months apart. I would think
that Voyage would have first priority since it was Allen's
longest running series.

I don't mean to look a gift horse in the eye but I wish that
Voyage and Time Tunnel could be shipped to third parties like Anchor Bay or Image. I will buy it no matter what but
I would hope they would get better treatment from Fox than LIS got.