Warning: ALF Season 1 cut!

Because there are a lot of true crack-pots out there. Studios get plenty of letters from people who have lost their grip on reality. Stalker letters, death threats, you name it. So if your letter of complaint strays too far into hate-mail territory, it's going on the crazy-pile.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the person reading your letter probably has no idea what you're talking about. They may be a customer-service flunky who has never watched the show or knows anything about dvds. They may not know what a 'floater' even is. If you keep your letter clear & simple, they will be better able to pass your complaint on up the line.

As for Anne Parducci -- according to Randy's press release, she joined the company in May. Any decision about mastering for Alf had to have been decided before she arrived. And as Director of Marketing, it might not have been in her baliwick anyway. So flooding her in-box with letters may not accomplish much beyond freaking her out. There's no need to attack her personally.

Malcolm R's letter is perfect - short, to the point, and not easy to discount.

Of course, if the ALF packaging has false claims of the run-time, or implies that the episodes are as originally broadcast, perhaps someone should consider starting a class-action suit. (Personally, I'm not an ALF fan, so I wouldn't have been buying it anyway, but I hate to see something like this happen to any show, and I don't think Lions Gate should be able to get away with defrauding people.)

Randy, don't forget SCTV. If they released that in a season set the price would be too much for the average person.

It's amazing that Fox is taking heat for splitting a set up and rationalizing it to the HTF members, while these other companies (that did it previously) are being ignored. Every once and awhile we should believe the reason the studios give us for why they are doing something a certain way.

Gord

This is an excellent point, something I overlooked because I was wrongly trying to be coy about how to contact someone at Lions Gate. Thanks for adding it, Mara.

But it should be noted that many of these kinds of decisions are indeed made by the folks in marketing, who are more concerned with cost vs. sales. Regardless, a politely worded email to the director of marketing, if she is not the right person, will be forwarded to the colleague who she feels needs to know.



Another great example, Gord. There are probably others.

Guess it's not a rumor anymore. tvshowsondvd.com just posted Lion Gate's official statement:

"We released this version because the masters that were available to us were cleaned up and in so much better shape to be released on DVD, and also happened to be the ones that were re-done for syndication."

Thanks for contacting Lions Gate, Gord. As unsatisfying as this answer is to me and probably most of the fans who now feel they were cheated out of their money with false statements on the back cover, at least now we know.

Hmm, I'd still like to know what Paul Fusco has to say about it, though.

Chris

The key is not what you say, but how you say it.

If you make a mistake, or what someone feels is a mistake, are you more receptive to a calm, polite, constructive criticism? Or do you respond more positively to yelling, profanity, and insinuations about your overall intelligence?

I know I'm happy to take the former into account in re-evaluating what I may have done, or am trying to do. But the latter would automatically make me go on the defensive even if it is my fault, digging in my heels and tempting me to ignore the situation or even make it worse just to further irritate the hot-head.


Unfortunate, but as expected....

No again because....

A. Not all of the discussions contain posts from different people in all cases. There are surely people registered at HTF that are taking part in these discussions at other forums.
B. That all of the people that hear about this second hand are going to care enough to not buy this release. This would include all the people that don't bother to read DVD sites on the internet, but hear this stuff from friends or family members that due. Not everyone is going to boycott because of cut episodes.

I don't know, perhaps a loss of sales according to Neil's numbers would be correct, but the real point is that there is no way I'd make a claim like that without being absolutely guaranteed that it was true. Look at it this way, one of the hottest issues on the internet right now is whether or not the original theatrical versions of Star Wars should be on DVD or not. The much publicized internet petition had only 50,000 names signed to it. So a bunch of talk does not equate to an equal amount of action.

Mara is correct on her assessment of why it is important to be polite and rational. I for the life of me don’t understand why when people get mad about something their first instinct is to start ranting and swearing and stuff like that which is not as productive as rational responses and can in fact make things worse in some cases. Basically, an impolite letter of a ranting nature will only ensure that 1 thing happens, and that 1 thing that will be ensured is that your letter will not be read to its conclusion, and if it is, it will be forgotten almost immediately afterward.


I totally agree with this, but even more amazing is the fact that Fox can’t win either way. They had a choice to make to either split the set or to discontinue the release. Even if they had a third choice to continue the set in 1 release and cut costs to the barest of minimums it wouldn’t matter, people aren’t going to be happy anyway.

Fox didn’t release season 2 of Mary Tyler Moore and people complained about it.
They did find a way to release season 2 of Lost in Space, and people complained about that as well. But, if they had gone the other way and treated Lost in Space like they did MTM, the same people would’ve complained that they didn’t even get a season 2.

Plus, a lot of people felt that Fox was the best studio when it came to what they were doing with TV on DVD, and I still feel that way, but that sure was forgotten quickly when that announcement came down, and a number of people completely turned on the explanation that Fox gave in that thread awhile back.

I like what Gord wrote in that statement regarding putting that stuff on the packaging. I'd completely agree with the inclusion of such information and music changes if applicable.

Not only put the information on the back cover, but also put the DVDs in a package where DVDs don't overlap and pop out when shipped.


Paul

If they were to identify cut episodes, they would see sales go down even further because consumers would know ahead of time it was cut.

Really, what an unbelievable cop-out on their part. I'm tempted to boycott this whole operation.

*Edit* Damn, so much for that route. The email came back message to sender a minute after I sent it..
This is there snail mail address. If Gord wants to get Paul Fuscos opinion on this, they also included a phone number, so this may be the best way to contact him now...
LAW OFFICES
THOMAS PATRICK ROWAN
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
11777 SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD, SUITE 880
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90049
*


After searching the w eb, I found ONE possible way to contact Mr.Fusco to see if he's aware of the situation. I d id a search for Alien Productions; Paul Fusco and came ac ross a website that had a cease and disist order from ALien Productions, since they where selling ALF VCDs. In that letter was listed an alien productions email address.

So, I sent off a polite note to them informing them of the situation of ALF on DVD, in the hopes that they could forward it to Mr.Fusco for his opinion. I left my phone number on it, and also included a link to this thread.

It'll be interesting to see if we get a reply .

As syndicated cuts of the show included the Beach Boys song and Willie playing Elton John on the electric keyboard, then there's more than simply "We used the syndicated cuts." Not really satisfied with this, on a show that uses as little music as ALF did.

What about ALF's parody of the "Risky Business" dance in one episode? That had the Bob Seger song "Old TIme Rock n' Roll."

Who supplied the tapes to Lion's Gate? Was it NBC?

The Harry Fox Agency is not one of my favorite firms these days.

Punky Brewster had the following pre-existing songs in season 1 (per the DVD):

—Thank Heaven For Little Girls (from "Gigi")
—I Enjoy Being a Girl (from "Flower Drum Song")
—I Got the Sun in the Morning (from "Annie Get Your Gun")
—I Can't Help It (Andy Gibb)

It was supplied by NBC.

Per the Family Channel airings in the early-mid 90s (c. 1993), I recall the presence of the song "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," by Patti Page, and the Cole Porter song "De-Lovely," in episodes of season 2, and possibly others that escape me.

Shout! Factory didn't replace the music on PB (because at least one song is integral to the plot of an episode), yet were still able to charge an MSRP of only $34.95, and I got it at Digital Eyes for $20.95 + shipping.

I wish they'd have done ALF instead of Lion's Gate. While they're at it, they should try and license "WKRP" from Fox. Shout! Factory are the new gods of TV-on-DVD, and Lion's Gate has replaced Columbia as my least favorite studio in this field. Even the torch lady retains mostly uncut episodes (23 out of 24).

Lions Gate just asked me to pull the news item that I posted so they could work on a better reason for the news.

See, bitch and things can get done. I bet they're scrambling to find out exactly what happened now

I hope no one thinks I'm being pushed around by the studio, but rather that I'm giving them a chance to be heard. It also tells me that they're taking it seriously, and they know the fans are pissed about it. I think the first explanation went through 2 levels in the company, so hopefully this new one they'll supply will go up one more level.

Gord

Hey Gord,
I just want to say "thanks". I'm not an ALF fan but Lions Gate obviously overlooked one of the MAJOR reasons people buy shows on DVD: THEY WANT THEM UNCUT! I think all TV-ON-DVD fans can sympathize with this situation. I hope the other studios are paying attention.

look people, these media executives don't give a f**ck about anything but money. If they could make a dollar by destroying the last copy of Beethoven's ninth symphony, they would not hesitate. Culture, art, don't mean sh*t to them. If unacceptable releases like this one sell nonetheless, they will put less and less effort into future releases, saving money at every point, irrelevant of how the final product turns out. Only a total boycott of this release will send the right message, that tv shows need to be preserved in a COMPLETE format for every one to watch.

Definitely. I have several of my favorite shows on VHS that I taped from syndicated broadcasts. If that was good enough for me, I'd just transfer them to DVD-R's and be done with it. But I want the whole episodes as they were originally broadcast. That's why I'm willing to pay good money for TV on DVD sets.

I will never buy a box set of edited episodes.

The only thing these companies understand is $$$$. They will do whatever it takes to increase their profit so if not paying for new transfers makes them more money, that's what they will do. If, however, people make a stink, boycott the product and spread the word around that they shouldn't buy something, well now you are hitting them in the wallet. The whole point of DVD is to get shows complete, unedited and un-sped up. This practice of just grabbing whatever tapes happen to be available and using them has got to stop.

That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. Having to wait years for the next installment of my favorite show, or for possibly no more seasons at all, plus having to worry about getting scratched discs, cut episodes, below original-broadcast picture quality, changed music, out of order episodes, etc., makes it almost not worth it. I'd really love to be able to buy TV on DVD, but this is too much
Guess I'll have more money for books and music though...

While I think TV on DVD is starting to go slightly downhill, it's not going to stop me from buying TV on DVD. Sure, it annoys me that the second season of MTM isn't out on DVD, but that isn't going to stop my from buying the first season of The Golden Girls, if it is actually to be released this November. At least I will still have the first season of MTM to enjoy.

I think it's too bad that studios think that they can abuse their customers, particularily with the release of ALF, and even part one of the sixth season of Sex and the City. In my opinion all releases should follow the highly successful run of The Dick van Dyke Show. Every season should use the most complete episodes, as close to the original as possible, in the best condition. Studios should have a release schedule in order, so fans don't have to worry that the next season won't be issued on DVD. As for features, don't break your back trying to make it an MTM, but use what you've got. Old promos, deleted scenes, Emmy footage, and maybe a commentary or interview - that's all we need. Just make us feel like we're not getting screwed!! In my opinion, Lion's Gate has done just the opposite with such releases as ALF, Will & Grace: S2, and Providence. With the latter, the original theme song wasn't even used for crying out loud!

Andy

Old promos, deleted scenes, Emmy footage, and maybe a commentary or interview - that's all we need. Just make us feel like we're not getting screwed!! >>

Too bad there isn't an FCC for DVD releasees. Some company that overseas the products of ALL companies for consumers. All shows should be released in Season sets, unless it's a show like SNL or Gameshows/Talkshows. All discs should contain 6 episodes per discs, 4 for one hour shows. Include any trailers, deleted scenes if they exist, bloopers, at least two documentaries, and a few commentaries on the best episodes for recent TV Shows.
And for jebus(rare Simpsons referance out of no where ) sake, please keep the price down to around $50's per set, heh.

If all companies did this, fans would be forever
happy .

I'm convinced that these discs are not being snapped in correctly to begin with. I can bang this thing against the wall and they don't come loose.

Add me to the "too late" list.

If this release is screwed up in any way, it will mean war!

If Production Companies like Lion's Gate Entertinment (ALF), FOX (MTM), and Columbia TriStar (All in the Family) get their crap together, the idea of releasing tv shows onto DVD is out.

I fear within a couple of years, companies will quit releasing tv shows on DVD. Bring on the end, I say, and let's show them destardos what we, as a public, are made of.

I'm not going to stop buying TV on DVD altogether, but I won't buy anything without researching it first to make sure someone didn't screw it up. (That goes not just for TV, but any DVD.)

Well to any and all BC'ers Canadians who live near a Walmart, A&BSound or Future Shop, they had the ALF box set brand new at $15.99. Im not a ALF fan but people who bought them also had problems. Originally the set was $30 to $40 then dropped the price alot cause of this error.

I also hope this doesn't go on with other sets.

Those retail outlets I mentioned didn't want to ship the order back, instead they dropped the price in less than what the business bought them for.

I think for tvshows that have lots of seasons should put the price at a more reasonable cost so we can buy all the sets instead of waiting for the price to drop. They are just starting to do that now.

My favorite show, bar none, from when i was a kid.

I spend $200-400 a month on DVD purchases.

Yet, I won't be buying this one.


And you know what? I'm not going to bother to write a letter to Lions Gate. It is NOT my job to give them the most basic information on how to produce a product I will buy. As much as I'd love to have a decent ALF set in my collection-- there are so many other places to spend my money, to seems silly for me to plead with a major company "LET ME GIVE YOU MY MONEY!"

If they don't want my cash, cool, I'll keep it for myself. They know full well why people aren't buying- and if not, all the letters on the planet won't change a company that is so far off the mark.

Guarantee you Seasons 3 and 4 for Will and Grace will be cut as well. They were in Region 2 and it seems like the same masters are used here as well.

Malcolm and Andrew,

If so much as one thing is wrong with the Golden Girls S1 set I'm with you in whatever "war" you may wage.

But do you really want to bring out "an end" to TV shows on DVD? They will claim nobody likes anything but the latest BS, which is not true. It will be poor quality releases that'll kill this goose that laid the golden eggs. And nobody will win. Why just end it when we could fight to make it better? We did it with films on DVD, and we can and should with TV shows.

The fact is, the consumer knows which one is shinola, and if he doesn't he can darn well find a place to learn.

Gord,
LOL. Instead of fixing their statement they should fix the discs.
Again, thanks for keeping us informed here and via your site. It's much appreciated!

MatthewA
Still there. It's not the Seger version but a cover version they specifically recorded for the show as they couldn't afford the original (that's the way it always was mind you). I got this info from the "Try to Remember" commentary on the ALF Files DVD, which incidentally contains said episode uncut and with the segment of Willie singing the Elton John song intact (it's one of the best-of clips).

Chris