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Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

#1
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10/22/06 at 5:17pm
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I was just jonesing to watch a few eps of WKRP and remembered how crappy my VHS copies of it are. Then I realized that it has almost been two years since it was supposedly being "Looked At for future release".
What's the holdup?? If Uni can release Miami Vice with the music intact. Why can't Fox release WKRP. It's currently the 8th most requested unreleased title on TVShowsOnDVD.com
This one really burns me..

Dan T.

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#2
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10/22/06 at 7:55pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I want this more than anything, but I'm praying and hoping that they don't release it until and unless they can get all the music rights. I'm sad it's not out, but if it comes out with replaced music then I will be majorly pissed off.

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#3
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10/22/06 at 8:02pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I love this show as well.....however, if it is ever released without it's original music 100% intact - they can count me out on ever purchasing it. Better they release WKRP completely intact or not at all.
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#4
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10/22/06 at 9:39pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

First Miami Vice comes to DVD with its music.

Now SNL season 1 complete and uncut.

Fox is running out of excuses.

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#5
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10/23/06 at 1:29am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

It's apples and oranges. Just because certain shows are released complete does not mean all shows can be or we'd have seen The Wonder Years a long time ago. It's also possible that studios make their decisions based on what they think will sell and warrant all that trouble and expense. A lot of older sitcoms are not selling that well, especially ones that have not been seen regularly in sydication for years.
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#6
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10/23/06 at 4:48am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Why not include a feature on the DVDs that says "if you enjoyed the music on these DVDs, the songs are available [insert names of albums.]" That's free marketing for the music folks and it's a cheap way for the DVD producers to get cooperation.


I don't have time enough to watch all these DVDs!

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#7
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10/23/06 at 5:40am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I never cared for WKRP, but it has a big enough following to get released on disc. You guys have nothing to worry about.
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#8
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10/23/06 at 5:46am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

This is Fox who won't even pony up to clear song snippets in "Mary Tyler Moore" and "Addams Family" prefering to edit certain episodes instead. Fans of WKRP are either going to have to wait a long time or pay an exhorbitant price for this series.
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#9
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10/23/06 at 9:11am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I wouldn't exactly put all the blame on Fox. I have heard
them mention this show specifically before. They are aware
of the demand for it, but the clearance for music rights is an
absolute nightmare.

Some licensing hurdles are easier to clear than others.
Ronald J Epstein
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#10
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10/23/06 at 10:55am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I for one don't understand the importance of the music when it comes to this show (which is kind of ironic because we're talking radio station here). So what if they replace the songs with something else (does it really take away from the great comedy this show has to offer?) No. Wonder Years is a little different because the music was meant as way of setting the mood of the scene. I can't remember when a song on WKRP was meant to do that other than Johnny Fever putting an LP on - correct me if I'm wrong. Any song would've done just fine.

Grant it, the original uncut version would be the way to go but if the powers that be are having issues over a certain song (re-edit the song) and give us a great show. Just don't cut the scene for the song.
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#11
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10/23/06 at 11:24am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
I for one don't understand the importance of the music when it comes to this show (which is kind of ironic because we're talking radio station here). So what if they replace the songs with something else (does it really take away from the great comedy this show has to offer?) No. Wonder Years is a little different because the music was meant as way of setting the mood of the scene. I can't remember when a song on WKRP was meant to do that other than Johnny Fever putting an LP on - correct me if I'm wrong. Any song would've done just fine.

I'm sure many WKRP fans can give you examples. For me, every time I heard Van Morrison's "Caravan" I think of Johnny Fever lip synching to the song in the booth. That scene would be ruined for me with any other song.
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#12
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10/23/06 at 12:30pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Just a few moments that come to mind:

"Tiny Dancer" with that Russian guy. That song was significant to the plot.

"Hot Blooded" with Les putting on the wig when he was getting ready for his date with Jennifer.

"The Long Run" - "Johhny finally played a hit!" The episode with Johnny's daughter.

There are many others but that was what first popped to mind.
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#13
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10/23/06 at 12:30pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joepepe
I for one don't understand the importance of the music when it comes to this show (which is kind of ironic because we're talking radio station here). So what if they replace the songs with something else (does it really take away from the great comedy this show has to offer?) No. Wonder Years is a little different because the music was meant as way of setting the mood of the scene. I can't remember when a song on WKRP was meant to do that other than Johnny Fever putting an LP on - correct me if I'm wrong. Any song would've done just fine.

Grant it, the original uncut version would be the way to go but if the powers that be are having issues over a certain song (re-edit the song) and give us a great show. Just don't cut the scene for the song.

Obviously, you have either never seen WKRP or you don't have a very good memory.
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#14
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10/23/06 at 1:09pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott_F_S
Obviously, you have either never seen WKRP or you don't have a very good memory.

I obviously don't have a good memory of one of my favorite sitcoms. Thanks for mentioning some examples Scott and Kevin - I retract my opening statement. This show is great and shouldn't be tampered with.

The episode that I'll never forget has to be the company softball game when Johnny Fever lay (I believe it was third base) and he was looking at the white lines and thinking "cocaine?" Great episode. I was in stitches.

Joe
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#15
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10/23/06 at 2:54pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
I wouldn't exactly put all the blame on Fox. I have heard
them mention this show specifically before. They are aware
of the demand for it, but the clearance for music rights is an
absolute nightmare.

Some licensing hurdles are easier to clear than others.

Hey Ron,
Do you think that there is a way to somehow let the powers that be over at Fox aware of this thread. As well as the fact that since yesterday, 425 people have viewed it. That shows that there is ALOT of interest in this show.
I'm just trying to think of anything that will get their attention. It worked for the MTM show..

Dan T.

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#16
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10/23/06 at 3:37pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Fox is aware of the demand.

As I said, it's music licensing issues that have been holding
the release up.

What I am not certain of is if the studio is still pursuing to
clear up those issues or if they feel it's not worth the cost
at this time.
Ronald J Epstein
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#17
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10/23/06 at 7:37pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Favate
Why not include a feature on the DVDs that says "if you enjoyed the music on these DVDs, the songs are available [insert names of albums.]" That's free marketing for the music folks and it's a cheap way for the DVD producers to get cooperation.

This is something that is frequently explored, but for whatever reason, it rarely seems to actually work out.
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#18
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10/23/06 at 8:52pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

An informative list of some of the changes (in both music AND dialogue) which have ALREADY been made to WKRP for latter-day syndicated runs:

http://members.allstream.net/~jacjud/wkrpmusic.html

Imagine how that would all translate to a DVD release. Would any of us actually want something that botched?

As I've stated in other threads regarding music replacement, I'm not really much of a stickler. My one and only "line in the sand" so far has been Quantum Leap...I simply refuse to reward Universal by giving them my money for such an inferior treatment of such a superior show.

WKRP is simply too important to me for me to ever be satisfied with anything other than the unadulterated, original version.

I've really gotta go with George on this one...
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#19
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10/23/06 at 10:15pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Guys, if this is released there's no way it'll have all the music cleared. You can try comparing it to other shows when it comes to music, but it's not a fair comparison unless you've seen the contracts under which all that music was originally licensed under.

Gord

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#20
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10/23/06 at 11:23pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan*T
I was just jonesing to watch a few eps of WKRP and remembered how crappy my VHS copies of it are. Then I realized that it has almost been two years since it was supposedly being "Looked At for future release".
What's the holdup?? If Uni can release Miami Vice with the music intact. Why can't Fox release WKRP. It's currently the 8th most requested unreleased title on TVShowsOnDVD.com
This one really burns me..

I'm still more shocked that they're going release season 1 of Saturday Night Live, complete, unedited and with ALL the musical acts the way it originally aired...Kinda makes you wonder why they can't do the same with WKRP. Although I'm sure it's alot easier tracing musical guests that appeared over 24 episodes of SNL than it is finding and securing the rights for every single record that was ever played on WKRP.

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#21
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10/23/06 at 11:35pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

ouch, damn. I saw that page, I am so happy I am not a WKRP fan because if I was, I'd be furious with how little music has been retained.
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#22
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10/24/06 at 5:18am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlos Garcia
I'm still more shocked that they're going release season 1 of Saturday Night Live, complete, unedited and with ALL the musical acts the way it originally aired...Kinda makes you wonder why they can't do the same with WKRP. Although I'm sure it's alot easier tracing musical guests that appeared over 24 episodes of SNL than it is finding and securing the rights for every single record that was ever played on WKRP.


I'm not Saturday night Live alwaysd gravitated to the Alt-music scene some what, clearing Patty Smith and The Rembrandts are easier than Clearing 60's and 70's rock supergroups.
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#23
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10/24/06 at 9:17am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I may be in the minority, but I say, release these puppies any way you can (with or without music replacements).
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#24
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10/24/06 at 11:32am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlos Garcia
I'm still more shocked that they're going release season 1 of Saturday Night Live, complete, unedited and with ALL the musical acts the way it originally aired...Kinda makes you wonder why they can't do the same with WKRP. Although I'm sure it's alot easier tracing musical guests that appeared over 24 episodes of SNL than it is finding and securing the rights for every single record that was ever played on WKRP.

I think you answered your own question here, Carlos.
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#25
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10/24/06 at 11:47am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I agree with Derek, I'm a HUGE fan of this show and I want it no matter what, it's simply a too important show not to be released. Thank God, Fox are aware. The songs played were never that important to me, I love it for the jokes, and the superb ensamble cast. It's IMO the best sitcom ever, but even I can live with music replacements. What I can't live with though, is cut-out scenes. We demand this UNCUT, as far as scenes are concerned, no syndication editing can be accepted. Period. If they can clear the music rights, great, and I hope they can. Fingers crossed.
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#26
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10/24/06 at 4:38pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
Fox is aware of the demand.

As I said, it's music licensing issues that have been holding
the release up.

What I am not certain of is if the studio is still pursuing to
clear up those issues or if they feel it's not worth the cost
at this time.


How do we find out if this is still being pursued?
Gord, any chance you could look into this ( I know..again)

I'm with Henry on this one. I obviously want all the original music, but would buy it in a heartbeat. No matter what, as long as the scenes were not butchered. I'd take this show anyway I could get it.
As I'm sure plenty of the baby boomer generation who watched it every week would as well!

Thanks for all the input guys, this has turned out to be a great thread!
That's what this forum is all about!!

Dan T.

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#27
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10/24/06 at 7:53pm
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
What I can't live with though, is cut-out scenes. We demand this UNCUT, as far as scenes are concerned, no syndication editing can be accepted. Period.

Quote:
I obviously want all the original music, but would buy it in a heartbeat. No matter what, as long as the scenes were not butchered.

But, you can't have it both ways. You simply cannot have both music substitutions AND unaltered scenes.

Did you check out the list to which I posted a link before? Even with the music alterations which have already had to be made for the show's latter-day syndication runs, there are many cases in which dialogue has had to be altered, left out, or re-recorded by vocal impersonators. To me, that definitely constitutes the sort of altering you both say you could NOT accept.

Consider this... Even something as simple as the scene in which Mr. Carlson walks into the booth while Johnny is playing Pink Floyd's "Dogs"...Mr. Carlson listens a moment and then asks "Do I hear dogs?" Johnny answers "I do."

If the rights to "Dogs" couldn't be negotiated, how would you suggest that scene be handled on a DVD release? Would the rest of the episode work without that one scene? In the overall scheme of things, yes. But, would I be satisfied if that scene were altered in any way, or left out completely? Absolutely not.

Several here (including the two I quoted above) have stated that they would accept music alterations but NOT cut or altered scenes, but that simply is not possible. That's just the way it is with shows like this...you CAN'T alter the music without altering the scenes themselves.
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#28
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10/25/06 at 1:40am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlos Garcia
I'm still more shocked that they're going release season 1 of Saturday Night Live, complete, unedited and with ALL the musical acts the way it originally aired...Kinda makes you wonder why they can't do the same with WKRP. Although I'm sure it's alot easier tracing musical guests that appeared over 24 episodes of SNL than it is finding and securing the rights for every single record that was ever played on WKRP.

Well, the reason they're able to do it for SNL is two-fold: a) Lorne Michaels is willing to put up the money to license the songs from the respective publishers; and b) Lorne **only** has to deal with the publishers, instead of the publishers **plus** the various record labels, which is what he'd have to do if he were trying to license the original hit recordings of those songs.

As an example, Lorne might have to pay a music publisher $10,000 (a fairly standard amount) to license Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" for a live performance on his show, but if the producers of WKRP need to clear that same song, they've likely used the hit record version, so they'll pay Simon's publishers $10,000, plus an additional amount (which may equal or surpass the publisher's fee) to the record label to license the hit recording. As you might guess, with something as music-heavy as WKRP, there's practically no conceivable way they could recoup that investment from the existing fan base of the program... assuming, of course, that they could clear everything in the first place.

I'm afraid the economics of the music industry are going to be a continual stumbling block in the release of this series...

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#29
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10/25/06 at 4:42am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

I also fear this series would look on par with another 70's series All in the Family. I believed this is another taped show and every syndication print I've seen, the show looks as thou it's being viewed thru a veil of haze. I wonder how good these would look on DVD
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#30
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10/25/06 at 7:03am
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Re: Enough already Fox. Are we EVER going to see WKRP released?

Quote:
Lorne **only** has to deal with the publishers, instead of the publishers **plus** the various record labels, which is what he'd have to do if he were trying to license the original hit recordings of those songs.

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