#1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Dear Guys:

When I buy TV-DVD's, I have to give quite a few reasons for purchasing them, but I would have to say the number one reason--for a purchase is if they have episodes I'm missed. A few examples:

The Cartoon Network had six or seven episodes of the third season of Duck Dodgers that never aired on their channel--and they went straight to Boomerang. My cable provider never got Boomerang, so I was out of luck for those final episodes. I've tried other avenues of tracking those episodes but too no avail.

Somewhat similar to Hyper MonkeyForce Monkey Team Go. I've seen a few episodes on ABC-Family a few years ago, but we don't get TOON Disney at home where it regularly plays . . . .so that makes my list.

The ninties Spy Games, the seventies Salvage 1 actually have unaired episodes. I can't believe a network would actually shell out that kind of money and then never show the various segments. But everyone has made remarks about the lack of intellegence in the minds of network executivies. So I pretty much won't go there.

Rare shows such as Young Maverick, which only showed some episodes ONCE and that makes them awfully precious to me. Because I loved the last episode, and I've never been able to track it down as well.

So my number one reason for buying tv-DVD's is UNSEEN EPISODES (or rarely seen), what about you guys?

James Smith

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

It's kind of obvious but the biggest factor for me is that if I like the show, I'll buy the set. It's great if there's special features or the set has episodes that I haven't seen or that never aired but for me, if I'm a fan, I'm in.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

For me it is the ability to have TV shows I have always admired and enjoyed over the years at the dispersal of my fingertips. That's what always does it for me!!!!!!!

The further my interest in TV Shows on DVD grows, so does my appreciation for collecting them.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

That's me too. If it's a show I dig, and I think I'll watch it more than once, it's a buy.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

That's what I call a classic quote

The TV/DVD is the greatest thing since "Tony Romo" (uh, that's the q-back for the Dallas Cowboys for you non-sports posters )

I'd say for me, the #1 thing is to have a series that's either been out of syndication for years or most likely won't air again anywhere, in my collection. I've found that I usually buy the shows that I grew up with and have found that in nearly all cases, they "stand the test of time" for me, some surprisingly so. I do have series from years after the 'Boomer years (80's, 90's) but the majority of my sets are shows from the late 50's thru 70's.

David mentioned what someone here phrased, the "rewatchability" factor. I consider that as well for TV/DVD sets.

To be able to pop in a TV/DVD and watch these shows without commercials and in nearly all sets, watch the show with far better clarity than I originally watched them with the "rabbit-ear" set-top antenna or even the roof antenna, it's just a real treat to enjoy those "blasts from the past".

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Whether or not its still showing on TV is also a n issue for me. I bought B5 after it wasnt showing anymore and have a PVR so can watch a lot of TV shows I like now.

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I end up buying a lot of shows that I enjoyed as a kid. There's a comfort aspect to these shows. I also find myself eager to see shows that I'd only read about or merely saw as part of clip shows. My cousin likes to watch shows that his mother refused to let him watch as a kid.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

For current shows, it's to see them with NO on-screen crap and no commercials, which have risen to a ridiculous level!

For stuff on cable like South Park, I'd rather buy the DVDs as they come out than waste money on cable "service" where I pay for the privilege of getting the show with the aforementioned annoyances.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

There is no one main reason I buy them... there is a few main reasons. But I am one that will not think twice about blind buying a TV Series.

So for shows I seen:
#1 is how much I enjoyed the show. Then the extras it may have is a plus. If there is any unseen (or unaired) episodes then it is a huge plus.

For series that I never seen:
#1 is word of mouth from placed such as this. Subject matter is of course important as I know the types of shows I normally like. The creator of the show could also be a plus. See example below.

A good example of getting a series I never seen before is one I just got for Christmas. Before this set I never seen a single episode of Harsh Realm. But between the word of mouth I heard on it... and the fact that it was created by Chris Carter (and that I am a huge X-Files fan) I went ahead and put it on a DVD wishlist I gave someone... and I got it. Already watched the first disc... so far loving every minute of it... looks like another series that was canceled way too soon.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

SECONDED!

If you watch a Show on Cable (Or Broadcast for that matter) you watch the show and that's that. On the other hand, after you watch a show on DVD, YOU GET TO KEEP IT!!!

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

you can always DVD-R the show

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But you can't get rid of the crap on the screen!

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This basically says it for me. Some shows I've bought because of recommendations from fellow readers of this forum, and others because I was able to get very cheap from periodic Amazon sales.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Very simple.

A show I want to watch and rewatch that is released in full seasons uncut, uncensored with all the music intact.

When that happens, I buy.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

The biggest factor that I can only say are sets that contain every episode, original opening theme songs and pricing. WKRP? Married With Children, Baywatch, all missing the original theme song music. Baywatch, missing key episodes in the Season 2 Region 1 release. Pricing? I think it's outrageous charging $80 for a 13 episode set or where when Universal is releasing full season sets they don't alter the pricing structure. You end up paying the same price for a 22 episode set as you do for a 13 episode set.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

The question that forms the basis of this thread is off for me. What other factors need there be other than having liked the series and wanting to own it on DVD?

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

In addition to enjoying previously viewed series there are any number of factors that can influence 'blind' purchases...

Genre (especially with regards to shows being similar to ones that are known and enjoyable quantities), low prices that capitalize on impulse purchases, casting, talent behind the show, critical acclaim, forum recommendations, etc.

For myself, known shows are purchased for the purpose of revisiting them, often in a superior presentation vs. my initial viewing. In particular, for older series it offers a chance to see a show that I haven't viewed in decades. In some cases, I only initially viewed later seasons and the DVD release provides an opportunity to catch up on earlier episodes. (Mission Impossible or The Rockford Files for instance.)

For blind purchases, usually genre, or recommendations from friends drive those decisions. For lower priced sets sometimes the 'take a chance' mentality takes hold.

To answer the initial question, the number one factor is the obvious answer - Revisiting a series that I enjoyed. This factor may apply to older or contemporary sets.


- Walter.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Here are my criteria in order of importance.

1. Will I want to see this show years later when the novelty value is gone?
2. How expensive is it?
3. Is the series complete or expected to be?
4. What special features does it have?

Missing footage and music replacement are issues I deal with on a case-by-case basis, and I am willing to forgive it if the quality of the show is high enough or if there are extenuating circumstances.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Most shows I enjoy the show weather in its main run like Dawson's Creek or in reruns. I got hooked on my all time favorvite show The Pretender in late night showings on the weekends.

Blind buys because they are cheap or recommanded

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Number one is the show itself, extras are great but they aren't worth anything if I don't like the show. I buy shows that have an interest for me, both new shows and old. I will even blind buy a series and I have blind bought quite a few. I haven't purchased any that I haven't liked yet.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

I think the main reason for me to buy one, is that I like the show very much and want to see it again and again.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

There's several factors in deciding what to buy, but price is a very important one.
Having the shows and being able to watch them anytime I feel is another one, not being restriced by air dates and having to sit through commercials etc.

But #1 is how much I like the show, if it's great then I'll buy it without hesitation.
If it's decent I'll wait for a good deal, if it's an unknown at a nice price I might take a chance.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

I do that on occaision myself. On "Black Friday" of 2006 I picked up Season 1 of Charmed because a store had it as one of their $14.99 "Loss Leaders". Liking the show I have purchased Seasons 2 & 3. (Another store had them as bargains last summer) Seasons 4-8 will be purchased as soon as they hit the Bargain Bins!

And Yes Magnus, the ability to watch shows whenever I want without having to endure all the Inturruptions is the biggest reason I buy DVDs!

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Those are really good reasons, especially about watching them when you want. If it wasn't for DVD, there are a lot of shows I own that I wouldn't get to see, whether it be new shows or older ones. I missed most of Lost last season, I kept missing the airtimes and great shows like Mission: Impossible don't get shown on TV. I never used to care about price but now I'm trying to stretch my dollars, so I haven't bought the Fugitive or M:I Season 3 yet until they go on sale.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

I usually just stick to movies instead of DVD's, so i actually put a lot of thought into it if i'm on the market to buy a show's full season/series. I stick to the lighter side of things by getting stuff like Samurai Jack or ATHF. The wife gets most of the shows on DVD.

But, when i do get involved in deciding on what show to get on dvd, the number one factor is if i truly like the show. and when i do start buying seasons of it i will always finish it off by buying the entire series from season one to the end.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

Both American Life and our local Retro TV Network shows Mission:Impossible at night.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

The one and only factor for me is if I know I am going to watch the show from start of the season to finish more than once or twice.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

As far I can tell, I get neither of those channels.

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

1. Have to like the show. duh

2. Will it stand up to repeat viewings.

3. price, can't be to insaine to buy it on first release, if not wait to get it used or after price reduction.

4. Is the set produced by a decent production company the turns out dvd sets of decent quality? Personally I avoid all sets by adv and anchor bay because their quality of there sets is usually in the POS range. So quality of the set matters and I usually hold off until I read some reviews of the set.

Thats about it , why I buy dvd sets

Re: #1 Factor in buying TV DVD's?

1) price. No matter how much I want to see something, if it's priced outrageously I will not be buying it. ($30 max for a one season set)
2)rarity/ scarcity. Is the show still airing on TV where I can watch for free? Has the show aired in the last 10 years?
3)Nostalgia. A high percentage of shows I have bought come from the programs I loved as a kid/young adult.