Home Theater Forum  ›  Forums  ›  Entertainment and Media  ›  SD DVD - TV Shows and TV Movies  ›  M-Squad Coming 9/23/08
Forum Nav More Forums | All New Posts | New Thread

M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

#1
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 11:40am
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753
I know this is going to make a lot of vintage TV-on-DVD fans happy; Timeless Media has posted details about its upcoming "M-Squad" release and it's a massive 14 DVD set and music CD.

Details here: M Squad

It's a "best of" collection with 100 episodes.
Export to Wiki
#2
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 11:52am
  • Joined: July 2007
  • Location: Athens, GA
  • Post Count: 68

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

I know I'm happy. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Bob!

"Life is in color...but black-and-white is more realistic." -- Samuel Fuller, director

My DVD Collection

Export to Wiki
#3
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 12:18pm
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Well, Timeless did make a factual error in its description. "There were many black and white crime dramas competing for viewers in the late fifties, notably Dragnet, Arrest and Trial, and Checkmate." The latter two Timeless released on DVD and "Arrest and Trial" was broadcast in 1963-64 and "Checkmate" in 1960-62.

Since they mention "Dragnet" in the same breath as those other two series that they have licensed from Universal, I wonder (SPECULATION ALERT) if maybe Timeless is getting the rights to the non-public domain 1950s episodes of "Dragnet," another series that Universal owns?
Export to Wiki
#4
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 1:27pm
  • Joined: June 2006
  • Post Count: 323

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

This is most welcome news, Bob. Lee Marvin is always great and worth watching in everything he's in. Definitely inked in for the Nov. DD sale.

But, as with the WILLIAM TELL release, I am wondering about the number of episodes: 100 episodes. 17 short of a complete series set?? Why can't they get them all?

And speaking of crime shows, what happened to the Timeless announced release of the rest of THE LAWLESS YEARS?
Export to Wiki
#5
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 1:48pm
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Gu
This is most welcome news, Bob. Lee Marvin is always great and worth watching in everything he's in. Definitely inked in for the Nov. DD sale.

But, as with the WILLIAM TELL release, I am wondering about the number of episodes: 100 episodes. 17 short of a complete series set?? Why can't they get them all?

And speaking of crime shows, what happened to the Timeless announced release of the rest of THE LAWLESS YEARS?

I can only speculate, but if they are assembling episodes on their own from the collector's market and not getting the prints directly from Universal (as was the case with some of their other Uni-licensed series), that would be a plausible reason for not being able to obtain the entire run. If you're a completist then I understand your disappointment, but 100 of 117 episodes plus a bonus soundtrack works just fine for me.
Export to Wiki
#6
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 1:56pm
  • Joined: June 2006
  • Post Count: 323

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

100's fine with me too, Bob, I have not seen the show often enough to know what I am missing.
Export to Wiki
#7
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 3:03pm
  • Joined: October 2006
  • Post Count: 496

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

I too wonder why they couldn't get them all; all the episodes are out there as 16 mm prints.
Export to Wiki
#8
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 3:57pm
  • Joined: January 2004
  • Post Count: 1,261

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

The imdb lists Bob Newhart's first credit as being in "The 26 Girl" episode of M-SQUAD and Don Rickles is in "Pete Loves Mary."

Charles Hoyt

Export to Wiki
#9
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 4:20pm
  • Joined: March 1999
  • Post Count: 1,229

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

M-SQUAD in abundance? Woo-hoo!!!

The only disappointment is that it looks like one of the 17 episodes missing from this set is "The Fire Makers", which was the only time (that I'm aware of) where Lee Marvin and James Coburn both appeared in a production (film or TV). But this is such a heapin' helpin' of M-SQUAD, it scarcely matters much!
My Current Damage at DVD Aficionado

Top 5 most-wanted films on R1 DVD wish list:

SANDS OF THE KALAHARI (1965) / MURDER, HE SAYS (1945) / UNEARTHLY STRANGER (1963) / CRACK IN THE WORLD (1965) / ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (1933)
Export to Wiki
#10
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 6:19pm
  • Joined: August 2007
  • Post Count: 91

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Wow, this is just awesome news. I guess all hope is NOT lost for some of the great 50's shows.
Export to Wiki
#11
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 7:23pm
  • Joined: February 2004
  • Location: Florida
  • Post Count: 2,066

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Bob, thanks for the report. I'm in for this set, although I may wait for the November DD sale before making the purchase. But it's something I definitely plan on buying sooner rather than later.

Gary "still crying over the Fuge fiasco" O.
"Do not challenge supernatural unless armed with sword of truth"
                                             ...CHARLIE CHAN ON TREASURE ISLAND

Export to Wiki
#12
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 8:26pm
  • Joined: July 2004
  • Post Count: 352

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Wow! Shame about the 17 missing eps and nervous about the price, but this looks like a fun one and a Count Bassie CD to boot? Sign me up!

So much TV...

So little money!

Export to Wiki
#13
Rating: 0
6/20/08 at 8:58pm
  • Joined: June 2006
  • Post Count: 473

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Thanks for the scoop, Bob.

This is one show I'm not familiar with so I'm definitely interested in picking it up.
.

Export to Wiki
#14
Rating: 0
6/21/08 at 4:24am
  • Joined: August 2006
  • Location: Twin Cities, MN. USA
  • Post Count: 270

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary OS
Bob, thanks for the report. I'm in for this set, although I may wait for the November DD sale before making the purchase. But it's something I definitely plan on buying sooner rather than later.

Gary "still crying over the Fuge fiasco" O.

Personally, I want this release enough to pay the $99.98 freight. But like Gary I'll be putting this on my list for the fall sale. I suspect this will eventually be highly-discounted, since the show isn't mainstream television DVD.

I should also add my appreciation of Timeless' including the RCA score on CD. Some *great* music!
Export to Wiki
#15
Rating: 0
6/21/08 at 7:14am
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary OS
Bob, thanks for the report. I'm in for this set, although I may wait for the November DD sale before making the purchase. But it's something I definitely plan on buying sooner rather than later.

Gary "still crying over the Fuge fiasco" O.

I'll likely hold off until the Fall DD sale as well unless DVDPacific (down in your neck of the woods) comes in with a good release day price. They generally have the best prices on the Timeless stuff.
Export to Wiki
#16
Rating: 0
6/26/08 at 10:12am
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Post deleted; public apologies to Gord Lacey.
Export to Wiki
#17
Rating: 0
6/26/08 at 6:59pm
  • Joined: January 2001
  • Post Count: 2,412

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Thanks for making a private conversation public, Bob.

Want to see your favorite show on DVD?


Export to Wiki
#18
Rating: 0
6/26/08 at 11:31pm
  • Joined: June 2006
  • Post Count: 609

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

What amazes me that they managed to find as many episodes as they did! 100 out of 117 episodes isn't bad.

I think the soundtrack is a great extra bonus I wonder what source they mastered that from- from the master tape or an old mint LP
Export to Wiki
#19
Rating: 0
6/29/08 at 3:59pm
  • Joined: June 2008
  • Post Count: 365

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

TVShowsOnDVD have posted a new news article on their website about the M Squad Region 1 boxset and the 17 missing episodes:

TVShowsOnDVD news article about M Squad R1 boxset
Export to Wiki
#20
Rating: 0
7/1/08 at 10:05am
  • Joined: June 2006
  • Post Count: 609

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Saw the news report on this and THE TEXAN and noticed they were looking for the missing episodes "in any format".

Are they that eager to be so complete that they would try to fill out the set with what might turn out to be copies from old VHS or Beta recordings (But watchable) episodes?

Shouldn't they have stressed the need-preference for 16mm prints?

How the heck did they get the rights to THE TEXAN - I thought that was controlled by CBS-Paramount - it's a nice surprise - good series.
Export to Wiki
#21
Rating: 0
7/1/08 at 10:39am
  • Joined: April 2004
  • Post Count: 387

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

I'm really looking forward to this "M Squad" release. I've only seen a few episodes over the years. It always seemed surprising that the series didn't get revived attention in syndication following Marvin's later success in films. I noticed that one of the missing episodes, "Diamond Hard," was one of the one or two episodes that TV-Land happened to air (during one of their oddball special schedules, as they were prone to do in their early years). I'm generally a completist in these matters, but when it comes to a series as rare as "M Squad," I'm thrilled enough with the prospect of 100 episodes.

Anyway, I hope Timeless discovers the wonders of slim-packs by the time they release this. If not, I have no idea where I'll be able to store the resulting shoebox-size monstrosity. As it is, I'm rapidly having a whole shelf in my antique bookcase fill up with their bulky releases. But in truth, I can't remotely complain, as it's been great, just being able to finally see some of these rare shows.
Export to Wiki
#22
Rating: 0
7/1/08 at 12:17pm
  • Joined: November 2007
  • Location: Alberta,Canada
  • Post Count: 35

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Was this show filmed entirely in Chicago and area? I only have vague memories of seeing it way back when...early '60s in syndication (?)...I treasure the old shows like "Route 66", "Naked City", "Brenner" etc. for showing me the way the good old USA looked like the first time I saw her...of course the innate quality of these shows is just as important as the fascinating streetscapes...I can't wait to rediscover Lee Marvin as a Chicago tough police good guy, after nearly a decade playing memorably menacing villains. I really appreciate what Timeless is doing for vintage TV fans!
Export to Wiki
#23
Rating: 0
8/11/08 at 11:35am
  • Joined: February 2004
  • Location: Florida
  • Post Count: 2,066

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

I've been told by my source at Timeless that the new, pushed back release date for a 15 dvd set of M SQUAD is now November 11th. Sounds like good news in regards to finding more episodes! It was previously only a 14 dvd set.

Gary "glad to hear this and wanted to pass it along" O.
"Do not challenge supernatural unless armed with sword of truth"
                                             ...CHARLIE CHAN ON TREASURE ISLAND

Export to Wiki
#24
Rating: 0
8/11/08 at 12:37pm
  • Joined: August 2006
  • Location: Twin Cities, MN. USA
  • Post Count: 270

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary OS
I've been told by my source at Timeless that the new, pushed back release date for a 15 dvd set of M SQUAD is now November 11th. Sounds like good news in regards to finding more episodes! It was previously only a 14 dvd set.

Gary "glad to hear this and wanted to pass it along" O.

Still coming out in time for a certain sale!
Export to Wiki
#25
Rating: 0
8/11/08 at 12:49pm
  • Joined: February 2004
  • Location: Florida
  • Post Count: 2,066

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by docdoowop
Still coming out in time for a certain sale!

I'd be lying if I didn't say I thought the exact same thing the moment I got the news.

Gary "with my discretionary income slimming down I have to think about sales more than ever when it comes to my dvd purchases" O.
"Do not challenge supernatural unless armed with sword of truth"
                                             ...CHARLIE CHAN ON TREASURE ISLAND

Export to Wiki
#26
Rating: 0
8/12/08 at 5:14am
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary OS
I've been told by my source at Timeless that the new, pushed back release date for a 15 dvd set of M SQUAD is now November 11th. Sounds like good news in regards to finding more episodes! It was previously only a 14 dvd set.

Gary "glad to hear this and wanted to pass it along" O.

This is great news and certainly appears as if Timeless was able to secure additional episodes, though whether they will have the entire run is still debatable. The originally scheduled release showed an average of 7 episodes per disc (with two, 8 episode discs). If they keep this average, then we're looking at 107 or 108 episodes. On the other hand, if they have secured all 117 episodes, it's possible that they could have redistributed all of the episodes across 15 discs, with most discs averaging 8 episodes . . . . that's a reasonable number of half hour episodes to include on a single sided disc without getting into much in the way of compression issues.
Export to Wiki
#27
Rating: 0
8/18/08 at 11:39am
  • Joined: September 2005
  • Post Count: 69

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Great News, Timeless Announced the release of all 117 Episodes on their website today. Release date of 11/11/2008! SRP $119. It's a jump of $20 but well worth a complete series, with no missing episodes.

Brian
Classic TV on DVD Episode Release Guide

Current Recommendations:
Tiimless Media: Brenner, Red Skelton In Color
VCI: Burkes LawMillcreek: Best Of Jack BennyCBS/Paramount:Mannix
Export to Wiki
#28
Rating: 0
8/18/08 at 12:23pm
  • Joined: February 2004
  • Location: Florida
  • Post Count: 2,066

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian:C
Great News, Timeless Announced the release of all 117 Episodes on their website today. Release date of 11/11/2008! SRP $119. It's a jump of $20 but well worth a complete series, with no missing episodes.

Brian

Excellent news! Thanks Brian. And the great thing is that the release date will fall just in time for a certain 20% Off Sale.

Gary "sounds like a great set" O.
"Do not challenge supernatural unless armed with sword of truth"
                                             ...CHARLIE CHAN ON TREASURE ISLAND

Export to Wiki
#29
Rating: 0
8/18/08 at 12:36pm
  • Joined: May 2005
  • Post Count: 1,753

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Also nice to see that they are retaining the soundtrack CD; this makes for a fairly unique release. And Gary is correct; it's right around the timeframe for the BIG SALE (assuming that occurs). However, I'll shop around on this one given the MSRP as DVDPacific has had some good pricing on Timeless Media releases in the recent past.
Export to Wiki
#30
Rating: 0
8/18/08 at 3:17pm
  • Joined: August 2004
  • Post Count: 126

Re: M-Squad Coming 9/23/08

Interesting. I had heard that they secured a copy of all 117 episodes, but that some of them were in the "public domain quality range," and I wasn't sure if they'd release them in that state. I hope they indicate on the packaging or the menus that the picture quality might not be so hot on a few episodes, in order to manage consumers' expectations.

Incidentally, I'm also told that we have the absent "Hank Dearborn," winner of the HTF's "Most Popular Member Award" for several years running, to thank for supplying some of the missing episodes.
Export to Wiki
Forum Nav More Forums | All New Posts | New Thread