MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN placed well within the top 25 highest rated tv series in the Neilsen ratings for its first two seasons (no doubt still faring well despite stiff competition from the formidable likes of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA during its third season) and it is somewhat of a complete lack of faith (and good judgement) that on the strength of its outstanding track record MARTIAN wasn't afforded the (deserved) opportunity for a fourth season...or beyond!
In those days nobody involved in television broadcasting (particularly the network programmers) were experts and unfortunately wrong decisions were made costing many a fine tv show.
On the topic of the (now legendary) ZIV Television Productions catalogue my number one choice for a DVD release is SCIENCE FICTION THEATRE. SF is the genre that sells the best by far...especially among the younger aged consumer demographic!
In the 21st Century (was was deemed to be the future in the 1960s) this is not the wonderous era to be (wastefully) squandered on the conventional, over familiar product particularly in stark comparison to such a distinctly unique and innovation program consistently featuring such absolutely fascinating stories that stress the science aspect over fictional content and has permanently established its vaunted place as an outstanding landmark in television history.
What a marvel it would truly be to have all 78 half hour presentations (39 produced in colour) fully restored and digitally remastered to optimum pristine condition.
I think that this is one tv property (in addition to MEN INTO SPACE) that MGM Home Entertainment should give serious consideration for an important (and prestigious) DVD release...just on the strength of how well its own SF film and tv series catalogue has sold in the past and these major DVD distribution companies continue to profitably market!
These are viable statistics not mere speculation!
To bring this (informed) thinking closer to home just which Jack Chertock tv property will sell the BEST (by far) on DVD of the entire catalogue of shows?
Answer: MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN!
And however you want to label it MARTIAN is a bona fide SF-premised sitcom which is a major contributing factor in its current success abroad that cannot be denied.
MEN INTO SPACE (Click Here).
Jeff T.