Syndicated Cuts--Take Them or No Show At All?

Dorrie_W · 10-16-2006, 07:20 AM

I have been a frequent visitor of TV Shows on DVD for several years and a member of this forum for a few years and I see that syndicated cuts and music replacement are two hot button topics.

I never realized how "big" this topic was until I got caught up in the firestorm known as "Mama's Family The Complete First Season." I posted a favorable review of the set on Amazon and on Bellaonline.com. I received a lot of feedback from fans who were pretty furious to say the least about me praising the DVD release of a show with syndicated cuts.

I'm just curious what other fan's take on it. I think it's unfair to say that all fans demand non syndicated cuts, because some fans are simply happy to have the show on DVD--and I'm one of those fans.

I heard the Cosby Show DVD's were syndicated cuts too, and I didn't have a problem with that box set. I don't have old VHS copies of tv shows (except Jem!). Being that most of the shows I enjoy are from the 75-85' era (and I was 10 in 1985), I guess all I remember are the syndicated cuts.

The only DVD release in which the syndicated cuts were real obvious to me because of the show length was Alf Season 2, but sometimes I don't notice.

I love classic shows on TV so much, there are some shows like Webster, Double Trouble, Mr. Belvedere, Out of this World, Rags To Riches, and Small Wonder to name a few, I would even take a syndicated cut rather than nothing at all.

So I just wanted to post this thread to pose the following question-

If it came down to a show you enjoyed and it would have to be a syndicated cut or nothing at all what would you take?

Is it an all or nothing scenario?

Just curious.

Bob Hug · 10-16-2006, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorrie_W

If it came down to a show you enjoyed and it would have to be a syndicated cut or nothing at all what would you take?

Is it an all or nothing scenario?

Just curious.

For me, it comes down to two issues . . .

1. Has the studio/releasing company made a concerted effort to seek out the full, uncut episodes?

2. How badly do I want to see the show/series?

In terms of my TV-on-DVD collection, I have only knowingly purchased one series, the Chuck Connors western "Branded," where I knew going in that the episodes were the syndicated versions. I purchased it because I had not seen the series in almost 40 years and it was a favorite of mine growing up, and since this was not a show owned by one of the major studios, I'm of the belief that full length episodes may be lost. The releasing company for "Branded," the independent Timeless Media Group, was only able to secure syndicated episodes from the owner of the series, King World. If uncut episodes can't be secured, I do think that the releasing companies should provide notices on packaging, etc. in the interests of "full disclosure."

RoryR · 10-16-2006, 07:47 AM

I will only buy a syndicated set if it is due to technical/legal issues or a mistake and the company will rectify it for future releases (ie. Roseanne and Cosby)

Barbara,G · 10-16-2006, 09:37 AM

I will buy them syndicated or not!

Scott-S · 10-16-2006, 09:46 AM

I won't knowingly buy a syndicated version. It is letting the studios off the hook if you do. If people are willing to settle, the studios won't even try in the future.

**HTF Ads**

Joe Lugoff · 10-16-2006, 09:56 AM

What else do you buy, knowing it's incomplete? If you went to see a movie and a sign on the door said, "Today we're showing the movie with 10% of it cut out," would you go anyway? Would you buy a shirt with the sleeves missing? Would you buy a box of cereal at the grocery store if the cashier opened it and poured out 10% of it? Would you just shrug and say, "Well, it's better than nothing"?

Some people love abridged novels, but such people always struck me as a little light intellectually. But to stick to the topic -- the great thing about TV on DVD was the idea that at long last, after years of cut prints, shows could be seen complete again. With that factor missing, a release loses its excitement for me. Besides, if I love a show, I want as much of it as I can get. I don't want to sit there wondering what happened during the three minutes that are missing and if there were some funny lines or situations I may have liked.

However, I will get a set containing cut episodes if the price is so low it's negligible. If I see "Mama's Family" in a bargain bin for $4.88, I might spring for it. Anything higher than that, no.

JohnMor · 10-16-2006, 10:43 AM

As for me, I'm for no syndicated eps (if at all possible).

But, I worry more about Mr. Average Joe Six-Pack who says, "Cool, now we don't have to tape 'em off tv anymore, and they'll last forever!!" I think he doesn't care about syndicated cuts, and he FAR outnumbers us on this forum.

RoryR · 10-16-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott-S

I won't knowingly buy a syndicated version. It is letting the studios off the hook if you do. If people are willing to settle, the studios won't even try in the future.

What if it was a mistake?

Anchor Bay with Roseanne, If nobody bought the DVD why would they ever continue?

Dorrie_W · 10-16-2006, 11:34 AM

I appreciate everyone's feedback. And I do feel that if the studio can get the complete uncut episodes they should. But yeah, some shows I want so bad I would take an official syndicated release rather than nothing at all. Its really enlightening to see everyone's take on it.

I can see the frustration if you have a favorite episode and your favorite scene or joke is missing, I just barely remember the first run's of a lot of the shows I'm collecting.

Malcolm R · 10-16-2006, 12:09 PM

Easy, nothing.

Like Joe said, people won't buy other products that are missing parts or otherwise incomplete. Why would you want to buy DVD's like that?