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Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

post #1 of 77
1/9/08 at 9:45am
Thread Starter 
Details about it are up on tvshowsondvd.com. It'll contain a whopping 12 episodes. It's basically another split-season release. Will they ever give this show a full season release, one with 22+ episodes in it?

It's unfortunate the 50th Anniversary isn't tied up with the release of the 3rd Season. Hopefully it won't push back Season 3, Volume 1 too much.
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post #2 of 77
1/9/08 at 9:53am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

The fact that such a big compilation is being made proves that sales for the sets are going well. The third season should be happening soon- ideally, it would be a complete season, not split as for previous years.

Does anyone know which episodes will be in the 50th Anniversary set?

Perry Mason DVD news: Extras for Perry Mason - 50th Anniversary Edition | TVShowsOnDVD.com
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post #3 of 77
1/9/08 at 10:34am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

it's 26 episodes on season 3 so they might put it out as a 7 DVD set
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post #4 of 77
1/9/08 at 11:26am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdee28
Details about it are up on tvshowsondvd.com. It'll contain a whopping 12 episodes. It's basically another split-season release. Will they ever give this show a full season release, a release with 22+ episodes in it?

It's unfortunate the 50th Anniversary isn't tied up with a 3rd Season release. Hopefully it won't push back Season 3, Volume 1 too much.
They are probably banking on the guest stars on this release to sell the set.
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post #5 of 77
1/9/08 at 12:10pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Since I'm buying all of the season sets the only reason I'm going to pick this up is for the extras, which sound pretty decent.
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post #6 of 77
1/9/08 at 12:32pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

The extras do look good, as well as the episode intros by Barbara Hale.

Based on the guest stars listed in the press release, we can account for at least 6 of the 12 episodes:

Bette Davis - The Case of Constant Doyle (1963, one of the 4 episodes without Raymond Burr)
Robert Redford - TCOT Treacherous Toupee (the fourth-season opener fron 1960)
Leonard Nimoy - TCOT Shoplifter's Shoe(1963)
Burt Reynolds - TCOT Counterfeit Crank (1962)

Adam West guests in two episodes (TCOT Barefaced Witness in 1961 and TCOT Bogus Books in 1962) as does James Coburn (TCOT Envious Editor in 1961 and TCOT Angry Astronaut in 1962). Hopefully they will choose just one for each.

I hope the rest of the twelve are ones that are unique in some way, or that don't adhere to the usual formula. Possibilities would be:

TCOT Final Fadeout (1966) - the very last episode, guest-starring Dick Clark and Erle Stanley Gardner as a judge
TCOT Deadly Verdict (1963) - in which Perry's client is found guilty in the opening minutes and he must reverse the verdict to save her from a death sentence.
TCOT Dead Ringer (1966) - Raymond Burr plays another character in addition to Perry
TCOT Twice-Told Twist (1966) - the only episode filmed in color and not part of the syndication package for many years
TCO Paul Drake's Dilemma (1959) - Paul is on trial in this one, but it's from the third season so it should be out soon enough
TCOT Restless Redhead (1957) - if they include the last episode, they will probably include the first, but hopefully it will be the only one that has already been released.
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post #7 of 77
1/9/08 at 3:33pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Doug, thanks for your post. Your list is essentially the same as mine in terms of speculating what the other 6 episodes would be. Obviously the first six were chosen solely by the guest stars as opposed to picking those that are standout episodes. Then again, PM had numerous episodes featuring well known guest actors from the early days of cinema (Francis X. Bushman) to up and coming actors like Redford.

I'm heartened that this is a relatively sparse collection of episodes and it would seem to indicate that the season sets will continue. Had this been a mega 10 disc set or something I'd worry that it was the end of the line for Perry. When rumors of this set starting surfacing awhile back I'd held out hope that it was going to be a Time Life complete series release for 2008, but that didn't happen.

Not to be negative towards this good news, but I wish CBS would have tacked on the extras to the existing sets rather than market this separate collection. However I can see why they're doing this also. Hopefully the low episode count will be reflected by a low price.

As far as the unnamed extras, I'd almost bet that one of them will be a STUMP THE STARS episode featuring the PM cast. Since Paul Brownstein is producing this, it is certain to be a first class set all the way.

Steve
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post #8 of 77
1/10/08 at 8:07pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

In a move that will probably tick off a lot of people, CBS/Paramount has upped the MSRP of this set by $10 (to $49.99) compared to the split season releases (which are $39.99 and have more episodes). To a die hard PM fan like myself I'll pay it to get these wonderful extras but this will negatively impact some consumers.

(I fully realize that nobody pays MSRP but the higher level also impacts the discounted price at Amazon et al.)
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post #9 of 77
1/11/08 at 5:10am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
In a move that will probably tick off a lot of people, CBS/Paramount has upped the MSRP of this set by $10 (to $49.99) compared to the split season releases (which are $39.99 and have more episodes). To a die hard PM fan like myself I'll pay it to get these wonderful extras but this will negatively impact some consumers.

(I fully realize that nobody pays MSRP but the higher level also impacts the discounted price at Amazon et al.)

Sneaky Paramount sneaky.. but nothing they do surprises me anymore.
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post #10 of 77
1/11/08 at 10:01am
Thread Starter 

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Full details about the set are up on tvshowsondvd.com. All new to DVD episodes, plus the TV movie Perry Mason Returns, plus screen tests and interviews and more. Sounds pretty good! I'll pick it up. At least now I won't have to wait 7 years to see the only color episode and the series finale!

I wonder how this release will impact releasing the whole series. Will we see S. 3 V. 1 in the fall and S. 3 V. 2 next year?
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post #11 of 77
1/11/08 at 11:48am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

And here's the link:

Complete List of Episodes, Extras for 50th Anniversary Edition DVDs!

And the breakdown by Seasons:

Season 3 - 1 episode
Season 4 - 3 episodes
Season 5 - 1 episode
Season 6 - 2 episodes
Season 7 - 2 episodes
Season 9 - 3 episodes

Too bad they didn't include an unedited copy of "The Case of the Fancy Figures" in the set.
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post #12 of 77
1/11/08 at 3:50pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Wow - what an awesome set. Well worth the $34.99

The extras are everything a PM buff like me could hope for. I'd always read that Burr originally tested for Burger and Hopper for Mason, but to actually be able to see this is a treat.

The 2 Burr interviews, from different periods of his life, will be most appreciated. I'm especially looking forward to the STUMP THE STARS episode (from 7/8/63), which I've never seen. Seeing these folks out of character will be a real treat. The episode on the DICK VAN DYKE dvds was a hoot.

I'm especially gratified that Barbara Hale and Art Marks are actively participating. I've seen a very recent photo of Barbara and she looks wonderful and as beautiful as ever; it's hard to believe she is *cough* years old. (I'm told she is very energetic and upbeat in person). Art Marks was a major behind the scenes force of Mason having directed and/or produced many episodes.

Paul Brownstein and Jim Davidson have put together a great set. Kudos to CBS for not having us double dip on any episodes already released. But please don't hold up on releasing S3 and beyond ASAP

Steve
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post #13 of 77
1/11/08 at 7:04pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

I have been receiving the season box sets of Perry Mason for Father's Day and for Christmas, respectively.

This one, though, is just too tempting to pass up. I'm hoping they will continue with the season sets, but this 50th Anniversary box set is this fan's dream. It is incredible. I have never seen the colorized episode and I love the first TV movie - Perry Mason Returns.

I also like the fact that they are putting the "extras" in one box set. I have enjoyed the season sets just as they are. However, to get all of the extras on the 50th anniversary set is the best to present this historic occasion. Hurry up, April, and get here.
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post #14 of 77
1/11/08 at 7:25pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
the colorized episode

I think I know what you mean, but just so there's no confusion, this episode was not colorized. It was originally broadcast in color as a one off deal and ratings stunt. The episode itself is ok (stars the great Victor Buono) but is not generally considered one of the more exciting episodes although it's great to see Paul Drake's wardrobe as it really looked Had PM been renewed for a 10th season that would have been in color. I hate to say it, but cancellation was better.

The series finale is great and features tons of "in jokes" as well as members of the crew being cast in bit parts. The next to last episode (Crafty Kidnapper with Gary Collins and Cloris Leachman) is a bona fide classic thriller. The ending literally sent chills down my spine the first time I watched it. I would have picked this over the episode with Burr in a dual role but now I have something to look forward to in six years.

Steve
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post #15 of 77
1/15/08 at 9:31pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

The extra I am looking for most is Perry Mason Returns. It's a shame this is only a one shot deal. It's a shame they can't start including the tv movies on the half season sets as extras.

I don't think any actor has been more identified with a role than Raymond Burr as Perry Mason. Witness the fact that the New Adventures of Perry Mason lasted 4 episodes. It will be interesting to see Burr testing for Hamilton Burger.
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post #16 of 77
1/16/08 at 5:35am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

It would have been interesting if an episode from the 1973 series had been included- besides Monte Markham as Mason, it also had Sharon Gless as Della Street! Considering the longevity of the characters, I'm surprised that a big Hollywood producer hasn't thought of a new movie version (there were several films in the 1930s starring Warren William before the radio show starring John Larkin aired in the 1940s). Among the more legendary TV shows, seemingly this and Gunsmoke haven't been adapted to the big screen in this era, and maybe that's a good thing based upon the way Hollywood has screwed with shows like Bewitched, Sgt. Bilko, and The Honeymooners!
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post #17 of 77
1/16/08 at 5:51am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Witness the fact that the New Adventures of Perry Mason lasted 4 episodes.

The New Perry Mason ran for about 15 episodes from Sep 73 to Dec 73. The visual quality of episodes that trade among collectors is pretty good althought the prints have gone red.

Quote:

it also had Sharon Gless as Della Street!

Actually it was Sharon Acker who played Della. Guest stars included Carl Betz, Denver Pyle, Sorrell Booke, Beverly Garland, and Richard Anderson. The episodes I've seen are not bad; they just seem extremely dated. In attempting to "modernize" the character the show exhibits all kinds of trappings of early 1970s America. By contrast the Burr series seems timeless since topical references were not emphasized.

I don't know who owns the rights to the Markham series. I suspect that the Gardner Estate holds some rights. Certain of the Paisano Productions execs that worked on the Burr series were listed on the credits of the Markham series.

Quote:

I'm surprised that a big Hollywood producer hasn't thought of a new movie version

There have been some attempts to restart the "movie of the week" concept on TV with a new Mason but no takers thus far. Burr is so indelibly identified with the role many probably feel that audiences would reject any new Mason.

Steve
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post #18 of 77
2/19/08 at 5:21pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Granted the extra material on the set would be nice to, at the least, see, but Paramount will continue to release the series, and, I believe, season three is next, so what is their excuse for this "double dipping"? Is it intentional Paramount is not including any episodes from the previously released seasons one and two? I believe it will start with an episode from season three. $50. list is a lot of money to pay to get an advance look of future episodes, which is going to be purchased anyway.
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post #19 of 77
3/23/08 at 4:56pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Thanks to Dave's news story posted today we now know of a previously undisclosed extra: William Talman's legendary anti-smoking PSA that aired after his death. It's available on the net but in low quality so a high quality version will be most appreciated.

Unfortunately this release carries the "some episodes may be edited..." disclaimer that the first two season sets didn't. Hopefully this is just CBS covering themselves after the FANCY FIGURES mishap and none of these episodes will truly be edited.

Hopefully news of Season 3 won't be far behind....

Steve
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post #20 of 77
3/23/08 at 5:12pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
Hopefully news of Season 3 won't be far behind....

People on Amazon are giving this low marks just because they would rather have a season 3 set. I hope we will get more seasons to come, but i am in for this release as well!
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post #21 of 77
3/25/08 at 9:26pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

I hope the sales for this are strong as it proves there is more than just a passing interest in the series, plus might open the door for the DVD release of the Made-For-TV movies that kept interest in Mason going all the way up to Raymond Burr's death.
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post #22 of 77
3/28/08 at 8:20am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattPeriolat
I hope the sales for this are strong as it proves there is more than just a passing interest in the series, plus might open the door for the DVD release of the Made-For-TV movies that kept interest in Mason going all the way up to Raymond Burr's death.

Why is this set so pricey? $49.99 list, and the best deal I can find is $34.99 at Amazon. It seems pretty exploitative, because they know regular season collector fans might purchase for the extras (even though they may already have or will buy the regular season sets). But more casual fans like me wonder why I'm paying $35 for 10 episodes.
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post #23 of 77
3/28/08 at 8:30am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

I've been sitting on the fence on this release. I've bought all the season sets, but also feel that they are asking too much money for this small number of episodes. I am finally cutting back on my TV on DVD purchases after years of buying almost everything that is released. I have to; we are in, or are heading into a recession, and DVDs are kind of a luxury item that I can cut back on. I think I am going to skip this set also because I kind of like to watch everything in order of release, and I don't want to see stuff now that took place in season 9.
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post #24 of 77
3/28/08 at 9:03am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hollywoodaholic
Why is this set so pricey? $49.99 list, and the best deal I can find is $34.99 at Amazon. It seems pretty exploitative, because they know regular season collector fans might purchase for the extras (even though they may already have or will buy the regular season sets). But more casual fans like me wonder why I'm paying $35 for 10 episodes.

Wayne, while I can't be certain, I suspect that at least some of the higher price is probably attributable to the involvement of ace TV-on-DVD independent producer Paul Brownstein in this release, and the extra bonus material that he brings to the table. To the best of my knowledge, Brownstein is not involved in the "regular" season/volume releases.
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post #25 of 77
3/28/08 at 9:24am

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug^Ch
I don't want to see stuff now that took place in season 9.

Thats part of the beauty of classic TV. Your not LOST if you miss an episode, and you can watch any episode, from any season, and get a complete story. The only way you can tell if its a later season is by how fat Paul and Perry are.
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post #26 of 77
3/31/08 at 4:56pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Has Paramount announced yet the release of Season Three, presumably part one?
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post #27 of 77
3/31/08 at 6:00pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Quote:
Originally Posted by RickER
The only way you can tell if its a later season is by how fat Paul and Perry are.
ROFL!!!
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post #28 of 77
4/7/08 at 4:38pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Tomorrow this set is released. The extras' are nice; the $50. list isn't. The comments at Amazon are very negative, most giving it a poor rating because Season Three is the set which is wanted and this appears to be a gross attempt by Paramount to "double dip". I'm interested if other people will be buying this set, knowing they will probably purchase each subsequent season (three and beyond) as they are released.
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post #29 of 77
4/7/08 at 6:52pm

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

I am buying two sets of this. One for me and one for a gift. The MSRP is meaningless. It will be very easy to buy this for $35 or less.

Yes, I'm irked they're going this route rather than S3 but the extras are well worth it and there's no guarantee we'll ever get the later seasons. I'm very happy to get DEADLY VERDICT, FINAL FADE OUT, TWICE TOLD TWIST and CONSTANT DOYLE.

Hopefully the expressions of dissatisfaction from consumers will entice CBS to release this series more quickly; perhaps going to full seasons since S3 and after are shorter than S1/S2.

Steve
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post #30 of 77
4/7/08 at 9:50pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Perry Mason 50th Anniversary release

Hopefully we get some word soon on a season 3 release.

I will be getting the 50th Anniversary set, though I much rather would have preferred the 50th Anniversary tied into a release of the complete third season, just as Wild Wild West's 40th Anniversary was tied into a release of its complete first season.
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