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Stalled series? There's Hope! - Page 10

post #271 of 337
7/8/08 at 11:49am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

will people please stop bringing "morals" into this? It's offensive because you might not realize how many people who post here don't fit into the square box of what the 1950's represented. You want current "clean" shows, that's what all those Disney Channel shows like Hannah Montana is for. Me? I'm not a kid, I'll watch something a little more adult.
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post #272 of 337
7/8/08 at 12:01pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

This isn't directed at any one person but this debate is getting a little out of hand. Everyone has their opinions, likes and dislikes and everyone has their freedom to voice them. It really is okay if someone doesn't like something and you do. It doesn't mean it's going to be taken away from you. It's just a matter of opinion. Don't get all shooken up by it. It's just people making comments about what they like and dislike, that's all.
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post #273 of 337
7/8/08 at 12:05pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Thank you Jay, well said.

I have never understood the narrow-mindedness of some people. Sure, I love classic TV shows. When I was a kid it was all that was shown during the day on UHF channels. But to say that all shows today are bad is just ridiculous. I love watching Everybody Hates Chris as much as old Leave It To Beaver episodes. LOST will go down in history as one of the greatest shows ever and even totally goofy shows like MXC give me a reason to smile. There is plenty of quality and crap in each decade. Always has been that way and always will be.
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post #274 of 337
7/8/08 at 12:24pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert13
This isn't directed at any one person but this debate is getting a little out of hand. Everyone has their opinions, likes and dislikes and everyone has their freedom to voice them. It really is okay if someone doesn't like something and you do. It doesn't mean it's going to be taken away from you. It's just a matter of opinion. Don't get all shooken up by it. It's just people making comments about what they like and dislike, that's all.

Well said. I think the real point here is "Let's agree to disagree". This little debate just goes a long way to prove that an argument like "why on Earth is this piece of crap on DVD when this little gem isn't?" has no real value, because one person's trash is another's treasure. Different shows appeal to different people, simple as that.
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post #275 of 337
7/8/08 at 1:03pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Different shows appeal to different people, simple as that.

Bingo!
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post #276 of 337
7/9/08 at 5:23am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan Peterson

LOST will go down in history as one of the greatest shows ever and even totally goofy shows like MXC give me a reason to smile.
In your opinion.
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post #277 of 337
7/12/08 at 5:34am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lambert
No doubt, and studios HAVE to recognize that. But unfortunately the reaction may be to "make less, if noone can afford to buy them". That may be "less product, period", or that may be "less (and therefore cheaper) content per release"; i.e. more half-season sets...or even to break the seasons into smaller portions like thirds or quarters! I've been nervous that this kind of thing may happen...and nervous about it for quite a while now, especially with some of the older shows that run 30+ episodes for a single season. When we see that "Season 1, Volume 3" title tag, then all hell's gonna break loose.
But that's already happened. Farscape started out with single DVDs of 3(?) episodes each, went to full season sets, and then to the "Starburst" collections which were 1/3 of a season each. As it turned out purchasing these in the "Starburst" collections was less expensive than either of the alternates. I averaged about $38/season, or half what the full season sets were selling for which goes against the current trend of split seasons costing more together than a full season release would cost.

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lambert
Ah, but you're missing an entire category, and a pretty darn big one: the CASUAL FAN. The person who likes a show, gets it on DVD, then watches those episodes and realizes that this is enough for them... Other "fans" buy the first season, and realize that it doesn't hold up to their memories and isn't enjoyable any more, so they never buy more releases.
Yes there are lots of those types in the marketplace. There is also what I call the "Wal-Mart factor" which is: "There is only so much room on the shelf so we will only stock what sells VERY well or NEW product that has the potential to sell out quickly."

That seems to fit just about EVERY retailer where I live (and that's not too far from Memphis). If you want something that's over 6 months old you pretty much have to order on-line unless it's a "Seinfeld" type title (high marketability/demand). This type marketing caters to the "casual fan" because lots of shoppers look at DVDs as somewhat an impulse buy. They'll be looking for a "Spongebob" DVD for Jr. and see that "Andy Griffith" season 1 set and go "Wow! I'd like to have a copy of that" so they get it but never purchase more. This can be attributed to several factors: partly because the store never stocked season 2, they failed to peruse the DVD section during the 4 weeks (if that long) it was on the shelf, or they have enough to satisfy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lambert
Add that to the people who don't buy subsequent seasons because of dissatisfaction with prices or quality, or irritation at half-season sets or edits or music changes, or people who just haven't gotten around to buying the second season or maybe never got around to finishing watching the first season, or maybe never even got word that more seasons were coming out because they're not online all the time like we are, etc.; there are LOTS of reasons why further releases don't sell as well as the first release. I'm sure we could add tons more reasons to the list than I just stated here.
The quality, or lack of in previous releases, is why I've not purchased several programs beyond season 1. (cough*Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea*cough) I have purchased lots of sets with "flippies" which will have a disk where episodes "freeze", etc. Because it's rare for me to open and watch a set as soon as I get it these tend to be well outside the return period when I get around to watching. I've gotten into a habbit of opening and scanning the disks in a fast play mode to help detect this problem but it's not foolproof. This experience has caused me to be a bit more selective as to what I purchase and avoid this type product. I just don't understand how product like this manages to make it out the door. Couple the defectives with the poor customer service from the studios when it comes to getting replacement disks and I can see where "Average Joe" would simply stop buying.
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post #278 of 337
7/12/08 at 5:57am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Wight
So there isn't a dropoff between sales of season sets of current shows?Each season,of a current show,sells just as much,or more,than the previous season?
I think you have several factors in these shows sales numbers.

1. Missed some/all of the previous season of a liked show and want to "fill in the gaps" before the new season starts.

2. Hey, it's out now! You never know if this will ever be seen again. (After all, the majority of shows are forgetable to most people.) Though the seemingly current trend of releasing one-season "cult" type shows throws a bit of water on this one.

3. I *hate* commercials/broadcast TV/screen bugs, promos, etc. and I know I like it. I'll just buy the DVD and I can see it without all that junk.

4. The program is "serial" in nature and is really better watching in season sets where you don't have to wait a week (or two, or months) between episodes ("Battlestar Galactica", and "Lost" are two recent ones of this ilk).

5. Built in marketing in that they are available to watch on broadcast TV regularly. See the show, buy the DVD. People tend to purchase what they've seen recently over something they have not seen in a while.

I would expect #5 to be the largest factor in consistent sales of current (and even classic) series.

I would like to see marketing numbers comparing sales to programs which are currently broadcast (classic or current) to those which have not been broadcast in several years. I would imagine that if a major broadcaster aired one of the stalled programs in a decent timeslot you would see sales of existing seasons increase.
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post #279 of 337
7/12/08 at 6:15am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

^^Number Three is why I buy DVDs! It's been 18 Months since I paid to subscribe to a Television Service. Since they make their Money selling all those Commercials that they cram into the show, they obviously don't need my Subscription Money, which I now use to buy DVDs!
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post #280 of 337
7/12/08 at 8:04am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert Greene
I generally have a problem with the relativist view that all eras automatically have the same quotient of bad television. Plus, 'what' constitutes poor programs in peoples' eyes? The classic era obviously has its aesthetic high points, like "Playhouse 90," "US Steel Hour," "Omnibus," and whatnot, which the critics championed. But what was downright BAD? Was it things like second or third-tier westerns? Innocuous fluff like "Celebrity Bowling?" Was it the local kiddie programs, with hosts wearing sailor caps or cowboy hats, dragging out old Popeye cartoons? Teen dance party shows? Back then, the critics seemed to razz things like genteel party-game shows like "What's My Line?" and "Masquerade Party." But are these shows really bad? I find them rather charming myself. Was it the mild-mannered silliness of "Mister Ed" that was so egregiously lacking? Not my cup of tea, but nice fare for the kids to watch at grandma's house on an early Sunday evening. Just what it aspired to be. I've seen all sorts of old-time obscurities, including many short-lived shows, and I just haven't encountered much that was all-out awful. I really have to grasp at straws to find examples, like the tacky, made-for-syndication "Night Court USA" or the notoriously idiotic "My Mother, the Car."

Proportionately, I find that nowadays, at very least, 75% of television to be gut-wrenchingly unwatchable... the horrid daytime talk shows with their degenerate subject-matter, the grotesque self-absorbedness of characters on reality shows, the sitcoms that can't go for more than 60 seconds without flinging out a crude sexual innuendo, the ever-increasing length of commercial breaks and the ever-increasing abrasiveness of said commercials, the crime shows that wallow in perverted subcultures each week between putrid autopsy footage, and now even the news channels deem that the asinine exploits of Spears, Lohan, etc., constitute legitimate news. I used to enjoy just the simple daily presence of television in the house, but it's now just too obnoxiously vile for my tastes. It reached a point that it was no longer worth navigating through, even if there were a few hidden gems scattered around. Oh, well. Does any of this define 'bad tv?' I dunno. I guess I don't even particularly care. But when making comparisons, I just can't accept that the percentage of all-out drek is some kind of steady constant from decade to decade.

Anyway, I think one of the reasons classics fans (like me) are so spirited in these discussions is that DVD's, for us, are the only game in town... the only viewing option. Couple this with the fact that in many cases, we haven't seen some of these old favorites in ten, twenty, thirty years. That's a LONG wait. By the way, is it all that much of a 'personal' insult that someone slam modern television? I do know many people who have all but abandoned current tv, as it either didn't address their tastes, or they feel it's an affront to their moral standards, something they naturally refuse to compromise. Sure, they are mostly older folks, so naturally they don't count for much in the current pop-culture paradigm. Considering the dismissive treatment they receive, I can hardly begrudge a bit of curmudgeonly griping. In fact, it seems downright warranted at times.

Bert,

Thanks for a first-rate post imo. When does your book get published? No kidding. Looks to me like you have the makings of a book titled "Network TV Series : Then & Now. Society's effect on broadcasting".

Speaking for myself, I agree with Bert & Gary with this take on network series TV. That said, I do have a couple of TVD/DVD sets of post-80's series, even one from this century . I thought "Firefly" was a very good series along with a couple others from the 90's, "Earth 2" for one. But my collection is mostly comprised of shows from the late 50's thru the early 90's with the majority from '57 thru '85 or so.

While I haven't seen any of series TV since '96 or so (Firefly was loaned to me on DVD), I have heard from co-workers, etc, that there are some exceptional shows from current and recent vintage's. I haven't been watching current TV since, for the most part, I'd find the content either objectionable or close to my viewing limits. Another reason is that my viewing time is allocated to live sports and viewing DVD's from my collection.

Perhaps it's just me here, but I'm of the belief that it's not a necessity to script objectionable (for me, anyway) language or other "connotations" in frequent incidents of series TV dialog to "carry" a storyline in a TV show. The first example for me that comes to mind is the 60's Fugitive. When a show's scripts are of consistantly high-quality, imo, the show will "carry" itself on the merits of the scripts and dramatic abilities of the performers without the use of language or suggestive connotations included in the dialog.

Just my 2-cents, As Gary would say I used that one assuming Gary waived all copyright claims Wouldn't it be great for the hobby if that were true in TV/DVD? Fugitive S2V1, Happy Days music, etc....
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post #281 of 337
7/12/08 at 9:45am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Willis
Bert,

Thanks for a first-rate post imo. When does your book get published? No kidding. Looks to me like you have the makings of a book titled "Network TV Series : Then & Now. Society's effect on broadcasting".

Speaking for myself, I agree with Bert & Gary with this take on network series TV. That said, I do have a couple of TVD/DVD sets of post-80's series, even one from this century . I thought "Firefly" was a very good series along with a couple others from the 90's, "Earth 2" for one. But my collection is mostly comprised of shows from the late 50's thru the early 90's with the majority from '57 thru '85 or so.

While I haven't seen any of series TV since '96 or so (Firefly was loaned to me on DVD), I have heard from co-workers, etc, that there are some exceptional shows from current and recent vintage's. I haven't been watching current TV since, for the most part, I'd find the content either objectionable or close to my viewing limits. Another reason is that my viewing time is allocated to live sports and viewing DVD's from my collection.

Perhaps it's just me here, but I'm of the belief that it's not a necessity to script objectionable (for me, anyway) language or other "connotations" in frequent incidents of series TV dialog to "carry" a storyline in a TV show. The first example for me that comes to mind is the 60's Fugitive. When a show's scripts are of consistantly high-quality, imo, the show will "carry" itself on the merits of the scripts and dramatic abilities of the performers without the use of language or suggestive connotations included in the dialog.

Just my 2-cents, As Gary would say I used that one assuming Gary waived all copyright claims Wouldn't it be great for the hobby if that were true in TV/DVD? Fugitive S2V1, Happy Days music, etc....

Jeff,

Your signature (which indicates that you are mainly a pre-'90's series collector) also describes me where television discs are concerned. I myself collect DVD releases of series that came before the '90's. Most of mine is
'60's, '70's, and '80's, although I do have the first two of the releases of one 50's series, that being "Lucy." I've seen all four of the currently released seasons of "Hawaii Five-O," the classic late-'60's crime drama, and most of the episodes stand up to the classic "will I see this again?" test-- that is, most of them are of the nature where I never get tired of seeing them. That is mostly true of the rest of my collection as well, I believe.

So, it is true that I, like you, am a pre-'90's series collector, because (at least in my opinion) the threshold was the '90's. Some of the comedies after the threshold started getting utterly offensive or were like that from the start-- "Friends" being an example. Not only was it one of the most offensive comedies that it was ever my displeasure to see an episode of, it had (I thought) one of the most offensive opening title tracks that it was ever my displeasure to hear-- that being "I'll Be There For You" by the Rembrandts. Back when I was younger, and before that, television's opening title tracks were mostly a joy to listen to. One of the best, in my opinion, was the opening title track of "Hawaii Five-O" as composed by Morton Stevens.

The same goes for title sequences. When I was younger, and before that, television's title sequences were mostly a joy to see. One of the best, in my opinion, was, again, that of "Hawaii Five-O," created by Reza Badiyi. I also liked the one from "Mary Tyler Moore," also created by Badiyi. One of the worst was, again, that of "Friends"-- I don't know why, but I could not stand seeing it.

There is one thing new that I don't mind seeing at all, that being the new "TPIR" w/Drew Carey. I think he's better there than he ever was on "WLIIA?" or his self-titled series. I also enjoy seeing sporting events too, although most of mine are pre-'90's. That doesn't mean I don't see some current sports too.

So, all that said, I am glad that there is a person here with similar DVD collecting interests (that being you, Jeff), and your post is generally how I feel about television and the DVD's of it.
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post #282 of 337
7/12/08 at 6:55pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Regulus
^^Number Three is why I buy DVDs! It's been 18 Months since I paid to subscribe to a Television Service. Since they make their Money selling all those Commercials that they cram into the show, they obviously don't need my Subscription Money, which I now use to buy DVDs!
It's my primary reason as well. I used to work in broadcasting and over the years grew to hate what broadcasters would stoop to in order to boost ratings. When the "bug" concept first reared its' ugly head I vehemently complained to the local management requesting that we not do this horrid intrusive thing. My complaints fell on deaf ears and the situation has only worsened. I can't stand to watch *any* broadcast program any more due to the intrusiveness of "bugs", "in-show animated bug promos", and similar. However, my wife is hooked on several programs/channels, doesn't watch DVDs at all, and doesn't really understand my DVD habit (although she tolerates it). I'll put on "Discovery Channel" or "The History Channel" if I'm looking for a bit of noise while on the computer and don't feel like some music, but otherwise I'm watching a DVD. I would *love* to ditch the cable service and use that money purchasing stuff I would rather watch!
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post #283 of 337
7/16/08 at 7:02am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Once again, I ask you, Dave and Gord, are the studios looking to license any animated series out?
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post #284 of 337
7/18/08 at 2:09am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Pannozzi
Once again, I ask you, Dave and Gord, are the studios looking to license any animated series out?

Yes, as Time/Life's upcoming release of The Real Ghostbusters proves!

But it's not like we have a complete list handy of everything the studios are trying to license out! That info is usually between the owning studio, and the studios they are offering it to. We would rarely become aware of specific titles.
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post #285 of 337
7/18/08 at 4:50pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

I'm not too sure where to post these comments about overdue TV season DVD announcements:

The following Region 1 season sets should have been announced by now:

The Rockford Files: Season 6 (Season 5 was released in January)
The Equalizer: Season 2 (Season 1 was released in February)

The following should be announced anytime soon, in the next few weeks or in the next 2-3 months:

Murder, She Wrote: Season 9
Hawaii Five-O: Season 5
The Invaders: Season 2
Mannix: Season 2
Law and Order: Season 6.
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post #286 of 337
7/19/08 at 11:07am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

To show you how clueless staffers at the studios can be I sent an email to Fox asking about a release date for Season 2 of "Newhart". The reply I received told me that "...seasons 2-4 are available for sale at the Fox store"! They can't tell "Newhart" from "The Bob Newhart Show" for crying out loud! Not that it matters as I doubt we'll see any more seasons from either program.
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post #287 of 337
7/19/08 at 11:39am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WaveCrest
The following should be announced anytime soon, in the next few weeks or in the next 2-3 months:

Murder, She Wrote: Season 9
Hawaii Five-O: Season 5
The Invaders: Season 2
Mannix: Season 2
Law and Order: Season 6.

Hawaii Five-0: Season 5 will be coming out November 18th, confirmed by a source at CBS-Paramount. There should be an official announcement soon.
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post #288 of 337
7/19/08 at 11:44am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

There should be an announcement for Season 6 of Walker, Texas Ranger pretty soon as well.
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post #289 of 337
7/19/08 at 5:45pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

What about MELROSE PLACE Season 5? The show usually gets a release in the Fall and one in the Spring, and season 3 was announced on July 24 last year. We MP fans have been concerned because the fifth season of BEVERLY HILLS 90210 was announced shortly after the release of Season 4 and we're still in the dark about MP, although MP Season 4 was released two weeks prior to BH 90210 Season 4. Does anyone have any info on that?
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post #290 of 337
7/20/08 at 9:29am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by whisperintherain
What about MELROSE PLACE Season 5? The show usually gets a release in the Fall and one in the Spring, and season 3 was announced on July 24 last year. We MP fans have been concerned because the fifth season of BEVERLY HILLS 90210 was announced shortly after the release of Season 4 and we're still in the dark about MP, although MP Season 4 was released two weeks prior to BH 90210 Season 4. Does anyone have any info on that?

The CW new version of BH90210 will probably get that series more boxsets in short order than Melrose. brand awareness counts.
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post #291 of 337
7/25/08 at 7:58pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

I am so tired of the one and done studio dvd releases.I just got
the Get Smart set and wish they would release all the dvd series complete.
I am disappointed that it looks like these shows are all one and done:

1-Flipper
2-Alias Smith and Jones
3-Baretta
4-Police Woman
5- Mod Squad
6-Welcome Back Kotter
7-Kojak
8-S.W.A.T.

Two seasons and done: Hardy Boys and Partridge Family
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post #292 of 337
7/26/08 at 9:28am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff*H
Hawaii Five-0: Season 5 will be coming out November 18th, confirmed by a source at CBS-Paramount. There should be an official announcement soon.

Thanks for the news/update Jeff.
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post #293 of 337
7/26/08 at 9:49am

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Maybe if Shout Factory's release of Adam 12 S2 does well, maybe we could see some of the Universal shows revisited.

Also I wonder what terms are being offered by the studios. If they are asking for the moon, then it's unlikely you are going to see many shows picked up. If the demands are reasonable then more shows could be picked up.
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post #294 of 337
7/27/08 at 5:47pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

What about Alfred Hitchcock Presents? Has that become a stalled series now? If so, hope someone picks it up.
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post #295 of 337
7/30/08 at 6:35pm

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Mod Squad Season 2,Volume 1 is coming in Nov. 08.Thanks Paramount
for keeping the show going.
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post #296 of 337
8/4/08 at 1:23pm

Sony.... forget Good Times, Sanford and Newsradio. There are stalled shows to do

I don't get Sony. With The Jeffersons, AITF, Facts Of Life, Flying Nun (since there's only one season left, can't they cash in on Sally Field's recent Emmy win?) and so many other shows in the vault that are stalled... why rehash the shows that have been completed?

I wouldn't mind this if Sony actually had released more than two old shows this year... but fans of the aforementioned shows are waiting while shows that have already been completed are just getting the endless rehash. Sony, don't forget that there are plenty of classics in the vault that aren't nowhere near completed yet!
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post #297 of 337
8/4/08 at 1:38pm

Re: Sony.... forget Good Times, Sanford and Newsradio. There are stalled shows to do

They released Barney Miller season 2 this past January after a 4 year wait since season 1.at that pace it will take sony another 24 years to release the other 6 seasons of Barney Miller.What a joke.
How about Hazel season 2 and I can't believe they haven't released Dennis the Menace season sets.
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post #298 of 337
8/4/08 at 2:00pm

Re: Sony.... forget Good Times, Sanford and Newsradio. There are stalled shows to do

I hope they will continue both T.J. Hooker and S.W.A.T.
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post #299 of 337
8/4/08 at 3:24pm

Re: Sony.... forget Good Times, Sanford and Newsradio. There are stalled shows to do

I'm hoping to see further releases for PARTY OF FIVE (Season 3 got released 2 years and a quarter after Season 2 last March), THE NANNY, WHO'S THE BOSS? and DIFF'RENT STROKES.
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post #300 of 337
8/4/08 at 3:45pm

Re: Sony.... forget Good Times, Sanford and Newsradio. There are stalled shows to do

Even though I don't care for the packaging, I hope these complete sets will sell well, so maybe the strong sales will encourage Sony to finish their stalled series like Charlie's Angels.
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