Stalled series? There's Hope! - Page 4

Re: Stalled series? There's Hope!

Wow.. step away for an evening and what you see when you come back!

But I have to agree with Dan*T here... You guys ROCK!

Every since I first found your site years ago it has been a daily stop for me... and the site has only gotten better! Great guys running the best site on the net!

That said... So far nothing announced that I am personally interested in yet... but I am truely happy for those of you that are getting something you enjoy!


Great ones there... I personally would love all you listed. Only ones I don't know (so don't know if I want or not) on there is McMillan & Wife and Family. Picket Fences was a blind buy for me shortly after it's release... and I loved it... so definitely would like to see more of that one!

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Now THERE is a possibly interesting discussion, boded by the reaction to this topic. *IF* the legal issues keeping SMDM off of shelves ever got cleared up, what would fan reaction be? What would the expectations be?

If Uni, or some other studio, started to put out SMDM in the USA (two seasons are already out in the U.K. and Australia), would fans accept it if there was not also a Bionic Woman release at the exact same time? Or, would fans buy BW instead, if SMDM was not also released at the same time? Are they all necessarily the same fans, or is BW more something gals prefer over guys?

And how should all those crossovers be handled? And, in the foreign releases, the original pilot telefilms for SMDM were included as part of "Season 1"; is that appropriate, or should it be different? How about the various "reunion" telefilms, which featured both Steve and Jaime? Which show/season are they part of ? Or are they a separate entity entirely?

As a supreme fan of both shows, I know what *I* would want. But what about all of you? It's not really on-topic for "Stalled Shows", but the discussion here proves that WHEN stuck shows get un-stuck, the studios may not have a good idea of exactly what the fan expectations are for DVD releases. What would ensure to a studio that something would make the fans happy? I mean, the two Bionic shows would be (or should be!) about as easy a sell as you can think of. But what would it take to keep fans from bitching that the studio somehow "messed it up"?

Substitute any other "stuck show" in that discussion, and see what I mean. What if the Adam West Batman became available? Everwood? Homefront? Ed? Dragnet? Malcom in the Middle? The Wonder Years? Simon & Simon? Night Court? Marcus Welby? Falcon's Crest? Knot's Landing? The animated X-Men series?

Whether stalled or never-released, studios announce a show for DVD release that they expect fans to go ga-ga over, and sometimes they do and sometimes the response is more lukewarm and wary. For example, LOTS of people were happy that Warner finally announce Birds of Prey, but I've also seen a small but significant amount of people respond like this: "Oh crap...I wonder how screwed up the DVDs will be." Yeah, that's gratitude. Luckily it's the minority, but you see what I mean.

Short of doing some sort of Get Smart/U.N.C.L.E. (and now Real Ghostbusters)-style "complete series" deluxe releases by Time Life, which - let's face it - not every show is gonna get no matter how "important", how do you make those fans happy?


My sincere thanks to those of you who think Gord and I rock.

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For me... I try to be happy with whatever is released... yes sometimes it is harder then other times. But I will do my best to take it as it comes. I would be ok if SMDM & Bionic Woman did not come out at the same time... but I would still be a little disappointed because of all the crossovers. Not disappoint to the point of not buying... but lets say saddened.

As for reunion movies..

First taste of reunion movies I got was with Knight Rider 2000... found it strange to be in the season 1 set instead of the season 4 set. But happy at the same time... because who knew if we would get that far to see season 4 released.

Then There is the situation like Dukes of Hazzard. All seasons released... then the 2 reunion movies is released seperately in it's own boxset. That way I really enjoy it... but there is the fear that you will never see it. preferable but dangerous.

Finally the other way I know of is the situation like Macguyver. This is the one that angers me. If you go out and support the show... and buy the season sets. Then the only way to get the reunion movies is to rebuy the entire series in one boxset. That I feel is not right... and yes... do feel like I am bending over real good for the studio. Hate this with a passion.

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They did the same thing with "The Andy Griffith Show". I bought all the individual season sets and then they come out with the complete set and include the reunion movie. And that movie is NEVER on tv any more and I haven't seen it in 20 years. I really wish the studios would understand how unfair that is to their loyal base.

Gary "and TAGS is a holy grail show for me - so not getting the 'Return to Mayberry' movie is a real kick in the pants" O.

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I didn't reallize it was that way with Andy Griffith... but I haven't started that series yet... so if still available when I do get the chance I will have to be sure to get the full series set.

Sorry about that for you Gary... but Thank You for the heads up!

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And let's not forget I Love Lucy and MASH. At least Fox gave us the opportunity to be fleeced out of our money for the extras, though.

But after supporting the I Love Lucy releases and getting screwed over when it came to the movie... that hurt.

But anyway, one abandoned series I'd love to see finished off is Reba. Potentially, it would only be one more (oversized) box set, since the final season was only 13 episodes.

Then, there's Dragnet (50s, and 68-70), Bob Newhart, King of the Hill, The Facts of Life, Dharma and Greg, Green Acres, Mr. Ed... I could keep going on for a while about what I'd love to see picked up and possibly finished off.

I think Adam 12 is a great start, though.

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Does anyone think that FOX will license any of their stuck tv shows out? For some reason I dont think they will.
Surely fox have some of the most ground breaking tv series "stuck" like Hill Street Blues, Cagney and Lacey, Mary Tyler Moore, ST Elsewhere etc etc
These I believe are still quite popular, especially some of them on the board here, wouldnt the other studios be looking out for these mostly?
Also a potential money maker would be Rhoda, especially here in the UK where it was quite popular...
I would love to see Fox license out some of their stuck tv shows but I just cant picture it, especially if they have 4 sets out already as with MTM and BN

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Yes, but the quality will be horrendous. Once people get used to hi-def, seeing a program on videotape is a shock to the system.

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If you're upset about the fact that after collecting season sets only to see a complete collection with bonus features, may I suggest you donate your old single season sets to a nearby VA hospital for their video library. This way you can write off the old sets as a charitable donation.

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That is fine for some people... but not everyone can do such things. Some of us... even though in the hobby... has a budget... and such can not justify buying the same series over again.

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"Son of the Beach" ???

It's not like I've been living in a cave the last ten years, but I have never, ever heard of this show.

Have no idea if it was a really popular cable show or just an obscure cult favorite. I loved "Threshold" from a few years ago, but there are probably plenty of people who've never heard of it either.

Anyhow, it's a good sign. If "Son of the Beach" can be completed, it gives me hope for a lot of other titles.

Ditto to Hank E. I'd be a definite buyer for everything on his wish list.

Family
Night Gallery
Picket Fences
McMillan & Wife
Murphy Brown
Drew Carey Show
Mary Tyler Moore

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Son of the Beach was an FX series released by Fox in 2003, and Shout! Factory will release vol 2 (second half of season 2, all of season 3) later this year, so it appears Fox is already licensing some stuff out.

Gord

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Good to know, Gord! There's certainly still hope for my beloved PICKET FENCES, then.

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Do you know anything about Sony licensing some stuff out?

Imad

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Thanks, Gord. I'm very glad this one series isn't the only one being licensed out. I wished I knew where "The Fall Guy" stood with them and what the hell happen to the first season set they released last June. Those music edits were unnecessary.

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I would like to see the MTM titles continue the most -- Mary Tyler Moore Show, Bob Newhart, Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere.

I wonder if CBS/Paramount had the rights to the MTM catalogue if they would have gotten further along in releasing Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Hill Street Blues, etc. I would guess probably, but no doubt it would all be split season, perhaps balanced out by greater picture quality.

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As an old school fan of SMDM and to a lesser extent BW, I think the proper way to do season sets would be as follows:
1. Uncut and unedited episodes if possible (so I can retire my SCI-FI Channel taped reruns).
2. The 3 pilot movies included with Season 1.
3. The BW crossover episodes in seasons 3 and 4 of SMDM (Welcome Home Jaime, Return of Bigfoot, Kill Oscar) included as 'extras' on both shows' sets in their respective seasons (Universal has already set a precedent for doing this on several other series).
4. Fully restored/remastered prints if possible (don't go the "Emergency! Season 4" route with crappy prints).
5. Reunion movies included either as extras on Season 5 of SMDM/Season 3 of TBW, or as a standalone release.
6. Not a must-have, but it sure would be nice to have bonus interviews with Lee Majors, Lindsey Wagner and Richard Anderson discussing their experiences on the shows.

If Universal were able to get the rights back and put these shows out with the 6 steps outlined above (or even the first 4 steps), I think myself and several other fans out there would be extremely happy campers. (Fingers crossed!)

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I am going through things and trying to gather what might be the big announcement forthcoming that is going to give some us heart attacks. It has to be something wanted badly but not expected to see the light of day i would guess. But perhaps i am reading to much into it. Hmmm, things that come to mind are: Adam West's Batman, Six Million $$$ Man. Anyone care to guess ?

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Well, the first thing we have to sift through are the different comments being made. I believe Gord told us that Time Life would be putting out a "Classic" set sometime this year. And I also believe he told us it would NOT be "BATMAN", so we can rule that one out.

Then Dave told us that there would be, as you said, an announcement that would give folks a heart attack, but it wouldn't be a 50's or 60's series. So we can work from the 70's on up.

Certainly the "SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN" would fit the bill. I know I'd love to see that released. And it would be a surprise considering we haven't heard anything about the U.S. rights being worked out recently. Same could be said about "THE BIONIC WOMAN".

A friend suggested "EIGHT IS ENOUGH" to me. That would be a fine release too, IMHO. But I have no idea if there are a lot of people that want that show.

Of course if we are talking heart attacks, I can't think of anything that would give me a heart attack more than hearing that we'd be getting "THE WONDER YEARS." But that's probably asking way too much, even for things heart attack worthy.


Gary "I'm sure there are many shows that would qualify as 'heart attack' worthy, but I have no idea what it could be" O.

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Gary: ahh okay that rules out batman. Thanks for clearing that up. I would be happy as heck for eight is enough. But i am not sure that qualifies as a heart-attack release. I am looking at the stuff below which is the only un-released product i am waiting on. I guess Falcon Crest a complete series release would be a heart attack worthy release for me. I want every show below very badly though. As you can see SMDM is not on my list nor is the Bionic Woman. I have gone back n forth on those. It is very possible i would still buy them. It is simply a matter of having ruled them out being released and moved on. So that definately would be worthy of a heart-attack. I dunno... I am looking at some of the wants from others in here to see what it might possibly be.

Eight Is Enough: (S1-S5)
Falcon Crest: (S1-S9)
Matt Houston: (S1-S3)
Scarecrow and Mrs. King: (S1-S4)
Spenser: For Hire (S1-S3)
Street Hawk: (CS)
Tales of the Gold Monkey: (CS)
Vega$: (S1-S3)

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Is the Heart-Attack release relegated to un-released product only ?

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Aryn, I don't think your list technically qualifies as stalled.

I think of the word as it relates to a car. If your car stalls on you, it means the engine was started and running, then stalled on you. If the engine was never started in the first place, it can't stall.

I would also personally never consider Eight is Enough heart attack inducing, except for the pain you may experience while watching it.

Came across some very old VHS tapes during a major house cleaning a few years ago. Had some Eight is Enough and Love Boat episodes plus some other unforgettable stuff. They weren't original broadcasts, but I'm guessing mid to late 80s recordings.

I remember really enjoying those shows when I was younger, but wow, I was shocked at how bad they really were. Horrible acting, even worse writing, bad laugh tracks, etc. They were almost painful to re-watch they were so awful.

For some reason, a lot of series from that era have not aged gracefully.

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Oh i know that was not my stalled list.. But my unreleased want list of trying to figure out what the heart attack inducing announcement might be.

Here is my stalled wish list:

Hill Street Blues
St. Elsewhere
Hart to Hart
Fantasy Island
The Fall Guy
Simon & Simon
Cagney & Lacey
Picket Fences
T.J. Hooker

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I would have to disagree.. I have caught some Eight is Enough on IN2TV and i love it as much now as i did then. I also love the recent release of the Love Boat on dvd and can't wait to set sail in august with the 2nd half of S1.

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"Unedited" THE WONDER YEARS or W.K.R.P. - consitering Time-Life has a music division that licences original music for CD releases - they have the infrastructure to clear original music.

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Aryn, like your stalled wish list. I'd pass on Fantasy Island and T.J. Hooker, but loved the other shows, particularly Cagney & Lacey and Simon & Simon.

For some reason I remember Christina Pickles and Mark Harmon from St. Elsewhere, so I know I've seen at least a few episodes, but apparently it dropped off my radar. Definitely worth a second look.

I'm really amazed at how my tastes have changed over the years. Many of the older shows I grew up with I still enjoy, but some, like the two mentioned in my previous post, you literally couldn't pay me to watch.

Then there are things like Little House on the Prairie, which I despised even as a kid, now it's positively vomit inducing. Sorry if it's one of your favorites. I would also have to put Batman in this category. Couldn't stand it then, hate it even more now.

Anyhow, back on topic, have no idea what's in the future, but it seems to be promising. Hopefully these smaller studios will realize there is money to be made on these stalled series. I'm totally guessing on this, but I would imagine their production costs may be higher since they wouldn't be dealing in the huge quantities of the larger studios. On the other side, I think they'd have much lower overhead and a much more streamlined way of doing things, not having to deal with the gigantic corporate infrastructure of the large studios.

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Yet another reason why I won't be getting a high-def set any time in the near future, if ever. And remember one thing about format switches - a very small percentage ever makes it to the next format. That was true when music went from 78s to 45s and then to LPs and then CDs. I think I heard the number is about 5% that makes it. I think of all of the 4 and 6 episode tryout series that I have from the late 70s on up. I can think of only 3 that have come out on DVD. The rest will only ever be seen again by anyone who videotaped them. Also I don't expect that the many one-season series that miraculously got cable airings in the boom of the 1980s will ever surface again anywhere. Once again, videotape or nothing.
I will take a rare show anyway I can get it and it's okay if it's not beautifully remastered and color corrected from the 35mm negative.

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Would the remaining seasons of Taxi be considered heart attack inducing?

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Not for me but i am sure for some people.. The thing is i can't figure out if the heart-attack inducing announcement is for a show that is stalled or for a show that has not been released before period. That would make it a heck of a lot easier to try and figure out what it was knowing that.

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The ONLY 70s show that would be heart-attack inducing to me would be WKRP uncut with all the music intact. That would give me a heart attack. But I'd also be on Cloud 9!