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Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52) - Page 4

post #91 of 180
7/30/08 at 11:30am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
At the very least I wish the show would go back into syndication on Nick At Nite or another high profile station

The problem is that even if you could see this in syndication with ease, the syndication versions that they show today aren't of very high quality. Obviously, there would be a lot of cuts and pretty much any footage without dialogue is quite noticiably sped up.
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post #92 of 180
7/30/08 at 12:06pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim-H.
Well maybe - just MAYBE - the fact that DARK KNIGHT is at $324M and counting will motivate the concerned parties a bit. It's hard to imagine a better time.

Like a lot of folks, I just don't see how a share of the pie isn't preferable to no pie for nobody, even if it takes some negotiating. Like BLADERUNNER, I'll just believe it's going to happen someday.
The thing is it's because of the popularity of Batman that this is the #1 most requested tv show on dvd. Everyone involved wants their cut of that. If this was a show no one had intrest in we either would still not get it or the studio could have secured the dvd rights far cheaper.The new film, in a way, has contributed to that and I'm sure as Batman becomes more popular the parties involved want more money. Where I get pissed is when the studios wont settle the rights issues so it can be released. In some cases with some properties I can see the studios point that it's not cost effective to release if you can't guarantee buyers. We'll, we're so far beyond that that the millions in securing rights would more than be made up for in sales where as everyone wants these damn dvd sets.
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post #93 of 180
7/30/08 at 12:23pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell G
Sorry, but DVD releases aren't charity releases for fan boys...And if this makes me a studio apologist, then so be it.

Sorry, but if this makes some of us bootleg apologists, so be it.
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post #94 of 180
7/30/08 at 12:24pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Fox made and released the series, so why doesn't Fox just release it and deal with the consequences later. WB owns the DC version, not the campy classic.
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post #95 of 180
7/30/08 at 1:22pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

I'm not a roomful of lawyers waving my arms & shouting...but I'm pretty sure they can't do that!
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post #96 of 180
7/30/08 at 1:40pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell G
Really, are you guys reading any of this thread instead of just reacting in a "Fuck the studios" way? Do any of you honestly think that FOX and Warners are too stupid to release this and don't know thats it's a potential cash cow? Warners whores Batman out in every possible way imaginable, if they had anyway to get this out in a profitable manner (sorry, but DVD releases aren't charity releases for fan boys...), I'm sure they would of long ago.

And if this makes me a studio apologist, then so be it. I just don't see the point of bashing the crap out of two studios who have for the most part been fantastic with getting good product out if their hands are tied.

If I stumble across copies of this, I'll sneak them, otherwise I'll wait.

I think the real sad part is that Adam West feels the need to preserve his legacy at his own expense. Bless him for doing it.

I'm not bashing the studios. I have just reached my limit of patience with this issue and the Bionic shows issue. When and if Batman and the Bionic shows are finally released then I'll gladly plunk the cash down for them. I'm just saying that until that time comes, I will pursue other avenues.
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post #97 of 180
7/30/08 at 2:50pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Everybody here keeps stating that this is a Fox/Warner issue; in reality it's a Fox/Warner/Dozier (Greenway) issue. If it was *just* Fox and Warner we would probably have seen some kind of release by now.

Other issues involve:
* Cross-licensing of cameos from other shows of the day (Lurch from the Addams Family; Green Hornet; Colonel Klink from Hogan's Heroes.)
* The depiction of the Batmobile. Some kind of CGI enhancement would probably have to be used in order to get around the current separate licensing issues.
* The ever popular "music clearance issues"; especially for many of the shows in Season One.
* The "Wall Cameos" -- It's rumored that many of these would have to be renegotiated with heirs of the estates.

If we couldn't even get "The Fugitive" in its original state, this show probably doesn't stand a chance of ever being released the way it was originally aired on ABC.
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post #98 of 180
7/30/08 at 2:55pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

the bootleg from the original masters is indeed available...
and un-cut, but shows wear(due to the fact that no restoration
has been done), the color had to be sharpened a bit on my
T.V.
except for a Catwoman episode(second part of her first episode
of the 2nd season), being(for some reason), taken from a TV
Land Canada broadcast(un-cut and in magnificent color) and the
Tallulah Bankhead- Black Widow episodes being shaky to an extreme,
these are very, very watchable(I have watched almost all of the 1st
2 seasons) and far superior to broadcasts shown on TV Land(U.S.),
Family Channel and Sci-Fi.all bumpers(ABC color presentation &
Batman-In Color) and preview of next week's villians are there.
the thing is, if this show became a legitimate release so many people
would double-dip(I know that I would).
like that hasn't been done with Star Trek(triple, quadruple dipping)?
I say, why wait until' you are dead to be able to enjoy this great show?
Fox & Warner's(and whoever else involved), seem to think that it would be
preferable that we should never see this again(same for The Green Hornet,
although Warner's has nothing to do with that).
I couldn't wait forever....
how many decades have to go by without...?
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post #99 of 180
7/30/08 at 3:23pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Okay, first it was THE FUGITIVE. As of today, I can add BATMAN to my shameful list of bought bootlegs!

Having said that, I will still pay top dollar for legit releases of both these series, if they are unaltered.
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post #100 of 180
7/30/08 at 4:28pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

well considering its the oly batman missinf from the shelf , i will wait, things do have a way of working out, the fact that Adam West has the forsight is a good thing.

i can see the music rights holding this up
i can see the differences between FOX/WB/DC being a hold up
Cameos of other charaters from other series (ie Lurch)
Dozier's estate being a hold up

but what is the deal with the Batmobile, why would you need CGI
and for the other Cameos whay would that be a hold up?
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post #101 of 180
7/30/08 at 5:01pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

and so you would find an altered Batmobile,
not to mention music, or whatever else,
acceptable after your oh-so-long wait?
uh-uh(ugh)(!).....
not me.
I want this to be the way I remember it...
the way I grew up with it.
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post #102 of 180
7/30/08 at 5:11pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
but what is the deal with the Batmobile, why would you need CGI
and for the other Cameos whay would that be a hold up?

This is from "DVD Guy":

Quote:
¤ It may surprise you, but then there are also rights issues concerning the design of the unique Batmobile design used in the show, and possible a separate issue regarding some of the costumes as well!

The link to this quote -- along with details on the Cameo Issue --- can be found here:

Link:
"IANALB...": A Few Non-Bionic Legal Issues Plaguing TV-DVD - DVD Guy | TVGuide.com
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post #103 of 180
7/30/08 at 6:28pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph Bolus
Everybody here keeps stating that this is a Fox/Warner issue; in reality it's a Fox/Warner/Dozier (Greenway) issue. If it was *just* Fox and Warner we would probably have seen some kind of release by now.

Other issues involve:
* Cross-licensing of cameos from other shows of the day (Lurch from the Addams Family; Green Hornet; Colonel Klink from Hogan's Heroes.)
* The depiction of the Batmobile. Some kind of CGI enhancement would probably have to be used in order to get around the current separate licensing issues.
* The ever popular "music clearance issues"; especially for many of the shows in Season One.
* The "Wall Cameos" -- It's rumored that many of these would have to be renegotiated with heirs of the estates.

If we couldn't even get "The Fugitive" in its original state, this show probably doesn't stand a chance of ever being released the way it was originally aired on ABC.


Thanks you for saying this; it cannot be repeated enough. Just ALSO remember that the main party that Fox is contending with is DC Comics, rather than Warner Home Video. Besides Fox/DC/Dozier-Greenway (if indeed Dozier-Greenway is still at issue; there are rumors Dozier's daughter has been settled with, but I am not sure if that's true at all), there are just a TON of smaller parties who all want a piece of this very lucrative pie.
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post #104 of 180
7/30/08 at 6:41pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dana martin

but what is the deal with the Batmobile, why would you need CGI
and for the other Cameos whay would that be a hold up?

Because George Barris and Dean Jeffries designed and built a BATMOBILE that was based on an original design and not any preexisting version.
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post #105 of 180
7/30/08 at 6:46pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph Bolus
Everybody here keeps stating that this is a Fox/Warner issue; in reality it's a Fox/Warner/Dozier (Greenway) issue. If it was *just* Fox and Warner we would probably have seen some kind of release by now.
I think at this point in the game everyone here understands that it's not just the studios involved on the whole. However, it is in complete control of the studios as to wether they will meet the demands of a financial settlement with the various parties involved. To secure the dvd and distribution rights for an upcoming and any future release of this show. I believe the ball is most definately in motion to somehow release this show. How long that takes is anyone's guess. Alot of shows that I never thought would see a dvd release have come and this and many more are sure to follow. It does anger me, however. I'll get over it when I own it I'm sure.
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post #106 of 180
7/31/08 at 5:08am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

If everyone who ever worked on, owned some miniscule percentage, or was somehow connected to the show is due some percentage of the pie, why are there any shows from this era available? Personally, I don't buy in to this at all. If this was truly the case, I would think that "The Twilight Zone" would be in rights hell. In that case, you were dealing with dozens of writers, actors, musicians, set designers, the studios, and Rod Serling's estate. It just doesn't make sense to me that Batman is some extraordinary exception.

Personally, I'm done waiting and will pursue alternate ways. If they can't resolve their differences and money disputes in the 10 years since DVD debuted, or in the 30 years since home video debuted, then they never will or just plain aren't trying.
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post #107 of 180
7/31/08 at 5:25am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by troy evans
I believe the ball is most definately in motion to somehow release this show. How long that takes is anyone's guess.

I am starting to disagree. Why would someone as connected to the show as Adam West be taking matters into his own hands if there were even a hint that a legitimate release could happen in the next several years?
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post #108 of 180
7/31/08 at 8:55am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson
Because George Barris and Dean Jeffries designed and built a BATMOBILE that was based on an original design and not any preexisting version.

Yeah, but wouldn't that have been a "work for hire"? I can understand them getting credit for their work, but rights to DVD residuals? Doesn't make sense.

It's not like the people who built props, etc. for other shows of the era are getting any residuals for their work.

Seems suspicious to me, unless Barris and Jeffries had really cunning lawyers...
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post #109 of 180
7/31/08 at 10:22am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Yeah, but wouldn't that have been a "work for hire"? I can understand them getting credit for their work, but rights to DVD residuals? Doesn't make sense.

It's not like the people who built props, etc. for other shows of the era are getting any residuals for their work.

Seems suspicious to me, unless Barris and Jeffries had really cunning lawyers...


That's my point. If every person who had some form of creative input got residuals, then we wouldn't see any TV on DVD from this era. There are original set-pieces and props on every television show. Plus, it's very uncommon for people to get residuals from television shows. Gilligan's Island is one of the most notorious for this. None of the stars of the show have received a dime since the day it was cancelled, yet it's been in re-runs ever since and now available on DVD. Somebody had to design the wrecked Minnow, their huts, and the professor's countless inventions.
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post #110 of 180
7/31/08 at 4:28pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

I'm curious why all the cameos have to be cleared as opposed to being work for hire. If the original cameo was done gratis - does that matter? Did all the cameos for Get Smart have to be cleared?

I'm not questioning this, just want to be educated. As others have said, why are all these ancilliary issues beyond the ownership of the character/prints an issue for Batman and not other other show?

For example, someone mentioned costumes being a sticking point; Edith Head didn't own a piece of every movie for which she outfitted the cast with original creations; why is Batman different?
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post #111 of 180
7/31/08 at 5:46pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
Did all the cameos for Get Smart have to be cleared?
Or Burke's Law or The Smothers Brothers, or Laugh In, or Star Trek or practically any other series popular in the 1960s.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
why are all these...an issue for Batman and not other other show?
Exactly my question. I wonder if these are the real issues.
One of the most concise discussions I've read about the Batman quagmire was written by Dave Lambert (who's chimed in above) on his blog found here
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post #112 of 180
7/31/08 at 6:30pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike*HTF
One of the most concise discussions I've read about the Batman quagmire was written by Dave Lambert (who's chimed in above) on his blog found here

Thanks for the mention. I'm toying with the idea of writing an "expanded" version of it.

The reason that this show has these issues, and other shows do not, is because the language in the contracts which should have been present to cover such things, apparently wasn't present. At least, that's what I hear.

More on that when, and if, I do my "expanded" explanation of things.
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post #113 of 180
7/31/08 at 8:08pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lambert
Thanks for the mention. I'm toying with the idea of writing an "expanded" version of it.

The reason that this show has these issues, and other shows do not, is because the language in the contracts which should have been present to cover such things, apparently wasn't present. At least, that's what I hear.

More on that when, and if, I do my "expanded" explanation of things.

Thanks, Dave. That's interesting and puts a new (to me) twist on things...it's not what WAS said, but what WASN'T. That makes a lot more sense although one wonders why the attorneys were asleep at the wheel when the contracts were drawn up for this series if other series had such language.

If time permits, I'd encourage you to do the "expanded" explanation. For those of us who like to learn more about the business end of the industry it would be an invaluable reference.

Regarding the Dozier angle...not to be tacky, but his widow, the lovely actress Ann Rutherford, is still alive and somewhat active. She's been known to make publicity appearances occasionally. Perhaps a Batman fan could pose a question to her (respectfully and professionally of course) at one of these events. She probably doesn't know all the legalese details, but I bet she has a general sense of what is going on. She is not the mother of the daughter in the suit though; I believe her mother is Joan Fontaine, another lovely actress still with us albeit reclusive. Dozier sure knew how to pick 'em
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post #114 of 180
7/31/08 at 8:48pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

I'm amazed the "Back to the Batcave" tv-movie even got made now!

And, what's this? Adam West driving a big black taxi in a superhero comedy film?
YouTube - Behind the Scenes of Super Capers Part 1 www.supercapers.com
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post #115 of 180
8/1/08 at 11:09am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell G
I just don't see the point of bashing the crap out of two studios who have for the most part been fantastic with getting good product out if their hands are tied.

I can see your argument, but can't agree that WB has been fantastic in getting good product (77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Cheyenne, Hawaiian Eye, Bronco, Sugarfoot, Surfside Six, Lawman, Bourbon St. Beat, etc) out.
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post #116 of 180
8/1/08 at 4:45pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FrosteyV
I can see your argument, but can't agree that WB has been fantastic in getting good product (77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Cheyenne, Hawaiian Eye, Bronco, Sugarfoot, Surfside Six, Lawman, Bourbon St. Beat, etc) out.

See, the thing here is that you say WB hasn't been getting good product out, because they haven't gotten out the product YOU want.

While there's a good-sized number of people out there who would buy 77 Sunset Strip, there are lots more - at least as far as Warner can tell, based on info they have available to them (rankings at TVShowsOnDVD, requests/sign-ups at Amazon, customer queries direct to the studio, customer feedback at retailers, prominence of fan sites, etc.) - for, say, more seasons of Everwood.

So why shouldn't Warner spend their time and resources right now on the show they have more demand for?

The product they put out generally IS good. Among the best in the industry, in my opinion (and I see a LOT of product!). Sure, they don't all hit home runs...I haven't stuck in my copy of Birds of Prey yet, but I've heard the complaints. Still, for the most part the studio does the best darn job they can with what they have managed to get released.

Even if they haven't gotten to your list of favorites yet. And I'm sincerely very sympathetic if that's your situation. I'm not trying to torpedo you here, or beat you up in any fashion. I understand your complaint. But please remember, Warner has a Big, really HUGE library of properties. They can't put them all out at once. Hopefully they put some product out that YOU like sooner or later, but in the meantime, the rest of us are really enjoying many of the titles that they have released.
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post #117 of 180
8/1/08 at 9:15pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

based on what I have seen, I do not believe that Warner(WB)
have(and will not), release any B&W shows that they own...
as they seem to think that if it isn't color(and recent), they
have no business with it.
I (personally)would FAR prefer Hawaiian Eye, 77 Sunset Strip & Surfside Six
over Everwood(now that is at least > 2 < people that want these)!
that's just me, though...
I like 60's T.V.(the best).
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post #118 of 180
8/2/08 at 1:21am
Thread Starter 

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Thank you David for your post above.
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post #119 of 180
8/2/08 at 8:23am

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

I refuse to get stirred by any talk about Batman coming to DVD. Let's face it, it's the ultimate "when hell freezes over" title. And you just know that when and if it ever does come out, it'll be a Best Buy exclusive. :p
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post #120 of 180
8/2/08 at 1:56pm

Re: Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Lambert
See, the thing here is that you say WB hasn't been getting good product out, because they haven't gotten out the product YOU want.

While there's a good-sized number of people out there who would buy 77 Sunset Strip, there are lots more - at least as far as Warner can tell, based on info they have available to them (rankings at TVShowsOnDVD, requests/sign-ups at Amazon, customer queries direct to the studio, customer feedback at retailers, prominence of fan sites, etc.) - for, say, more seasons of Everwood.

So why shouldn't Warner spend their time and resources right now on the show they have more demand for?

The product they put out generally IS good. Among the best in the industry, in my opinion (and I see a LOT of product!). Sure, they don't all hit home runs...I haven't stuck in my copy of Birds of Prey yet, but I've heard the complaints. Still, for the most part the studio does the best darn job they can with what they have managed to get released.

Even if they haven't gotten to your list of favorites yet. And I'm sincerely very sympathetic if that's your situation. I'm not trying to torpedo you here, or beat you up in any fashion. I understand your complaint. But please remember, Warner has a Big, really HUGE library of properties. They can't put them all out at once. Hopefully they put some product out that YOU like sooner or later, but in the meantime, the rest of us are really enjoying many of the titles that they have released.

Could not have said that any better
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Home Theater Forum › Home Theater Forum › Blu-ray, DVD, Streaming Video and Digital Downloads › TV on DVD and Blu-ray › Batman ('60s series) STILL NOT coming to DVD! (Major update post #52)