Thanks, Universal! I don't want to seem ungrateful, but would it be asking too much to make sure it's the original 74-minute pilot, and not the re-edited 2-part syndication version? Pretty please? Remember, you did release it on VHS in its original form, years ago. At this stage though, I'll just be happy to have it included in either form.
Gord said Universal is going to change the packaging and menus, due to this decision. It appears they were actually going to use the syndication version, until Gord gave them a little "push" on our behalf. I'd like to think we made a difference -- there are other Universal properties that will need a similar effort in the future (the "bionic" shows, anyone?)
Well, for once, it looks like Universal has actually listened to the fans! Hopefully, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. With Universal named "Worst Studio" in HTF's recent poll, it's about time they start doing things right.
Universal has been pretty good lately with their menus. They've been listing the original airdate with the synopsis on each episode's menu screen. I can't remember which show, but there was a recent case where the DVD set featured a two-part version of a two-hour episode. The menu stated something to the effect of "this episode originally aired as a two-hour episode."
In the case of the Rockford pilot, I think it would nice if Universal indicated something like "This 74-minute pilot, The Rockford Files, was originally broadcast in a 90-minute timeslot. It was later edited into two-parts, and retitled "Backlash of the Hunter", for syndication. It is presented here, for the first time on DVD, in its original broadcast presentation."
I hope that Universal here in the UK will also release the 74-minute pilot on our season 2, as on our season 1 set they only included the two-part, syndication version -- so us UK fans would be most happy to also recieve the COMPLETE 74-minute pilot.
Word has it they are transitioning back to DVD-9 for most releases, and will begin using the double-slim cases that most other studios are using. It's about time!