WISEGUY release from VEI (1 Viewer)

Jeff*H · Jul 29, 2022

VEI’s upcoming WISEGUY DVD release mentions on their website and their email blasts that it includes all 75 episodes. Given that previous releases dating back almost 20 years had music replacement and were missing the “Dead Dog Records” storyline, I was rather skeptical of this announcement. However, I’ve purchased many VEI releases in the past that were solicited correctly, so I called their customer service line this morning and asked their representative about this, and I explained how the previous releases were incomplete.

The rep put me on hold for several minutes to go make some inquiries, and then came back and reported the following:

It will have all the episodes including the ones missing from previous DVD releases
Original music has been restored (he didn’t know which specific songs)
Release date is in a couple weeks, August 12 (yes, it’s a Friday)
No plans at this time for a blu-ray release
No information on whether any new remastering has been done to the episodes

Part of me is still skeptical, mainly because VEI doesn’t have the greatest track record with quality control on some releases, but I have no reason to doubt their representative, so I will bite the bullet and do a triple-dip on this DVD release, and will report back here with my findings so you’ll know whether to order it or to steer clear.

Fingers crossed, as I’m a fan of this show since its original CBS airings that I recorded back in the day, and I’ve followed it subsequently in cable and local TV syndication, streaming, digital purchase, and the prior DVD releases. I sincerely hope this is the one that gets it right.

Here’s the link to their listing…

WISEGUY - Seasons 1 to 4 [DVD] #7185

WISEGUY - Seasons 1 to 4 [DVD] #7185 The Collector's Edition Includes 75 episodes Includes the Dead Dog Records Episodes! Long before Donnie Brasco brought similar drama to the big screen, Golden Globe® winner Ken Wahl brought charisma, credibility, and chutzpah to his small-screen role as...

www.visualentertainment.tv

The Obsolete Man · Jul 29, 2022

As with most potential buyers, I will be waiting for the report from you, the brave soul who buys the set and confirms whether the missing episodes are there and how much, if any, music is present.

But if things go well, I look forward to picking this up.

Jeff*H · Jul 29, 2022

The Obsolete Man said:
As with most potential buyers, I will be waiting for the report from you, the brave soul who buys the set and confirms whether the missing episodes are there and how much, if any, music is present.

But if things go well, I look forward to picking this up.

I’m happy to be the canary in the coal mine on this one, though if VEI ends up being wrong, it’ll be the last thing I ever buy from them.

It‘s shipping from Canada, so I did standard rate (the prices for 2-day and 1-day were more than the set cost), so I have no clue when to expect it to arrive.

David Weicker · Jul 29, 2022

Having the "Dead Dog Records" arc would be terrific.

Having Nights In White Satin back would be fantastic.

However, we will need someone who actually has it to confirm if these are present.

bmasters9 · Jul 29, 2022

Jeff*H said:
Fingers crossed, as I’m a fan of this show since its original CBS airings that I recorded back in the day, and I’ve followed it subsequently in cable and local TV syndication, streaming, digital purchase, and the prior DVD releases. I sincerely hope this is the one that gets it right.

I hope we get lucky with this one, because if we get this, and it's not as we expect it to be, I don't know what we're gonna do.

Jeff*H · Jul 29, 2022

One other peculiar item on the webpage: it lists a total running time of 73 hours and 23 minutes. This is very specific, but doesn’t make a lot of sense in hindsight. There were 75 episodes produced (technically 73, as the pilot and the season 4 premiere were originally telecast as 2-hour episodes before being split up for syndication and home video). Each episode was close to 48 minutes uncut. 75 x 48 gets you 3600 minutes, or 60 hours roughly, far from the 73 hours being advertised. One more thing that gives me pause, despite what their rep said.

Jeff*H · Jul 29, 2022

One last bit of news for now: FilmRise, who currently has streaming rights to the Cannell library, has the Dead Dog Records arc included on their Wiseguy channel on YouTube. They added them back in November apparently.
Here’s the link to the “Dead Dog Lives” episode:

Unfortunately, their Steelgrave finale still doesn’t have “Nights in White Satin”.

Still, this bodes well for the VEI release.

Jeff*H · Jul 29, 2022

Dave Lawrence · Jul 29, 2022

Jeff*H said:
VEI’s upcoming WISEGUY DVD release mentions on their website and their email blasts that it includes all 75 episodes. Given that previous releases dating back almost 20 years had music replacement and were missing the “Dead Dog Records” storyline, I was rather skeptical of this announcement. However, I’ve purchased many VEI releases in the past that were solicited correctly, so I called their customer service line this morning and asked their representative about this, and I explained how the previous releases were incomplete.

The rep put me on hold for several minutes to go make some inquiries, and then came back and reported the following:

It will have all the episodes including the ones missing from previous DVD releases

Original music has been restored (he didn’t know which specific songs)

Release date is in a couple weeks, August 12 (yes, it’s a Friday)

No plans at this time for a blu-ray release

No information on whether any new remastering has been done to the episodes

Part of me is still skeptical, mainly because VEI doesn’t have the greatest track record with quality control on some releases, but I have no reason to doubt their representative, so I will bite the bullet and do a triple-dip on this DVD release, and will report back here with my findings so you’ll know whether to order it or to steer clear.

Fingers crossed, as I’m a fan of this show since its original CBS airings that I recorded back in the day, and I’ve followed it subsequently in cable and local TV syndication, streaming, digital purchase, and the prior DVD releases. I sincerely hope this is the one that gets it right.

Here’s the link to their listing…

WISEGUY - Seasons 1 to 4 [DVD] #7185

WISEGUY - Seasons 1 to 4 [DVD] #7185 The Collector's Edition Includes 75 episodes Includes the Dead Dog Records Episodes! Long before Donnie Brasco brought similar drama to the big screen, Golden Globe® winner Ken Wahl brought charisma, credibility, and chutzpah to his small-screen role as...

www.visualentertainment.tv

Jeff, thanks for posting about your conversation with the company rep as well as taking the chance. I look forward to reading your findings once you’ve received your copy.

The announcement of this set was a surprise. I’m trying to keep my expectations low but I would love to be able to replace my Mill Creek set. Even if this new release isn’t perfect, it at least sounds like it might be the best version released so far.

Fingers crossed!

WendyCR · Jul 29, 2022

If someone here does buy the Wiseguy set, would you please let us know if the music is indeed restored?

If that is the case, I'll definitely pick this up. But I'd like to know if the info given was correct first.

Thanks so much!

GlennC · Jul 30, 2022

I’m the same. If the music is back I will definitely buy it again.

A Pop Fan's Dream · Jul 30, 2022

Looking forward to hearing your comments - and thank you.

Is there an Amazon.com link for this set? I can only find the old release.

tsodcollector · Jul 30, 2022

i hope the music for wiseguy is coming back very soon,it will be great.

Jeff*H · Aug 2, 2022

The VEI set has an Amazon listing (currently showing as unavailable) that mentions the Dead Dog Records arc is included, and features rear box art.
VEI has also updated their website listing to specifically mention that it includes Dead Dog.

Now the question is will it have “Nights in White Satin”, given their rep’s statement that the original music is back in.

We should know in a week or so: my DVD pre-order from VEI has shipped already, coming from Canada.

tsodcollector · Aug 2, 2022

i have to put that on my tsod list.this fall,it will be great.

bmasters9 · Aug 6, 2022

Will it be packaged similar to their Hunter all-in-one?

tsodcollector · Aug 6, 2022

bmasters9 said:
Will it be packaged similar to their Hunter all-in-one?

It's similar to hunter all in one.

David Weicker · Aug 6, 2022

tsodcollector said:
It's similar to hunter all in one.

So you have this already?

What is the episode/disc configuration?

Can you confirm whether this release has or doesn’t have ‘’Nights In White Satin’?

Is the 1996 ‘reunion’ movie included?

tsodcollector · Aug 7, 2022

David Weicker said:
So you have this already?

What is the episode/disc configuration?

Can you confirm whether this release has or doesn’t have ‘’Nights In White Satin’?

Is the 1996 ‘reunion’ movie included?

the "reunion" movie is not included.

Al_D · Aug 7, 2022

Nights in White Satin is not included and the entire scene where Good Love was playing has been deleted. The episode is around 45 min instead of 47 min.

Home Theater

Entertainment & Streaming Content

Physical Media

Home Theater Equipment and Hardware

Other Diversions

Bargains and Classifieds

Home Theater Forum

Archives

WISEGUY release from VEI (1 Viewer)

Supporting Actor

Stunt Coordinator

Stunt Coordinator

Grip

Supporting Actor

Supporting Actor

Supporting Actor

Supporting Actor

Stunt Coordinator

Similar threads

Users who are viewing this thread

Sign up for our newsletter

and receive essential news, curated deals, and much more

Similar Threads

Forum statistics