TV on DVD
I'll admit to being intrigued by the whole "TV on DVD" phenomenon, as I've been known to buy X-Files episodes on VHS back when only selected episodes were released. And while I've yet to buy an entire season of a TV series on DVD, it may be just a matter of time. Among those I'd be inclined to spring for would be:
X-Files seasons 2 and 3
La Femme Nikita seasons 2-4 (unfortunately, only season 1 is available right now)
Star Trek (the original) seasons 1 and 2
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine seasons 4-7
But flipping through my DVD club catalog, I noticed that a whole bunch of TV shows are now available on DVD. Some I can understand; they were either big ratings hits (ER, Friends, Cheers, CSI, Frasier) or cult favorites (Battlestar Galactica, The West Wing, Smallville). But what is the explanation for the following shows being released on DVD?!?:
Charlie's Angels
Will & Grace
The Waltons
Saved by the Bell
"Charlie's Angels" has a certain cult about it (or at least about Farrah's jiggling), and was released as a tie-in to the second movie.
"Will & Grace" was released because it's still a solid ratings success and because, frankly, the first season or two was great and it now sucks.
"The Waltons" is all for people who think TV nowadays is just "too dirty."
"Saved by the Bell" has a BIG cult following among folks my age who appreciate it for the kitsch value.
Also, remember that for most of these, they don't put on many (if any) special features, so there's no real cost in putting out the DVD.
Posted by: Matt | April 30, 2004 at 10:29 PM
I'd buy the entire lot of What's Happenin'??!! if they ever released that on DVD..."No Roger, No Rerun, No Rent"
Posted by: Brian | May 01, 2004 at 02:17 AM
Brian, would you believe that the first season of "What's Happening?" is available on DVD?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000ZMH92/qid%3D1083442300/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/103-1543245-3992611
Posted by: Tung Yin | May 01, 2004 at 03:08 PM
Professor,
You just made my day. I am buying it right now!!! I had no idea. I used to watch that show every day after school without fail. Thanks!!!!!!
Posted by: Brian | May 02, 2004 at 12:45 AM
Brian, that was an amazing quote. That was one of the best episodes.
Professor Yin, I'll recommend the show, "The Office." It originally aired on BBC America and is no longer taping. The creators only wanted to make 12 episodes. (6 per season)
Both seasons are available on separate disks, and it truly is an extremely funny show.
Posted by: Sean S | May 02, 2004 at 02:39 PM
I'm toying with the idea of buying the first six sesons of "Homicide: Life on the Street" (or, as it is know by its fans, "The Best Damn Show on Television"), but at $99 a pop, that's a lot of money, even if seasons 1 and 2 are on the same disk, because season 1 was only a half-season order of 9 epiosdes and season 2 was only 4 episodes. I do have some single episodes on VHS when they sold them that way--just try to watch "Doll's Eyes" without crying or "Every Mother's Son" without getting chills--but it would be nice to have the whole set. But that's about the only show I'd ever consider buying whole. That, and maybe Mary Tyler Moore, just because it's brilliant.
Posted by: tom | May 03, 2004 at 11:07 AM