CLASSIC TV: Is it doomed to DVD presentation? - Blu-ray Forum

Maggot · 11-21-2014, 06:22 AM

Not withstanding some excellent standouts like Star Trek, Twilight Zone and the recent Batman series, do you think the majority of TV shows will ever get released on the format? Granted, I don't ever expect a personal favorite of mine like WKRP to ever come to the format....lets face it..... sadly, it was shot on videotape and it looks it. Fortunately, the new DVD collection is pretty darn good!

I read somewhere not that long ago that research suggested TV shows sell best on DVD. Beloved classic TV shows that were shot on film or at least 1 inch master tape......like.....The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, The Munster's, Mission Impossible, MASH, I Dream of Jeannie and Bonanza to name a few, just seem to be delegated to DVD, with new rehashed sets coming out all the time. I'm certainly glad to CBS/Paramount for putting out the Bonanza DVD season sets FINALLY, but could they be brought to Blu-ray?

Granted, who knows what condition the masters are in for all these shows, although looking at general quality of these DVD sets, they are not too bad off at all. I would think the uptick in resolution from just a rescan of current holdings would suffice? A restoration would be wonderful, but considering the cost and or unless they have already undergone enough past work, why don't they just put these out?

Also, is there really any interest in bringing these to Blu-ray as many of these shows I list, while just fun, popular kids Americana in their time, are just not sellable enough. That the demographic might suggest that most people who would watch these shows are going to be fine with DVD?

So many great shows on up through the 80's, yet so little of it on Blu-ray....

Lt. Brannigan · 11-21-2014, 06:31 AM

Mash would be problematic, as one episode is deteriorated pretty badly and only available in a syndicated version. Unless of course they were able to find and restore the elements.

Blades1370 · 11-21-2014, 06:40 AM

Doomed, so many newer shows aren't even being released on Blu-Ray; Castle, White Collar, Burn Notice, etc.... if newer shows aren't seeing the format, how can you expect older shows, even those shot on film to ever see the light of day on Blu-Ray.

For the record I would kill to have Sliders on the format, and Babylon 5.... I highly doubt either EVER will...

charlieray1 · 11-21-2014, 06:42 AM

Well there are certainly some on blu -- The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Star Trek, Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, Batman, The Avengers, Little House On The Prairie, Star Trek TNG. Can't think of any others pre-90's right now.

The late 70's and 80's are problematic since so many were shot (or edited) on video.

Blu-21 · 11-21-2014, 06:43 AM

Other HD alternative outlets would include Netflix and HD broadcasting. So maybe the studios would see more profitability going in these directions rather than BD which themselves are still a lot better than DVD.

I KEEL YOU · 11-21-2014, 07:18 AM

I'm just glad that two of my #1 and #2 TV series of all time, The Sopranos and Twin Peaks got a blu ray release this year.

I hope Miami Vice gets a release eventually. Fortunately there might be import alternatives, as is the case already for some series, most notably Japan (Columbo and Knight Rider), and UK (Airwolf).

Rich65 · 11-21-2014, 07:36 AM

I know Mission: Impossible is available on HD on Netflix and ITunes, who knows maybe for the 50th Anniversary it might make it's blu debut.

Lope de Aguirre · 11-21-2014, 07:59 AM

Blu-ray is a though format for TV shows in general.

I am still waiting for "Carnivale", "Six Feet Under" and "In Treatment".

Aside from them I sure hope "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" will be remastered after TNG and it's a shame "Farscape" got only an upscale (but better than no release!). Seems there isn't much of a chance that "Babylon 5" will be released.

"Fawlty Towers" would also be great to get the Blu treatment.
Or "ALF" but ALF is probably shot on SD Video...

Dylan34 · 11-21-2014, 08:10 AM

None of my 90's sitcoms will ever make it either because of being shot on video tape. Roseanne, Home Improvement, Family Matters, etc. Why didn't they shoot these 90's sitcoms on film?

I KEEL YOU · 11-21-2014, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan34

None of my 90's sitcoms will ever make it either because of being shot on video tape. Roseanne, Home Improvement, Family Matters, etc. Why didn't they shoot these 90's sitcoms on film?

Because shooting them on video was much more expensive and they wanted to spend as much money as possible.

Bueller · 11-21-2014, 08:19 AM

I was surprised to see Pee-wee's Playhouse get remastered for HD. With that I would not be surprised to see other shows shot on film get the upgrade, whether for Blu-ray or TV/streaming.

Terrorfirmer · 11-21-2014, 09:17 AM

Right now im more concerned about just getting stuff RELEASED, i could care less about format, blu ray would be nice but id just be happy to have some of my most wanted tv shows released like the remaining seasons of Perfect Strangers and Who's The Boss.

reanimator · 11-21-2014, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrorfirmer

Right now im more concerned about just getting stuff RELEASED...

I would agree with that. I know for certain that HD masters exist for SEINFELD, HAWAII 5-0 (original), and CHEERS. These series could be on bluray, but are not. WHY?

I KEEL YOU · 11-21-2014, 09:28 AM

I wonder if Sony has 4K masters of Seinfeld. That could be a huge promotion for the 4K blu ray format when it's released.

Phil92 · 11-21-2014, 09:33 AM

I'm dying for Will & Grace on BD and I know for a fact, at the very least, seasons 4 - 8 are on film.

ddwall · 11-21-2014, 09:37 AM

The original Battlestar Galactica is getting a US. blu-ray release. In the UK. the Time Tunnel is getting released in April Amazon.co.uk says region B I no you cant trust Amazons listing but no they don't seam to be releasing much on Blu

Takeshi666 · 11-21-2014, 09:40 AM

Didn't Fox pretty much drop their TV on blu line?

ddwall · 11-21-2014, 10:07 AM

The time tunnel is still with fox they are releasing it on Blu-ray in the UK. you would think they could release it in America as well.

Terrorfirmer · 11-21-2014, 10:16 AM

i think the problem for most classic tv series like Seinfeld is that they have already been released on dvd for years, and probably wouldnt sell that great on blu ray. i know personally that i wouldnt upgrade simply because its only a tv show and seasons can be bought for super cheap. releasing new tv shows straight to blu makes sense as its the best media for the times but older stuff that already has the entire show out on DVD, i.e. Seinfeld, The X-Files, Oz, The Office ect, doesnt make sense for studios to upgrade this stuff to blu ray because they know they wont make enough money on it, perfect example: That 70s Show.

probedb · 11-21-2014, 10:48 AM

Well the whole X-Files series has been remastered for HD but whether we get a release on BR is another matter, personally I'll buy it whatever if it's released

As for Babylon 5, well it was a compromise even for 16:9 DVD because all the SFX had been done at 4:3 so those shots had to be zoomed in to fit. On one episode they even did it wrong and just stretched the shots that were supposed to be zoomed. I'd love to see this series have all the shots redone but there's no way it'd be worth it for the studio as they wouldn't make their money back.

11-21-2014, 06:22 AM	#1
Maggot Blu-ray Guru Member since:Oct 2009 Location:United States 4K collection:643 Blu-ray collection:1342 DVD collection:49 Blu-ray reviews:81	CLASSIC TV: Is it doomed to DVD presentation? Not withstanding some excellent standouts like Star Trek, Twilight Zone and the recent Batman series, do you think the majority of TV shows will ever get released on the format? Granted, I don't ever expect a personal favorite of mine like WKRP to ever come to the format....lets face it..... sadly, it was shot on videotape and it looks it. Fortunately, the new DVD collection is pretty darn good! I read somewhere not that long ago that research suggested TV shows sell best on DVD. Beloved classic TV shows that were shot on film or at least 1 inch master tape......like.....The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, The Munster's, Mission Impossible, MASH, I Dream of Jeannie and Bonanza to name a few, just seem to be delegated to DVD, with new rehashed sets coming out all the time. I'm certainly glad to CBS/Paramount for putting out the Bonanza DVD season sets FINALLY, but could they be brought to Blu-ray? Granted, who knows what condition the masters are in for all these shows, although looking at general quality of these DVD sets, they are not too bad off at all. I would think the uptick in resolution from just a rescan of current holdings would suffice? A restoration would be wonderful, but considering the cost and or unless they have already undergone enough past work, why don't they just put these out? Also, is there really any interest in bringing these to Blu-ray as many of these shows I list, while just fun, popular kids Americana in their time, are just not sellable enough. That the demographic might suggest that most people who would watch these shows are going to be fine with DVD? So many great shows on up through the 80's, yet so little of it on Blu-ray....

11-21-2014, 06:31 AM	#2
Lt. Brannigan Banned Member since:Jul 2012 Trading Score:44	Mash would be problematic, as one episode is deteriorated pretty badly and only available in a syndicated version. Unless of course they were able to find and restore the elements.

11-21-2014, 06:40 AM	#3
Blades1370 Special Member Member since:Mar 2012 Location:Buffalo, NY 4K collection:180 Blu-ray collection:1776 DVD collection:51 Trading Score:13	Doomed, so many newer shows aren't even being released on Blu-Ray; Castle, White Collar, Burn Notice, etc.... if newer shows aren't seeing the format, how can you expect older shows, even those shot on film to ever see the light of day on Blu-Ray. For the record I would kill to have Sliders on the format, and Babylon 5.... I highly doubt either EVER will...

11-21-2014, 06:42 AM	#4
charlieray1 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Victorville, CA Blu-ray reviews: 1	Well there are certainly some on blu -- The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Star Trek, Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, Batman, The Avengers, Little House On The Prairie, Star Trek TNG. Can't think of any others pre-90's right now. The late 70's and 80's are problematic since so many were shot (or edited) on video.

11-21-2014, 06:43 AM	#5
Blu-21 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2012 Location:Australia Blu-ray collection:67 Blu-ray reviews:1	Other HD alternative outlets would include Netflix and HD broadcasting. So maybe the studios would see more profitability going in these directions rather than BD which themselves are still a lot better than DVD.

11-21-2014, 07:18 AM	#6
I KEEL YOU Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:May 2011 4K collection:67 Blu-ray collection:458 DVD collection:42	I'm just glad that two of my #1 and #2 TV series of all time, The Sopranos and Twin Peaks got a blu ray release this year. I hope Miami Vice gets a release eventually. Fortunately there might be import alternatives, as is the case already for some series, most notably Japan (Columbo and Knight Rider), and UK (Airwolf).

11-21-2014, 07:36 AM	#7
Rich65 Blu-ray Knight Member since:Feb 2011 4K collection:335 Blu-ray collection:1554 Trading Score:3	I know Mission: Impossible is available on HD on Netflix and ITunes, who knows maybe for the 50th Anniversary it might make it's blu debut.

11-21-2014, 07:59 AM	#8
Lope de Aguirre Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:May 2010 Location:Cologne, Germany 4K collection:312 Blu-ray collection:657 DVD collection:50 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	Blu-ray is a though format for TV shows in general. I am still waiting for "Carnivale", "Six Feet Under" and "In Treatment". Aside from them I sure hope "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" will be remastered after TNG and it's a shame "Farscape" got only an upscale (but better than no release!). Seems there isn't much of a chance that "Babylon 5" will be released. "Fawlty Towers" would also be great to get the Blu treatment. Or "ALF" but ALF is probably shot on SD Video...

11-21-2014, 08:10 AM	#9
Dylan34 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2014 Location:Houston, TX Blu-ray collection:529 DVD collection:138	None of my 90's sitcoms will ever make it either because of being shot on video tape. Roseanne, Home Improvement, Family Matters, etc. Why didn't they shoot these 90's sitcoms on film?

11-21-2014, 08:19 AM	#11
Bueller Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2013 4K collection:28 Blu-ray collection:1639 Trading Score:52	I was surprised to see Pee-wee's Playhouse get remastered for HD. With that I would not be surprised to see other shows shot on film get the upgrade, whether for Blu-ray or TV/streaming.

11-21-2014, 09:17 AM	#12
Terrorfirmer Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Apr 2012 Location:Canada 4K collection:53 Blu-ray collection:1037 DVD collection:282 Trading Score:11	Right now im more concerned about just getting stuff RELEASED, i could care less about format, blu ray would be nice but id just be happy to have some of my most wanted tv shows released like the remaining seasons of Perfect Strangers and Who's The Boss.

11-21-2014, 09:28 AM	#14
I KEEL YOU Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:May 2011 4K collection:67 Blu-ray collection:458 DVD collection:42	I wonder if Sony has 4K masters of Seinfeld. That could be a huge promotion for the 4K blu ray format when it's released.

11-21-2014, 09:33 AM	#15
Phil92 Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Aug 2009 Location:United Kingdom 4K collection:341 Blu-ray collection:1491 DVD collection:141 Trading Score:29	I'm dying for Will & Grace on BD and I know for a fact, at the very least, seasons 4 - 8 are on film.

11-21-2014, 09:37 AM	#16
ddwall Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2011 4K collection:131 Blu-ray collection:1564 Blu-ray reviews:12	The original Battlestar Galactica is getting a US. blu-ray release. In the UK. the Time Tunnel is getting released in April Amazon.co.uk says region B I no you cant trust Amazons listing but no they don't seam to be releasing much on Blu

11-21-2014, 09:40 AM	#17
Takeshi666 Power Member Member since:Oct 2011 Location:Suomi Finland Perkele 4K collection:34 Blu-ray collection:373 DVD collection:75	Didn't Fox pretty much drop their TV on blu line?

11-21-2014, 10:07 AM	#18
ddwall Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2011 4K collection:131 Blu-ray collection:1564 Blu-ray reviews:12	The time tunnel is still with fox they are releasing it on Blu-ray in the UK. you would think they could release it in America as well.

11-21-2014, 10:16 AM	#19
Terrorfirmer Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Apr 2012 Location:Canada 4K collection:53 Blu-ray collection:1037 DVD collection:282 Trading Score:11	i think the problem for most classic tv series like Seinfeld is that they have already been released on dvd for years, and probably wouldnt sell that great on blu ray. i know personally that i wouldnt upgrade simply because its only a tv show and seasons can be bought for super cheap. releasing new tv shows straight to blu makes sense as its the best media for the times but older stuff that already has the entire show out on DVD, i.e. Seinfeld, The X-Files, Oz, The Office ect, doesnt make sense for studios to upgrade this stuff to blu ray because they know they wont make enough money on it, perfect example: That 70s Show.

11-21-2014, 10:48 AM	#20
probedb Member Member since:Sep 2009 Blu-ray collection:78	Well the whole X-Files series has been remastered for HD but whether we get a release on BR is another matter, personally I'll buy it whatever if it's released As for Babylon 5, well it was a compromise even for 16:9 DVD because all the SFX had been done at 4:3 so those shots had to be zoomed in to fit. On one episode they even did it wrong and just stretched the shots that were supposed to be zoomed. I'd love to see this series have all the shots redone but there's no way it'd be worth it for the studio as they wouldn't make their money back.

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