The Sweeney Series 1

[serpentine]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

Breakfast

I think the poor sales of Series One hindered the release of the other series on Blu, unfortunately.

Dinner

[Si Parallel Universe]

Originally Posted by Shillingbury Tales

As the restorations have been ready for sometime I doubt Network will leave Sweeney fans hanging forever.
I've not heard anything to confirm the series 1 release didn't sell very well.
I believe Andrew Pixley has already completed his viewing notes for series 2-4 so they would appear to be on the cards although he has written notes for things then they've been delayed for several years.
As series 1 was a bit pricey for what it was I think the obviously more popular series The Professionals got in the way when they discovered the negatives were available as nobody had been aware of their existence for years.

If you've compared the earlier dvd's to the Blurays you can see why they might have got a bit over excited.
Speaking of which - all 4 series on Bluray still £38 in the sale. Absolute bargain although I think the book might be missing from series 1 as that version was deleted a while ago.

Edit - that particular bargain looks to have sold out

I've previously asked Andrew Pixley on another forum regarding this and IIRC he said he'd completed his work on matters quite some time ago , so in that regard , correct.

We were initially given the impression that The Professionals being completed might have paved the way for more restorations of the Sweeney on a series by series basis but this disappeared as an option long ago.

As far as physical copies of the restorations being available in updated blus , although Network haven't explicitly ruled this out as a possibility in the future , they have quietly distanced themselves from committing to the project as far as Season two onwards is concerned because it isn't financially viable for them to do so.

Sadly and with regret this was due to poor sales of Season One. I'm sure we'd all love to see the project revived but unless there is a sizeable demand and commitment made to buy this then as it stands it's on the back burner and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

I've previously asked Andrew Pixley on another forum regarding this and IIRC he said he'd completed his work on matters quite some time ago , so in that regard , correct.

We were initially given the impression that The Professionals being completed might have paved the way for more restorations of the Sweeney on a series by series basis but this disappeared as an option long ago.

As far as physical copies of the restorations being available in updated blus , although Network haven't explicitly ruled this out as a possibility in the future , they have quietly distanced themselves from committing to the project as far as Season two onwards is concerned because it isn't financially viable for them to do so.

Sadly and with regret this was due to poor sales of Season One. I'm sure we'd all love to see the project revived but unless there is a sizeable demand and commitment made to buy this then as it stands it's on the back burner and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

I would be interested to see where Network have made comments regarding the financial viability of anything.
They are notoriously uncommunicative regarding any releases without release dates.
And it's hard to believe that Bluray releases for The Sweeney are any less financially viable than 90% of the entire Network catalogue where there are dozens of titles that are so obscure its amazing they even got released.

As Network already have a deal with Fremantle in place and the restorations have already been done the only real outlay left would be the cost of the physical production of the discs as it's likely that even the 2014 restorations had an HD source.
I guess they might have to add the commentaries and other bonuses but the legwork has been done and there would be no rights issues.
If they are happy to release The Naked Civil Servant on Bluray I doubt The Sweeney would be less popular given that Minder was also on the slate for the future.

The Sweeney isn't the only series where they've started it and it took years for them to return to it so I would not lose all hope

[Si Parallel Universe]

I'm not losing all hope. I just know from long ago that Network are reluctant at this juncture to release any more series of The Sweeney on Blu because however much we might perceive it to be popular Series One did not sell in sufficient numbers to prompt work to start on Series Two, sadly.

Now this may have had something to do Series One on Blu following the complete series on DVD and reluctance on collectors parts to then shelve their DVDs to upgrade so soon afterwards, I don't know. That's purely speculation on my part.

All I know is whether we like it or not series one did not excel in sales enough to warrant the release of other series on Blu, sadly and I'd love it to be released in the near future but I don't think it's going to happen right now.

[Coogans Bluff]

I used to work for a music retailer and remember company's withdrawing products because they were being re released so his could be an indication that Network are looking at releasing a box set in the future as they have removed series 1 Blu Ray from their website and have Tegan in the sale along with box set on DVD. I would like this to be true because I really would like a Blu Ray box set of everything.

[Si Parallel Universe]

Maybe or they could have sold out of the first run of the Blu Ray print of The Sweeney and wont be reprinting it.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

I'm not losing all hope. I just know from long ago that Network are reluctant at this juncture to release any more series of The Sweeney on Blu because however much we might perceive it to be popular Series One did not sell in sufficient numbers to prompt work to start on Series Two, sadly.

Now this may have had something to do Series One on Blu following the complete series on DVD and reluctance on collectors parts to then shelve their DVDs to upgrade so soon afterwards, I don't know. That's purely speculation on my part.

All I know is whether we like it or not series one did not excel in sales enough to warrant the release of other series on Blu, sadly and I'd love it to be released in the near future but I don't think it's going to happen right now.

I'm not sure what you are basing your information on.
The appalling early dvd's were released around 2003/4. The first series appeared on Bluray in 2012 so more than enough time for people to upgrade.
As for starting work on series 2 - the restorations have all been done for all 4 series and while the Blurays were on hold these were sneaked out in a new dvd set in 2014.

It might seem logical that sales of series 1 were poor enough to delay further series but as I said, the majority of titles in the Network catalogue would be well down the sales lists compared to The Sweeney.
It's also logical to assume that had sales been excellent then they might have moved swiftly on with the rest but as I've pointed out they do limit the number of Bluray titles being worked on at any one time and I would speculate that The Professionals becoming available took over the slots that might have been used for The Sweeney.

As its been 5 years since series 1 its quite a safe bet that series 2 onwards might be some while but in between then and now Network have renewed their deal with Fremantle for a multitude of series including shows previously released. If thr market can withstand a reissue of Love Thy Neighbour it's almost nonsensical to assume Sweeney Blurays will never arrive.
It's possibly one of the most popular shows in the entire Fremantle catalogue.
The most likely thing would seem to be that with a change in the market and complete series sets being the order of the day that Network want to leave a long gap before the complete boxset is released although such a release at any time would likely annoy anyone that purchased the series 1 set on its own

[Si Parallel Universe]

I'm basing my information on what Network have stated previously.

As much as its hard to believe and as much as the Blu Ray of season one is a massive improvement on the DVD equivalent. It didn't sell in sufficient numbers for Network to go forward with as far as releasing subsequent seasons are concerned.

All of what you say rings true but at the end of the day Network are the ones that have made that decision.

I dearly would love the rest of the other series to follow but I can't say I hold out much hope being there has been a five year gap now.

I'll happily ditch my Series One standalone set if they do a Sweeney complete series box set on Blu in the future.

I waited years for A Very Particular Practice on DVD and that eventually paid off. So maybe it will happen. I just don't see it happening any time soon.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

I'm basing my information on what Network have stated previously.

As much as its hard to believe and as much as the Blu Ray of season one is a massive improvement on the DVD equivalent. It didn't sell in sufficient numbers for Network to go forward with as far as releasing subsequent seasons are concerned.

All of what you say rings true but at the end of the day Network are the ones that have made that decision.

I dearly would love the rest of the other series to follow but I can't say I hold out much hope being there has been a five year gap now.

I'll happily ditch my Series One standalone set if they do a Sweeney complete series box set on Blu in the future.

I waited years for A Very Particular Practice on DVD and that eventually paid off. So maybe it will happen. I just don't see it happening any time soon.

Where did Network say that sales were not high enough?
I have never seen Network comment on that side of things ever.

[Si Parallel Universe]

Originally Posted by Shillingbury Tales

Where did Network say that sales were not high enough?
I have never seen Network comment on that side of things ever.

On other forums through other people's enquiries. I'm going back over at least a 3-4 year period so it would be difficult to find particular examples if thats what you're requesting.

It's not like I'm happy with having only one series of something I highly enjoy. It was filmed around where I was living at the time so there are a lot of reasons why I would want to see the episodes again.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

On other forums through other people's enquiries. I'm going back over at least a 3-4 year period so it would be difficult to find particular examples if thats what you're requesting.

It's not like I'm happy with having only one series of something I highly enjoy. It was filmed around where I was living at the time so there are a lot of reasons why I would want to see the episodes again.

I think people might be speculating. I've been collecting Network product avidly for 25 years and have never yet seen any comments from Network about sales figures or even expectations.
You might expect something on Facebook but even on there there is never anything remotely controversial.
I would say it is all speculation (as much of my opinion is) but I've presented the facts as we know them , mainly that the restorations have been complete for a few years. I've even had lengthy discussions with several people who contribute to Network products ( and even they don't ever get sales details)
I would "bet my house and all its contents" that The Sweeney WILL appear on Bluray. IN some shape or form anyway

[Si Parallel Universe]

Originally Posted by Shillingbury Tales

I think people might be speculating. I've been collecting Network product avidly for 25 years and have never yet seen any comments from Network about sales figures or even expectations.
You might expect something on Facebook but even on there there is never anything remotely controversial.
I would say it is all speculation (as much of my opinion is) but I've presented the facts as we know them , mainly that the restorations have been complete for a few years. I've even had lengthy discussions with several people who contribute to Network products ( and even they don't ever get sales details)
I would "bet my house and all its contents" that The Sweeney WILL appear on Bluray. IN some shape or form anyway

I'm only repeating what I am aware of factually as to why we haven't seen the rest of the series on Blu.

I don't know or would not even find it useful to know sales figures etc as that would be something that Network wouldn't reveal themselves to anyone and people working for them , even if they were privy to it would doubtless be bound to confidentiality agreements too. I expect that would be highly sensitive information.

However, simply stating that it didn't sell enough to justify further series being issued on Blu Ray wouldn't be revealing actual figures it would just be a statement of fact without compromising any confidential/sensitive information.

All I know is what I've been made aware of.

[CinemaScope]

Well I've done my bit, I bought season one. I'm not that bothered about the rest of the seasons, but I'd really love Minder (not the last season sans Waterman), I wonder what the chances are.

[Coogans Bluff]

I bought season 1 and Regan, I will double dip if they release a box set, be nice to have the pilot and the films in there, that DVD box set is fetching £100 + now. In fact I have been on their site as they have a sale, cost me a bloody fortune again but got to have them.

[Jack.A.Napes]

At this point I'm tempted to pick up THE SWEENEY complete DVD boxset while it's £16 in the Network sale. The reissued edition is supposedly pretty good by DVD standards, and if the rest of the series is announced on blu at some future date I could move the set on without losing much.

If I thought that a complete Sweeney blu collection was a realistic prospect, I might even sell the series one blu-ray set I have, that seems to be OOP and commanding decent prices. Though if the Professionals and Randall and Hopkirk releases are indicative of Network's new strategy, splitting series over several smaller sets seems to be their preference.

[Coogans Bluff]

I have purchased the DVD set in the sale as it was just over £16 and will do the same if a release on Blu Ray is announced. I think a box set will appear at some point as the work seems to have been done, could be released as a limited edition

[grahams76]

Originally Posted by Coogans Bluff

I have purchased the DVD set in the sale as it was just over £16 and will do the same if a release on Blu Ray is announced. I think a box set will appear at some point as the work seems to have been done, could be released as a limited edition

I did exactly that too.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Si Parallel Universe

I'm only repeating what I am aware of factually as to why we haven't seen the rest of the series on Blu.

I don't know or would not even find it useful to know sales figures etc as that would be something that Network wouldn't reveal themselves to anyone and people working for them , even if they were privy to it would doubtless be bound to confidentiality agreements too. I expect that would be highly sensitive information.

However, simply stating that it didn't sell enough to justify further series being issued on Blu Ray wouldn't be revealing actual figures it would just be a statement of fact without compromising any confidential/sensitive information.

All I know is what I've been made aware of.

Yes but as you say, none of it is factual because nobody gets the facts.
The notion that sales of The Sweeney were any more disappointing in comparison to things like Tempo, Our House and dozens of other niche titles is hard to believe.
As the set was initially over priced I can believe that sales were lower than expected but if Network have proven one thing over the years it's that they will release the material if its available regardless of the sale potential.

The Sweeney is one of the most high profile shows in the entire Network catalogue so while figures may have been lower than expected the idea they will never release the rest on Bluray really is a non starter.

Series 1 did appear at a time when their sales were far too frequent and more and more people were not buying on day one and just "waiting for the sales" and I think Network finally woke up to this.

The only question I think is whether they will continue with series sets or go for a complete boxset.

With £50 sets for Til Death Us Do Part , Morecambe and Wise and Sykes released The Sweeney is a no brainer.

[Shillingbury Tales]

Originally Posted by Jack.A.Napes

At this point I'm tempted to pick up THE SWEENEY complete DVD boxset while it's £16 in the Network sale. The reissued edition is supposedly pretty good by DVD standards, and if the rest of the series is announced on blu at some future date I could move the set on without losing much.

If I thought that a complete Sweeney blu collection was a realistic prospect, I might even sell the series one blu-ray set I have, that seems to be OOP and commanding decent prices. Though if the Professionals and Randall and Hopkirk releases are indicative of Network's new strategy, splitting series over several smaller sets seems to be their preference.

I wouldn't take the strategy used for The Professionals and specially Randall as an indicator of anything.
Randall doesn't even really count as it was a website exclusive and the expected generally available boxset appears in a couple of months. The idea behind the individual releases was 2 fold. First , rather than fans having to wait several months until the restoration was complete this release process allowed us access to episodes when they became available and while they continued working on the rest of the series.
Not mentioned by Network but logical to assume that it also gives them some much needed return on their investment much earlier than if they didn't let anyone have it until September.

The Professionals is 57 one hour episodes so a complete Bluray would have been pricey but once again the staggered release allowed series to be released over a year before the whole lot had been done.
It's also a show with a dedicated enough fanbase for people to enjoy the additional books which will all be missing from the eventual complete boxset.

I would say the deletion of the Sweeney series 1 set is an indicator of a complete boxset rather than individual series but as usual with Network this is all speculation.

When Network signed up a deal with Studio Canal Network launched The British Film collection and announced that this series was intended to include something in the region of 400 films so a year ago the naysayers were filling forums with complaints about Network deserting the tv series market when it was obvious that with a 400 movie slate on their hands there was not enough hours in the day. The Canal licence will be for a limited time so its logical for Network to want these films out on their label for as long as possible.
Now the majority are done and dusted they have returned to tv releases and have promised complete boxsets for shows like The Goodies, Sykes and many other previously available titles that either need completing or improving.
The bulk of the content Network deal with is far less popular than The Sweeney will ever be

[Si Parallel Universe]

The fact is the Sweeney on Blu ray season one didn't sell as well as what Network wanted. Only Network can determine what they consider to be levels of sales that would commit them to producing the rest of the Blus.

I agree with what you're saying in regards to the merits of releasing the rest on Blu for the reasons you state but I disagree that :

"The Only question is whether they will continue with the series sets or go for a complete boxset"

Solely because there is a massive question mark over whether Network want to release it at all.

Maybe if enough people wrote to Network in such strong terms Network might shift their current position . Who knows ?