Shout! Factory Community - Question for Brian Ward

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

They are, indeed. We've also got a pretty impressive of episodes from your favorite golden-aged sitcoms for a Christmas collection this holiday season. Within the collection, we have a couple episodes from series we've previously released, like Father Knows Best and That Girl, as well as a handful of gems we've just licensed specifically for this set.

But, as far as straight seasons of '50s series, we have nothing lined up through the end of the year. Our dance cards are a little too full with other stuff at the moment.

Brian

"Know Thyself" --Thales

7/16/2009 12:01 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Thanks Brian! You know how big I am on Christmas TV-themed shows, so this is fantastic news! I'm wondering if that upcoming set might include the WINDOW ON MAIN STREET episode I've mentioned to you before? Can you say one way or the other?

I completely understand your dance card being full. You guys are doing a great job with classic releases. I am kinda hoping you can find a way to keep more FATHER KNOWS BEST coming next year. Shout is half-way there as it is, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more from that great series.

Take care,

Gary O.

7/16/2009 1:13 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Brian,

One more thought about the upcoming Christmas set. If you guys plan on using the 1st Season Christmas episode from FATHER KNOWS BEST, might you be able to secure the uncut print? On your FKB S1 release you used a syndicated cut for that episode. Perhaps you guys could find a way to get the uncut print. It would be another nice little advertising point, telling people they can see the full, uncut episode for the first time on dvd. Just a thought.

Gary O.

7/16/2009 1:19 PM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
It will not include the Window On Main Street episode, but mostly because I believe we're saving that one for one of our upcoming Father Knows Best sets. Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

7/16/2009 2:18 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

That would be very welcome news, Brian. As long as more FATHER KNOWS BEST is still on the horizon, I'm a happy camper.

Now you really have me intrigued by what episodes you might include on this upcoming Christmas set. I think I own pretty much every one of your classic/vintage TV releases, so if you've got new stuff to add and it's not the "Window on Main Street" episode, I have no idea what direction you might go in. But I'm excited about all the possibilities. I know there was a Christmas episode from MR. ED in it's 4th Season, and of course you'll have the PATTY DUKE Christmas episode in that first season set that's coming. Guess you could add the Season 7 ADAM 12 Christmas episode, if you guys still have dibs on that series. Guess there's a lot to choose from.

Just thinking out loud.

Thanks again for the great news! I'll make sure to tell all my friends, Brian.

Gary O.

----- Original Post -----
by B Ward at 7/16/2009 1:19:52 PM

It will not include the Window On Main Street episode, but mostly because I believe we're saving that one for one of our upcoming Father Knows Best sets.

Brian

"Know Thyself" --Thales

7/16/2009 4:00 PM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Hold that... Breaking news...perhaps? Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

7/17/2009 2:05 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
OK, now you really, really have me intrigued. I love breaking news - especially breaking news from Shout Factory! Gary O.

7/17/2009 9:39 AM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Per your request, I've decided to go doing some digging... but won't have any official updates before Monday at the earliest. Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

7/17/2009 10:53 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Thanks Brian! You guys at Shout are the cat's meow. Gary O.

7/21/2009 12:35 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Anything yet, Brian?

7/21/2009 1:46 PM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Looks like our set will have a bonus episode... The Christmas episode of Window On Main Street, titled "Christmas Memory", will be included in our Merry Sitcom holiday compilation as a bonus. Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

7/21/2009 1:49 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Brian, you are the man!!!! Who do I write to suggest you get a raise? Honestly, this is fantastic news and you can bet I'm going to get the word out to all of my friends that this upcoming set is a must buy! I'll certainly buy multiple copies myself and give some away as Christmas presents. Thanks, Gary O.

7/28/2009 7:58 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Brian, Please keep us updated on the Christmas set. I know I'm anxious to hear about pricing, a release date, and of course most importantly of all: content!!! Thanks again for making a dream of mine come true by including the Window on Main Street Christmas episode. It really is greatly appreciated. Gary

8/13/2009 4:45 PM

N8 Storm

Member since: 2/22/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

In case you haven't seen yet:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News-Merry-Sitcom/12438

8/25/2009 3:55 PM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

I've just finished QCing the disc. It's actually pretty amazing. And imagine my surprise while watching the episode of The Donna Reed Show when one of my idols, Buster Keaton, walks in and has a touching guest starring role!

The episode of Window On Main Street looks good. But it's kinda melancholic. Still, by the end, you really come to realize just how heartwarming these old shows are.

The set's going to be great. Hope to be able to do something similar for coming holidays. Who knows??

Brian

"Know Thyself" --Thales

8/26/2009 6:58 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Thanks for the update, Brian! I've already pre-ordered my set and will be ordering more to give away as Christmas presents. I'm so happy you were able to include the WINDOW episode, not so much for the sake of the story itself, but just because it's such an incredible rarity.

Shout should have more than enough shows at it's disposal to create at least a few more of these type of Holiday sets. Hope you can do some more in the future.

Thanks again!

Gary

8/27/2009 8:52 AM

SparkleRC

Member since: 9/21/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Here's an idea. Has Shout ever considered putting a collection out with episodes of rarely seen shows? For example, a Merry Sitcom-type dvd but instead have it be titled something like "What's This? - a collection from sitcoms past"

This could serve as a sampler and then maybe you could gage which shows fans would like to see more of.

Here are some suggestions for shows:

"We've Got Each Other" (1977-78)

"Mona McCluskey" (1965)

"One In A Million" (1980)

"A.E.S. Hudson Street" (1978)

"A Touch Of Grace" (1973)

"Women in Prison" (1987)

"Checking In" (1981)

"All's Fair" (1976)

I'm sure there are tons more. Brian, what do you think?

10/16/2009 7:37 AM

Member since: 5/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
He didn't answer so obviously he doesn't think too much about it.

10/16/2009 8:13 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Well, this is the 50's portion of the forum, and not one show listed was from the 50's. In fact most were from the 70's or 80's. And I started this thread asking specifically about 50's shows Shout might have in the works.

I'm not saying those other shows wouldn't be interesting, or that the idea in general isn't a neat idea.

Gary "still keeping my fingers crossed for some good Father Knows Best news to be forthcoming" O.

10/16/2009 9:15 AM

SparkleRC

Member since: 9/21/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

~ha,ha~ I was thinking the same thing.

Sorry for the confusion of tv eras. I didn't even think about which forum I was in when I posted my reply. I got caught up in the conversation of the thread. But, it would be a great idea for any era of tv past. In fact, they could do a collection with volumes from each decade. I still think it's an interesting idea...just not one that was well-received, I guess.

----- Original Post -----
by bencasey at 10/16/2009 7:37:40 AM

He didn't answer so obviously he doesn't think too much about it.

10/16/2009 9:26 AM

Member since: 5/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

I don't think it could be done unless maybe you could work a deal with all of the obscure shows coming from one specific studio. But of course the other problem is elements. It's not like in the old days when there were 16mm prints on every series. The studios tossed out their 16mm libraries years ago. So now if you wanted to get episodes of these unseen shows, they would have to go back and transfer from 35mm and that can cost big $$$.

10/16/2009 9:26 AM

Member since: 5/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

10/16/2009 9:28 AM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
We do have some ideas for further compilations, but obviously, it will be mostly determined by the success of the upcoming Merry Sitcom. So get the word out. If compilations are a good idea, we definitely want to be a part of 'em! Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

10/16/2009 9:49 AM

SparkleRC

Member since: 9/21/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

I would be willing to buy a compilation even if the shows didn't look "remastered" because I would take into consideration all the things said by bencasey. So, if that's an issue, I'd rather take the obscurity any way I can get it. Let's hope the Merry Sitcoms compilation does well. Although, with those episodes already on dvd in some form, I think a compilation of rarities unavailable elsewhere could sell even better.

12/3/2009 8:12 AM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Brian,

Just wanted to say thanks for a few things and then ask one question:

1) Thanks for keeping Father Knows Best in the rotation! Glad Season 4 is upcoming in March!!

2) Thanks for the Merry Sitcom compilation. I loved that Window on Main Street Christmas episode even though I agree with you it was rather melancholic until right at the end. Thanks to you guys at Shout so much for making a long desired Christmas wish come true with the inclusion of that rarity! I do hope you guys can do more Christmas compilations in the future.

3) Thanks for keeping the Mister Ed and Patty Duke dvds coming as well. I look forward to the Season 2 sets of both.

Now for my question. I have it on good authority that Shout will be releasing a dvd set of The Goldbergs in the very near future. This is another huge rarity show and if it's true that you guys will be putting a set out soon then it's great, great news. Can you comment?

Take care and thanks again, Brian.

Gary

12/3/2009 10:11 AM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Hmmm... I'm not sure that I can. Lemme check on that. Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

12/3/2009 12:53 PM

Member since: 6/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Thanks Brian. That's all I needed to hear... errr... see! LOL Gary ----- Original Post ----- by B Ward at 12/3/2009 10:11:53 AM Hmmm... I'm not sure that I can. Lemme check on that. Brian "Know Thyself" --Thales

12/3/2009 11:14 PM

Cronos

Member since: 4/14/2009

RE: Question for Brian Ward
One show from the 50's I would like to see released is Cheyenne. Warner Bros. released the first season a few years ago so I'm guessing their not going to release anymore. I wonder if Shout Factory would have any interest in that or would the fan base be to small now?

12/11/2009 12:16 AM

cingramaol
View Profile: cingramaol

Member since: 12/11/2009

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Brian,

Have you ever thought of releasing a DVD set of programs from the DuMont Network? Many kinescopes still exist at the UCLA archives, the Paley Center(s), and the MBC in Chicago. Alpha Video has issued one DVD each of Captain Video (which only has a handful of surviving episodes) and Rocky King, Detective, but other than those, most of the remaining DuMont programs have been ignored or forgotten. As you can tell from my sig, I have a personal interest. :)

Regards,

Clarke Ingram - Webmaster

DuMont Television Network

Historical Web Site

12/15/2009 2:55 PM

Member since: 1/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward

Hmmm... I see a vague lateral connection somehow. I'm not sure if those in acquisitions have looked into this. I'll certainly pass it along.

Brian

----- Original Post -----
by cingramaol at 12/11/2009 12:16:55 AM

Brian,

Regards,

Clarke Ingram - Webmaster

DuMont Television Network

Historical Web Site

"Know Thyself" --Thales

12/30/2009 4:10 PM

Member since: 5/12/2007

RE: Question for Brian Ward
Now that you guys, through our friend at Smore, are buddies with UCLA, perhaps some future deals can be worked on to release some of their vast holdings. 3rd and 4th season Mr. Peepers would be great but there are some other things I'm thinking of. Such as The Jack Benny Program, which UCLA controls through the Benny estate. That would certainly be a worthwhile property to investigate.

12/31/2009 7:15 AM