Shout! Factory, the DVD producer and distributor responsible for a great many wonderful things in my DVD collection…
Like this…
…made the case for DVD
and Blu-Ray, over streaming, at their website -- HERE. It's a MUST-READ!
I agree with every word,
and wish to share it with all of you.
There's a great quote
therein: "When I die, they'll be able to open up my movie
cabinets and say "THIS is WHO he was." ...Scary as that may be.
Consider, in my case, that’s
a collection that contains material as diverse as (You can take links for ALL FOUR of them!)...
And a healthy dose of THIS!
…And I’d agree with that
“scary part”.
What say you all?
14 comments:
You know, Joe, I have almost all featured DVD sets. And I agree with the value of the value of "hardcopy" discs completely.
Thanks, Mykal! I can’t understand why more folks don’t feel that way!
Always glad to see you ‘round here. Everyone, go to Mykal’s Blog, and you’ll always see some great stuff!
When I was commented on your “Ask And I Shall Receive… Again!” post, I was bitter about the down sizing of the DVD market. The cover, inside packaging, and bonus features, were the aspects I looked forward to in a DVD set. When they were lacking in releases, digital releases looked promising.
Thanks to the article you presented, it renewed my interest in DVDs!
The only lacking from my collection are: The remaining “Looney Tunes”, “Huck”, “Quick Draw”, and final season of “DuckTales”.
When I wake up, I feel proud at my DVD collection. The shows are reflective of my diverse interests from “BEWITCHED” - “TOP CAT”.
The only exception - where I purchased an entire series on iTunes instead of purchasing a DVD set was “THE A- TEAM”.The price for the series was cheaper on iTunes, than buying it from Amazon on DVD.
Adel:
BEWITCHED and TOP CAT… Got ‘em both, I’m happy to say. And I suspect we probably have a lot more in common on our shelves, as well!
Also, not surprisingly, the things you feel that make DVDs special, are the same for me. Features like that are something you didn’t have on a VHS tape, and won’t have (certainly not to that extent) on a download.
“Looney Tunes”, “Huck”, “Quick Draw”, and final season of “DuckTales” are wishes for me too – but I doubt we’ll ever get all that. So, I’m thankful – and amazed – at the extent of the stuff we DID get. And, that we STILL CONTINUE to get!
Just got the MISTER MAGOO Theatrical set this week. I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with that. I never saw those cartoons before, only the made-for-TV-ones from the early ’60s.
I would not be surprised by the overlap of DVD in our collection!
“The Chronological Donald Vol. 1” was the introduction to how amazing DVDs could be.
A year later, I was browsing “Future Shop”, when I was attracted by the cover of “Top Cat: The Complete Series”. I had an urge to own the DVD immediately, despite not having watched the show. The following day marked the last day of grade seven. My mom purchased it as a reward for a good report card. The episodes were extremely enjoyable. I was overwhelmed with how it was dripping over with: Commentaries, interviews, and an artwork gallery.
I never knew you were a fan of “Bewitched”. Do you have the entire series or the York seasons? Hope you don’t mind how we’re diverting from the original topic.
I am GRATEFUL for what has been released, and remain optimistic about what will come on the DVD frontier..
Adel:
The TOP CAT Complete Series DVD, in my opinion was one of the best DVD packages ever! As with the LOONEY TUNES GOLDEN COLLECTIONS and POPEYE Volume One, Warner Home Video really went over and above for that one. …And, alas, that’s something they’ve rarely done since the GOLDEN COLLECTIONS ended. TOP CAT was certainly the best Hanna-Barbera DVD set, in terms of features.
If you saw TOP CAT for the first time on DVD, I’m sure you enjoyed it. It was one of the very best Hanna-Barbera series, and should have had a longer run than it did.
I purchased the BEWITCHED Complete Series Set that was released some months ago, and am slowly working my way through it, just reaching the end of Season One now (…if only my time for DVD watching weren’t so limited)
On TV I watched BEWITCHED from the beginning of its TV run, and am quite sure I saw the premiere episode. But, have rarely seen it since, until now. Also saw it’s crossover with THE FLINTSTONES on first run, and remember being excited about that.
In fact, I’m somewhat surprised at how “adult” or “mature” the first season was, vs. what I recall (from many years back) of later seasons. I particularly loved Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz! I thought they were very funny as a kid, and think they’re very funny now!
Oh, and I did skip ahead to watch one episode: “Samantha on the Keyboard” (1968), which guest starred Jonathan Harris of LOST IN SPACE, with frequent LOST IN SPACE guest star Fritz Feld. I remember seeing that one on TV and (given that it was fall of 1968) if anyone wondered what “Fourth Season Doctor Smith” would have looked like, just watch this episode of BEWITCHED.
Harris also appeared in another episode from 1970, which I’ve never seen because I’d stopped watching BEWITCHED by that point. So, I’m looking forward to that as well.
Oh, and we haven’t “diverted from the topic”, around here we MAKE the topic – evolving it as we go!
"TOP CAT” and “THE JETSONS” definitely should have lasted longer. While both shows did not receive a renewal,, they had a longer life in the comic books.
My dad is not sure as to sure wether the renewal of “Top Cat” would have been worth while. He was surprised as to why “THE JETSONS” weren’t renewed. Even layout artist on the original run, Jerry Eisenberg (son of Harvey) was disappointed by it’s cancelation.
Last summer, I had started with the first season of “Bewitched” with my father. He is the one that receives credit for introducing me to: The Simpsons, Bugs Bunny, Top Cat, Uncle Scrooge, and Pink Panther.
The crossover episode “Samantha” is also one of my handful of favourites from “THE FLINTSTONES”.
The Kravitzes are enjoyable. I like how Gladys shrieks Abner and her hysterical expressions; Abner is non-plussed by Gladys’ news about Samantha.
I agree with how episodes in the first season were more mature. I was surprised by the episode “It Shouldn’t Happen To A Dog” the extent Mr. Barker flirted with Samantha. She explains to Darrin why she turned Barker into a dog, and tells him he attacked her, Darrin blames it on the nightgown she’s wearing. Darrin was more concerned about the client rather than the safety of his wife!
“A Is For Aardvark” would be one of the favourites. It proposes an interesting question - Wether you enjoy more things more if you have to strive for them.The final scene of the third act, where Samantha breakdowns about how the gifts are meaningful. A touching scene enlightened by the chemistry between Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York.
I am not familiar with “Lost In Space”. I understand how exciting it is when a pair of actors, who have starred in one show together, later guest star together.
Adel:
I’ll break this comment into three parts, to be certain Blogger accepts it all. One each for TOP CAT, BEWITCHED, and LOST IN SPACE…
You write: “TOP CAT and THE JETSONS definitely should have lasted longer. While both shows did not receive a renewal, they had a longer life in the comic books.”
And, I was there for ALL of it… even those wretched Charltons! I liked the ‘90s Archie and DC material but, to me, the ‘60s Gold Key (and Dell for Top Cat) issues will never be topped – in terms of art, story, and overall format of content.
And, yes… I’ve wondered what second or third season TOP CAT might have been like, how it would have changed / evolved, etc. My guess is it would have become more like “half hour Yogi Bear episodes”. You can see some plots in later Yogi Bear cartoons that might have benefited from an expanded (half hour) format, like “A Bear Pair” (Trip to Paris), “Gleesome Threesome” (Yogi and Boo-Boo horn in on Ranger Smith’s Florida vacation), and “Slap-Happy Birthday” (Yogi arranges a party for Ranger Smith). But, they would have been about TC and Officer Dibble instead. …But, that’s just my pure speculation.
More on BEWITCHED: Did you notice the “Kravitz tribute characters” in the ‘90s SUPERMAN ANIMATED SERIES episode “Warrior Queen”? ..Not to mention a cameo by Lobo! That was one of my favorites of the series!
“It Shouldn’t Happen To A Dog” is a great example of what I mean when I say that the First Season episodes played “more mature”. “That Was My Wife”, dealing more explicitly than I would have expected in 1965 with the subject of extra-marital affairs (…and something that went completely over my head as little kid) was another.
Before responding to your comment, I watched “A Is For Aardvark” again last night, and that may very well be the best episode of the series! Certainly, ONE of the best! I can’t imagine (with my recollections) anything done in later seasons topping it! That was one amazing moment, at episode’s climax, for a sit-com about a suburban domesticated witch!
LOST IN SPACE has been, and will always be, one of my most favorite TV series. Check out the many references to it on this Blog. Its look, feel, and attitude is right out of that mid-sixties era that I love so much, yet it is uniquely (and wonderfully) bizarre in its own way! I don’t think that sci-fi core concepts, fifties drive-in film sensibilities, and outright humor have ever been so effectively combined.
Jonathan Harris created a “character for the ages” in Doctor Zachary Smith – and when he wasn’t stealing the show, the family was the type I wanted to be a part of! But, safely on Earth, in a warm and cozy home, of course!
If you’d take a recommendation from me, I’d say try the DVD set LOST IN SPACE Season Three, Volume One. It’s the one pictured in this post! That was the show at its best, traveling from planet to planet, and nicely balancing the conventional aspects of Season One and the overly fanciful ones of Season Two. And, it had what I consider to be the greatest “Opening Theme / Credits Sequence” in ALL of television! The freeze-frame countdown! It’s not very expensive these days, and you don’t really need to have seen the show in episode-order to enjoy it – as was the case with most series of that era. I’d be interested in your reaction, if you try it.
Oh yes… LOST IN SPACE cast members also seen in the First Season of BEWITCHED were Billy Mumy (Will Robinson) in “A Vision of Sugar Plums” the GREAT Christmas episode, and June Lockhart (Maureen Robinson) in “Little Pitchers have Big Fears”. …Just because we like making such observations around here.
Finally, if your dad introduced you to such wonderful things as Bewitched, The Simpsons, Bugs Bunny, Top Cat, Uncle Scrooge, and Pink Panther, then he is one incredible dad! I mean that in all sincerity! I sure would have enjoyed something similar in my day! This humble Blogger salutes him – and also you as the beneficiary of it all!
On other interest I can’t believe I forgot was “The A-TEAM”. I am not sure if you are familiar with it. The interplay between the members, action sequences of cars crashing, and the morality. It’s described as a live action cartoon.
I am grateful to have a dad, which I can share the mutual interests. It’s all the more fun to discuss it with you. When I was in grade six, we were making “Father's Day” cards in the computer lab. I adorned my card with many pictures of Scrooge and Donald comics. My friends asked me why I was putting pictures of the Ducks. I explained it was a joint passion.
The less said about the “Charlton” line, the better. Ray Dirgos’ style it has an odd appearance. “H-B” comics were at it’s finest when published by “Dell” and later Gold Key.
I really appreciate your observations, it adds to the enjoyment, when you can find cast connections between shows.
Curious if the premise of “Lost In Space” was based on the Gold Key series “Space Family Robinson”; Originally the Duck Master suggested it to current editor Craig Chase, but nothing came of it.I watched a snippet on YouTube of Dr. Zacchary Smith, they way he exclaims “Oh, the pain, the pain” is humorous. Any show that has your “Joe” of approval is worth checking out! I haven’t even had time to see “Batman: T.A.S.”
I haven’t seen the SUPERMAN episode “Warrior Queen", but I like the use of the tribute “Kravitzes”.
The first ”BEWITCHED" episode I watched was, “Help Help Don’t Save Me”. I had heard him Mr. Caldwell somewhere, but I could not place a name to the face. When I saw the name Charlie Ruggles in the credits, I pointed out to my dad how he preformed Aseop in “Aseop and Son” segment of “ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE”. He had a rhythmic cadence to his voice, which recounted entertaining allegories.
The magic aspect was secondary to the issues covered in the first season, i.e.: Discovering that you are married to an older woman.
The most entertaining aspect of viewing shows from the sixties is, you get a sense of what the environment was like. A similar feeling is received when reading Carl Barks’ later stories.
I am impressed by how rapidly you fire of these replies. I can’t believe the amount of detail you put in. :)
Adel:
I have had periods of my life (many of them, actually) where events were so good and exciting, or so bad and disastrous, that (…as difficult as it may be for anyone reading this Blog to believe) I paid little or no attention to products of entertainment. THE A TEAM aired during such a period – fortunately, however, it was a period of the former. Not to mention, a period where what time I *DID HAVE* was almost strictly devoted to comic books, over television.
It could be something I might “circle back around to” someday, as I’ve done (on DVD) with other series that I failed to take full advantage of during original runs, but it would have a fair amount of competition. I’m also down on the later seventies thru mid-eighties’ TV product in general. But, you never know.
I’m impressed (…and simultaneously offer you my deepest sympathies) that you know so much about the Charlton Era of Hanna-Barbera comics, given your presumed age group! Ray Dirgo was all wrong for that style (I think I found out in the ‘90s that he was a circus clown, or in some other way affiliated with a regional traveling circus), but it wasn’t ONLY him!
ALL the Charlton artists were wrong for that type of comic book, especially following in the footsteps of Gold Key’s Pete Alvarado, Phil DeLara, Tony Strobl, John Carey, and especially the great Harvey Eisenberg! I think there was one artist (Phil Mendez?) who was “interesting”, but in a very bizarre sort of way, that still was not appropriate for these characters. I kinda enjoyed him back then, even if he didn’t fit the mold. And, the WRITING, if you could call it that, was worse. How were they able to get away with producing stuff of the poor quality that they did?!
There probably was some borrowing of the original concept of “Space Family Robinson” for what became TV’s LOST IN SPACE, even down to the use of the family name Robinson. BUT, LOST IN SPACE became its own wonderful entity that would bear NO resemblance to the comic! You must get a taste of it someday, particularly at the 3rd season point I recommend.
At least in terms of “entertainment products”, The Sixties were a GLORIOUS time to be a kid! I wouldn’t trade it for any past or subsequent period! Ah, but you’re seeing that for yourself right now, aren’t you?
The comment replies reflect the level of pure fun this Blog has become for me, and the great value I place upon readers’ comments. I look at it as a place to discuss (as the masthead says) “The Things That Interest Me”, and where commenters are invited to join in to the fullest extent, and be treated with respect! I’m very proud of that, and am equally proud of the level of quality comments left by those who elect to do so!
Joe:
I have experienced years that are memorable or miserable that you wish you could erase it. When the time arises, you can circle back to any series, no matter how long it’s been. It was last year that my fascination of “THE SIMPSONS” returned, it was very enjoyable re-watching Season 15.
Thanks for the complement! As a kid, I always found my tastes to be on the queer spectrum. No other grade six student had a affinity for the Disney Ducks, but myself. In later years, I have come to appreciate how my tastes differ from everyone else.
You could say that “Charlton” was a charlatan to the “H-B” universe. It was tempting to utilize that pun. There wasn’t that care in characterization.
Thankfully Mark Evanier’s stellar writting remedied that situation with Marvel Comics. I have not read many “Hanna-Barbera” comics, however I enjoyed “Tin Can Town" in HANNA-BARBERA SPOTLIGHT. The good part was that finally there were credits. It was interesting to see Huck and Yogi interact, this was before I saw the interstials. Oddly T.C. was the odd cat out that did not receive his own issue.
My dad recalls how each year “Hanna-Barbera” each year were bursting out with a new character with his own comic. He was exposed to the comics first, eventually watched the shows later.
“THE JETSONS” is an extremely enjoyable show. I can imagine how exciting a show it was when it premiered.
After years of expertise, how can you tell which writer was responsible for a story?
From reading your blog, I discovered how versatile writer Vic Lockman was in writting for Disney, Warner-Bros, and Hanna-Barbera.
Many artists (Carl Barks, Tony Strobl, Paul Murry, Harvey Eisenberg) were fortunate to be recognized, but there are number that HAVE yet to been discovered for instance Tom McKimson.
I refer to your blog as a pure nostalgia fest. The only fuel that is driven on is the interests of yesteryear. I could not say it any better than you did about the sixties. BRAVO!!
Adel:
Funny thing: I once had a spellchecker that offered “Charlatan” to replace “Charlton”. I thought it was very fitting.
That whole early-to-mid sixties era was very exciting, particularly if you liked Hanna-Barbera cartoons! And I sure DID! Both in animation and the tie-in comics!
As for telling who wrote an uncredited story, there’s no exact science. It comes down to “getting a feel” for a certain writer’s work. I’ve kinda developed that for Vic Lockman, Carl Fallberg, Bob Gregory, Bob Ogle, and Michael Maltese. (Yes, the Michael Maltese who wrote many of the best cartoons ever made!) But, it REALLY IS guesswork.
And Vic Lockman wrote pretty much every “funny animal” title to come out of Western Publishing. The tendency toward alliteration (which I’ve often copied in my own work) and endings where a character “uses an object for something other than its intended use” are two typical giveaways. Don’t ask me to be that specific in identifying the works of others. It’s often just an unidentifiable “feel”.
And, since you really are a sixties fancier you should get the Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960s VOLUME ONE and VOLUME TWO, to get a better feel for how these shows were presented back then. I KNOW you’ll enjoy those – with Volume Two being the superior volume. …And please excuse my “garish colors phase”, back when I posted on Volume One.
Post a Comment