Monday, November 08, 2010
BET 2010 Holiday Sitcom Marathons; Network Notes Includes Cancelation of Undercovers
Today we will let you know of the holiday sitcom marathons this year for BET! We mentioned a few weeks ago that Everybody Hates Chris will get a marathon on Friday, Nov. 26, but now the times are changed. The marathon will now air from 9am-7pm instead of 9am-4pm...so more Chris! The same goes true for Bernie Mac on Saturday, Nov. 27, as the marathon has been extended to 9am-7:30pm instead of 9am-2pm!
So all of that was for Thanksgiving weekend, but what about Christmas and New Year's? Well we have that for you today! From Monday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 24, spend Christmas week with Everybody Hates Chris each day that week from 1pm-6pm, preempting regular programming. Then on Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25), spend the holiday with America's favorite family, the Huxtable family, in a marathon of The Cosby Show from 10am-8pm, which includes the two-hour special The Cosby Show: A Look Back at 6pm. The Cosby Show airs regularly on sister network Centric everyday.
And finally, ring in 2011 with a marathon of The Game! The sitcom will air Saturday, Jan. 1 from 9am-1am and continues on Sunday, Jan. 2 from 1pm-11pm! And remember this is a countdown to the new season of The Game, which returns after 2 years on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 10pm.
NBC has canceled freshman drama Undercovers. As of now, seven episodes have aired, with possibly three more airing until Dec. 1 in its Wednesdays at 8pm timeslot. The series will wrap up production after its 13 episode order is fulfilled. The action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership was from J.J. Abrams.
If all three of those scheduled episodes air, that would mean ten episodes will have aired, with three still on the shelf. NBC could burn those three off on Saturdays, like they are right now with the canceled Outlaw. As previously announced, The Sing-Off will air on Dec. 8 and 15 in this timeslot. NBC also announced that two airings of game show Minute to Win It will air in the timeslot on Dec. 22 and 29. NBC has not announced what will actually replace Undercovers, but it should happen on Jan. 5. NBC has plenty of mid-season series to come with dramas The Cape, Love Bites and Harry's Law along with comedies Friends with Benefits, The Paul Reiser Show, and Perfect Couples. NBC also has a new season of comedy Parks and Recreation, new seasons of reality series The Marriage Ref & Who Do You Think You Are and new reality series America's Next Great Restaurant. Perhaps NBC will just stick with Minute to Win It, however in this slot after its Dec. 22 and 29 airings (in addition to its holiday episode airings on Tuesdays at 8 on Dec. 7, 14 and 21). With three new mid-season comedies and a returning comedy to come, perhaps NBC expands its Thursday comedy block until 11pm? Still plenty of updates to come for NBC, as they are still in terrible shape.
Finally, as ABC and NBC are airing holiday themed short series during the month of December (Skating with the Stars for ABC and The Sing-Off & Minute to Win It for NBC), Fox has also announced a four-night event. Million Dollar Money Drop, the ultimate high-stakes game show, created and produced by Endemol, the masterminds behind Deal or No Deal, gives a team $1 million in cold, hard cash and all they have to do to keep it is correctly answer seven multiple-choice questions. Actor and comedian Kevin Pollak will host the suspense-filled game show premiering Monday, Dec. 20 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and airing on four consecutive nights, Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 9:00 PM ET/PT and Thursday, Dec. 23 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on Fox. Additional airdates are to be announced (meaning based on if these four episodes do well or not).
So all of that was for Thanksgiving weekend, but what about Christmas and New Year's? Well we have that for you today! From Monday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 24, spend Christmas week with Everybody Hates Chris each day that week from 1pm-6pm, preempting regular programming. Then on Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25), spend the holiday with America's favorite family, the Huxtable family, in a marathon of The Cosby Show from 10am-8pm, which includes the two-hour special The Cosby Show: A Look Back at 6pm. The Cosby Show airs regularly on sister network Centric everyday.
And finally, ring in 2011 with a marathon of The Game! The sitcom will air Saturday, Jan. 1 from 9am-1am and continues on Sunday, Jan. 2 from 1pm-11pm! And remember this is a countdown to the new season of The Game, which returns after 2 years on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 10pm.
NBC has canceled freshman drama Undercovers. As of now, seven episodes have aired, with possibly three more airing until Dec. 1 in its Wednesdays at 8pm timeslot. The series will wrap up production after its 13 episode order is fulfilled. The action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership was from J.J. Abrams.
If all three of those scheduled episodes air, that would mean ten episodes will have aired, with three still on the shelf. NBC could burn those three off on Saturdays, like they are right now with the canceled Outlaw. As previously announced, The Sing-Off will air on Dec. 8 and 15 in this timeslot. NBC also announced that two airings of game show Minute to Win It will air in the timeslot on Dec. 22 and 29. NBC has not announced what will actually replace Undercovers, but it should happen on Jan. 5. NBC has plenty of mid-season series to come with dramas The Cape, Love Bites and Harry's Law along with comedies Friends with Benefits, The Paul Reiser Show, and Perfect Couples. NBC also has a new season of comedy Parks and Recreation, new seasons of reality series The Marriage Ref & Who Do You Think You Are and new reality series America's Next Great Restaurant. Perhaps NBC will just stick with Minute to Win It, however in this slot after its Dec. 22 and 29 airings (in addition to its holiday episode airings on Tuesdays at 8 on Dec. 7, 14 and 21). With three new mid-season comedies and a returning comedy to come, perhaps NBC expands its Thursday comedy block until 11pm? Still plenty of updates to come for NBC, as they are still in terrible shape.
Finally, as ABC and NBC are airing holiday themed short series during the month of December (Skating with the Stars for ABC and The Sing-Off & Minute to Win It for NBC), Fox has also announced a four-night event. Million Dollar Money Drop, the ultimate high-stakes game show, created and produced by Endemol, the masterminds behind Deal or No Deal, gives a team $1 million in cold, hard cash and all they have to do to keep it is correctly answer seven multiple-choice questions. Actor and comedian Kevin Pollak will host the suspense-filled game show premiering Monday, Dec. 20 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and airing on four consecutive nights, Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 9:00 PM ET/PT and Thursday, Dec. 23 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on Fox. Additional airdates are to be announced (meaning based on if these four episodes do well or not).
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Week 7 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did
2010-11 Week 7 TV Ratings (first four nights of the season, Mon-Thu):
Households: #1. ABC 7.4/11.9 rating/share; #2. CBS 7.0/11.3; #3. Fox 4.8/7.7; #4. NBC 3.9/6.2; #5. The CW 1.5/2.3
Total Viewers: #1. ABC 11.53 million; #2. CBS 11.48 million; #3. Fox 8.07 million; #4. NBC 6.1 million; #5. The CW 2.26 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. CBS 3.1/8.4 rating/share; #2. ABC 3.0/8.2; #3. Fox 2.5/6.8; #4. NBC 2.1/5.7; #5. The CW 1.0/2.8.
Week 7 (Nov. 1-7) Analysis: The first full week of sweeps has ABC and CBS battling in all categories, with ABC first in HH/viewers and CBS by a tenth in 18-49 through the first four nights. So, through the first four days, ABC has the lead in HH/viewers, but second in 18-49. CBS has to settle for second in HH/viewers, but first in 18-49 by a hair. Fox is third across the board, thanks to no baseball. NBC is back in the familiar fourth across the board with no NFL until tonight. This could change like usual after tonight, due to NFL overrun on CBS, so expect CBS to take the week in all categories. Last week, week 6, had Fox in first in all categories thanks to the World Series and an NFL overrun on Sunday, beating CBS who had won the first five weeks. CBS was second in HH/viewers but tied for second in 18-49 with ABC. ABC was third in HH/viewers, while NBC was fourth across the board.
Monday still has ABC on top, like all season but Fox won in 18-49 because of World Seres Game 5. The game did 14.74 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating in primetime (14.95 and a 4.2 18-49 rating overall). For ABC, a two-hour Dancing with the Stars won the total viewer race with 19.93 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, down some from previous week. Next an all-new Castle did a solid 11.27 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, down a bit from the previous week's season highs. Next up was CBS with its comedies and the new Hawaii Five-0. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother started it off with 8.88 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, up sharply from previous week's 18-49 numbers. At 8:30, Rules of Engagement did 8.69 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, up from the previous week and to season highs. Two and a Half Men followed with 13.64 million and a 4.7 18-49 rating, down some in viewers but up in 18-49 from previous week. At 9:30, Mike & Molly did 10.75 million and a 3.6 18-49 rating, both down a lick from previous week. A new Hawaii Five-0 was next and did 10.86 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, both up some from previous week, and for the first time it went up in 18-49 from previous week. Fox preempted House and Lie To Me for Game 5 clincher of the World Series as the Giants beat the Rangers. NBC followed with the consistent Chuck doing only at 5.47 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, up a tenth in 18-49 from previous week. From 9-11pm The Event and Chase were preempted for the sweeps special Women of SNL which did 5.42 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, only a bit up from the normal schedule in 18-49 for the two-hours. The CW was next, with 90210 doing 2.0 million and Gossip Girl at 1.82 million...both are under performing and down a bit from previous week. CW was preempted though in Houston for MNF simulcast.
Tuesday had ABC win the night on this Election night. CBS had a repeat of NCIS opening the night off with 11.52 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, which are still good numbers, especially total viewers. A repeat of NCIS: Los Angeles was next and did 10.72 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, like the lead-in. And finally CBS preempted The Good Wife for Election coverage and CBS News coverage failed to deliver with only 5.86 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. ABC was first on this night. No Ordinary Family was preempted on this night as Dancing with the Stars Results Show aired from 8pm-9:30pm due to Election night and did 16.93 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, both up from previous week, as we shockingly said goodbye to Rick Fox. Come on America, Bristol Palin was clearly the one to go. ABC had to preempt Detroit 1-8-7 for ABC News Vote 2010 coverage from 9:30pm-10:55pm doing 6.79 million and a 1.5 18-49 rating. Fox had a repeat of Glee on Election night doing 5.15 million and a 1.9 18-49. Next Raising Hope and Running Wilde were preempted for Election coverage from Fox doing only 2.81 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating. NBC was next with a shortened The Biggest Loser episode in the 8pm hour doing 6.64 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, on par with previous week's season lows. A Next was NBC News coverage of the Election from 9pm-10:36pm doing 6.36 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, as Parenthood was preempted. The CW was all-new with the only new scripted programming of the night, as One Tree Hill did just 1.82 million, followed by an even worse Life UneXpected at just 1.5 million.
Wednesday it was CBS on top. CBS started the night off with Survivor: Nicaragua at 12.3 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, both up some from previous week. Veteran drama Criminal Minds did 14.58 million and a 3.9 A18-49 rating, sharply up from previous week. At 10pm, The Defenders aired and did 9.94 million and a 2.3 18-49 rating, both up some from previous week. CBS was up because of no baseball this week. ABC started off with its Laugh On comedy block with The Middle doing 9.42 million and tying a series best again with a 2.9 18-49 rating. The new sitcom Better With You was next and did 7.73 million and tied a series best again with a 2.5 18-49 rating, up in viewers from previous week for its second best numbers ever beating the previous week. The mammoth Modern Family was next and did 12.24 million and a 4.8 18-49 rating, both off from previous week. A new episode of Cougar Town did 7.43 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, down some from previous week, but still solid. At 10pm, ABC aired the special In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville doing 6.13 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating, up from previous week's The Whole Truth by a lot. NBC opened the night with the recently canceled Undercovers doing 5.91 million and only a 1.3 18-49 rating, up a bit from previous week in viewers but a series low in 18-49. At 9, Law & Order: SVU was next doing 8.14 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, below normal. A new Law & Order: Los Angeles was next and did 7.83 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, also below normal. Maybe the repeat from previous week messed them up? Fox aired two repeats of Hell's Kitchen at 3.28 million/3.13 million and a 1.4/1.3 18-49 rating, as a Game 6 of the World Series wasn't necessary. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at 2.96 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, and a new episode of Hellcats followed with a could-be better 1.94 million.
Thursday it was a battle between CBS and ABC. ABC opened the night with a previous week encore of Grey's Anatomy doing its usual business at 4.29 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. Then an all-new Grey's Anatomy followed with 11.92 million and a 4.3 A18-49 rating, both up from previous week. Another fantastic episode, I think. A new episode of Private Practice was next doing 10.18 million and a 3.9 18-48 rating, WAY up from previous week with a very special episode. Its highest ratings since January and its highest margin of victory in the 10pm hour ever. This was by far the highest rated 10pm hour for a regular series since week one (Hawaii Five-0 premiere did a 3.9). CBS opened with The Big Bang Theory at 14.0 million and a 4.6 A18-49 rating, up from previous week and best showings since the season premiere. Eliza Dushku factor? Then $#*! My Dad Says followed with 11.02 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, also up from previous week, but a lower retention rate than previous week from the lead-in. A new CSI followed and did 13.96 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week in viewers but the same 18-49. A new episode of The Mentalist did 14.42 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week. Fox started with a new Bones doing 9.26 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating, solid, but Fringe dropped the ball with only 4.8 million and a 1.8 18-49 rating. NBC was in the familiar fourth place in viewers, as Community did 4.61 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, lower than previous week's special 8:30pm airing. At 8:30, 30 Rock was back after a week off doing an OK 5.31 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating. At 9pm The Office jumped to 7.65 million and a 3.8 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week. A new Outsourced closed the comedy block with 5.74 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, on par really from previous week. At 10, The Apprentice closed the night with only 4.04 million and a 1.4 18-49...just plain bad, but up some in viewers from previous week. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries did great with 3.63 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, followed by Nikita at 2.41 million and a 0.9 18-49 rating. The latter could be better.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS nipped by ABC again in 18-49 on Friday with their dramas. Fox's Good Guys and NBC's School Pride did terrible again with under a 1 ratings...just how long can these keep airing? ABC had a great showing from Primetime: What Would You Do again at 9, beating NBC's Dateline from 9-11.
Saturday numbers had Fox win its normal crime reality line-up, besting ABC's Saturday Night College Football coverage which was below normal. Everything else was repeats or burn-offs (Outlaw).
Tonight are new episodes for ABC Sunday (AFV, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters). NBC has the Packers/Cowboys NFL game which should be higher than previous week's game. CBS has the NFL overrun tonight followed by its normal Sunday line-up, which includes Undercover Boss, airing on a delay in E/C time zones. Fox's animation block is back from 7-10pm, with new episodes from 8-10. Look for all four nets to do well again on Sunday. CBS or NBC will win the night, thanks to NFL.
As for the week (week 7), CBS will win across the board. An NFL overrun tonight in the 7pm ET hour will seal that. ABC will be second in HH/viewers, but it will be close in 18-49 but they should hang on. Fox and NBC will battle for third in HH/viewers, but I think NBC will pass them in 18-49 after tonight's NFL game. As for the coming week (week 8), w have more specials such as the 44th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday at 8pm on ABC, which will have ABC win Wednesday despite TV's highest rated scripted series among 18-49 (Modern Family) being preempted.
Week 7 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week 6 -- Oct. 25-31)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - preempted for MLB World Series Game 4.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) - preempted for MLB World Series Game 4.
- Family Guy (Fox) - preempted for MLB World Series Game 4.
- American Dad! (Fox) - preempted for MLB World Series Game 4.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A new episode did 8.88 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, up from the previous week. 18-49 rating went up .5 from previous week. The best of the night.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - 8.69 million for a new episode is up from previous week, as is the 3.4 18-49 rating, as both were season highs. Deserves an impressive label this week.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 13.64 million for a new episode is down some week-to-week but its 4.7 18-49 rating was up from previous week. Still not that much up from all this Charlie Sheen hoopla...Mother and Rules were up more.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - 10.75 million for a new episode is down just a bit from the previous week again. 18-49 rating of 3.6 was down a tenth from previous week.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Raising Hope (Fox) - preempted for Election coverage.
- Running Wilde (Fox) - preempted for Election coverage.
- The Middle (ABC) - A new episode at 8pm did 9.42 million, down a tad from its series highs the previous week but it tied a series high with a 2.9 18-49 rating again. Great job!
- Better with You (ABC) - The new comedy did 7.73 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating. Up a bit in viewers and the same 18-49 rating from previous week, tying series highs in 18-49 again.
- Modern Family (ABC) - A new episode did 12.24 million and a 4.8 18-49 rating, both off some from previous week's series highs. It is still the top scripted series in 18-49 for the week even with the small drop.
- Cougar Town (ABC) - A new episode did 7.43 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A new episode did a solid 14.0 million, up a million from previous week and a 4.7 18-49 rating, up five tenths from previous week.
- S#*! My Dad Says (CBS) - Following the big lead-in again, a new episode did 11.02 million and a 3.4 18-49 rating, up week-to-week.
- Community (NBC) - A new episode at its normal 8pm time did only 4.61 million and a 1.9 A18-49 rating, down from previous week at 8:30.
- 30 Rock (NBC) - A new episode did only 5.31 million but a better 2.4 18-49 rating.
- The Office (NBC) - A new episode did 7.65 million and a 3.8 18-49 rating, both off some from previous week.
- Outsourced (NBC) - A new episode dropped to 5.74 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, but both were on par really week-to-week. This and S#*! are still alive actually.
Friday Sitcoms
- None.
Saturday Sitcoms
- None.
Airing tonight (Sunday) are Fox's animated comedies from 7-10, with new showings from 8-10.
Summing it up. Modern Family, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Mike & Molly, $#*! My Dad Says, The Middle, Rules of Engagement were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as 30 Rock, Outsourced) or just plain old terrible (such as Community).
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Digital Digest: V- The Complete First Season DVD Review; The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season DVD Review
We're back again (where else would we go?) for another edition of Digital Digest! It has been another one of those incredibly slow news weeks, but no matter how slow, we're always here to bring you what we do have! And this week, we have two blog reviews for you, including V - The Complete First Season and The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season. Let's get going!
DIGITAL NEWS
We were the first to bring you news of Warner Archive's Classic TV Christmas Collection two weeks ago, and now we have more information, including full episode information, for the set! It will be a three-disc collection containing 420 minutes of yultide joy, scheduled to be released on November 16 at a $34.95 MSRP. Of course, it will only be available as a manufacture-on-demand Warner Archive title, which you can purchase by clicking here. The episodes included on the set are as follows:
DIGITAL NEWS
We were the first to bring you news of Warner Archive's Classic TV Christmas Collection two weeks ago, and now we have more information, including full episode information, for the set! It will be a three-disc collection containing 420 minutes of yultide joy, scheduled to be released on November 16 at a $34.95 MSRP. Of course, it will only be available as a manufacture-on-demand Warner Archive title, which you can purchase by clicking here. The episodes included on the set are as follows:
- Dr. Kildare - "An Exchange of Gifts"
- The Courtship of Eddie's Father - "Gifts are for Giving"
- CHiPs - "Christmas Watch"
- Eight is Enough - "Yes Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus - Parts 1 & 2"
- Welcome Back, Kotter - "Sweathog Christmas Special"
- Alice - "A Semi-Merry Christmas"
- Mama's Family - "Mama Gets Goosed"
- Perfect Strangers - "The Gift of the Mypiot"
- Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Christmas Song"
- Suddenly Susan - "The Walk Out"
The good news here is that every single episode on this set is new to DVD, and none of these are from seasons of any of the series already released! You can see a full description of all of the episodes on the collection here.
While we are on the subject of Warner Archive, a while back, they released Night Court - The Complete Fourth Season. And as you may have read in our review, the set had some serious quality control issues. These issues apparently have not gone unnoticed by Warner. In fact, the title has been pulled and is no longer available for sale, although the exact reasons are unknown, and it is assumed that it'll be available for sale again when/if the problems are resolved. You can read details about it here.
Rules of Engagement seemed to be stalled on DVD for a while, but it seems that it is picking up once again now, and now, Rules of Engagement - The Complete Fourth Season is on the way! The two-disc release will be available on January 11 at a $29.95 MSRP. Hopefully, they'll get on track to release all remaining seasons after they air on TV!
That isn't the only series coming to DVD on January 11, though. Also coming out that day is the first season of the TV Land original sitcom, Hot in Cleveland! All ten episodes from the first season of the hit sitcom will be available in a two disc set at a $26.99 MSRP. Not many details are known about this set yet, but we'll let you know when we have them, because we know that many of you are interested!
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (11/9) is not a big day for releases, with the biggest release of the week being The Golden Girls - The Complete Series. However, other than the new packaging (a wicker purse), this set is essentially the same as the previously released season sets, and may not be of particular interest to some fans. Additionally, The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season (which we will be reviewing today) is being released on DVD. The three disc set contains fifteen episodes from the third season of the animated series. and plenty of special features
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Today we have not one but TWO reviews for you once again! We start off with a DVD review of V - The Complete First Season! They arrive! And you will want to see these "visitors" coming to Earth. Are they really of peace?
DVD Review: V - The Complete First Season
by Pavan
V - The Complete First Season (Warner Home Video, $39.98) brings us all 12 episodes of the remake series on DVD! V was originally a mini-series in 1983 (then later a series in 1984) and is now back as an all-new series in a more post-9/11 time. This version, tells the story of Earth's first alien encounter. The visitors - human-like beings who know our languages and provide other worldly gifts of technology and healing - arrive on massive motherships hovering over 29 major cities worldwide. Some consider them saviors in this post-9/11 world, while others feel differently. A fledgling resistance is on the rise, determined to reveal the shocking truth.
V stars Elizabeth Mitchell as FBI Agent Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack Landry, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie Stevens, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.
All 12 episodes are needed to be watched in order of course. I really enjoy this show. It is good TV. The first four episodes aired as an event in November 2009 over 4 weeks on Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC. The series premiere was the highest rated new series premiere among adults 18-49 last season with a 5.2 rating (14.3 million viewers overall). The remaining eight episodes returned in the spring, but in a later timeslot of Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC, thus ratings were down but DVR usage of the series was higher due to a later timeslot. Among my favorite of the 12 are "Pilot," where Visitor Leader Anna's image secures peace for all, but to some the visitors are a complete threat to the world, while FBI agent Erica Evans and Father Jack make a startling discovery. In the fall finale, "It's Only the Beginning," Anna wants Lisa to bring Tyler up to the Mothership for an important experiment with Lisa, while a warehouse full of vaccine donated by the Visitors explodes. In the spring return, "Welcome to the War," Erica finds her life in danger when she's attacked at home and a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses, while Anna wonders why Chad hasn't followed up on his diagnosed aneurysm and Ryan's concern grows over Val's "abnormal" pregnancy. In "John May," Erica, Ryan and Jack go on a harrowing mission to find the legendary John May in order to rescue Georgie, while Anna brings Chad aboard the Mothership for a story on her Live Aboard Program, and Tyler confronts his mom about his mysterious past. In "Fruition," Anna's daughter is the victim of a violent attack, while Erica and the team look for a scientist who may have created a weapon that the Visitors fear and Hobbes makes a deal with Marcus. In the season finale, "Red Sky" Val's water has just broken and is captured by Anna's soldier and taken to the mothership, where she serves as bait to draw Ryan to Anna, while Erica seizes an invitation to dinner with Anna and Lisa as an opportunity to destroy Anna's soldier eggs, and Chad begins to catch on to how he is being used. Recurring are David Richmond-Peck as Georgie Sutton, Christopher Shyer as Marcus, Alan Tudyk as Dale Maddox, and Mark Hildreth as Joshua. Guest stars include Michael Trucco as John May.
The episodes on this set are all unedited, obviously, with the episodes around 43 minutes. The pilot episode runs 47 minutes. Here are the runtimes for this set:
Disc 1
1. "Pilot" - 47:05
2. "There Is No Normal Anymore" - 42:52
3. "A Bright New Day" - 43:13
4. "It's Only the Beginning" - 42:57
Disc 2
5. "Welcome to the War" - 42:43
6. "Pound of Flesh" - 43:09
7. "John May" - 43:08
8. "We Can't Win" - 43:16
9. "Heretic's Fork" - 42:47
Disc 2
10. "Hearts and Minds" - 43:11
11. "Fruition" - 42:57
12. "Red Sky" - 43:08
Let's now move on to the packaging. We have a thin outer box holding a keep case. The cover art for both has the scary red V logo with a shot of the spaceship in the sky and the city skyline. There is a mention of The Complete First Season on the top and the tagline "We Are Of Peace. Always" on the bottom. The back of the outer box has the V logo again in the background, but this time we see actual V's inside. We also have info on the series and set as well, with a special features list. The back of the case has the famous Erica and Anna face shot, with it looking like they are one face. Inside the case we go, we have an episode booklet on the left. The front of that has the V logo again with a different shot of the city skyline. This booklet is very detailed and handy as we have episode details, all broken down disc-by-disc, with the episode number, title, writers/director, original airdate, and synopsis. We also have nice episodic artwork. There is also a page with a cast photo and credits. And the back page has a shot of the spaceship and city skyline again. As far as the discs itself go, the first two discs are inside a plastic holder. The plastic holder holds disc one on the front and disc two on the back and we can flip it like a page in a book. Disc three is on the right panel itself. The disc art is the same for each disc, with a V logo. Disc one has episodes 1-4. Disc two has 5-9. And disc three has episodes 10-12.
The menu screen is very cool. Background music from the show is playing in the background, as we have the V logo once again with a shot of the city skyline from the spaceship. We have options for Play, Episodes, Features, and Languages. Play of course plays them all at once for that disc. When we select Episodes, episode titles are listed and if they have a scissor icon, that means we have deleted scenes available for that episode. Features menu lists all the extras on that disc, even the deleted scenes again. And Languages have the option for either audio in English or Portuguese and subtitles in English, French, Espanol, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Thai.
The video is great, as it should be. This is the DVD version, but it still looks great. I am sure the Blu-ray version is even better. My DVD player upconverts to HD, so these episode look great to me. I have watched all 12 episodes on ABC in HD, and it looks just as good here. The audio is very good in Dolby Digital Surround sound. It is loud and clear not low at all. Each episode has 7 or 8 chapter stops.
As for special features, we have a WHOLE lot here. Disc three has the main extras, but each disc has something. We have deleted scenes on six episodes: "Pilot" (2 scenes, 1:35 total), "There Is No Normal Anymore" (6 scenes, 3:57 total), "John May" (2 scenes, 0:57 total), We Can't Win" (5 scenes, 4:43 total), "Hearts and Minds" (3 scenes, 4:37 total), and "Fruition" (3 scenes, 1:25 total).
Disc one has a featurette titled, "The Actor's Journey from Human to V" running 16:53. This features the cast discussing the techniques, challenges, and rewards in bringing this series to a new generation. Interviewed are Morena Baccarin, Christopher Shyer, Laura Vandervoort, Logan Huffman, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Scott Rosenbaum (executive producer), Elizabeth Mitchell, Scott Wolf, and Scott Peters (executive producer).
The rest of the special features are on disc three. First, we have audio commentary for the episode "Fruition" from executive producers Steve Pearlman and Scott Rosenbaum. They give a lot of neat tidbits. Then we have a very nice featurette called "Breaking Story: The World of V" that runs 16:35. We see how the producers were able to create a fresh perspective of the mythology of this new series. Interviewed are Scott Rosenbaum, Gregg Hurtwitz (writer), Steve Pearlman, Scott Peters, Stephen Geaghan (production designer), Morris Chestnut, Logan Huffman, Morena Baccarin, Scott Wolf and Elizabeth Mitchell. The third featurette is titled "An Alien in Human Skin: The Makeup FX of V" and it runs 11:51. We see how makeup and special effects play a big part of this show and how they are used. Interviewed are Scott Rosenbaum, Toby Lindala (makeup FX supervisor), Scott Peters, Benson Musnev (makeup FX technican), Glenn Martin (makeup FX technican), and Andrew Orloff (visual FX supervisor). And the final featurette is "VFX: The Visual FX of V" and it runs 15:06. We see here how visual effects are done on the show including a tour of ZOIC Studios, where the effects come from for this show. Interviewed are Stephen Geaghan, Scott Peters, Scott Rosenbaum, Steve Pearlman, Andrew Orloff, Scott Wolf, Laura Vandervoort, Elizabeth Mitchell, Stephen Chin (visual effects producer, ZOIC Studios), Nate Overstrom (Compositor Leader, Zoic Studios), and Sallyanne Massimini (lead CG artist, Zoic Studios).
I highly do recommend this set for any V fan both of the original and of this series. It might be a remake, but it has its own take and stories to fit today's time. The original mini-series premiered 26 years before this series, so it will obviously be different for today's era. I never really saw the original mini-series or series, but this series looks so much better due to the special effects of today's time. It was the most entertaining new drama of last season. This is really a good show and I hope you all buy this DVD (or Blu-ray) in time for the second season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at a new time of 9pm on ABC. You don't have to be a V to watch and buy this set, so buy it below! We are of peace...always!
(4.5/5 stars)
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Related links:
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BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
As promised, we have two reviews for you today, and our second one is of a series of a much different tone than our first one--it is The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season. Will things be different for the Freeman family in this animated series now that they have a black president? Perhaps, so read our review to find out!
DVD Review: The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season
by skees53
The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season (Sony, $49.95) contains 15 more episodes of the Adult Swim series about the African American family that is living in the mostly upper middle class white suburbs--otherwise known as the "boondocks." But the Freemans (Huey, Riley, and Granddad Robert) aren't about to assimilate into this new culture. They're going to be themselves and hope that the neighborhood can get used to them. The three disc set of the hilarious animated series contains all 15 episodes of the third (and perhaps final) season of the series, along with plenty of bonus features.
The season begins with the episode "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman," where the Freeman family is being followed by a German documentary maker for their reaction to the election of Barack Obama. A kickball game could settle some debt with China in "The Red Ball." Riley is having a good time with a juvenile felon in "Smokin' With Cigarettes." Remember the novel The Chocolate War? Well, it's the same thing with Riley in "The Fund-Raiser." Granddad may be joining a cult in "Pause," and it is up to Huey to stop it! Huey and Riley take a trip to jail as part of a "Scared Stiff" program in "A Date With the Booty Warrior," but all goes wrong when they visit. Granddad must get a talk show paternity test when a man claims to be his son in "The Story of Lando Freeman." Granddad discovers the wonders of medical marijuana in "Mr. Medicinal." There's something in the chicken in "The Fried Chicken Flu." Are terrorists coming to Woodcrest? Maybe, in "It's Goin' Down." The season includes many guest stars, including Bill Maher, Billy Dee Williams, and Charlie Murphy.
The episodes are unedited and uncensored, so you will see and hear things that you don't see or hear on Adult Swim. Runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman" (22:31)
2. "Bitches to Rags" (22:41)
3. "The Red Ball" (22:32)
4. "The Story of Jimmy Rebel" (22:36)
5. "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy" (21:11)
Disc 2:
6. "Smokin' with Cigarettes" (21:48)
7. "The Fund-Raiser" (22:34)
8. "Pause" (22:30)
9. "A Date with the Booty Warrior" (22:36)
10. "The Story of Lando Freeman" (22:34)
Disc 3:
11. "The Lovely Ebony Brown" (22:30)
12. "Mr. Medicinal" (22:11)
13. "The Fried Chicken Flu" (22:37)
14. "The Color Ruckus" (22:36)
15. "It's Goin' Down" (22:38)
Sony has elected to use the same style of packaging that they used for the first two seasons on this set, and that is a good thing. We have three slimcases in this set, with each one containing one disc. The cover art of the outer sleeve is green with a cast snapshot, and the back has some basic information about the season. Inside, the slimcase for Disc 1 has a picture of Huey on the front, Disc 2 has a picture of Granddad, and Disc 3 has a picture of Riley. On the back of each slimcase, there is a listing of all of the episodes with descriptions for each one. Each disc contains five episodes, and the artwork on each disc is another photo of the character on the front of the slimcase.
The menus on the set are basically identical to the previous sets, but that is a very good thing. They are very nicely done animated menus with a lot of video effects, and the theme song playing in the background. The main menu gives options of Play All Episodes, Episode Selections, and Special Features. Once you select an episode or hit Play All, you'll get another menu that asks if you want to watch the episodes with or without them being hosted by Cedric Yarbrough and Gary Anthony Williams (I'll talk more about this in a minute). Chapters are placed throughout each episode.
As was the case with the previous sets, the video and audio quality is virtually flawless. I really couldn't find anything to nitpick on, as the series looked and sounded about as good (if not better) than it does on TV. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, with closed-captioning available. My only minor complaint (and this isn't really an A/V issue) is that this set wasn't released on Blu-ray. This seems to be a series that could really shine in true high-definition.
If you want special features, this set has plenty of them! First of all, each and every episode has the option of being hosted by Cedric Yarbrough and Gary Anthony Williams. Basically, these are approximately two minutes per episode, and are introductions and closings for each and every episode on the set! It is nice that they have done this for every episode, and I always like seeing features like this on DVDs. If you want even more, though, they also provide full episode commentary tracks (and are joined by John Witherspoon for these) on the episodes "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman," "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy," "Mr. Medicinal," and "The Fried Chicken Flu."
There are a few animatic son the set, for the episodes "Bitches to Rags" (2:00), "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy" (2:23), "The Fund-Raiser" (1:35), and "The Fried Chicken Flu" (2:04). Additionally, on Disc 3, there is a sketch photo gallery with sketches from the series during production.
Disc 2 has a music video from Thugnificent (3:15) that is mentioned nowhere on the package about Obama becoming president. The title and theme of the song is very obscene, but it is very much in tune with the series. There is also a piece about fan reaction to these obscene song and lyrics, and the fan reaction is, well, also obscene. It is fun to watch, of course.
Finally, Disc 3 has a brief featurette about favorite characters from the series (3:22), where people on the street are asked what their favorite episode of the series are. It is a very basic featurette, but it is always nice to see features like this.
The only thing really missing this time in regards to special features is something from Aaron MacGruder. I'm not sure why he didn't participate at all on this set, and it is a little disappointing.
These are some of the best episodes of the series yet, and I hope that this isn't the end of the series. There was word some time ago that this would be the end of the series, but lately, there has been talk that there will be a fourth season. It is hard to tell with this series, as there is a new batch of episodes every other year or so, and seems to be no set production schedule. Still, this is a great set, and I think that fans of political humor will certainly enjoy this series on DVD. It is much more enjoyable on DVD than it is on TV since it is uncensored, as it was intended by the creator. The series may go over the head a little for those who aren't in tune with current world events, but that doesn't really make it much less enjoyable. This is definitely a set worth owning.
(4.5/5 stars)
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
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LOOKING AHEAD
Don't forget to set the clocks back one hour tonight! That gives you one extra hour of life to enjoy... you can spend it watching some DVDs! Of course, that isn't your only option. We'll be back next week with more news, and in the upcoming weeks, you can expect reviews of Perry Mason, The Commish, and even Hoarders! And as we promised, we will have a preview of black Friday DVD/Blu-ray sales in a few weeks, you won't want to miss that! Until next time, keep it digital!
While we are on the subject of Warner Archive, a while back, they released Night Court - The Complete Fourth Season. And as you may have read in our review, the set had some serious quality control issues. These issues apparently have not gone unnoticed by Warner. In fact, the title has been pulled and is no longer available for sale, although the exact reasons are unknown, and it is assumed that it'll be available for sale again when/if the problems are resolved. You can read details about it here.
Rules of Engagement seemed to be stalled on DVD for a while, but it seems that it is picking up once again now, and now, Rules of Engagement - The Complete Fourth Season is on the way! The two-disc release will be available on January 11 at a $29.95 MSRP. Hopefully, they'll get on track to release all remaining seasons after they air on TV!
That isn't the only series coming to DVD on January 11, though. Also coming out that day is the first season of the TV Land original sitcom, Hot in Cleveland! All ten episodes from the first season of the hit sitcom will be available in a two disc set at a $26.99 MSRP. Not many details are known about this set yet, but we'll let you know when we have them, because we know that many of you are interested!
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (11/9) is not a big day for releases, with the biggest release of the week being The Golden Girls - The Complete Series. However, other than the new packaging (a wicker purse), this set is essentially the same as the previously released season sets, and may not be of particular interest to some fans. Additionally, The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season (which we will be reviewing today) is being released on DVD. The three disc set contains fifteen episodes from the third season of the animated series. and plenty of special features
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Today we have not one but TWO reviews for you once again! We start off with a DVD review of V - The Complete First Season! They arrive! And you will want to see these "visitors" coming to Earth. Are they really of peace?
DVD Review: V - The Complete First Season
by Pavan
V - The Complete First Season (Warner Home Video, $39.98) brings us all 12 episodes of the remake series on DVD! V was originally a mini-series in 1983 (then later a series in 1984) and is now back as an all-new series in a more post-9/11 time. This version, tells the story of Earth's first alien encounter. The visitors - human-like beings who know our languages and provide other worldly gifts of technology and healing - arrive on massive motherships hovering over 29 major cities worldwide. Some consider them saviors in this post-9/11 world, while others feel differently. A fledgling resistance is on the rise, determined to reveal the shocking truth.
V stars Elizabeth Mitchell as FBI Agent Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack Landry, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie Stevens, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.
All 12 episodes are needed to be watched in order of course. I really enjoy this show. It is good TV. The first four episodes aired as an event in November 2009 over 4 weeks on Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC. The series premiere was the highest rated new series premiere among adults 18-49 last season with a 5.2 rating (14.3 million viewers overall). The remaining eight episodes returned in the spring, but in a later timeslot of Tuesdays at 10pm on ABC, thus ratings were down but DVR usage of the series was higher due to a later timeslot. Among my favorite of the 12 are "Pilot," where Visitor Leader Anna's image secures peace for all, but to some the visitors are a complete threat to the world, while FBI agent Erica Evans and Father Jack make a startling discovery. In the fall finale, "It's Only the Beginning," Anna wants Lisa to bring Tyler up to the Mothership for an important experiment with Lisa, while a warehouse full of vaccine donated by the Visitors explodes. In the spring return, "Welcome to the War," Erica finds her life in danger when she's attacked at home and a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses, while Anna wonders why Chad hasn't followed up on his diagnosed aneurysm and Ryan's concern grows over Val's "abnormal" pregnancy. In "John May," Erica, Ryan and Jack go on a harrowing mission to find the legendary John May in order to rescue Georgie, while Anna brings Chad aboard the Mothership for a story on her Live Aboard Program, and Tyler confronts his mom about his mysterious past. In "Fruition," Anna's daughter is the victim of a violent attack, while Erica and the team look for a scientist who may have created a weapon that the Visitors fear and Hobbes makes a deal with Marcus. In the season finale, "Red Sky" Val's water has just broken and is captured by Anna's soldier and taken to the mothership, where she serves as bait to draw Ryan to Anna, while Erica seizes an invitation to dinner with Anna and Lisa as an opportunity to destroy Anna's soldier eggs, and Chad begins to catch on to how he is being used. Recurring are David Richmond-Peck as Georgie Sutton, Christopher Shyer as Marcus, Alan Tudyk as Dale Maddox, and Mark Hildreth as Joshua. Guest stars include Michael Trucco as John May.
The episodes on this set are all unedited, obviously, with the episodes around 43 minutes. The pilot episode runs 47 minutes. Here are the runtimes for this set:
Disc 1
1. "Pilot" - 47:05
2. "There Is No Normal Anymore" - 42:52
3. "A Bright New Day" - 43:13
4. "It's Only the Beginning" - 42:57
Disc 2
5. "Welcome to the War" - 42:43
6. "Pound of Flesh" - 43:09
7. "John May" - 43:08
8. "We Can't Win" - 43:16
9. "Heretic's Fork" - 42:47
Disc 2
10. "Hearts and Minds" - 43:11
11. "Fruition" - 42:57
12. "Red Sky" - 43:08
Let's now move on to the packaging. We have a thin outer box holding a keep case. The cover art for both has the scary red V logo with a shot of the spaceship in the sky and the city skyline. There is a mention of The Complete First Season on the top and the tagline "We Are Of Peace. Always" on the bottom. The back of the outer box has the V logo again in the background, but this time we see actual V's inside. We also have info on the series and set as well, with a special features list. The back of the case has the famous Erica and Anna face shot, with it looking like they are one face. Inside the case we go, we have an episode booklet on the left. The front of that has the V logo again with a different shot of the city skyline. This booklet is very detailed and handy as we have episode details, all broken down disc-by-disc, with the episode number, title, writers/director, original airdate, and synopsis. We also have nice episodic artwork. There is also a page with a cast photo and credits. And the back page has a shot of the spaceship and city skyline again. As far as the discs itself go, the first two discs are inside a plastic holder. The plastic holder holds disc one on the front and disc two on the back and we can flip it like a page in a book. Disc three is on the right panel itself. The disc art is the same for each disc, with a V logo. Disc one has episodes 1-4. Disc two has 5-9. And disc three has episodes 10-12.
The menu screen is very cool. Background music from the show is playing in the background, as we have the V logo once again with a shot of the city skyline from the spaceship. We have options for Play, Episodes, Features, and Languages. Play of course plays them all at once for that disc. When we select Episodes, episode titles are listed and if they have a scissor icon, that means we have deleted scenes available for that episode. Features menu lists all the extras on that disc, even the deleted scenes again. And Languages have the option for either audio in English or Portuguese and subtitles in English, French, Espanol, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Thai.
The video is great, as it should be. This is the DVD version, but it still looks great. I am sure the Blu-ray version is even better. My DVD player upconverts to HD, so these episode look great to me. I have watched all 12 episodes on ABC in HD, and it looks just as good here. The audio is very good in Dolby Digital Surround sound. It is loud and clear not low at all. Each episode has 7 or 8 chapter stops.
As for special features, we have a WHOLE lot here. Disc three has the main extras, but each disc has something. We have deleted scenes on six episodes: "Pilot" (2 scenes, 1:35 total), "There Is No Normal Anymore" (6 scenes, 3:57 total), "John May" (2 scenes, 0:57 total), We Can't Win" (5 scenes, 4:43 total), "Hearts and Minds" (3 scenes, 4:37 total), and "Fruition" (3 scenes, 1:25 total).
Disc one has a featurette titled, "The Actor's Journey from Human to V" running 16:53. This features the cast discussing the techniques, challenges, and rewards in bringing this series to a new generation. Interviewed are Morena Baccarin, Christopher Shyer, Laura Vandervoort, Logan Huffman, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Scott Rosenbaum (executive producer), Elizabeth Mitchell, Scott Wolf, and Scott Peters (executive producer).
The rest of the special features are on disc three. First, we have audio commentary for the episode "Fruition" from executive producers Steve Pearlman and Scott Rosenbaum. They give a lot of neat tidbits. Then we have a very nice featurette called "Breaking Story: The World of V" that runs 16:35. We see how the producers were able to create a fresh perspective of the mythology of this new series. Interviewed are Scott Rosenbaum, Gregg Hurtwitz (writer), Steve Pearlman, Scott Peters, Stephen Geaghan (production designer), Morris Chestnut, Logan Huffman, Morena Baccarin, Scott Wolf and Elizabeth Mitchell. The third featurette is titled "An Alien in Human Skin: The Makeup FX of V" and it runs 11:51. We see how makeup and special effects play a big part of this show and how they are used. Interviewed are Scott Rosenbaum, Toby Lindala (makeup FX supervisor), Scott Peters, Benson Musnev (makeup FX technican), Glenn Martin (makeup FX technican), and Andrew Orloff (visual FX supervisor). And the final featurette is "VFX: The Visual FX of V" and it runs 15:06. We see here how visual effects are done on the show including a tour of ZOIC Studios, where the effects come from for this show. Interviewed are Stephen Geaghan, Scott Peters, Scott Rosenbaum, Steve Pearlman, Andrew Orloff, Scott Wolf, Laura Vandervoort, Elizabeth Mitchell, Stephen Chin (visual effects producer, ZOIC Studios), Nate Overstrom (Compositor Leader, Zoic Studios), and Sallyanne Massimini (lead CG artist, Zoic Studios).
I highly do recommend this set for any V fan both of the original and of this series. It might be a remake, but it has its own take and stories to fit today's time. The original mini-series premiered 26 years before this series, so it will obviously be different for today's era. I never really saw the original mini-series or series, but this series looks so much better due to the special effects of today's time. It was the most entertaining new drama of last season. This is really a good show and I hope you all buy this DVD (or Blu-ray) in time for the second season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at a new time of 9pm on ABC. You don't have to be a V to watch and buy this set, so buy it below! We are of peace...always!
(4.5/5 stars)To purchase the Volume 3 DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
V TV.com Page
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
As promised, we have two reviews for you today, and our second one is of a series of a much different tone than our first one--it is The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season. Will things be different for the Freeman family in this animated series now that they have a black president? Perhaps, so read our review to find out!
DVD Review: The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season
by skees53
The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season (Sony, $49.95) contains 15 more episodes of the Adult Swim series about the African American family that is living in the mostly upper middle class white suburbs--otherwise known as the "boondocks." But the Freemans (Huey, Riley, and Granddad Robert) aren't about to assimilate into this new culture. They're going to be themselves and hope that the neighborhood can get used to them. The three disc set of the hilarious animated series contains all 15 episodes of the third (and perhaps final) season of the series, along with plenty of bonus features.
The season begins with the episode "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman," where the Freeman family is being followed by a German documentary maker for their reaction to the election of Barack Obama. A kickball game could settle some debt with China in "The Red Ball." Riley is having a good time with a juvenile felon in "Smokin' With Cigarettes." Remember the novel The Chocolate War? Well, it's the same thing with Riley in "The Fund-Raiser." Granddad may be joining a cult in "Pause," and it is up to Huey to stop it! Huey and Riley take a trip to jail as part of a "Scared Stiff" program in "A Date With the Booty Warrior," but all goes wrong when they visit. Granddad must get a talk show paternity test when a man claims to be his son in "The Story of Lando Freeman." Granddad discovers the wonders of medical marijuana in "Mr. Medicinal." There's something in the chicken in "The Fried Chicken Flu." Are terrorists coming to Woodcrest? Maybe, in "It's Goin' Down." The season includes many guest stars, including Bill Maher, Billy Dee Williams, and Charlie Murphy.
The episodes are unedited and uncensored, so you will see and hear things that you don't see or hear on Adult Swim. Runtimes are as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman" (22:31)
2. "Bitches to Rags" (22:41)
3. "The Red Ball" (22:32)
4. "The Story of Jimmy Rebel" (22:36)
5. "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy" (21:11)
Disc 2:
6. "Smokin' with Cigarettes" (21:48)
7. "The Fund-Raiser" (22:34)
8. "Pause" (22:30)
9. "A Date with the Booty Warrior" (22:36)
10. "The Story of Lando Freeman" (22:34)
Disc 3:
11. "The Lovely Ebony Brown" (22:30)
12. "Mr. Medicinal" (22:11)
13. "The Fried Chicken Flu" (22:37)
14. "The Color Ruckus" (22:36)
15. "It's Goin' Down" (22:38)
Sony has elected to use the same style of packaging that they used for the first two seasons on this set, and that is a good thing. We have three slimcases in this set, with each one containing one disc. The cover art of the outer sleeve is green with a cast snapshot, and the back has some basic information about the season. Inside, the slimcase for Disc 1 has a picture of Huey on the front, Disc 2 has a picture of Granddad, and Disc 3 has a picture of Riley. On the back of each slimcase, there is a listing of all of the episodes with descriptions for each one. Each disc contains five episodes, and the artwork on each disc is another photo of the character on the front of the slimcase.
The menus on the set are basically identical to the previous sets, but that is a very good thing. They are very nicely done animated menus with a lot of video effects, and the theme song playing in the background. The main menu gives options of Play All Episodes, Episode Selections, and Special Features. Once you select an episode or hit Play All, you'll get another menu that asks if you want to watch the episodes with or without them being hosted by Cedric Yarbrough and Gary Anthony Williams (I'll talk more about this in a minute). Chapters are placed throughout each episode.
As was the case with the previous sets, the video and audio quality is virtually flawless. I really couldn't find anything to nitpick on, as the series looked and sounded about as good (if not better) than it does on TV. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, with closed-captioning available. My only minor complaint (and this isn't really an A/V issue) is that this set wasn't released on Blu-ray. This seems to be a series that could really shine in true high-definition.
If you want special features, this set has plenty of them! First of all, each and every episode has the option of being hosted by Cedric Yarbrough and Gary Anthony Williams. Basically, these are approximately two minutes per episode, and are introductions and closings for each and every episode on the set! It is nice that they have done this for every episode, and I always like seeing features like this on DVDs. If you want even more, though, they also provide full episode commentary tracks (and are joined by John Witherspoon for these) on the episodes "It's a Black President, Huey Freeman," "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy," "Mr. Medicinal," and "The Fried Chicken Flu."
There are a few animatic son the set, for the episodes "Bitches to Rags" (2:00), "Stinkmeaner 3: The Hateocracy" (2:23), "The Fund-Raiser" (1:35), and "The Fried Chicken Flu" (2:04). Additionally, on Disc 3, there is a sketch photo gallery with sketches from the series during production.
Disc 2 has a music video from Thugnificent (3:15) that is mentioned nowhere on the package about Obama becoming president. The title and theme of the song is very obscene, but it is very much in tune with the series. There is also a piece about fan reaction to these obscene song and lyrics, and the fan reaction is, well, also obscene. It is fun to watch, of course.
Finally, Disc 3 has a brief featurette about favorite characters from the series (3:22), where people on the street are asked what their favorite episode of the series are. It is a very basic featurette, but it is always nice to see features like this.
The only thing really missing this time in regards to special features is something from Aaron MacGruder. I'm not sure why he didn't participate at all on this set, and it is a little disappointing.
These are some of the best episodes of the series yet, and I hope that this isn't the end of the series. There was word some time ago that this would be the end of the series, but lately, there has been talk that there will be a fourth season. It is hard to tell with this series, as there is a new batch of episodes every other year or so, and seems to be no set production schedule. Still, this is a great set, and I think that fans of political humor will certainly enjoy this series on DVD. It is much more enjoyable on DVD than it is on TV since it is uncensored, as it was intended by the creator. The series may go over the head a little for those who aren't in tune with current world events, but that doesn't really make it much less enjoyable. This is definitely a set worth owning.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Don't forget to set the clocks back one hour tonight! That gives you one extra hour of life to enjoy... you can spend it watching some DVDs! Of course, that isn't your only option. We'll be back next week with more news, and in the upcoming weeks, you can expect reviews of Perry Mason, The Commish, and even Hoarders! And as we promised, we will have a preview of black Friday DVD/Blu-ray sales in a few weeks, you won't want to miss that! Until next time, keep it digital!
Friday, November 05, 2010
Nick at Nite November 2010 Highlights; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 8, 2010)
So November is already 6 days old, but we still haven't given you Nick at Nite's November 2010 highlights. Of course the regular schedule remains as is, but there will be plenty of stunts! First, they already started the wall-to-wall The Nanny marathon on Monday (Nov. 1), but it runs through Sunday (Nov. 7), so you still have time to watch from 11pm-6am on these days. On Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10pm-1am, it's Thanksgiving on Nick at Nite as viewers can come celebrate the holiday with the families of Nick at Nite! See four Thanksgiving episodes of George Lopez (including a never before seen episode on Nick at Nite)followed by a Thanksgiving episode each of Everybody Hates Chris (never before seen on Nick at Nite) and Full House. Then from Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28 from 10pm-6am it's a wall-to-wall marathon of George Lopez during Thanksgiving weekend! What better way to celebrate the family holiday with Nick at Nite's favorite family! On Sunday, Nov. 28 at 8pm, Nick at Nite airs a movie encore of FRED: The Movie leading into the last night of the Lopez marathon.
View the complete Nick at Nite November 2010 schedule.
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Nov. 8-12, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, November 8, 2010
View the complete Nick at Nite November 2010 schedule.
It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of Nov. 8-12, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!
Monday, November 8, 2010
- David Cross (Running Wilde/Arrested Development) - Watch David on a repeat of Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC at 1:37am.
- Jason Ritter (The Class) - Watch Jason on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly so check your listings for showtime.
- Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) - Catch "Sheldon" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show but you have to check your local listings.
- Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell) - Mario appears on The TODAY Show, sometime between 7-10am on NBC.
- Ty Burrell (Modern Family/Back to You) - Catch Ty on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC at 12:37am.
- Jack MacBrayer (30 Rock) - Watch Jack on Conan on TBS at 11pm.
- Richard Kind (Spin City) - Catch Richard on Hallmark Channel's Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer at 12 noon.
- David Spade (Rules of Engagement/8 Simple Rules/Just Shoot Me!) - Catch David on Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC at 11:35pm.
- Rainn Wilson (The Office) - Catch Rainn on both LIVE! with Regis & Kelly and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC at 12:37am.
- Donal Louge (Knight of Prosperity/Grounded for Life) - Watch Donal on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC at 1:37am.
- Ken Jeong (Community) - Watch Ken on The Rachel Ray Show so check your listings.
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family/The Class) - Watch Jesse on The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark Channel at 10am (and repeats at 2pm).
- Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch) - Watch Soleil on Hallmark Channel's Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer at high noon.
- Will Estes (Kirk/Meego/Kelly Kelly) - Catch Will also on Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer, at noon on Hallmark.
- Julie Bowen (Modern Family) - Catch the lovely Julie Bowen on an all-new Conan at 11pm on TBS.
- Ty Burrell (Modern Family/Back to You) - Watch Ty on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly, so check listings.
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family/The Class) - Watch Jesse on The Joy Behar Show on HLN at 9pm.
- Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Catch Kelly on The Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Reba McEntire (Reba) - Catch Reba also on The Late Show with David Letterman on CBS at 11:35pm.
- Tracy Morgan (30 Rock/The Tracy Morgan Show) - Tracy appears on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly and also on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:37am on NBC.
Also of note, the legendary Bob Newhart appears on the TODAY Weekend show on Sunday at 9am on NBC.
Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this Friday feature! We do listen!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
227 Joins GMC As Regular; ABC and Fox Each Schedule Mid-Season Drama
There's no place like home! Two weekends ago Gospel Music Channel (GMC) premiered 227 with a mini-block on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 2pm-5pm. Then it wasn't on the schedule again after that, but now it is! The series will continue to air every Saturday from 2pm-5pm starting this Saturday (Nov. 6). The series will follow Sister, Sister, which airs from 10am-2pm. That means every Saturday from 10am-5pm we will see Jackée! She was on both shows, as Sandra Clark, the sexy neighbor and nemesis of Mary Jenkins (Marla Gibbs) on 227 (1985-90) and as Tia's (Tia Mowry) mother, Lisa Landry, in Sister, Sister (1994-99).
The only other sitcom GMC airs is Amen, which airs weeknights in the 11pm & 1am hours, as Cosby (1996-2000) was dropped a few months back. Still no word if and when 227 will join weekdays. 227 has been in syndication since 1990 on local stations, then it appeared on cable on BET, TV One and TV Land. 227 stars Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed Hall, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Helen Martin, and Jackée.
Elsewhere on GMC, they will have a marathon of the drama Joan of Arcadia this Sunday (Nov. 7) from 10am-7pm, starting with the pilot episode. The series was on the regular schedule, but was dropped sometime back and now only appears in marathons.
ABC and Fox have each scheduled a mid-season drama. ABC has come up with a series to replace the canceled The Whole Truth. From executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) and executive producer/creator Jenna Bans (Grey's Anatomy) comes an uplifting medical drama that explores how far one has to go in order to truly heal. Six doctors who have lost their way will go to the ends of the earth to try to remember the reasons why they wanted to become doctors in the first place, on Off the Map, premiering Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on ABC. Off the Map stars (in alphabetical order) Jonathan Castellanos as Charlie, Valerie Cruz as Zitajalehrena Alvarez (Zee), Caroline Dhavernas as Lily Brenner, Jason George as Otis Cole, Zach Gilford as Tommy Fuller, Mamie Gummer as Mina Minard, Martin Henderson as Ben Keeton and Rachelle Lefevre as Ryan Clark. Guest starring Michael McKean as Ed.
On Fox, The Chicago Code (formerly titled Ride-Along), the distinctive new police drama from critically acclaimed creator Shawn Ryan (The Shield), will make its series debut Monday, Feb. 7 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Fox. Shot on location in Chicago, The Chicago Code follows the Windy City's most powerful and respected cops as they navigate the city's underbelly to fight crime and expose corruption within Chicago's notorious political machine. Starring Jason Clarke (Brotherhood) and Jennifer Beals (The L Word), the fast-paced series centers on Jarek (Clarke), a local legend and a larger-than-life veteran of the Chicago Police Department who wields considerable power thanks to his relationship with Teresa (Beals), his ex-partner and the city's first female superintendent, now in charge of a 10,000-member police force.
The series will replace Lie to Me on the schedule and Lie to Me will return to the schedule at a later date. Both series have 13 episode orders.
As you know, CBS has scheduled Paula Abdul's new reality series, Live to Dance, for Wednesdays at 8pm from Jan. 5-Feb. 2. The series premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 4 with a two-hour premiere. Many more mid-season updates are to come such as when new comedies Mr. Sunshine, Happy Endings, Mad Love, Perfect Couples, Friends with Benefits, The Paul Reiser Show, Mixed Signals & Bob's Burgers are scheduled, so stay tuned!
The only other sitcom GMC airs is Amen, which airs weeknights in the 11pm & 1am hours, as Cosby (1996-2000) was dropped a few months back. Still no word if and when 227 will join weekdays. 227 has been in syndication since 1990 on local stations, then it appeared on cable on BET, TV One and TV Land. 227 stars Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed Hall, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Helen Martin, and Jackée.
Elsewhere on GMC, they will have a marathon of the drama Joan of Arcadia this Sunday (Nov. 7) from 10am-7pm, starting with the pilot episode. The series was on the regular schedule, but was dropped sometime back and now only appears in marathons.
ABC and Fox have each scheduled a mid-season drama. ABC has come up with a series to replace the canceled The Whole Truth. From executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) and executive producer/creator Jenna Bans (Grey's Anatomy) comes an uplifting medical drama that explores how far one has to go in order to truly heal. Six doctors who have lost their way will go to the ends of the earth to try to remember the reasons why they wanted to become doctors in the first place, on Off the Map, premiering Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on ABC. Off the Map stars (in alphabetical order) Jonathan Castellanos as Charlie, Valerie Cruz as Zitajalehrena Alvarez (Zee), Caroline Dhavernas as Lily Brenner, Jason George as Otis Cole, Zach Gilford as Tommy Fuller, Mamie Gummer as Mina Minard, Martin Henderson as Ben Keeton and Rachelle Lefevre as Ryan Clark. Guest starring Michael McKean as Ed.
On Fox, The Chicago Code (formerly titled Ride-Along), the distinctive new police drama from critically acclaimed creator Shawn Ryan (The Shield), will make its series debut Monday, Feb. 7 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Fox. Shot on location in Chicago, The Chicago Code follows the Windy City's most powerful and respected cops as they navigate the city's underbelly to fight crime and expose corruption within Chicago's notorious political machine. Starring Jason Clarke (Brotherhood) and Jennifer Beals (The L Word), the fast-paced series centers on Jarek (Clarke), a local legend and a larger-than-life veteran of the Chicago Police Department who wields considerable power thanks to his relationship with Teresa (Beals), his ex-partner and the city's first female superintendent, now in charge of a 10,000-member police force.
The series will replace Lie to Me on the schedule and Lie to Me will return to the schedule at a later date. Both series have 13 episode orders.
As you know, CBS has scheduled Paula Abdul's new reality series, Live to Dance, for Wednesdays at 8pm from Jan. 5-Feb. 2. The series premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 4 with a two-hour premiere. Many more mid-season updates are to come such as when new comedies Mr. Sunshine, Happy Endings, Mad Love, Perfect Couples, Friends with Benefits, The Paul Reiser Show, Mixed Signals & Bob's Burgers are scheduled, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
TV Land December 2010 Has 11th Annual Merrython; WPIX's Odd Couple Thanksgiving Marathon
For December 2010, TV Land will not make any changes to the regular line-up, but of course we have the annual Merrython, which will be the eleventh year in a row TV Land is doing it. Kick start the holiday season with TV Land's 11th Annual Merrython on Saturday, December 11 starting at 8pm and again on Christmas Eve starting at 4pm running through all day on Christmas Day! TV Land delivers holiday cheer to their viewers during this festive primetime marathon featuring holiday episodes of TV Land's big guns Everybody Loves Raymond, Roseanne, The Nanny, Three's Company, Home Improvement and M*A*S*H on Dec. 11. Then on Dec. 24-25, we get more classics such as The Andy Griffith Show, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Sanford & Son and Bewitched mixed in with the big guns. Tune in with loved ones and celebrate the holiday season with TV Land!
TV Land will also premiere the movies National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation and Independence Day during December, including in the Merrython. Encore movies for the month are My Cousin Vinny, Roxanne, Jerry Maguire, National Lampoon's Vacation and Stripes.
Yesterday we mentioned season two of TV Land original sitcom Hot in Cleveland premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 19, but before that watch an exclusive special on Sunday, December 12 at 9pm! Following a successful first season and with season two currently in production, join Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick as they take you behind-the-scenes of their hit sitcom for an 'insiders' peek at never-before-aired bloopers from the first season, along with hilarious clips of their favorite moments and surprise guest star appearances. This one-hour special is sure to remind you of why you fell in love with this show and get you amped up for an exciting second season coming January 19.
And if that's not enough, we have a best of marathon of Hot in Cleveland on New Year's Day! The next season of Hot in Cleveland is almost here! Get caught up on some of the ups and downs of the first season - the time Melanie almost got back together with her ex-husband, Victoria's secret Japanese commercial and Elka and Max's first date. Watch six favorite episodes of Hot in Cleveland on New Year's Day culminating with the hilarious Hot In Cleveland Special (that premiered Dec. 12) that takes you behind the scenes of the first season, bloopers and all. This is a great way to start off the new year. Don't worry TV Land will give you time to recover from the prior night's festivities, this party begins at 8pm.
View the FULL TV Land December 2010 schedule, including the 11th Annual Merrython episodes.
WPIX-11 in New York City will be airing The Odd Couple sitcom marathon on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 25) from 11am-7pm! That's eight hours worth of sixteen classic episodes featuring Oscar & Felix, of course. Episode info is not available yet, so stay tuned to thatt. Leading into the marathon will be the classic 1934 film March of the Wooden Soliders from 9am-11am. The classic comic team of Laurel and Hardy star in this lighthearted version of Victor Herbert's classic operetta about a fantasy world where toys are made and nursery-rhyme characters live. In this rendition, Stan and Ollie help save Toyland from the Bog. After The Odd Couple marathon, WPIX has scheduled a special at 7pm, but we don't know yet what that is. It's probably a Thanksgiving special.
WPIX last aired an Odd Couple marathon last year on Nov. 13, if you recall. We'll try and post the episode info for the Thanksgiving marathon on our Odd Couple message board once we have that.
TV Land will also premiere the movies National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation and Independence Day during December, including in the Merrython. Encore movies for the month are My Cousin Vinny, Roxanne, Jerry Maguire, National Lampoon's Vacation and Stripes.
Yesterday we mentioned season two of TV Land original sitcom Hot in Cleveland premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 19, but before that watch an exclusive special on Sunday, December 12 at 9pm! Following a successful first season and with season two currently in production, join Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick as they take you behind-the-scenes of their hit sitcom for an 'insiders' peek at never-before-aired bloopers from the first season, along with hilarious clips of their favorite moments and surprise guest star appearances. This one-hour special is sure to remind you of why you fell in love with this show and get you amped up for an exciting second season coming January 19.
And if that's not enough, we have a best of marathon of Hot in Cleveland on New Year's Day! The next season of Hot in Cleveland is almost here! Get caught up on some of the ups and downs of the first season - the time Melanie almost got back together with her ex-husband, Victoria's secret Japanese commercial and Elka and Max's first date. Watch six favorite episodes of Hot in Cleveland on New Year's Day culminating with the hilarious Hot In Cleveland Special (that premiered Dec. 12) that takes you behind the scenes of the first season, bloopers and all. This is a great way to start off the new year. Don't worry TV Land will give you time to recover from the prior night's festivities, this party begins at 8pm.
View the FULL TV Land December 2010 schedule, including the 11th Annual Merrython episodes.
WPIX-11 in New York City will be airing The Odd Couple sitcom marathon on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 25) from 11am-7pm! That's eight hours worth of sixteen classic episodes featuring Oscar & Felix, of course. Episode info is not available yet, so stay tuned to thatt. Leading into the marathon will be the classic 1934 film March of the Wooden Soliders from 9am-11am. The classic comic team of Laurel and Hardy star in this lighthearted version of Victor Herbert's classic operetta about a fantasy world where toys are made and nursery-rhyme characters live. In this rendition, Stan and Ollie help save Toyland from the Bog. After The Odd Couple marathon, WPIX has scheduled a special at 7pm, but we don't know yet what that is. It's probably a Thanksgiving special.
WPIX last aired an Odd Couple marathon last year on Nov. 13, if you recall. We'll try and post the episode info for the Thanksgiving marathon on our Odd Couple message board once we have that.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Antenna TV New Year's Weekend Marathons; Hot in Cleveland Returns Jan. 19 with Special Guest Mary Tyler Moore!
Almost 2 weeks ago we gave you the regular schedule for Antenna TV, which begins Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, but we now have the special Jan. 1-2 schedule! Antenna TV will launch at 12:00am ET on Saturday, Jan. 1 as soon as 2011 starts! Ring in the new year with a new network that will feature series of yesteryear! Originally the plan was to air first episodes on the first day of the launch (and new year), but they have decided to launch the network with two classic marathons.
Antenna TV launches with a Three Stooges marathon that starts at 12am on early Saturday, Jan. 1 through 3am on early Sunday, Jan. 2. That's 26 hours of non-stop hijinks from Larry, Moe & Curly! Taking over at 3am on that night will be the British comedy Benny Hill! The sketch comedy will run until 10am for an E/I series break, then Benny Hill is back for more comedy from 1pm-5am, before the regular schedule launches at 5am Monday, Jan. 3 with a movie. If you're counting, Benny Hill gets 23 hours worth of episodes (7 on Saturday night/Sunday morning and 16 hours Sunday afternoon to overnight).
Remember to view our story from two weeks ago to see what Antenna TV is airing regularly starting Jan. 3. You'll see classics like Burns & Allen, Hazel, Farmer's Daughter, Father Knows Best & Dennis the Menace to '70s hits like Partridge Family, Three's Company, Maude, Good Times, Sanford & Son, & All in the Family, and to weekend shows like Too Close for Comfort, The Monkees, The Three Stooges, Benny Hill, Here Come the Brides, Totally Tuned In, Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and more, plus more of your favorites from weekdays!
View the Antenna TV website for more info and to see if your market will carry this over-the-air network!
TV Land announced today that production has started on cable's highest-rated sitcom, Hot in Cleveland. The series, which garnered unprecedented ratings not only for the network but across cable, started production yesterday (Monday, November 1) and will return to the air with 20 fresh episodes starting Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in its 10:00 p.m. ET/PT timeslot. Hot in Cleveland stars acclaimed actresses Valerie Bertinelli (One Day at a Time), Jane Leeves (Frasier), Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) and recent Emmy® Award-winner, Betty White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls). The sitcom is the highest-rated and most-watched series in the history of the network and during its first season, it out-delivered big cable hits like Mad Men, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Army Wives, Project Runaway and more.
Season two picks up right where season one left off with Melanie, Joy and Victoria (Bertinelli, Leeves and Malick) trying to desperately "free Elka" (White) who was arrested after a stash of valuable jewels and goods - fenced by her mob-employed deceased husband - was found in her storm cellar.
In addition, Season One will be available on DVD on January 11, just in time to relive all ten hilarious episodes from the first season before the second season kicks off. The two-disc set is loaded with uproarious bonus material including: the original full-length pilot, bloopers, wardrobe featurette, we love our age featurette, a set tour, Victoria's (Malick) full-length Japanese "Lady Pants" commercial and more. The Hot In Cleveland Season One DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.99. Look for our DVD review closer to the release date!
And finally TV Land also announced today that beloved and acclaimed Emmy® award-winning actress and Oscar nominee Mary Tyler Moore (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show) will guest star on the second season premiere of the sitcom on Wednesday, January 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Moore will join the sensational veteran cast of Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White. The season premiere episode will be taped at CBS Radford, the same studio where The Mary Tyler Moore Show was taped 33 years ago (the series ended in 1977).
Moore's guest appearance will be the first time in 33 years that she and Betty White have acted on screen together since the groundbreaking hit The Mary Tyler Moore Show went off the air. Moore's role in the sitcom will involve White's character Elka, who in the season one cliffhanger, was arrested. Just who will Moore play? You'll gave to tune-in to see on Jan. 19! But one thing for sure is that, love is all around and Mary Tyler Moore is going to make it after all!
Antenna TV launches with a Three Stooges marathon that starts at 12am on early Saturday, Jan. 1 through 3am on early Sunday, Jan. 2. That's 26 hours of non-stop hijinks from Larry, Moe & Curly! Taking over at 3am on that night will be the British comedy Benny Hill! The sketch comedy will run until 10am for an E/I series break, then Benny Hill is back for more comedy from 1pm-5am, before the regular schedule launches at 5am Monday, Jan. 3 with a movie. If you're counting, Benny Hill gets 23 hours worth of episodes (7 on Saturday night/Sunday morning and 16 hours Sunday afternoon to overnight).
Remember to view our story from two weeks ago to see what Antenna TV is airing regularly starting Jan. 3. You'll see classics like Burns & Allen, Hazel, Farmer's Daughter, Father Knows Best & Dennis the Menace to '70s hits like Partridge Family, Three's Company, Maude, Good Times, Sanford & Son, & All in the Family, and to weekend shows like Too Close for Comfort, The Monkees, The Three Stooges, Benny Hill, Here Come the Brides, Totally Tuned In, Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and more, plus more of your favorites from weekdays!
View the Antenna TV website for more info and to see if your market will carry this over-the-air network!
TV Land announced today that production has started on cable's highest-rated sitcom, Hot in Cleveland. The series, which garnered unprecedented ratings not only for the network but across cable, started production yesterday (Monday, November 1) and will return to the air with 20 fresh episodes starting Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in its 10:00 p.m. ET/PT timeslot. Hot in Cleveland stars acclaimed actresses Valerie Bertinelli (One Day at a Time), Jane Leeves (Frasier), Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) and recent Emmy® Award-winner, Betty White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls). The sitcom is the highest-rated and most-watched series in the history of the network and during its first season, it out-delivered big cable hits like Mad Men, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Army Wives, Project Runaway and more.
Season two picks up right where season one left off with Melanie, Joy and Victoria (Bertinelli, Leeves and Malick) trying to desperately "free Elka" (White) who was arrested after a stash of valuable jewels and goods - fenced by her mob-employed deceased husband - was found in her storm cellar.
In addition, Season One will be available on DVD on January 11, just in time to relive all ten hilarious episodes from the first season before the second season kicks off. The two-disc set is loaded with uproarious bonus material including: the original full-length pilot, bloopers, wardrobe featurette, we love our age featurette, a set tour, Victoria's (Malick) full-length Japanese "Lady Pants" commercial and more. The Hot In Cleveland Season One DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.99. Look for our DVD review closer to the release date!
And finally TV Land also announced today that beloved and acclaimed Emmy® award-winning actress and Oscar nominee Mary Tyler Moore (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show) will guest star on the second season premiere of the sitcom on Wednesday, January 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Moore will join the sensational veteran cast of Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White. The season premiere episode will be taped at CBS Radford, the same studio where The Mary Tyler Moore Show was taped 33 years ago (the series ended in 1977).
Moore's guest appearance will be the first time in 33 years that she and Betty White have acted on screen together since the groundbreaking hit The Mary Tyler Moore Show went off the air. Moore's role in the sitcom will involve White's character Elka, who in the season one cliffhanger, was arrested. Just who will Moore play? You'll gave to tune-in to see on Jan. 19! But one thing for sure is that, love is all around and Mary Tyler Moore is going to make it after all!
Monday, November 01, 2010
ABC Family's 2010 25 Days of Christmas Schedule; Modern Family Coming to Broadcast Syndication In Fall 2013
We gave you ABC Family's Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas (Nov. 21-30) schedule, now it's time to give you the actual 25 Days of Christmas (Dec. 1-25) schedule for 2010! The 25 days of holiday programming starts on Wednesday, December 1at 6pm with a Dr. Seuss night with four animated half-hour specials (Dr. Seuss on the Loose, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat) and the Jim Carey movie Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The next night (Thursday, Dec. 2), has the ABC Family premiere of the 1994 classic The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen. Friday, December 3 has two animated short premieres in between The Polar Express airings: Disney Pluto's Christmas Tree from 8:23-8:30pm and Disney's A Night Before Christmas from 10:51-11pm. Saturday, Dec. 4 at 11pm has the ABC Family premiere of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sunday, December 5 has a Harry Potter full-day event from 7am-12am with the first five films. On Monday, December 6, ABC Family premieres another animated short titled Disney's Toy Tinkers from 10:52pm-11pm following Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. On Tuesday, December 7, it is the TV world premiere of the new special Mickey's Christmas Special at 7pm following Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too. Moving on to Thursday, December 9, ABC Family's original special The Gruffalo premieres from 7pm-7:40pm.
On Sunday, December 12, ABC Family premieres the ABC Family original movie Christmas Cupid at 8pm starring Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson and Christina Milian. Tuesday, December 14 sees the ABC Family premieres of two specials: Dr. Seuss' Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? at 6:30pm and Puff the Magic Dragon at 7:30pm, both airing after Dr. Suess specials (Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat). Starting Thursday, December 16, ABC Family expands the 25 Days of Christmas on weekdays to mornings as well starting at 7am, with the ABC Family premiere of Meet the Santas at 9am. On Friday, December 17, 2010, it is the ABC Family premiere of Disney-Pixar's Wall-E at 8:30pm. On Monday, December 20 at 8pm, ABC Family has the premiere event of Santa Buddies starring the voice of the late Tom Bosley, Richard Kind & Tim Conway.
Among the movies I didn't mention airing include Jack Frost (1979), Jack Frost (1998), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Home Alone 4, Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Santa Clause 2, Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Snow, Snow 2: Brain Freeze, Santa Baby, Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe, Holiday in Handcuffs, Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo, Disney-Pixar's The Incredibles, A Very Brady Christmas, Richie Rich's Christmas Wish, A Dennis the Menace Christmas, Christmas Do-Over, and Ice Age. And among the specials I didn't mention include A Flintstone Christmas, Cranberry Christmas, Rudolph's Shiny New Year, Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July, The Year Without a Santa Claus, A Miser Brothers' Christmas, Frosty's Winter Wonderland, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Disney Prep & Landing, The Little Drummer Boy, The Little Drummer Boy Book II, Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, Pinocchio's Christmas, Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too, Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, The Story of the First Christmas Snow and The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus. Holiday episodes of That '70s Show are airing on Monday, Dec. 20 at 9am, 11am & 11:30am.
Other ABC Family December 2010 highlights includes the ABC Family premiere of the Jennifer Aniston-Ben Stiller movie Along Came Polly on Sunday, Dec. 26 and an America's Funniest Home Videos marathon on New Year's Eve from 11am-11pm, as we close out 2010 with laughs!
View the FULL ABC Family 2010 25 Days of Christmas schedule.
We already told you that Modern Family is coming to syndication in Fall 2013 on USA Network, now it will also air in syndication on broadcast stations also in Fall 2013. Fox Owned Television Stations and Twentieth Television have reached an agreement for the broadcast syndication rights to Twentieth Century Fox Television's Emmy Award–winning sitcom Modern Family, which airs on ABC every Wednesday night.
Modern Family has been sold to the Fox Television Stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Baltimore for broadcast syndication rights starting Fall 2013. More clearances for other station groups will follow as we get closer to Fall 2013. Modern Family joins upcoming newcomer The Big Bang Theory, which starts next fall (2011), in broadcast syndication on the Fox owned stations. Big Bang will be on TBS on cable.
On Sunday, December 12, ABC Family premieres the ABC Family original movie Christmas Cupid at 8pm starring Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson and Christina Milian. Tuesday, December 14 sees the ABC Family premieres of two specials: Dr. Seuss' Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? at 6:30pm and Puff the Magic Dragon at 7:30pm, both airing after Dr. Suess specials (Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat). Starting Thursday, December 16, ABC Family expands the 25 Days of Christmas on weekdays to mornings as well starting at 7am, with the ABC Family premiere of Meet the Santas at 9am. On Friday, December 17, 2010, it is the ABC Family premiere of Disney-Pixar's Wall-E at 8:30pm. On Monday, December 20 at 8pm, ABC Family has the premiere event of Santa Buddies starring the voice of the late Tom Bosley, Richard Kind & Tim Conway.
Among the movies I didn't mention airing include Jack Frost (1979), Jack Frost (1998), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Home Alone 4, Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Santa Clause 2, Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Snow, Snow 2: Brain Freeze, Santa Baby, Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe, Holiday in Handcuffs, Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo, Disney-Pixar's The Incredibles, A Very Brady Christmas, Richie Rich's Christmas Wish, A Dennis the Menace Christmas, Christmas Do-Over, and Ice Age. And among the specials I didn't mention include A Flintstone Christmas, Cranberry Christmas, Rudolph's Shiny New Year, Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July, The Year Without a Santa Claus, A Miser Brothers' Christmas, Frosty's Winter Wonderland, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Disney Prep & Landing, The Little Drummer Boy, The Little Drummer Boy Book II, Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, Pinocchio's Christmas, Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too, Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, The Story of the First Christmas Snow and The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus. Holiday episodes of That '70s Show are airing on Monday, Dec. 20 at 9am, 11am & 11:30am.
Other ABC Family December 2010 highlights includes the ABC Family premiere of the Jennifer Aniston-Ben Stiller movie Along Came Polly on Sunday, Dec. 26 and an America's Funniest Home Videos marathon on New Year's Eve from 11am-11pm, as we close out 2010 with laughs!
View the FULL ABC Family 2010 25 Days of Christmas schedule.
We already told you that Modern Family is coming to syndication in Fall 2013 on USA Network, now it will also air in syndication on broadcast stations also in Fall 2013. Fox Owned Television Stations and Twentieth Television have reached an agreement for the broadcast syndication rights to Twentieth Century Fox Television's Emmy Award–winning sitcom Modern Family, which airs on ABC every Wednesday night.
Modern Family has been sold to the Fox Television Stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Baltimore for broadcast syndication rights starting Fall 2013. More clearances for other station groups will follow as we get closer to Fall 2013. Modern Family joins upcoming newcomer The Big Bang Theory, which starts next fall (2011), in broadcast syndication on the Fox owned stations. Big Bang will be on TBS on cable.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Week 6 TV Ratings and Analysis; How the Sitcoms Did
2010-11 Week 6 TV Ratings (first four nights of the season, Mon-Thu):
Households: #1. CBS 7.9/12.8 rating/share; #2. ABC 7.1/11.4; #3. Fox 6.9/11.1; #4. NBC 3.5/5.6; #5. The CW 1.3/2.1.
Total Viewers: #1. CBS 13.01 million; #2. Fox 11.62 million; #3. ABC 11.12 million; #4. NBC 5.6 million; #5. The CW 2.09 million.
Adults 18-49: #1. Fox 3.7/10.4 rating/share; #2. CBS 3.3/8.9; #3. ABC 3.0/8.1; #4. NBC 1.9/5.3; #5. The CW 1.0/2.6.
Week 6 (Oct. 25-31) Analysis: November 2010 sweeps is underway and so far for week 6 Fox is up big from previous week thanks to the World Series, even though the ratings for that series is not that high. Through the first four days, CBS has the lead in HH/viewers, but second in 18-49. ABC and Fox are battling for second in HH/viewers, but ABC is third in 18-49. NBC is back in the familiar fourth across the board with no NFL yet. This could change like usual after tonight, due to NFL overrun on Fox and World Series action and NFL on NBC. It's too bad sporting events decide who wins the week. Last week, week 5, had CBS in first in all categories once again for the fifth straight week, as they hung on. ABC was second in HH/viewers but third in 18-49. NBC was third in HH/viewers and second in 18-49 thanks to a huge NFL Sunday night game. Fox was fourth across the board. The difference from 1st to 4th in 18-49 was only .5 (2.9 to 2.4), a bit more wider than previous week.
Monday still has ABC on top, like all season. A two-hour Dancing with the Stars won the total viewer race with 20.41 million and a 4.3 18-49 rating, up from from previous week. Next an all-new Castle did a solid 11.32 million and a 2.9 18-49 rating, up sharply from the previous week for season highs and #1 in the hour in both. Next up was CBS with its comedies and the new Hawaii Five-0. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother started it off with 8.29 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, down a tenth from previous week's numbers and at a season low again. At 8:30, Rules of Engagement did 8.17 million and a 3.0 18-49 rating, up a bit from the previous week. Two and a Half Men followed with 13.77 million and a 4.4 18-49 rating, roughly the same as previous week. At 9:30, Mike & Molly did 10.81 million and a 3.7 18-49 rating, down a lick in viewers from previous week but up in 18-49 rating from previous week. A new Hawaii Five-0 was next and did 10.23 million and a 2.8 18-49 rating, down a bit in viewers and still dropping in 18-49 from previous week, as Castle beat it in 18-49 for the first time and the second straight week in total viewers. CBS has to be concerned since this was their big new gun. Fox was next with a repeat of House doing only 3.98 million and a 1.4 18-49 rating. A new showing of Lie To Me followed and dropped to 4.26 million and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down from previous week obviously since its lead-in was a repeat. NBC followed with the consistent Chuck doing only at 5.44 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, on par with previous week again. The new series The Event isn't consistent. It dropped a bit again in total viewers at 5.97 million and the 18-49 rating was a 2.0 18-49 rating, for series lows. A new Chase was next and did only 4.89 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, for more series lows. What a mess. The CW was next, with 90210 doing 2.03 million and Gossip Girl at 1.88 million...both are under performing.
Tuesday had CBS win in viewers but Fox in 18-49. CBS had the quietly doing well NCIS opening the night off with 20.18 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating, up from previous week in viewers yet down two tenths in 18-49. It got even older. A new episode of NCIS: Los Angeles was next and did 15.99 million and 3.4 18-49 rating, like the lead-in down in 18-49 from previous week. And finally CBS had a new The Good Wife and did 12.59 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, up some from previous week in viewers but down in 18-49. ABC was next as a new No Ordinary Family was leading the night off doing 7.38 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating. It was on par from previous week in viewers but 18-49 dropped two tenths from previous week. When it airs next week (Nov. 9), it needs to go up in 18-49. The live Dancing with the Stars Results Show followed at 9pm and did 15.93 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, up from previous week in viewers but down a tenth in 18-49, as we said goodbye to shockingly to Audrina Patridge. A new episode of the gritty Detroit 1-8-7 followed and did 8.45 million and a 1.9 18-49 rating, up for the third straight week. That's good news. Fox was all-new as Glee did 11.76 million and a 4.9 18-49 rating for its Halloween show. Next were two episodes of Raising Hope, as Running Wilde was preempted, doing 6.0 & 5.37 million and a 2.5 & 2.2 18-49 rating. Not too good, yet picked-up up for a full season. NBC was next with The Biggest Loser 2-hour episode doing 6.7 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, for season lows, followed by an all-new Parenthood at just 4.94 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, yet up some week-to-week. There are just too many options on Tuesdays as I keep saying, and people are watching the DVRed shows from earlier in the night at 10pm and saving the 10pm shows for the next night or so. The CW was in repeats, as One Tree Hill did just 1.12 million, followed by an even worse Life UneXpected at just 960,000 viewers.
Wednesday it was Fox on top with Game 1 of the World Series. The game did 15.71 million and a 4.8 18-49 rating in primetime (15.01 and 4.7 overall), down a lot from last year. CBS started the night off with Survivor: Nicaragua at 11.82 million and a 3.5 18-49 rating, both down again from previous week. Veteran drama Criminal Minds did 13.94 million and a 3.4 A18-49 rating, both down from previous week. At 10pm, The Defenders aired and did 9.8 million and a 2.1 18-49 rating, both down some from previous week. Looks like CBS was affected a bit by baseball. ABC wasn't, as they started off with its Laugh On comedy block with The Middle doing a series best 9.54 million and tying a series best with a 2.9 18-49 rating. Halloween episodes rule! The new sitcom Better With You was next and did 7.67 million and tied a series best 2.5 18-49 rating, up in viewers from previous week for its second best numbers ever. The mammoth Modern Family was next and did a series best 13.14 million and tied a series best with a 5.1 18-49 rating. A new episode of Cougar Town did 8.16 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, up again from previous week, both were its second best ratings of the season behind only the season premiere. At 10pm, the canceled The Whole Truth probably aired its last episode in a while and did 4.4 million and a 1.1 18-49 rating, down from previous week. Specials air on ABC the next four weeks, including the CMA Awards next week (Nov. 10). NBC opened the night with disappointing Undercovers doing 5.45 million and only a 1.4 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week. At 9, Law & Order: SVU was next, but with a repeat, doing 4.81 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating. A repeat of Law & Order: Los Angeles was next and did 4.52 million and a 1.2 18-49 rating. Fox preempted Hell's Kitchen for the World Series. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at 2.66 million and a 1.3 18-49 rating, and a new episode of Hellcats followed with 2.03 million.
Thursday it was Fox on top thanks to the World Series. Game 2 did 14.41 million and a 4.1 18-49 rating in primetime (14.13 and a 4.0 overall), down from game one and the similar game last year. ABC opened the night with the all-time classic It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown doing 6.98 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, down some from last season. Then an all-new Grey's Anatomy followed with 10.79 million and a 3.9 A18-49 rating, both down a tad from previous week...maybe because it wasn't the regular type of episode. Still it was fantastic TV. A new episode of Private Practice was next doing 7.68 million and a 2.7 18-48 rating, on par with previous week. CBS opened with The Big Bang Theory at 13.04 million and a 4.2 A18-49 rating, on par really with previous week. The new comedy (or lack of comedy) $#*! My Dad Says followed with 10.81 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, also on par with previous week. A new CSI followed and did 14.27 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, down a bit from previous week. A new episode of The Mentalist did 14.76 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, both up from previous week. Fox preempted Bones and Fringe for coverage of the World Series. NBC was in the familiar fourth place, but up from normal thanks to the all-new Halloween special Scared Shrekless doing 8.33 million and a 2.6 18-49 rating, way up from the usual Community but Community aired at 8:30pm and did 5.63 million and a 2.4 18-49 rating, improving on 30 Rock a bit week-to-week. 30 Rock was preempted. At 9pm The Office jumped to 8.07 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, to its best numbers since the season premiere. Halloween episode and the better lead-in helps. Shrek saves NBC Thursday. A new Outsourced closed the comedy block with 5.94 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, up from previous week thanks to better lead-ins. At 10, The Apprentice closed the night with only 3.79 million and a 1.4 18-49...just plain bad, but up some from previous week. The CW's big gun Vampire Diaries did great with 3.55 million and tied a season high of 1.7 18-49 rating again, followed by Nikita at 2.48 million and a 1.0 18-49 rating. The latter is not too high in 18-49.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but CBS nipped by ABC in 18-49 on Friday with their dramas. Fox's Good Guys and NBC's School Pride did terrible again with under a 1 ratings. ABC had a great showing from the season premiere of Primetime: What Would You Do at 9, killing NBC's Dateline from 9-11.
Saturday numbers had Fox win with MLB World Series Game #3 nipping by ABC's Saturday Night College Football coverage. Everything else was repeats and low.
Tonight are new episodes for ABC Sunday (AFV, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters). NBC has the Saints/Steelers NFL game. CBS has its normal Sunday line-up, which includes Undercover Boss, airing on time tonight. Fox's animation block is preempted for an NFL overrun and World Series Game 4. Look for all four nets to do well again on Sunday. Fox or NBC will win the night.
As for the week (week 6), CBS will win in HH, viewers but for the first time this season, maybe not 18-49. Fox should win that with four World Series games and an NFL overrun. Fox will probably be second in HH/viewers, though. ABC will be third in HH/viewers, but NBC could take third in 18-49 again thanks to NFL. NBC will be fourth in HH/viewers, though, even with NFL. As for the coming week (week 7), November sweeps has its first full week. Look for some Election coverage on the big four on Tuesday and specials such as the Robin Robert CMA special on Wednesday at 10pm on ABC.
Week 6 How the Sitcoms Did
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week 5 -- Oct. 18-24)
- The Simpsons (Fox) - Since there was no need for NLCS Game 7, Fox had to settle for repeats. Repeat at 8pm did 3.98 million and a 1.7 18-49 rating.
- The Cleveland Show (Fox) 2 episodes - Two repeats to start the 7pm hour did 1.87 million & 0.7 18-49 with only 96% coverage at 7pm and at full coverage did 2.65 million & 1.2 18-49 rating at 7:30pm. Regular 8:30pm airing was preempted.
- Family Guy (Fox) - A repeat at 9pm did 4.42 million and a 2.0 18-49 rating, which is below its normal repeat numbers.
- American Dad! (Fox) 2 episodes - A special repeat 8:30p held more of its lead-in than the normal 9:30pm airing. At 8:30pm a repeat did 3.88 million & a 1.7 18-49 rating, while a repeat at 9:30pm did 3.58 million & a 1.6 18-49 rating.
Monday Sitcoms
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - A new episode did 8.29 million and a 3.2 18-49 rating, up some in viewers but down a tenth from the previous week. 18-49 rating was a season low for the second straight week.
- Rules of Engagement (CBS) - 8.17 million for a new episode is up a bit from previous week, as is the 3.0 18-49 rating.
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 13.77 million for a new episode is up some week-to-week but its 4.4 18-49 rating was similar to previous week.
- Mike & Molly (CBS) - 10.81 million for a new episode is down just a bit from the previous week. 18-49 rating of 3.7 was up two tenths from previous week. It's getting consistent.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- Raising Hope (Fox) 2 episodes - Two all-new episodes aired in the 9pm hour, but they still were under performing. 6.0 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating out of the huge lead-in from Glee is not good and the second new episode at 9:30pm did only 5.37 million and a 2.2 18-49 rating, but way better than Running Wilde.
- Running Wilde (Fox) - preempted.
- The Middle (ABC) - A new episode at 8pm did series highs in total viewers with 9.54 million and tied a series high with a 2.9 18-49 rating. Great job!
- Better with You (ABC) - The new comedy did 7.67 million and a 2.5 18-49 rating. Up in viewers and 18-49 rating from previous week, tying series highs in 18-49 as well.
- Modern Family (ABC) - A new episode did a series high 13.14 million and tied a series high with a 5.1 18-49 rating. It is the top scripted series again in 18-49. Great Halloween episode!
- Cougar Town (ABC) - A new episode did 8.16 million and a 3.3 18-49 rating, up again from previous week as it went up once again. This show is the most consistent show on TV and I still think it wouldn't get hurt at 10pm.
Thursday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - A new episode did a solid 13.04 million, on par with previous week and a 4.2 18-49 rating, up a tenth. Great numbers for 8pm, but Glee does better in 18-49.
- S#*! My Dad Says (CBS) - Following the big lead-in again, a new episode did 10.81 million and a 3.1 18-49 rating, this is on par week-to-week.
- Community (NBC) - A new episode at a special time of 8:30pm did 5.63 million and 2.4 A18-49 rating, up from previous week thanks to the new Shrek special lead-in.
- 30 Rock (NBC) - preempted.
- The Office (NBC) - A new episode did 8.07 million and a 4.0 18-49 rating, up big from previous week. Its best ratings since season premiere.
- Outsourced (NBC) - A new episode dropped to 5.94 million and a 2.7 18-49 rating, but both were up week-to-week because of improved lead-ins.
Friday Sitcoms
- None.
Saturday Sitcoms
- The Office (NBC) - A special encore of the Halloween episode only did a prelim 2.25 million and a prelim 0.8 18-49 rating, dropping from its Halloween specials lead-ins.
- Community (NBC) - A special encore of the Halloween episode only did a prelim 1.86 million and a prelim 0.7 18-49 rating.
Airing tonight (Sunday) are no comedies. Fox's animated comedies are preempted.
Summing it up. Modern Family, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Mike & Molly, $#*! My Dad Says, The Middle, Cougar Town were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Rules of Engagement, Community) or just plain old terrible (such as Raising Hope).
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Digital Digest: The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 and Legend of the Super Heroes DVD Reviews
Happy Halloween weekend and welcome to this week's edition of Digital Digest! We don't have any tricks for you this weekend, but we do have a few treats with our reviews of The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 and Legend of the Super Heroes from Warner Archive! We also have a little news for you (though it is a slow news week again!) and a look at Tuesday's new DVD releases!
DIGITAL NEWS
We'll get started by taking care of pre-order business of current series airing on TV, and this time, it is a pre-order listing for a season of a series that has yet to even air on TV! The NBC series Parks and Recreation, which was ordered as a midseason replacement (and has not aired yet), is now available for pre-order on amazon.com. Parks and Recreation - Season Three carries a list price of $39.98, and as usual, no details are known about the contents of this set just yet. Of course, Parks and Recreation - Season Two will be released on November 30, and we'll have a review of that one as soon as we receive it!
Universal is finishing up some business with some series, with a release date now set for Airwolf - Season Four. According to TVShowsOnDVD.com, the five-disc set will be released on February 1 at a $39.98 MSRP. Additionally, fans of Columbo will be pleased to learn that the 1991-1993 movie collection is also on the way! Columbo - The Mystery Movie Collection 1991-1993 is set for February 8 at a $26.98 MSRP.
We have been seeing many direct-to-consumer DVD programs pop up lately (which are good for fans of series that may not show up at retail), but now it appears that CBS Home Entertainment is getting into the game with the 2009 series from The CW, Melrose Place - The Complete Series! It is now available to order as an amazon.com manufacture-on-demand product. While this may not be big news for fans of the series that we normally cover here, this is significant, as it could (and we stress, could) lead to more series from the CBS Home Entertainment vault being released through this method.
We still don't know much about Sony's upcoming Married... with Children - The Complete Series DVD set, but information on amazon.com's listing says that it will be a 32 disc set, which, assuming that they use the same disc breakdown that they used on the season sets, suggests that there will not be any additional discs in this set. That likely means that there won't be any new special features on this set, although we don't know that for certain. Of course, we hope to have a review on this set when/if we receive it.
A while back, we talked about the situation with The Donna Reed Show, and how Virgil Films will no longer be releasing the series. Unfortunately, that situation hasn't changed, and as of right now, nobody else is on tap to release the remainder of series, but some interesting discussions on Home Theater Forum have suggested that perhaps (and we stress, perhaps, because we like to be careful with rumors) more COULD be on the way. While there is some room for skepticism about the information, a source claiming to be close to Mary Owen (daughter of Donna Reed) claims that a release of the fourth season is being prepared for some point down the road. We do want to stress that this is not a confirmation that the fourth season will be forthcoming, and that we really don't have any information other than what can be read in the thread, but it is possible that there is a glimmer of hope.
DIGITAL NEWS
We'll get started by taking care of pre-order business of current series airing on TV, and this time, it is a pre-order listing for a season of a series that has yet to even air on TV! The NBC series Parks and Recreation, which was ordered as a midseason replacement (and has not aired yet), is now available for pre-order on amazon.com. Parks and Recreation - Season Three carries a list price of $39.98, and as usual, no details are known about the contents of this set just yet. Of course, Parks and Recreation - Season Two will be released on November 30, and we'll have a review of that one as soon as we receive it!
Universal is finishing up some business with some series, with a release date now set for Airwolf - Season Four. According to TVShowsOnDVD.com, the five-disc set will be released on February 1 at a $39.98 MSRP. Additionally, fans of Columbo will be pleased to learn that the 1991-1993 movie collection is also on the way! Columbo - The Mystery Movie Collection 1991-1993 is set for February 8 at a $26.98 MSRP.
We have been seeing many direct-to-consumer DVD programs pop up lately (which are good for fans of series that may not show up at retail), but now it appears that CBS Home Entertainment is getting into the game with the 2009 series from The CW, Melrose Place - The Complete Series! It is now available to order as an amazon.com manufacture-on-demand product. While this may not be big news for fans of the series that we normally cover here, this is significant, as it could (and we stress, could) lead to more series from the CBS Home Entertainment vault being released through this method.
We still don't know much about Sony's upcoming Married... with Children - The Complete Series DVD set, but information on amazon.com's listing says that it will be a 32 disc set, which, assuming that they use the same disc breakdown that they used on the season sets, suggests that there will not be any additional discs in this set. That likely means that there won't be any new special features on this set, although we don't know that for certain. Of course, we hope to have a review on this set when/if we receive it.
A while back, we talked about the situation with The Donna Reed Show, and how Virgil Films will no longer be releasing the series. Unfortunately, that situation hasn't changed, and as of right now, nobody else is on tap to release the remainder of series, but some interesting discussions on Home Theater Forum have suggested that perhaps (and we stress, perhaps, because we like to be careful with rumors) more COULD be on the way. While there is some room for skepticism about the information, a source claiming to be close to Mary Owen (daughter of Donna Reed) claims that a release of the fourth season is being prepared for some point down the road. We do want to stress that this is not a confirmation that the fourth season will be forthcoming, and that we really don't have any information other than what can be read in the thread, but it is possible that there is a glimmer of hope.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (November 2) is Election Day, and you'll have some nice choices to vote for from Shout! Factory with several releases, including The Facts of Life - The Complete Fifth Season, Mad About You - The Complete Fifth Season, The Larry Sanders Show - The Complete Series, and The Larry Sanders Show - Season Two! You can read our review of The Facts of Life - The Complete Fifth Season and Mad About You - The Complete Fifth Season for more details on those releases. We hope to have reviews on The Larry Sanders Show when/if we receive them.
We also have from CBS Home Entertainment on Tuesday their Christmas Treats DVD release, which is a compilation of eight Christmas episodes (plus a segment from Love, American Style) from the CBS Home Entertainment archive. We just received a copy of this DVD on Friday, and we should have a review of it on our reviews page before it is released on Tuesday.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Today we have not one but TWO reviews for you! It's a Halloween double feature! We start off with a Halloween themed review of The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 that came out in August from Time Life and we also look at the recently released Legend of the Super Heroes from Warner Archive. That set features Adam West and Burt Ward reprising their roles as Batman and Robin in a two-part rarely seen special!
DVD Review: The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3
by Pavan
The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 (Time Life, $39.98) brings us 31 more episodes of the classic animated series on DVD! These episodes are from the syndication season (the last 17 of the 65 episodes) and the full second ABC season (13 episodes), plus the third season premiere...and hence add 17+13+1 and we get 31 episodes. Plus in addition to the episodes, we get many special features! It's a great set, like the previous two volumes were.
The series continues the adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman (voiced by Lorenzo Music and Dave Coulier), Dr. Egon Spengler (Maurice La Marche), Winston Zeddemore (Arsenio Hall and Buster Jones), Dr. Ray Stantz (Frank Welker), their secretary Janine Melnitz (Laura Summer and Kathy Soucie) and their mascot ghost Slimer (Frank Welker). The series aired from 1986-1991. The series aired on ABC Saturday mornings. It was so popular it also had 65 first-run syndication episodes in 1987. In total, the series had 134 episodes (plus 13 Slimer half-hours during season three). Read our volume one review (which consisted of the first ABC season of 13 episodes and the first 17 episodes from the syndication season). We didn't review volume two, but that set had episodes 18-48 from the syndication season.
Here on this third volume we get episodes 49-65 ("Deadcon I" to "The Hole in the Wall Gang") from the syndication season and all of season two from ABC from "Transylvanian Home Sick Blues" to "The Grundel." We also get the first episode from the third season on ABC titled "Flip Side." The series was titled Slimer! and The Real Ghostbusters for season three on ABC because the series was now one-hour, with the regular episode then two or three Slimer segments in the second half-hour. We don't get any of the 13 Slimer half-hours on this volume (they will be on Volume 5, if you have the complete series set).
The ABC episodes all run longer, with most just over 23 minutes. They are unedited and all, but a few seem fishy in the 22:20s. Not sure if they are edited or anything, though. These episodes are presented in airdate order (with the exception of one episode). The syndication episodes of course run shorter, but nothing is edited here since first-run syndication has more commercial time. They run about 22:20-22:30. These episodes are presented in production order. All of these episodes have those cool bumpers with the "no ghost logo," saying we'll be back in a moment or now back to the show. Here are the runtimes for this set:
Disc 1
1. "Deadcon I" - 22:25 (#49, Syndication)
2. "The Cabinet of Calamari" - 21:52 (#50, Syndication)
3. "A Ghost Grows in Brooklyn" - 22:25 (#51, Syndication)
4. "The Revenge of Murray the Mantis" - 22:25 (#52, Syndication)
5. "Rollerghoster" - 22:25 (#53, Syndication)
6. "I Am the City" - 22:27 (#54, Syndication)
7. "Moaning Stones" - 22:25 (#55, Syndication)
Disc 2
8. "The Long, Long, Long, Etc. Goodbye" - 22:25 (#56, Syndication)
9. "Buster the Ghost" - 22:28 (#57, Syndication)
10. "The Devil to Pay" - 22:27 (#58, Syndication)
11. "Slimer, Is That You?" - 22:28 (#59, Syndication)
12. "Egon's Ghost" - 22:29 (#60 Syndication)
13. "Captain Steel Saves the Day" - 22:26 (#61, Syndication)
14. "Victor the Happy Ghost" - 22:30 (#62, Syndication)
Disc 3
15. "Egon's Dragon" - 22:30 (#63, Syndication)
16. "Dairy Farm" - 22:28 (#64, Syndication)
17. "The Hole in the Wall Gang" - 22:30 (#65, Syndication)
18. "Transylvanian Homesick Blues" - 22:18 (#1 ABC Season 2) NOTE: this episode aired last in ABC season two, but is presented here fire of the season two episodes because of character designs similar to season one.
19. "Baby Spookums" - 23:05 (#2 ABC Season 2)
20. "It's a Jungle Out There" - 23:07 (#3 ABC Season 2)
Disc 4
21. "The Boogeyman Is Back" - 23:07 (#4 ABC Season 2)
22. "Once Upon a Slime" - 23:08 (#5 ABC Season 2)
23. "The Two Faces of Slimer" - 23:09 (#6 ABC Season 2)
24. "Sticky Business" - 22:22 (#7 ABC Season 2)
25. "Halloween II 1/2" - 22:27 (#8 ABC Season 2)
26. "Loathe Thy Neighbor" - 23:08 (#9 ABC Season 2)
27. "Big Trouble With Little Slimer" - 23:08 (#10 ABC Season 2)
Disc 5
28. "The Copycat" - 23:08 (#11 ABC Season 2)
29. "Camping It Up" - 22:23 (#12 ABC Season 2)
30. "The Grundel" - 23:08 (#13 ABC Season 2)
31. "Flip Side" - 22:24 (#1 ABC Season 3)
Let's now move on to the packaging. Now Time Life has already released the complete series in 2008, but we won't get into that yet. This third volume was just recently released individually. Time Life plans to release the remaining volumes individually as well (volumes four and five remain). Anyway, if you have the complete series set, the packaging for this third volume is the same as that, except on the complete series set it is a steelbook case. On this regular individual volume release for volume three, we get a thin outer box holding a case. The cover art has the gang running from the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man with their proton packs and Slimer above them. The color scheme is green. The show logo is on top, with the mention of Volume 3 on the bottom. The back of the outer box has the "no ghost" symbol in the background. We have info on the series and set as well, with a special features list and DVD producer credits. The back of the case has the no ghost logo going inside the proton pack's ghost catcher. Inside the case we go, we have an episode booklet on the left. The front of that has the same artwork as the cover art. This booklet is very detailed and handy, just like with volume one. The first page has a very nice series history from the DVD producer, Andy Mangels. He produced great special features, which we will detail later. Then we have episode details, all broken down disc-by-disc, with the episode number, title, production number, whether it was on ABC or syndication, synopsis, trivia, extras for the episode, and even a screenshot from the episode. Wow! Great job once again on this. The last page inside has a full page of credits for this DVD. And the back page has the same info as the back of the outer box--info on the set and series, and a list of bonus features. As far as the discs itself go, the first four discs are inside plastic holders. The first plastic holder holds disc one on the front and disc two on the back and we can flip it like a page in a book. The second plastic holder has discs three and four, and the same goes true for them. Disc five is on the right panel itself. The disc art is the same as the cover art, but has one face on each disc. Disc one has Peter and episodes 1-7. Disc two has Winston and episodes 8-14. Disc three has Ray and episodes 15-20. Disc four has Egon and episodes 21-27. And disc five has Slimer and episodes 28-30 along with the special features.
The menu screen is very cool. It is similar to the first two volumes. We start off with the ghost catcher (the thing you pull out of the proton pack when you catch a ghost) and out of that, the menu screen comes out! Cool! We have green slime on top with the show logo and disc number, video clips are playing in the middle with no sound, the main cast is surrounding the video, and the instrumental theme song is playing in the background! Who you gonna call? We have options for Play, Episodes, and Special Features. Play of course plays them all at once for that disc. When we select Episodes, Slimer pops up, then he slimes us and we are taken to the episode list where the episodes are listed. When we select an episode, we are taken to an episodes option screen, where we can view various items related to the episode such as an introduction from someone behind the scenes, visual commentary for the episode, musical track for effects, or of course play the episode. Only some episodes out of these 31 do not have any of this, so those episodes go right to the episode rather than this screen. Special Features menu lists all the extras on that disc, minus the intros and musical effects, which can only be viewed on an episode screen.
The video is decent, but nothing that great. In fact some episodes look terrible, especially the syndication episodes. There are some that look very good, though. The ABC season two episode looks way better and sharper. The back of the box says it has been remastered but it doesn't seem like it for the syndication episodes. They are watchable though. The audio is very good though. It was nice and loud and not low at all. Each episode has 4 chapter stops.
As for special features, we have a WHOLE lot here. Disc five has the main extras, but each disc has something. We have 15 special on-camera episode introductions! Some even have two for an episode. We have 5 on-camera Visual Commentary tracks featuring producers, writers, etc., hosted by the DVD producer Andy Mangels. Five episodes have also isolated Music & Effects tracks. We have no character audio, just the sound effects. It is interesting that there is music throughout the episode! Here is a rundown of the episodic extras:
Disc 1
1. "Deadcon I" - Introduction by Michael Edens (0:48)
2. "The Cabinet of Calamari" - Visual Commentary Track with Michael Edens, Michael Swanigan, and James Eatock; Isolated Music & Effects Track
3. "A Ghost Grows in Brooklyn" - Introduction by Michael Edens (0:51)
4. "The Revenge of Murray the Mantis" - Introductions by Richard Mueller (0:35) and Michael Swanigan (0:28)
5. "Rollerghoster" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:40)
6. "I Am the City" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:31)
7. "Moaning Stones" - NONE
Disc 2
8. "The Long, Long, Long, Etc. Goodbye" - Introduction by Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey (0:26); Isolated Music & Effects Track
9. "Buster the Ghost" - NONE
10. "The Devil to Pay" - Introduction by Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey (0:34); Visual Commentary Track with Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey
11. "Slimer, Is That You?" - NONE
12. "Egon's Ghost" - Introduction by Maurice LaMarche (0:29)
13. "Captain Steel Saves the Day" - NONE
14. "Victor the Happy Ghost" - Introduction by Dan Riba (0:31)
Disc 3
15. "Egon's Dragon" - Introduction by Kathryn Drennan (0:24); Visual Commentary Track with Kathryn Drennan; Isolated Music & Effects Track
16. "Dairy Farm" - NONE
17. "The Hole in the Wall Gang" - Introductions by David Gerrold (0:31) and Dan Riba (0:32)
18. "Transylvanian Homesick Blues" - NONE
19. "Baby Spookums" - Introduction by Michael Swanigan (0:29); Visual Commentary Track with Len Janson
20. "It's a Jungle Out There" - NONE
Disc 4
21. "The Boogeyman Is Back" - Isolated Music & Effects Track
22. "Once Upon a Slime" - NONE
23. "The Two Faces of Slimer" - NONE
24. "Sticky Business" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:30)
25. "Halloween II 1/2" - Visual Commentary Track with Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey
26. "Loathe Thy Neighbor" - NONE
27. "Big Trouble With Little Slimer" - NONE
Disc 5
28. "The Copycat" - NONE
29. "Camping It Up" - NONE
30. "The Grundel" - Isolated Music & Effects Track
31. "Flip Side" - NONE
The rest of the special features are on disc five. We have a very nice featurette called "Who You Gonna Call? The Heroes of The Real Ghostbusters" that runs 19:45. Interviewed are J. Michael Stracczynski (writer/story editor), Michael C. Gross (executive producer), David Gerrold (writer), Kathryn M. Drennan (writer), Michael Edens (writer), Richard T. Mueller (writer), James Eatock (Cereal: Geek Magazine), Dennys J. McCoy & Pamela Hickey (writers), Marc Scott Zicree (writer), Darell McNeill (storyboard artist), Gabi Payn (character design), Marsha Goodman (voice director/casting), Maurice LaMarche (Egon), Laura Summer (Janine #1) and Kath Soucie (Janine #2). Then we have an "Image Gallery of Equipment" with lots of promotional artwork and we also have a gallery for "Character Design of Heroes." Then if you have a DVR-ROM on your computer you can look at scripts and storyboards in PDF format.
I highly do recommend this set for any Ghostbuster franchise fan and classic animation fans in general. If you have the first two individual volumes, then you should have this already or should get it. If you have the complete series set, then there is no real reason for you to get this set. The complete series set has the same content has the individual volumes, but with collectible packaging and a bonus disc. We will try to review that in the future for you. This is really a good show. I remember liking this a lot in the 80s and early 90s. The show is in the same style as the animated Dennis the Menace and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Maybe because there were also by Japanese animators? But I loved all three shows! The video is not great, but everything else here is superb and deserves high praise. Great job by Time Life's producers here. We still have volumes four and five left to be released individually. So hopefully Time Life releases those soon for us to review. Then we will go back and review the complete series set and note the differences between the individual volumes and the complete set. Anyway, after watching this set, you'll be saying, "I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost!"
(4.5/5 stars)
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DVD Review: Legend of the Super Heroes
by Pavan
Legend of the Super Heroes (Warner Archive, $19.95) brings us two very obscure and rare TV specials from 1979 on DVD for the first time ever through Warner Archive (onDemand DVD's on DVD-R). On this disc we have heroes and villains of DC Comics squaring off in the two-part, live-action, made-for-TV (with a laugh track!) smackdowns of Legends of the Super Heroes. This two-part special aired on NBC on Jan. 18 and Jan. 25, 1979.
In "The Challenge" (48:45), Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward of the live-action Batman TV series) lead The Flash, Green Lantern and more JLA members against The Riddler (Frank Gorshin reprising his TV role), Mordru, Weather Wizard and other Doom-dealers. The Legion's ultimate gambit: trick the heroes into downing a diabolical depowering drink! This special stars Jeff Altman, Charlie Callas, Gabe Dell, Frank Gorshin, Howard Morris, Mickey Morton, William Schallert, Burt Ward and Adam West. In "The Roast" (48:44), poking fun beats swapping punches when celebrity host Ed McMahon (The Tonight Show) emcees a rowdy rave-up. Who knew DC Super Heroes and villains packed as much verbal wit as physical grit when not locked in mortal combat? These Legends will leave you laughing. This special stars Jeff Altman, Ruth Buzzi, Charlie Callas, Pat Carroll, Gabe Dell, June Gable, Howard Morris, Mickey Morton, Brad Sanders, William Schallert, Alfie Wise, Burt Ward and Adam West.
Let's now move on to the packaging. We have a very thin keep case, that is movie style. The cover art features Batman and Robin and then various screenshots from the special. The title of the set is on the top, with a mention that this is a Warner Bros. Archive Collection. To the back we go, we have two more screenshots, including one of Ed McMahon. The back also has details on the two specials and a list of credits. When we open the case, there is no artwork inside, so it is just plain black. The disc is on the right panel with a background color of blue and the logo is present.
The menu screen has options of Play All, The Challenge, The Roat, and Deleted Scenes & Outtakes. It's a simple looking menu with the Warner Bros. Archive Logo and the Legend of the Super Heroes logo. There are no submenus, so when you choose an option, it goes right to the chosen item.
The video and audio is OK. Remember this a DVD-R, so it's not expected to look like HD or anything. These two specials wee videotaped in front of an audience, so the colors are bright. These specials are like theatre style. They are very kitschy and cheesy. It's certainly good to see these since they are pretty rare, though. Each special has 5 chapter stops, but at weird places. Chapter stops occur every 10 minutes, just like how they did it on Night Court Season 4.
We actually get a special feature. I would have never thought we would get ANY bonus material for something like this, but Warner Archive has dug up some deleted scenes & outtakes. We get six of them and they run a total of 8:28. If you thought the specials were kitchsy and cheesy, wait until you see these!
I recommend this set for any super heroes fan and of course Batman and Robin fans. It's good to see Adam West and Burt Ward reprise their roles of Batman and Robin about 10 years later. They both look a bit chunky, but not too bad. It's just weird seeing Robin older. This two-part special is realllllly kitschy and cheesy, as I mentioned. I'm sure people hated these specials when they aired. It was very weird, but at the same time cool, if that makes sense. I have never seen these specials, so they are new to me. And I'm sure they are new to a lot of you out there as well. Batman was great on these specials, with his politically correct corrections. As the super heroes gathered, he corrected the super hero term by saying super heroines or super persons. Batman doesn't discriminate against women! Ha! If we can get this special on DVD, we really need the 60s Batman series finally on DVD! I've been enjoying it again on The Hub every night and it would be great to have on DVD. But for now, this is one way to see Batman and Robin on DVD (the other way is the animated The New Adventures of Batman, see our review of that). Sure it is 10 years later after the series and of course no where good as that series, but this is something at least. This is very rare, so you might want to put in your collection, no matter how bad or cheesy this is! See Batman and Robin with a laugh track!
(4/5 stars)
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LOOKING AHEAD
We have received many DVDs for review lately, and we'll have reviews of those on our reviews page and on Digital Digest in the upcoming weeks! Among those are The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season, Perry Mason - Season Five, Volume Two, and others. We had hoped to have a review of the animated series The Addams Family - The Complete Series from Warner Archive for today, but unfortunately, we haven't received that one yet... but we'll bring it to you as soon as we do receive it, kind of like leftover candy from Halloween! Until next time, keep it digital!
Tuesday (November 2) is Election Day, and you'll have some nice choices to vote for from Shout! Factory with several releases, including The Facts of Life - The Complete Fifth Season, Mad About You - The Complete Fifth Season, The Larry Sanders Show - The Complete Series, and The Larry Sanders Show - Season Two! You can read our review of The Facts of Life - The Complete Fifth Season and Mad About You - The Complete Fifth Season for more details on those releases. We hope to have reviews on The Larry Sanders Show when/if we receive them.
We also have from CBS Home Entertainment on Tuesday their Christmas Treats DVD release, which is a compilation of eight Christmas episodes (plus a segment from Love, American Style) from the CBS Home Entertainment archive. We just received a copy of this DVD on Friday, and we should have a review of it on our reviews page before it is released on Tuesday.
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
Today we have not one but TWO reviews for you! It's a Halloween double feature! We start off with a Halloween themed review of The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 that came out in August from Time Life and we also look at the recently released Legend of the Super Heroes from Warner Archive. That set features Adam West and Burt Ward reprising their roles as Batman and Robin in a two-part rarely seen special!
DVD Review: The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3
by Pavan
The Real Ghostbusters - Volume 3 (Time Life, $39.98) brings us 31 more episodes of the classic animated series on DVD! These episodes are from the syndication season (the last 17 of the 65 episodes) and the full second ABC season (13 episodes), plus the third season premiere...and hence add 17+13+1 and we get 31 episodes. Plus in addition to the episodes, we get many special features! It's a great set, like the previous two volumes were.
The series continues the adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman (voiced by Lorenzo Music and Dave Coulier), Dr. Egon Spengler (Maurice La Marche), Winston Zeddemore (Arsenio Hall and Buster Jones), Dr. Ray Stantz (Frank Welker), their secretary Janine Melnitz (Laura Summer and Kathy Soucie) and their mascot ghost Slimer (Frank Welker). The series aired from 1986-1991. The series aired on ABC Saturday mornings. It was so popular it also had 65 first-run syndication episodes in 1987. In total, the series had 134 episodes (plus 13 Slimer half-hours during season three). Read our volume one review (which consisted of the first ABC season of 13 episodes and the first 17 episodes from the syndication season). We didn't review volume two, but that set had episodes 18-48 from the syndication season.
Here on this third volume we get episodes 49-65 ("Deadcon I" to "The Hole in the Wall Gang") from the syndication season and all of season two from ABC from "Transylvanian Home Sick Blues" to "The Grundel." We also get the first episode from the third season on ABC titled "Flip Side." The series was titled Slimer! and The Real Ghostbusters for season three on ABC because the series was now one-hour, with the regular episode then two or three Slimer segments in the second half-hour. We don't get any of the 13 Slimer half-hours on this volume (they will be on Volume 5, if you have the complete series set).
The ABC episodes all run longer, with most just over 23 minutes. They are unedited and all, but a few seem fishy in the 22:20s. Not sure if they are edited or anything, though. These episodes are presented in airdate order (with the exception of one episode). The syndication episodes of course run shorter, but nothing is edited here since first-run syndication has more commercial time. They run about 22:20-22:30. These episodes are presented in production order. All of these episodes have those cool bumpers with the "no ghost logo," saying we'll be back in a moment or now back to the show. Here are the runtimes for this set:
Disc 1
1. "Deadcon I" - 22:25 (#49, Syndication)
2. "The Cabinet of Calamari" - 21:52 (#50, Syndication)
3. "A Ghost Grows in Brooklyn" - 22:25 (#51, Syndication)
4. "The Revenge of Murray the Mantis" - 22:25 (#52, Syndication)
5. "Rollerghoster" - 22:25 (#53, Syndication)
6. "I Am the City" - 22:27 (#54, Syndication)
7. "Moaning Stones" - 22:25 (#55, Syndication)
Disc 2
8. "The Long, Long, Long, Etc. Goodbye" - 22:25 (#56, Syndication)
9. "Buster the Ghost" - 22:28 (#57, Syndication)
10. "The Devil to Pay" - 22:27 (#58, Syndication)
11. "Slimer, Is That You?" - 22:28 (#59, Syndication)
12. "Egon's Ghost" - 22:29 (#60 Syndication)
13. "Captain Steel Saves the Day" - 22:26 (#61, Syndication)
14. "Victor the Happy Ghost" - 22:30 (#62, Syndication)
Disc 3
15. "Egon's Dragon" - 22:30 (#63, Syndication)
16. "Dairy Farm" - 22:28 (#64, Syndication)
17. "The Hole in the Wall Gang" - 22:30 (#65, Syndication)
18. "Transylvanian Homesick Blues" - 22:18 (#1 ABC Season 2) NOTE: this episode aired last in ABC season two, but is presented here fire of the season two episodes because of character designs similar to season one.
19. "Baby Spookums" - 23:05 (#2 ABC Season 2)
20. "It's a Jungle Out There" - 23:07 (#3 ABC Season 2)
Disc 4
21. "The Boogeyman Is Back" - 23:07 (#4 ABC Season 2)
22. "Once Upon a Slime" - 23:08 (#5 ABC Season 2)
23. "The Two Faces of Slimer" - 23:09 (#6 ABC Season 2)
24. "Sticky Business" - 22:22 (#7 ABC Season 2)
25. "Halloween II 1/2" - 22:27 (#8 ABC Season 2)
26. "Loathe Thy Neighbor" - 23:08 (#9 ABC Season 2)
27. "Big Trouble With Little Slimer" - 23:08 (#10 ABC Season 2)
Disc 5
28. "The Copycat" - 23:08 (#11 ABC Season 2)
29. "Camping It Up" - 22:23 (#12 ABC Season 2)
30. "The Grundel" - 23:08 (#13 ABC Season 2)
31. "Flip Side" - 22:24 (#1 ABC Season 3)
Let's now move on to the packaging. Now Time Life has already released the complete series in 2008, but we won't get into that yet. This third volume was just recently released individually. Time Life plans to release the remaining volumes individually as well (volumes four and five remain). Anyway, if you have the complete series set, the packaging for this third volume is the same as that, except on the complete series set it is a steelbook case. On this regular individual volume release for volume three, we get a thin outer box holding a case. The cover art has the gang running from the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man with their proton packs and Slimer above them. The color scheme is green. The show logo is on top, with the mention of Volume 3 on the bottom. The back of the outer box has the "no ghost" symbol in the background. We have info on the series and set as well, with a special features list and DVD producer credits. The back of the case has the no ghost logo going inside the proton pack's ghost catcher. Inside the case we go, we have an episode booklet on the left. The front of that has the same artwork as the cover art. This booklet is very detailed and handy, just like with volume one. The first page has a very nice series history from the DVD producer, Andy Mangels. He produced great special features, which we will detail later. Then we have episode details, all broken down disc-by-disc, with the episode number, title, production number, whether it was on ABC or syndication, synopsis, trivia, extras for the episode, and even a screenshot from the episode. Wow! Great job once again on this. The last page inside has a full page of credits for this DVD. And the back page has the same info as the back of the outer box--info on the set and series, and a list of bonus features. As far as the discs itself go, the first four discs are inside plastic holders. The first plastic holder holds disc one on the front and disc two on the back and we can flip it like a page in a book. The second plastic holder has discs three and four, and the same goes true for them. Disc five is on the right panel itself. The disc art is the same as the cover art, but has one face on each disc. Disc one has Peter and episodes 1-7. Disc two has Winston and episodes 8-14. Disc three has Ray and episodes 15-20. Disc four has Egon and episodes 21-27. And disc five has Slimer and episodes 28-30 along with the special features.
The menu screen is very cool. It is similar to the first two volumes. We start off with the ghost catcher (the thing you pull out of the proton pack when you catch a ghost) and out of that, the menu screen comes out! Cool! We have green slime on top with the show logo and disc number, video clips are playing in the middle with no sound, the main cast is surrounding the video, and the instrumental theme song is playing in the background! Who you gonna call? We have options for Play, Episodes, and Special Features. Play of course plays them all at once for that disc. When we select Episodes, Slimer pops up, then he slimes us and we are taken to the episode list where the episodes are listed. When we select an episode, we are taken to an episodes option screen, where we can view various items related to the episode such as an introduction from someone behind the scenes, visual commentary for the episode, musical track for effects, or of course play the episode. Only some episodes out of these 31 do not have any of this, so those episodes go right to the episode rather than this screen. Special Features menu lists all the extras on that disc, minus the intros and musical effects, which can only be viewed on an episode screen.
The video is decent, but nothing that great. In fact some episodes look terrible, especially the syndication episodes. There are some that look very good, though. The ABC season two episode looks way better and sharper. The back of the box says it has been remastered but it doesn't seem like it for the syndication episodes. They are watchable though. The audio is very good though. It was nice and loud and not low at all. Each episode has 4 chapter stops.
As for special features, we have a WHOLE lot here. Disc five has the main extras, but each disc has something. We have 15 special on-camera episode introductions! Some even have two for an episode. We have 5 on-camera Visual Commentary tracks featuring producers, writers, etc., hosted by the DVD producer Andy Mangels. Five episodes have also isolated Music & Effects tracks. We have no character audio, just the sound effects. It is interesting that there is music throughout the episode! Here is a rundown of the episodic extras:
Disc 1
1. "Deadcon I" - Introduction by Michael Edens (0:48)
2. "The Cabinet of Calamari" - Visual Commentary Track with Michael Edens, Michael Swanigan, and James Eatock; Isolated Music & Effects Track
3. "A Ghost Grows in Brooklyn" - Introduction by Michael Edens (0:51)
4. "The Revenge of Murray the Mantis" - Introductions by Richard Mueller (0:35) and Michael Swanigan (0:28)
5. "Rollerghoster" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:40)
6. "I Am the City" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:31)
7. "Moaning Stones" - NONE
Disc 2
8. "The Long, Long, Long, Etc. Goodbye" - Introduction by Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey (0:26); Isolated Music & Effects Track
9. "Buster the Ghost" - NONE
10. "The Devil to Pay" - Introduction by Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey (0:34); Visual Commentary Track with Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey
11. "Slimer, Is That You?" - NONE
12. "Egon's Ghost" - Introduction by Maurice LaMarche (0:29)
13. "Captain Steel Saves the Day" - NONE
14. "Victor the Happy Ghost" - Introduction by Dan Riba (0:31)
Disc 3
15. "Egon's Dragon" - Introduction by Kathryn Drennan (0:24); Visual Commentary Track with Kathryn Drennan; Isolated Music & Effects Track
16. "Dairy Farm" - NONE
17. "The Hole in the Wall Gang" - Introductions by David Gerrold (0:31) and Dan Riba (0:32)
18. "Transylvanian Homesick Blues" - NONE
19. "Baby Spookums" - Introduction by Michael Swanigan (0:29); Visual Commentary Track with Len Janson
20. "It's a Jungle Out There" - NONE
Disc 4
21. "The Boogeyman Is Back" - Isolated Music & Effects Track
22. "Once Upon a Slime" - NONE
23. "The Two Faces of Slimer" - NONE
24. "Sticky Business" - Introduction by Richard Mueller (0:30)
25. "Halloween II 1/2" - Visual Commentary Track with Dennys McCoy & Pamela Hickey
26. "Loathe Thy Neighbor" - NONE
27. "Big Trouble With Little Slimer" - NONE
Disc 5
28. "The Copycat" - NONE
29. "Camping It Up" - NONE
30. "The Grundel" - Isolated Music & Effects Track
31. "Flip Side" - NONE
The rest of the special features are on disc five. We have a very nice featurette called "Who You Gonna Call? The Heroes of The Real Ghostbusters" that runs 19:45. Interviewed are J. Michael Stracczynski (writer/story editor), Michael C. Gross (executive producer), David Gerrold (writer), Kathryn M. Drennan (writer), Michael Edens (writer), Richard T. Mueller (writer), James Eatock (Cereal: Geek Magazine), Dennys J. McCoy & Pamela Hickey (writers), Marc Scott Zicree (writer), Darell McNeill (storyboard artist), Gabi Payn (character design), Marsha Goodman (voice director/casting), Maurice LaMarche (Egon), Laura Summer (Janine #1) and Kath Soucie (Janine #2). Then we have an "Image Gallery of Equipment" with lots of promotional artwork and we also have a gallery for "Character Design of Heroes." Then if you have a DVR-ROM on your computer you can look at scripts and storyboards in PDF format.
I highly do recommend this set for any Ghostbuster franchise fan and classic animation fans in general. If you have the first two individual volumes, then you should have this already or should get it. If you have the complete series set, then there is no real reason for you to get this set. The complete series set has the same content has the individual volumes, but with collectible packaging and a bonus disc. We will try to review that in the future for you. This is really a good show. I remember liking this a lot in the 80s and early 90s. The show is in the same style as the animated Dennis the Menace and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Maybe because there were also by Japanese animators? But I loved all three shows! The video is not great, but everything else here is superb and deserves high praise. Great job by Time Life's producers here. We still have volumes four and five left to be released individually. So hopefully Time Life releases those soon for us to review. Then we will go back and review the complete series set and note the differences between the individual volumes and the complete set. Anyway, after watching this set, you'll be saying, "I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost!"
(4.5/5 stars)To purchase the Volume 3 DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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To purchase the COMPLETE SERIES DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
The Real Ghostbusters TV.com Page
DVD Review: Legend of the Super Heroes
by Pavan
Legend of the Super Heroes (Warner Archive, $19.95) brings us two very obscure and rare TV specials from 1979 on DVD for the first time ever through Warner Archive (onDemand DVD's on DVD-R). On this disc we have heroes and villains of DC Comics squaring off in the two-part, live-action, made-for-TV (with a laugh track!) smackdowns of Legends of the Super Heroes. This two-part special aired on NBC on Jan. 18 and Jan. 25, 1979.
In "The Challenge" (48:45), Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward of the live-action Batman TV series) lead The Flash, Green Lantern and more JLA members against The Riddler (Frank Gorshin reprising his TV role), Mordru, Weather Wizard and other Doom-dealers. The Legion's ultimate gambit: trick the heroes into downing a diabolical depowering drink! This special stars Jeff Altman, Charlie Callas, Gabe Dell, Frank Gorshin, Howard Morris, Mickey Morton, William Schallert, Burt Ward and Adam West. In "The Roast" (48:44), poking fun beats swapping punches when celebrity host Ed McMahon (The Tonight Show) emcees a rowdy rave-up. Who knew DC Super Heroes and villains packed as much verbal wit as physical grit when not locked in mortal combat? These Legends will leave you laughing. This special stars Jeff Altman, Ruth Buzzi, Charlie Callas, Pat Carroll, Gabe Dell, June Gable, Howard Morris, Mickey Morton, Brad Sanders, William Schallert, Alfie Wise, Burt Ward and Adam West.
Let's now move on to the packaging. We have a very thin keep case, that is movie style. The cover art features Batman and Robin and then various screenshots from the special. The title of the set is on the top, with a mention that this is a Warner Bros. Archive Collection. To the back we go, we have two more screenshots, including one of Ed McMahon. The back also has details on the two specials and a list of credits. When we open the case, there is no artwork inside, so it is just plain black. The disc is on the right panel with a background color of blue and the logo is present.
The menu screen has options of Play All, The Challenge, The Roat, and Deleted Scenes & Outtakes. It's a simple looking menu with the Warner Bros. Archive Logo and the Legend of the Super Heroes logo. There are no submenus, so when you choose an option, it goes right to the chosen item.
The video and audio is OK. Remember this a DVD-R, so it's not expected to look like HD or anything. These two specials wee videotaped in front of an audience, so the colors are bright. These specials are like theatre style. They are very kitschy and cheesy. It's certainly good to see these since they are pretty rare, though. Each special has 5 chapter stops, but at weird places. Chapter stops occur every 10 minutes, just like how they did it on Night Court Season 4.
We actually get a special feature. I would have never thought we would get ANY bonus material for something like this, but Warner Archive has dug up some deleted scenes & outtakes. We get six of them and they run a total of 8:28. If you thought the specials were kitchsy and cheesy, wait until you see these!
I recommend this set for any super heroes fan and of course Batman and Robin fans. It's good to see Adam West and Burt Ward reprise their roles of Batman and Robin about 10 years later. They both look a bit chunky, but not too bad. It's just weird seeing Robin older. This two-part special is realllllly kitschy and cheesy, as I mentioned. I'm sure people hated these specials when they aired. It was very weird, but at the same time cool, if that makes sense. I have never seen these specials, so they are new to me. And I'm sure they are new to a lot of you out there as well. Batman was great on these specials, with his politically correct corrections. As the super heroes gathered, he corrected the super hero term by saying super heroines or super persons. Batman doesn't discriminate against women! Ha! If we can get this special on DVD, we really need the 60s Batman series finally on DVD! I've been enjoying it again on The Hub every night and it would be great to have on DVD. But for now, this is one way to see Batman and Robin on DVD (the other way is the animated The New Adventures of Batman, see our review of that). Sure it is 10 years later after the series and of course no where good as that series, but this is something at least. This is very rare, so you might want to put in your collection, no matter how bad or cheesy this is! See Batman and Robin with a laugh track!
(4/5 stars)To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
WarnerArchive.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Legend of the Super Heroes Wikipedia Page
LOOKING AHEAD
We have received many DVDs for review lately, and we'll have reviews of those on our reviews page and on Digital Digest in the upcoming weeks! Among those are The Boondocks - The Complete Third Season, Perry Mason - Season Five, Volume Two, and others. We had hoped to have a review of the animated series The Addams Family - The Complete Series from Warner Archive for today, but unfortunately, we haven't received that one yet... but we'll bring it to you as soon as we do receive it, kind of like leftover candy from Halloween! Until next time, keep it digital!
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