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Television Q&A: Why are some TV shows not on DVD or Blu-ray?

Rich Heldenfels, Tribune News Service on

Published in Entertainment News

You have questions. I have some answers.

Q: In the past few years I have noticed that some TV series are not being sold on DVD. Some series have the first and second season sold, but no others. Some other shows are not sold at all. What is the reason for this?

A: With a few exceptions, sales of TV shows and movies on DVD and Blu-ray have been declining for years as consumers embraced digital downloads and streaming services. That diminished interest has prompted retailers such as Best Buy to stop stocking discs, so there is less reason for distributors to make shows available in those forms — especially when a digital or streaming version is far more profitable.

Only there are consumers who still buy discs. And, as has been pointed out by filmmakers, productions may come and go on streaming services, or not get there at all. Rights issues, such as music, may also work against something getting to any home-viewing form.

At the same time, as the Federal Trade Commission has pointed out, you don’t necessarily own a digital download of a production; instead, you have bought “a license to access the content” and the seller may be able to change that at any time.

I’ve heard that all this has led to young people embracing so-called physical media — including not only DVDs but CDs and vinyl — because they will always own it. But there’s still not enough of that to guarantee productions will get to discs.

Speaking of DVDs and digital …

Q: I am trying to locate and buy a legitimate DVD copy of the original, 1972 version of “A Separate Peace” and having no luck. Does it exist? (I have located a VHS version, but can’t play it since I don’t have a VHS machine — who does??)

 

A: The 1972 adaptation of John Knowles’ novel has become somewhat hard to find, especially in comparison to the 2004 version, and I have not come across an authorized DVD. I did find it for sale or rent in digital form on Amazon.

And I still have a VCR!

Q: There was a trio of shows (I believe they were on NBC) in the early '60s revolving around a cul-de-sac in California called Bristol Court. By the end of the TV year, only one lasted, a show called “Karen.” Do you have any idea if a DVD of the three shows is available?

A: “90 Bristol Court” was the umbrella name for three NBC sitcoms in 1964: “Karen,” “Harris Against the World” (with Jack Klugman) and “Tom, Dick and Mary.” The latter two shows were canceled quickly, while “Karen” — starring Debbie Watson — did make it to the end of that TV season. Watson was back in prime time in September 1965 with “Tammy,” but that also ended after a single season. I have had no luck finding any of the shows in any form today.

Q: You recently mentioned “Holiday Inn” with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Am I wrong, or did that star Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney and Dean Jagger?

A: The cast you recalled was in the movie “White Christmas,” a 1954 musical, which featured the title song and other Irving Berlin compositions. But it was preceded by “Holiday Inn,” from 1942, which introduced the song "White Christmas." That movie starred Crosby, Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds and an actress I discussed before, Virginia Dale.

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©2024 Tribune News Service. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

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