Saturday, October 27, 2012
Digital Digest: Alice Season 2 Now on DVD; Simon & Simon - Season Seven DVD Review; The Flintstones - Prime-Time Specials Collection, Volume 1 DVD Review
Welcome to Digital Digest! This week, in addition to our news and other features, we have reviews of Simon & Simon - Season Seven and The Flintstones - Prime-Time Specials Collection, Volume 1. Let's get going!
DIGITAL NEWS
As many of you already know by now, Warner Archive made a surprise announcement (and release) this week of Alice - The Complete Second Season! The Linda Lavin sitcom is back on DVD with 24 more grit kissing episodes of the hijinks at Mel's Diner. We just received our review copy of this set today, and we'll have our review up within the next few days. But we know that there is one question "burning" on everybody's mind, and that is whether the initial batch is a "burned" DVD-R release or pressed DVDs. Well, we've got your answer: our review copy, as it turns out, is a pressed DVD set once again! We'll have much more on this set in our review once it is posted.
The classic Meredith Baxter and David Birney series Bridget Loves Bernie was slated to be released on DVD a few years ago, but that release never materialist. It seems, though, that Sony finally will be releasing the series on DVD on December 4... but as a MOD title. As a side note, Sony will also be releasing the classic made-for-TV movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble on the same date. While it isn't clear whether this will be a MOD title (it most likely will be), this will be a departure from the numerous public domain offerings of the movie that have been made available over the years.
UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW
Tuesday (October 30) brings a wrap to three series on DVD. First up, Shout! Factory has All in the Family - The Complete Series, which puts every season of the series together in one set along with some new special features. MPI finishes up My Favorite Martian with My Favorite Martian - Season Three. Finally, CBS finishes up The Streets of San Francisco with The Streets of San Francisco - Season Five (Volume 1 and Volume 2).
BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
DVD Review: Simon & Simon - Season Seven (Shout!, $29.99)
by skees53
The Simon brothers are back to investigate more crimes in Simon & Simon - Season Seven! The classic series follows private investigators Rick (Gerald McRaney) and A.J. (Jameson Parker) Simon as they crack some of the most difficult cases out there. But things are a little different this time. The first change is the "new cop in town," Lieutenant Abigail Marsh (Joan McMurtrey), who takes over at the police department after Downtown Brown (Tim Reid) is transferred. Unlike the previous seasons, which were more lighthearted, the seventh season takes cues from some of the other late '80s crime dramas and has a more serious and personal tone for the Simons, as the brothers take on cases such as investigating the truth about the death of their own father and even the rape and assault of their own mother.
The season begins with "New Cop in Town," where the Simons first meet Lieutenant Marsh... and their first confrontation isn't quite as warm as the treatment they received from Downtown Brown. One of Rick's former girlfriends (played by Gerald McRaney's future wife Delta Burke) hires the Simons in "Desperately Seeking Dacody." A wannabe detective finds herself in trouble in "You, Too, Can Be a Detective." In "Shadows," Rick and A.J. try to help a young girl after she robs A.J. A killer from A.J.'s past wants revenge in "Second Swell." A sleazy divorce case turns into a serious murder case in "Forever Hold Your Piece." The leader of a Vietnamese mob requests... well, actually demands... Rick's assistance in "Tale of the Tiger." Rick and A.J. protect a relief worker from a death squad in Nuevo Salvador.
The Simons are out to catch a thief (played by David L. Lander) before a bounty hunter does it in "Bad Betty." In "Baja, Humbug," Rick and A.J. could be going into the charter boat business. A woman's paranoia is more rooted in truth than anybody suspects in "A Firm Grasp of Reality." In "Ties That Bind," Officer Nixon has the Simons investigate one of their own officers. Marsh deals with the stress of killing a young boy in "Little Boy Dead." In "Sudden Storm," the brothers are outraged when their mother is beaten and raped, but it only gets worse when they get closer to the truth. The season ends with "May the Road Rise Up," where a further investigation of the death of Rick and A.J.'s father reveals some shocking facts.
The episodes appear to be unedited, with runtimes as follows:
Disc 1:
1. "New Cop in Town" (47:51)
2. "Desperately Seeking Dacody" (47:53)
3. "You, Too, Can Be a Detective" (47:51)
4. "Shadows" (47:53)
Disc 2:
5. "Second Swell" (47:22)
6. "Forever Hold Your Piece" (47:52)
7. "Tale of the Tiger" (47:46)
8. "Nuevo Salvador" (47:50)
Disc 3:
9. "Bad Betty" (47:05)
10. "Baja, Humbug" (46:53)
11. "A Firm Grasp of Reality" (47:51)
12. "Ties That Bind" (46:34)
Disc 4:
13. "Little Boy Dead" (47:52)
14. "Sudden Storm" (47:52)
15. "Something Special" (47:53)
16. "May the Road Rise Up" (47:52)
Like the previous Shout! Select releases of this series, we once again have a standard Viva case with the same photo of the duo that many of the past seasons have featured. The color scheme used this time is a somewhat burnt orange color. There are a few episode snapshots and a discussion of a few episodes on the back of the case. Inside, you'll find the four discs (two less than the previous releases), which have the series logo on a burnt orange background. Episode titles and airdates are listed inside the case.
Disc 1:
1. "New Cop in Town" (47:51)
2. "Desperately Seeking Dacody" (47:53)
3. "You, Too, Can Be a Detective" (47:51)
4. "Shadows" (47:53)
Disc 2:
5. "Second Swell" (47:22)
6. "Forever Hold Your Piece" (47:52)
7. "Tale of the Tiger" (47:46)
8. "Nuevo Salvador" (47:50)
Disc 3:
9. "Bad Betty" (47:05)
10. "Baja, Humbug" (46:53)
11. "A Firm Grasp of Reality" (47:51)
12. "Ties That Bind" (46:34)
Disc 4:
13. "Little Boy Dead" (47:52)
14. "Sudden Storm" (47:52)
15. "Something Special" (47:53)
16. "May the Road Rise Up" (47:52)
Like the previous Shout! Select releases of this series, we once again have a standard Viva case with the same photo of the duo that many of the past seasons have featured. The color scheme used this time is a somewhat burnt orange color. There are a few episode snapshots and a discussion of a few episodes on the back of the case. Inside, you'll find the four discs (two less than the previous releases), which have the series logo on a burnt orange background. Episode titles and airdates are listed inside the case.
The menus are very plain and simple. On the main menu, you get the same photo seen on the cover art, along with a Play All option and a list of episodes. The theme song plays in the background. Once you select an episode, it plays immediately. Chapters are placed throughout each episode.
I can't really say that I'm all too impressed with the video and audio quality, but it is sufficient. You'll notice quite a few defects on the episodes, particularly at the beginning of the episodes, in regards to grain and debris. The audio levels on the set are generally fine, without many problems. Like most Shout! Select releases, the episodes are NOT closed-captioned.
I can't really say that I'm all too impressed with the video and audio quality, but it is sufficient. You'll notice quite a few defects on the episodes, particularly at the beginning of the episodes, in regards to grain and debris. The audio levels on the set are generally fine, without many problems. Like most Shout! Select releases, the episodes are NOT closed-captioned.
Unfortunately, there are no special features on this set.
I first discovered this series on DVD, and for the most part, that is the only place I've watched it (aside from a few times when RTV aired it a few years ago). I really do have to say, though, that I feel that the series really was starting to "die" by this season, and of course it was only a year later that the series was canceled for good. The stories just aren't as good, and while Lieutenant Marsh is a likable character, she certainly is no Downtown Brown. It is really obvious that the writers were trying to go down uncharted territory in this season as well... the episode about Cecilia Simon being raped was one of the most shocking episodes of the series. How often do we see regular characters with seemingly no flaws and with no reason for anybody to dislike them have this happen on a TV series? It was almost as if the writers were wanting to create some incredibly gritty crime drama along the lines of the (at the time) new series like Miami Vice and Hunter. I do have to say that I did enjoy the writing and acting on some of the more dramatic episodes in this season, but it simply doesn't feel right for the characters. As for the DVD set itself, Shout! did a fine job, and despite the weakening of the series by this point, I do hope that we get to the final 13 episodes of the series very soon just for the sake of completion.
I first discovered this series on DVD, and for the most part, that is the only place I've watched it (aside from a few times when RTV aired it a few years ago). I really do have to say, though, that I feel that the series really was starting to "die" by this season, and of course it was only a year later that the series was canceled for good. The stories just aren't as good, and while Lieutenant Marsh is a likable character, she certainly is no Downtown Brown. It is really obvious that the writers were trying to go down uncharted territory in this season as well... the episode about Cecilia Simon being raped was one of the most shocking episodes of the series. How often do we see regular characters with seemingly no flaws and with no reason for anybody to dislike them have this happen on a TV series? It was almost as if the writers were wanting to create some incredibly gritty crime drama along the lines of the (at the time) new series like Miami Vice and Hunter. I do have to say that I did enjoy the writing and acting on some of the more dramatic episodes in this season, but it simply doesn't feel right for the characters. As for the DVD set itself, Shout! did a fine job, and despite the weakening of the series by this point, I do hope that we get to the final 13 episodes of the series very soon just for the sake of completion.
(4/5 stars)To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Shout! Select
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BLOG FEATURE REVIEW
DVD Review: The Flintstones - Prime-Time Specials Collection, Volume 1 (Warner Archive, $14.95)
by Pavan
Two Flintstones primetime specials is now on DVD from Warner Archive Collection! Following a spate of Saturday morning spin-offs, America's favorite Stone Age family returned to network primetime with a full slate of hysterical pre-historical specials – no quitting time for Fred! In The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (1979), the Flintstones and the Rubbles travel to fear-fraught Rockysylvania thanks to a big game show win. Fred and Barney soon stumble upon – and awaken – the legendary Frankenstone Monster, who promptly revives his vampiric master, Rockula. When Rockula falls head over batwings for Wilma, will Fred end up having an undead-old time? Flintstones Little Big League (1978) sees Fred and Barney facing off as opposing Little League coaches while Bamm-Bamm and Pebbles duel across the diamond. Swept up by competitiveness and paternal pride, their friendship ends up in the dug-out doghouse. Meanwhile, a cop, a judge and Mr. Slate are all putting pressure on Fred to win at all costs – what’s a cavedad to do?
The primetime specials started in 1977 with A Flintstone Christmas. Last year, Warner Archive Collection gave us that special and also the 1993 A Flintstone Family Christmas special. Now, we are getting the rest of the primetime specials in different volumes! This is Volume 1 and has the next two primetime specials from 1978 and 1979. The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (1979) runs 48:39 and has 7 chapter stops. Flintstones Little Big League (1978) runs 48:20 and has 7 chapter stops. Both are unedited!
The packaging for this set is pretty standard. On the cover, we have an image from the 1979 special The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone with Fred and Barney looking scared to see them. On the bottom there is a mention of the two titles on this Classic Collection set. On the back, there is a nice photo of Fred, Barney, Wilma, & Betty trying to escape from Rockula and Frankenstone, along with a description of the two specials. We also have two episodic images from Flintstones Little Big League (1978) special. Inside the case, it is pretty bland. There is no artwork on the panels. There is one disc and it is on the right panel. The disc artwork is the same artwork as the cover art with the franchise logo imprinted on it. All similar to the Christmas collection that was released last year.
The main menu isn't very exciting, but it is perfectly functional. The main menu has the same artwork as the cover art, with no music playing in the background. The theme song would have been nice? The special titles are listed right on the main menu and you select from there. There are no options for anything else, so it is simple. As mentioned, we have seven chapter stops on both specials and they have the correct placements. All this is similar to the Christmas collection, too.
The video and audio quality of this set looks fine, for the most part. Both specials were from the same era, so they both look the same. There are white dots here and there, but it is still good. Not bad for 1978 and 1979. There are no real major problems both specials, so don't worry about it. As for the audio quality, it is clear and crisp. Unfortunately there are no subtitles or closed-captioning. The specials originally aired on NBC, as did all the primetime specials from 1977-1981. Nothing much else to say, it is simple and it works.
There are no special features obviously on this set since it is just two specials, like their Christmas collection set was. Perhaps maybe some promos or other archival items for these two would have been nice to have, but I didn't expect it.
Halloween is near and we are in World Series time, so these two specials are coming out at a perfect time It is good we are finally getting the primetime specials on DVD. The remaining NBC primetime specials are on a Volume 2 release, which we hope to review soon. In that we have: The Flintstones' New Neighbors (1980), Fred's Final Fling (1980), Wind-Up Wilma (1981), and Jogging Fever (1981). That covers all the 1977-1981 specials on NBC! Nice! Warner Archive is also releasing the 1993 ABC TV-movies The Flintstones - I Yabba Dabba Do! and The Flintstones - Hollyrock-A-Bye Baby. Now all the specials are nearly released! Only The Flintstones' 25th Anniversary Celebration, The Flintstone Kids' "Just Say No" Special, and Hanna-Barbera's 50th: A Yabba Dabba Doo Celebration remain. Back to this set, other than my minor nitpicks, this set works. It is simple and is just two specials, so not much was expected. For die-hard fans, you would be pleased, I think. And for casual fans or first-time watchers, you'll like what you see on these two specials. So please click the link below and buy it from the Warner Archive Collection! Get scared and play ball! Yabba dabba doo!
(4/5 stars)To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Warner Archive
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FOLLOW ME
Who to Follow: Hunter Parrish (Twitter), "if i get too mellow i ripen and then rot"
Claim to Fame: Played Silas Botwin, son of drug dealing soccer mom Nancy Botwin on the Showtime series Weeds.
Why You Should Follow Him: You'll notice that we've had two child stars on here over the past two weeks, with one who has retired from acting and another who was really just getting her start as an actress when she was a child. But both of those stopped being "child actors" over a decade ago. Parrish is a child star who grew up into a full-fledged adult in the years that he was on Weeds, literally starting out the series playing a kid in high school all the way into playing a husband and father in his 30s (if the time fast forwards on the series are to be believed) by the end of the series. He seems to be a very down to earth person, and while it isn't completely clear where he goes from here, he has been making efforts to be a musician and done some stage acting in recent years. He has released a few songs (he even sang the theme song for one of the final episodes of Weeds), and has recently done shows with Ryan Cabrera. I have listened to some of his music, and he certainly does seem to have the talent to succeed... we certainly wish him the best in whatever he does next!
Pick of the Tweets: "Whoever sang the weeds theme in our episode tonight sucks...who has seen it?" (September 2, 2012) (side note: that "whoever" was Parrish, and it didn't suck!)
Claim to Fame: Played Silas Botwin, son of drug dealing soccer mom Nancy Botwin on the Showtime series Weeds.
Why You Should Follow Him: You'll notice that we've had two child stars on here over the past two weeks, with one who has retired from acting and another who was really just getting her start as an actress when she was a child. But both of those stopped being "child actors" over a decade ago. Parrish is a child star who grew up into a full-fledged adult in the years that he was on Weeds, literally starting out the series playing a kid in high school all the way into playing a husband and father in his 30s (if the time fast forwards on the series are to be believed) by the end of the series. He seems to be a very down to earth person, and while it isn't completely clear where he goes from here, he has been making efforts to be a musician and done some stage acting in recent years. He has released a few songs (he even sang the theme song for one of the final episodes of Weeds), and has recently done shows with Ryan Cabrera. I have listened to some of his music, and he certainly does seem to have the talent to succeed... we certainly wish him the best in whatever he does next!
Pick of the Tweets: "Whoever sang the weeds theme in our episode tonight sucks...who has seen it?" (September 2, 2012) (side note: that "whoever" was Parrish, and it didn't suck!)
That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Monday, April 6
The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Gemma Johnson's Day Off" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Gemma reaches her limit at work, and when a car issue forces her to slow down, an unexpected break helps her rethink what she really wants next. Meanwhile, Marty and Malcolm’s plans are thrown off course when unexpected opportunities arise, and Dave embraces a new career path.
The Neighorhood - "A Farewell Special" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
CBS presents The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special, an Entertainment Tonight production, airing Monday, April 6 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and filmed on location on The Neighborhood's stages, the special celebrates the acclaimed CBS comedy's final season, honoring eight seasons, 156 episodes, and eight unforgettable years of laughter, heart and community, leading up to the series finale on May 11.
This celebratory event features exclusive new interviews with the cast reflecting on their journey, revisiting early days on set, and looking back at the show's evolution and cultural impact. From its heartfelt exploration of friendship and family to its comedic take on life in a changing community, The Neighborhood has become a beloved part of CBS' comedy legacy.
The special includes never-before-seen footage and archival interviews from the ET Vault, offering fans a nostalgic look at the series' most iconic moments and the relationships built along the way. Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional final days of production, including the cast and crew's last table read, intimate moments from the final tapings, and heartfelt goodbyes.
Additionally, The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special brings audiences inside the cast's final wrap party, capturing the laughter, speeches, memories, and surprises that marked the end of an era. To cap off the evening, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming series finale, with the cast and producers sharing what viewers can expect as the Butlers and Johnsons say farewell to the neighborhood they've called home for nearly a decade.
The Neighorhood - "Welcome to New Horizons" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave’s silent auction wins lead to a classical concert outing with Gemma and the Butlers that quickly goes off the rails. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s ghostwriting gig takes a surprising turn when Tina encourages him to dive into reality TV for inspiration – sparking an unexpected obsession.
St. Denis Medical - "We Make Time" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a doctor becomes a patient, his co-workers rally around him, whether he likes it or not; Matt and Serena need to talk.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins - "The Loyalty Swamp" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tobin's past comes back to haunt him; Reggie and Brina struggle to set a wedding date.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)
Monday, April 6
- Jason Segel (Shrinking/How I Met Your Mother/Undeclared) - Watch Jason on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Keanu Reaves (Swedish Dicks) - Keanu is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. He also talks about Outcome on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
- Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - ABC's Good Morning America has George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with Melissa sometime between 7-9am.
- Laurie Metcalf (Big Mistakes/The Conners/Roseanne/The McCarthys/The Norm Show) - Laurie talks about Big Mistakes on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
- Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Mindy Kaling (Running Point/The Mindy Project/The Office) - Mindy talks about Mindy's Book Studio on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
- Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry and Rebecca King-Crews make an exclusive announcement on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am. Terry will also be on in the 9am hour.
- Sterling K. Brown (Starved) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (First Wives Club/Retired at 35) - Sterling and his wife Ryan Michelle tell Sherri about the highly anticipated new season of Paradise now streaming on Hulu & Disney+ on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
- Amanda Peet (Brockmire/Togetherness/Bent) - Amanda talks season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors and her new film Fantasy Life on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
09/30 - Touché Turtle and Dum Dum - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/07 - Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - The Complete First Season (DVD)
10/14 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (DVD)
10/28 - St. Denis Medical - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/04 - Happy's Place - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
11/11 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fifteenth Season (DVD)
11/11 - Two and a Half Men - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/02 - Tom and Jerry - The Golden Era Anthology (1940-1958) (Blu-ray) (DVD)
12/16 - Lippy the Lion and Hardy Har Har - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
12/16 - Wally Gator - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
01/20 - The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (Blu-ray)
01/27 - The New Fred and Barney Show - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/11 - Tom and Jerry - The Complete CinemaScope Collection (Blu-ray)
03/24 - Looney Tunes Collector's Vault - Volume 2 (Blu-ray)
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