Saturday, December 29, 2012

Digital Digest: I Love Lucy Now on Hulu; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Complete Classic Series Collection DVD Review

Welcome to our "Christmas is done, but the year still isn't over" edition of Digital Digest! Not surprisingly, we've got another slow news week this week, but we hope that we're compensating for that with our review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Complete Classic Series Collection. Let's get started!


DIGITAL NEWS

Luuuuuucy! You got some 'splainin' to do! Or at least the online streaming video site Hulu does! As part of a recent deal with CBS, the classic series I Love Lucy is now available on Hulu, a little earlier than expected. Currently, 102 episodes of the series are available, for absolutely free if you watch on your computer, but if you subscribe to Hulu+, you can watch them on any of the approved devices, such as a smartphone or Blu-ray player.

Last month, we told you in one of our regular blog postings that PBS would be airing a new season of Pioneers of Television beginning January 15. The series is a documentary series where TV stars take us behind the scenes through television history, with each episode focusing on one particular genre or theme in television. The DVD release of this set will follow very closely behind this TV debut. Look for Pioneers of Television - Season Three to be released on March 12. The two disc set will come at a $24.99 MSRP.
According to TVShowsOnDVD.com, we can expect to see more Payne soon as Lionsgate releases House of Payne - Volume 10. The three disc set of the series about three generations of family in one house heads to DVD on March 5 at a $29.98 MSRP, and will include episodes 193-212.


UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW

Tuesday (January 1) is New Years Day, and much like Christmas last week, this means that the studios are taking a break from releasing anything new for the most part. However, Sony has some MOD releases that will ship next week, which include Charlie's Angels - The Complete Fifth Season (note that you can purchase Charlie's Angels - The Complete Series for less than the cost of season 5 alone) and the movie I Dream of Jeannie - 15 Years Later.

BLOG FEATURE REVIEW

Ninja Turtles

DVD Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Complete Classic Series Collection (Lionsgate, $99.98)
by Pavan

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back for one final time...again! The entire series was released individually by season (and volumes), but now you can buy it together in VERY cool packaging. Experience the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle saga in this totally tubular 23-disc set of the original animated series, featuring all 10 seasons in one complete cowabunga collection! From their origins on the comic book page to the depths of Dimension X and beyond, the pizza-loving, shell-busting Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo, with the guidance of their Sensei, have been delighting fans for decades with their turtle power. Whether it's facing fierce enemies Krang, Shredder and Lord Dregg, saving humanity from near extinction, or battling against life-altering mutations, the half-shell heroes are always ready for heart-stopping, time-bending, straight outta the sewer action!

Let's recap how the individual releases were before we get into this complete collection. Starting with season four we started getting season releases. Season 4 set had 39 episodes and season 5 had 18 episodes. Season six had a total of 16 episodes on its set. Season seven had 27 episodes in four collectible "slices." Season eight only had 8 episodes, so we got that on a single disc and the same went true for the season nine and season ten sets. Prior to that we were getting volume releases. Here is a recap: Volume 6 had the last 11 episodes from season three, plus the first episode of season four. The third season had a total of 47 episodes, so they decided to split up that season into volumes, so volumes 3, 4, 5, and 6 covered season three. For season 2 there were just 13 episodes, so Lionsgate released that for volume two...so yes, technically the first two volumes were season sets. Season one had only 5 episodes, so that was on Volume 1, with four bonus episodes from the last season (season ten) actually. So do you have all of these? We hope you do dudes, but if not...that's fine because you can get it now in one complete collection! As for episodes, we discussed each season in their individual releases, so I urge you to read our past reviews (the links are all above). There are 193 episodes for this series!

The only thing really new in the collection is the packaging. And it is very cool. We have a big box that is in purple and has a lot of nice artwork of the Turtles (in the newer design though). We also have a synopsis of the set, along with a list of bonus features (none which are new). The huge box has a see-through portion where we can see what's inside the box. Inside the box we have a collectible Turtles van! It is very cool and fits the series well. The van is in yellow and green. You can actually even play with it since the van has wheels. The series logo is on the top and on the sides while the back of the van says "Heroes in a Half Shell." We can remove the top portion of the van easily and you are inside the van! Inside the van we have all 23 discs lined-up together from left to right. It's kind of hard to take any disc out and put it back since they are so closely put together. The artwork on each disc is brand new just for this collection. Each season has different coloring and the discs have numbers (from 1-23). Season 1 is just one disc and is in green. Season 2 is just one disc and is in orange. Season three has four discs and is in a lime green color. Season four has five discs and is in red. Season five has three discs and is in a sky blue color. Season six is in two discs and has color scheme of purple. Season 7 has four discs and is in a light orange type color. Season eight is on a single disc in a dark blue color. Season nine is also on single disc and is in brown, while season ten is a single disc with a light purple background. Bodacious!

The menu screens for each season are exactly the same as they were on the individual seasons/volumes. We get auto-trailers before the main menu appears. The theme song is playing in the background and we also have video clips playing where the Turtles are on the cover art this is from seasons 6-10). The menu options usually are: Play All Episodes, Episode Selection, Special Features. The earlier sets may differ a bit, but you can read our past reviews and see what exactly the options are. Episode Selection takes us to a submenu with episode #, title, and a screenshot from the episode. When we select any of these options, there is a cool transition. Gnarly!

The video is exactly the same as the individual seasons/volumes, since the content has not changed on this complete collection. In general, we have dust and debris here and there, especially in the earlier seasons. The audio is also on exactly the same as the individual releases. It is not bad and is listenable. It's not remastered, but this is the best we have and it beats our taped VHS versions. The episode runtimes vary from season to season, but I believe everything is unedited. Check our past reviews for exact episode runtimes for each season. We have chapter stops per episode, like we did on the individual releases. Sensei Master Splinter likes!

For special features, on the individual releases, seasons four and five sets had extras. Then for the 25th anniversary set, we had a lot of extras for season seven. And the final season (10) also had extras. We get all of those special features once again on this complete collection. There is nothing new just for this complete collection, so not to worry if you are not interested in buying the complete collection. See our season reviews (links are earlier in this review) to see what each season exactly had in terms of special features.

If you are mega-fan, then you need to get this complete collection. All mega-fans probably have the individual releases, but that won't matter for them since they will want the cool new packaging. Because that's the only thing new here. Everything else is the exact same as before. For anyone who has not bought the season/volume releases, then you can buy it all in one shot with this complete collection. It would make for a nice gift this holiday season. Other than that, I don't see anyone else buying this just for the new packaging. If you want all ten seasons in one spot, then sell your season/volume sets and buy this. It's cool to have this Turtle van on your DVD shelf! It stands out nicely. So if you are in all of those options I mentioned...buy this! Turtle power!

(4/5 stars)

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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on TV.com



FOLLOW ME 


Who to Follow: Mayim Bialik (Twitter/Facebook), "This is the official Twitter page for actress Mayim Bialik. Really; it's me."
Claim to Fame: Mayim Bialik is one of the most intriguing actresses out there. She was well-known as being the child (and evolving into teen) actress who played TV's Blossom in the '90s, and once she was done with that, she quit acting and went on to further her education... which, unlike many celebrities who view "furthering their education" as getting their GED, meant getting a PhD in neuroscience for her. And then, after all of that hard work, she returned to her roots in acting, playing the role of Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory.
Why You Should Follow Her: Who can't admire Bialik? Whether you're a fan of cute (though also corny) teen-oriented sitcoms of the '90s or funny (though also geeky), Bialik has something to offer for every sitcom fan out there. She has demonstrated how dynamic she can be in her acting roles, and even more amazing is that she has managed to do this by acting mostly as a hobby, with completing a PhD in the hard sciences. Going beyond just admiring Bialik as an actress or person, though, her Twitter feed (or Facebook page) is a fun one to follow. She is an interesting (though maybe a bit quirky) person who manages to seem like a very real and down-to-earth person, and doesn't seem at all like any of the other PhD sitcom stars out there.
Pick of the Tweets: "I like that less than a week after The View bashed me and blamed me for my parenting choices causing my divorce, I got a residuals check for my appearance on their show from last year which was about my parenting book. Heehee." (December 2, 2012)


Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Wednesday, May 31

Night Court - "Pilot" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Judge Abby Stone follows in the footsteps of her late father Harry Stone as she takes over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court; when a public defender is needed, Abby sees potential in former prosecutor Dan Fielding.

Night Court - "The Nighthawks" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Abby pushes Dan Fielding to embrace his new role as public defender; Neil gets on board with Abby's quest to improve the courtroom and quickly realizes why trying is for the birds.

Dave - "Looking for Love" (FXX, 10:00PM ET/PT)
Dave's quest for love reaches a conclusion.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 29)

Wednesday, May 31

  • Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso/Shrinking) - Watch Brett on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Christopher Meloni (Happy/Surviving Jack/Misery Loves Company/The Fanelli Boys) - Christopher is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place/Barry) - D'Arcy appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Rob Corddry (The Unicorn/Ballers/Childrens Hospital/The Winner) - Rob will be on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Hong Chau (A to Z) - Hong appears on a repeat of The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - E! News has an interview with Jennifer at 11pm on E!.
  • Rose Byrne (Platonic/Physical) - Rose chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary/Fam/Instant Mom/Moesha/It's a Living) - Sheryl Lee is a guest on a repeat of The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
  • Jaime Camil (Schmigadoon!/Broke) - Jaime appears on a repeat of Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
  • Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry joins Sherri to discuss hosting the new season of America’s Got Talent on NBC on Sherri, so check your local listings. He will also be on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.


New on DVD/Blu-ray (January-June)

Growing Pains - The Complete Series Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Twelve Gimme a Break! - The Complete Series (VEI) Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (VEI)

01/03 - Andy Richter Controls the Universe - The Complete Series (2023 Release)
01/27 - Master of None - Season Three / The Complete Series
02/21 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Nine / The Complete Season Ten
02/28 - Growing Pains - The Complete Series
03/28 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD)
04/04 - South Park - The Complete Twenty-Fifth Season (Blu-ray) (DVD)
04/18 - Blondie - The Complete 1957 Television Series (Blu-ray)
04/25 - Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
05/23 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Eleven / The Complete Season Twelve
05/23 - Go On - The Complete Series
05/23 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (Universal)
05/29 - Gimme a Break! - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/29 - Kate & Allie - The Complete Series (VEI)
05/30 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
06/13 - Mayberry R.F.D. - The Complete Series
06/13 - Night Court (1984-1992) - The Complete Series
More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD Releases / DVD Reviews Archive / SitcomsOnline Digest


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

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05/28 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of May 29, 2023)
05/27 - SitcomsOnline Digest: CBS Wins 2022-2023 Ratings Game; Netflix Ends Sharing of Passwords
05/26 - Prime Video Renews Priyanka Chopra Series; Sex and the City 25th Anniversary Event in NYC
05/25 - Brady Bunch House on the Market; The Family Stallone Gets 2nd Season
05/24 - Antenna TV's Father Knows Best Father's Day Fest Marathon; Netflix Gets Glamorous This June
05/23 - CBS Summer 2023 Reality Schedule; Apple TV+ Announces Peanuts Programming
05/22 - More Details on Zoey 102; New Lifetime Movie Series Coming July 8
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05/20 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Showtime Looking to Bring Back Two Old Favorites; Disney+ Removing Content
05/19 - Futurama Triumphantly Returns July 24; Final Season of Physical Drops August 2; Primo Premieres May 19 on Amazon Freevee
05/18 - The CW Upfront 2023-24: Fall 2023 Schedule; Netflix Upfront 2023
05/17 - Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2023; Sarah Silverman HBO Special Premieres May 27
05/16 - ABC Upfront 2023-24: Fall 2023 Schedule; FX's Summer 2023 Slate
05/15 - FOX Announces 2023-24 Programming Slate; iCarly Season 3 Premieres June 1
05/14 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of May 15, 2023)
05/13 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Night Court Season Finale Brings Back a Familiar Face; Comedy Central Renews Digman! for Second Season
05/12 - NBC Upfront 2023-24: Fall 2023 Schedule; Hulu Orders Deli Boys from Onyx Collective
05/11 - CBS Upfront 2023-24: Fall 2023 Schedule; The CW Summer Lineup Has Comedies
05/10 - Minx Returns in July on STARZ; Never Have I Ever Final Episodes Premieres June 8, Trailer Drops
05/09 - The CW Acquires Son of a Critch; FX's The Bear Returns June 22
05/08 - NBC's Hot Wheels Gets Celeb Judges; Zooey Deschanel's Max Series Premieres May 23
05/07 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of May 8, 2023)
05/06 - SitcomsOnline Digest: First Week of Writers' Strike Already Sees Early Casualties; Fox Cancels Call Me Kat
05/05 - BUZZR's Classic TV Moms Week; Fox's Stars on Mars Celebs Announced
05/04 - Dancing with the Stars Returning to ABC in Fall; Conan O'Brien Producing New Podcast Miniseries
05/03 - Roku 2023 NewFront; Peacock Schedules Kaley Cuoco Series
05/02 - COZI TV's Little House Mother's Day "Ma-A-Thon"; Human Resources Returns June 9 on Netflix
05/01 - Peacock's Twisted Metal Drops in July; IFC Dark Comedy SisterS Launching May 17