SitcomsOnline.com News Blog

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.



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)

DIGITAL NEWS

Anybody who knows this website will know that, while we are fans of just about every sitcom out there, there is one particular show which is a huge favorite of this website... and no, it isn't one of the critically acclaimed series or one that can be seen on multiple TV stations multiple times a day, but rather a sitcom that aired in the late '70s and '80s about a non-traditional type of family. Of course, we're talking about Diff'rent Strokes! And Shout! Factory is on the verge of releasing more episodes of this series on DVD on November 20, with their release of Diff'rent Strokes - The Complete Fourth Season. The three-disc set will come at a $29.93 MSRP.

It is very rare that we finish up a sitcom that was abandoned over five years ago, but it looks as if we will with My Favorite Martian. It has been known for some time that MPI was planning a release for the third season, but we had not gotten a release date for it... until now. My Favorite Martian - The Complete Third Season will be released on October 30 at a $39.98 MSRP.

Mill Creek is moving ahead with more of That '70s Show on Blu-ray in October when they release That '70s Show - Season Two (Blu-ray). The four-disc set (which oddly enough is one more disc than the series contained on DVD) will be released on October 16 at a $24.98 MSRP.

Several years ago, Virgil Entertainment announced plans to release the '70s Saturday morning sitcom Big John, Little John. Unfortunately, there were many issues that popped up with the release and it was delayed several times, until eventually it just sort of faded off of the schedule. Now, it appears that Big John, Little John - The Complete Series is back on the schedule on October 2... but not from Virgil. Instead, it will be VCI Entertainment handling the release.

Shout! Factory is releasing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Season 1, Volume 1 on Tuesday, but fans of the series won't have to wait long for the remainder of the first season. On November 20, Shout! continues with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Season 1, Volume 2.

Finally, eOne is releasing The Abbott and Costello Show on DVD yet again... but this time in individual seasons. The first season of the series will be available on October 2 and a $39.98 MSRP. Of course, The Abbott and Costello Show - The Complete Series is still readily available on DVD.

UPCOMING WEEK PREVIEW

Tuesday (August 21) brings Mike & Molly - The Complete Second Season to DVD. We hope to have a review of this set soon. Shout! Factory has Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Season 1, Volume 1 (review). CBS has more of Perry Mason with Perry Mason - Season 7, Volume 1 (review). Finally, ABC has Revenge - The Complete First Season, which we will review next weekend.

BLOG DVD REVIEW

Blog DVD Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Complete Final Season (Season 10) (Lionsgate, $14.99)

by Pavan

To purchase this DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews Page
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on TV.com

BLOG FEATURE REVIEW



Blog DVD Review: The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show (Warner Archive, $24.95)
by skees53

Heathcliff returns to DVD--and actually steps back a little in time--with Warner Archive's release of The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show! Let's give a little bit of history here. In the '80s, DIC created the popular and memorable animated series Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats, based upon the comic strip by George Gately. That series has seen many DVD releases over the years and has been the one to gain most of the syndication exposure. But before that series, Ruby-Spears (a studio created by the two creators of Hanna-Barbera's Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?) gave Heathcliff a shot with a series called The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show. Like many other animated series of the era, though, Heathcliff didn't get his own show. He had to share the half hour with another character, in this one, Dingbat... a vampire dog who runs Odd Jobs, Inc., which will do any odd job out there. It only made it through one season before being replaced by the similar Heathcliff and Marmaduke (an established comic strip, or really comic panel, dog), but now Warner Archive has all 13 episodes of the first version of Heathcliff on DVD.

With thirteen episodes, each containing four segments, that means that there are a total of 52 different segments in this set... far too many to go into great detail on any of them (and they're less than six minutes a piece anyway, so none of them really have time to develop much of a plot). Each episode begins with a Dingbat segment, followed by a Heathcliff segment, then there is another Dingbat segment, followed by yet another Heathcliff segment... but most likely, you'll be more interested in the Heathcliff segments (in fact, the packaging of the set focuses more on the Heathcliff aspect).

A few highlights of the Heathcliff segments involve him trying to outwit a dogcatcher in "Doggone Dogcatcher," a take on Jake and the Beanstalk in "Cat in the Beanstalk," Heathcliff doing anything and everything to "take the cake" in "Cake Flakes," Heathcliff terrorizing a milk factory in "The Great Milk Factory Fracas," Heathcliff becoming a rodeo star in "Rodeo Dough," Heathcliff using creative maneuvers to get the big fish in "The Big Fish Story," Heathcliff outsmarting a burglar in "The Watchcat," and creating more agitation for the milk man in "Milk Run Mayhem."

The Dingbat segments are much more straightforward, and each one involves the characters constantly looking for a job, always managing to get one... and always managing to wreak havoc at work. These are all pretty straightforward, and the titles of the segments (the first and third of each episode) as shown in the episode list pretty much describe their "five minute jobs."

Runtimes for the episodes are as follows:

Disc 1:
1. "Health Nuts/Doggone Dogcatcher/U.F.Oafs/Feline Fugitive" (23:40)
2. "French Fried Fracas/Cat in the Beanstalk/Treasure Haunts/The Great Chase" (23:41)
3. "Window Washouts/Angling Anglers/Prized Pooch/Cake Flakes" (23:41)
4. "Detective Ding-a-Lings/Red Hot Riding Hooded Heathcliff/Showbiz Shenanigans/The Great Milk Factory Fracas" (23:40)
5. "Service Station Screwballs/Kitty a la Cart/Beach Blanket Bozos/Mystery Loves Company"(23:40)
6. "Nautical Noodnicks/Gold Digger Daze/Bungling Baby Sitters/Hives" (23:40)
7. "Batty Boo-ticians/Robinson Cruise Ho/Door to Door Sales Creeps/Lion Around the House" (23:40)
8. "Creep Crop Crack-Ups/Heathcliff and the Sleeping Beauty/Retail Ruckus/The Mouse Trapper" (23:40)
9. "Carnival Cut-Ups/Rodeo Dough/Lemans-ter Rally/Pinnochio Rides Again" (23:39)

Disc 2:
10. "High Flying Fools/Star Trick/No News is Ghoul News/The Big Fish Story" (23:39)
11. "Nutty Knights/Pumping Irony/Safari Saps/The Watch Cat" (23:40)
12. "Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow/Mascot Rumble/It's Snow Job for a Creep/Heathcliff of Sherwood Forest" (23:36)
13. "Football Flunkies/Milk Run Mayhem/Lumbering Loonies/The Great Cop'n Cat Chase" (23:36)

The set has very basic packaging, in a standard double disc Amaray case. There is a photo of Heathcliff having a garbage can dinner with Sonja and a very small photo of the Dingbat characters at the top of the cover art. On the back, there is a description of the series along with a few episode snapshots. Inside the case. The discs inside the case have photos of Heathcliff and the series logo on a purple background. Disc 1 contains episodes 1-9 and Disc 2 contains episodes 10-13.

There are some issues about the menus which are a true problem. The artwork on the menus is fine, with the main menu containing the a photo of Heathcliff with a paddle that has a mouse attached to it, and a photo of Dingbat and his gang at the top. The options on the main menu are Play All and Episodes. But the problem with the menus is that when you select Episodes, you can't actually choose to play any full episodes. All that you'll find on this menu are the four individual segments from each episode, and you can play them one at a time... without any opening credits or closing credits. You can, however, find these credits if you choose Play All from the main menu, as it will play each episode WITH the opening and closing credits intact. I'm not sure why they didn't include an option to just play entire episodes as originally broadcast without having to use the Play All option, but it is a bit annoying. Still, everything is included for all of the episodes, so it isn't a disaster. Chapters are placed at every segment if you select Play All from the main menu.

The video and audio quality of the set is actually not too bad. In fact, compared to some of the other Heathcliff DVD releases out there, this one... the oldest one... looks reasonably nice on DVD, though not really perfect. The quality reminds you of pretty much any other series of the same era, with most of the defects being a result of the animation technology of the era. There are other video defects here and there, but they aren't really distracting. The audio is reasonably loud and clear, presented in the original mono. There are no subtitles or closed-captions.

With this being a Warner Archive release, there are no special features.

This is a decent set for Heathcliff fans out there, but if you are looking for something more along the lines of the more popular version of Heathcliff, you may find yourself a bit lost with this series. Personally, I enjoy watching the series because it is something a bit different... but the Catillac Cats version of the series is the one that I truly remember. Perhaps if this version had lasted longer, it would have been more memorable. I really enjoyed seeing the Heathcliff segments, but I do have to say that the Dingbat segments sort of became a little too repetitive a little too fast. The characters aren't bad, but I think that they could have done more with them besides giving them new jobs to mess up twice each episode. Of course, they did change that out with Marmaduke in the following season, so that did introduce a bit of a new element. In any event, Heathcliff fans should enjoy this set... and Dingbat fans (are there even any that exist?) will enjoy the Heathcliff segments.


(4/5 stars)

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Related links:
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The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show on TV.com

CLICK OF THE WEEK 

Home Theater Forum (www.hometheaterforum.com) - Regular readers may know our Click of the Week this week, as it has been referred to as a source for many of our news items time and time again. And there is a reason for that. The website, which is really a very broad website covering everything about home entertainment, has provided plenty of solid information and discussion about TV-on-DVD. But before we discuss that aspect of Home Theater Forum, we should talk about it a bit more broadly. This is a website for the true geeks of home entertainment, where everybody pays attention to every detail of everything when it comes to home entertainment. If you're really wanting to find out about the best equipment to make your home have the true theater experience, then you'll find everything that you need to find here.

Let's be honest, though... most of our readers here are fans of classic TV series, particularly sitcoms. So while we may be interested in that aspect for our other home entertainment needs, what will really interest fans of our website is their forum for TV-on-DVD. Here, you'll find very lively (and sometimes a bit too serious) discussion of every minor detail of every TV-on-DVD set which has ever existed. There are many incredibly knowledgable fans of the series over there, and they are eager to help fellow fans get the best experience with their home media library. You'll often find news and industry rumors (sometimes even direct from representatives of the studios) on the website... and usually it shows up here well before it shows up on other places on the internet. And of course, no such website would be complete without DVD reviews. Of course, we like to think that we do well with our DVD reviews, and we do with the objectives that we have when we cover our DVD reviews (focusing more on the content than technical details)... but it goes without saying that the technical details are important too, and fans do want to know that information. The DVD reviews on Home Theater Forum provide that for fans who are interested.

That's all for this week. Until next time, keep it digital!