Seinfeld Confirmed on DVD for 2004

[Loomis]

I just got the following press release in my inbox this morning, and immediately posted it on DVDBits (for whom I write).

http://www.dvdbits.com/press/Seinfeld.asp

Xmas 2004? Insanely early announcement. Keep in mind this is an Aussie press release, and the US copy is more than likely to happen before this.

[indianajdp]

As a huge fan of this show I'm extremely excited.
But no George and no Lainy??
That's a real shame.

Wonder how they will price this...thinking $39.99?

[Loomis]

As a huge fan of this show I'm extremely excited.
But no George and no Lainy??
That's a real shame.

Wonder how they will price this...thinking $39.99?

I seem to remember a story that said there was problems with the talent on the show...

Hang on.... [waiting music..."We value your call"]

Ah, here it is!

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=923

ad the follow up concerning Michael Richards...

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=926

Highlights include:

Michael Richards, a star of the hit television comedy "Seinfeld," says he will take part in the making of a DVD of the series, but he says he ought to be paid for it.

..."I'm not boycotting," Mr. Richards, who played Kramer in the series, said in a telephone interview late Monday night. "I'm involved. I was never called to do an interview. I am so for the DVD coming out that I'll go on the `Tonight' show."

But Mr. Richards said he thought he ought to be paid for taking part in the DVD project, in part because the show has been such a windfall for its creators, producers and distributors: Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Castle Rock Television and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. They will all share profits from the DVD.

Actors do not typically receive residual payments for DVD's, but this is quickly becoming a major issue in Hollywood, as DVD sales now bring in millions of dollars to those who control the rights to hit television shows and movies, far more than revenue from videocassettes.

[AwallaceUNC]

Woohoo, I read about this on tvshowsondvd.com a while back, but it didn't have this much detail. I'm very excited, as I love this show... not as excited as my freakishly obsessed-can quote from every episode- friend, though, lol.

-Aaron

[indianajdp]

UPDATE: Great News!

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/Art ... hinvestor/

[Loomis]

UPDATE: Great News!

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/Art ... hinvestor/

He said the Seinfeld producers have now agreed that the three co-stars will also earn royalties from the DVD collection

Yup, and right bloody so!

I disagree generally with talent asking ridiculous amounts of money for DVDs (I mean, we want the best DVD we can get, and if the cost is too high, most companies will just scrap plans for certain supplements). In this case, they WERE being paid US $1 million an episode towards the end. Surely that would cover additional committments, such as DVD and promotions. But obviously not...

Havign said that, I think most talent and crew SHOULD be compensated for their involvement in the DVD. For some people, it is enough to just be involved in the DVD and the telling of their story, for others it is really their time and effort and it needs to be rewarded.

But there also need to be a reasonable amount of money paid, not excessive. Remember the whole "DVD commentaries are dead!" fear when Arnie asked for all that money a few years ago? (And his commentaries tend to be "There is me shooting some guys. Look at me! I'm with a lot of women!")

[2099net]

I disagree generally with talent asking ridiculous amounts of money for DVDs (I mean, we want the best DVD we can get, and if the cost is too high, most companies will just scrap plans for certain supplements). In this case, they WERE being paid US $1 million an episode towards the end. Surely that would cover additional committments, such as DVD and promotions. But obviously not...

Given the actors were already getting $1m per episode towards the end, how much will the writers get from the DVD release?

While I understand if billions are to be made from the series it sucks if not everybody is getting their fair share, it seems sort of wrong just to single out the actors.

[Loomis]

I disagree generally with talent asking ridiculous amounts of money for DVDs (I mean, we want the best DVD we can get, and if the cost is too high, most companies will just scrap plans for certain supplements). In this case, they WERE being paid US $1 million an episode towards the end. Surely that would cover additional committments, such as DVD and promotions. But obviously not...

Given the actors were already getting $1m per episode towards the end, how much will the writers get from the DVD release?

While I understand if billions are to be made from the series it sucks if not everybody is getting their fair share, it seems sort of wrong just to single out the actors.

I agree, and that is why I said "talent and crew" in my comments.

However, it is the cast that are making the biggest fuss, so I used that as an example to illustrate my point.

[Mushu2083]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! WHOO-HOO! <doing my happy dance>! This will be on my Christmas wish list this year!

[Loomis]

Just in from Digital Bits:

One last quick update for you today, and it's a good one. Columbia TriStar will release Seinfeld: Volume 1 and Seinfeld: Volume 2 on 11/23 (SRP $49.95 each), just in time for "Festivus" (as George might say). Each volume will feature some 12 hours of content, including interviews with the cast and creators (Inside Looks), outtakes and bloopers (Not That There's Anything Wrong With That), audio commentaries with the cast members (Yada Yada Yada), deleted scenes (In the Vault), original NBC promotional ads and trailers (Sponsored by Vandelay Industries), behind-the-scenes "scoop" and production notes (Notes About Nothing), and never-before-seen stand-up comedy footage of co-creator and star Jerry Seinfeld (Master of His Domain). Volume 1 will also include the hour-long How It Began documentary along with original Tonight Show footage, while Volume 2 will include the Kramer vs. Kramer: Kenny to Cosmo featurette (on the real Kramer). The two volumes together include 40 episodes (Volume 1 will include all 18 episodes of the first and second seasons, while Volume 2 will include all 22 episodes from the third season). There will also be a Seinfeld: Deluxe Holiday Gift Set of both volumes (SRP $199.95), which will also include a limited edition script from co-creator Larry David, Monk's Diner salt-and-pepper shakers and a deck of playing cards. You'll be glad to know that additional seasons are already in production for release on DVD in 2005. We'll post cover art as soon as it's available.

[lord-of-sith]

I can't believe it! The one weekend I go camping, a thing like this is anounced! Anyway, I can't wait! I'll probably be buying the giftset rather than get the first two seasons. You can't beat salt shakers and a pack of cards!

[TheZue]

I disagree generally with talent asking ridiculous amounts of money for DVDs (I mean, we want the best DVD we can get, and if the cost is too high, most companies will just scrap plans for certain supplements). In this case, they WERE being paid US $1 million an episode towards the end. Surely that would cover additional committments, such as DVD and promotions. But obviously not...

Given the actors were already getting $1m per episode towards the end, how much will the writers get from the DVD release?

While I understand if billions are to be made from the series it sucks if not everybody is getting their fair share, it seems sort of wrong just to single out the actors.

I know Seinfeld has been making tons from the syndication, and I'm pretty sure that Larry David has been too; so the writers are covered. Beyond that, the actors do deserve to be paid more just because it's so difficult for them to find work when people associate them with George, Elaine, and Kramer so strongly. There is an interesting article about their complaints here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ... hinvestor/

[AwallaceUNC]

Wow, this is going to be an incredible release!!! Thanks, Loomis.

-Aaron

[indianajdp]

Whoa...even more $$ than I expected.

My dilemma is this. I absolutely love this show, however, the first two seasons just aren't that good...comparatively speaking. And for $100 I'm just not sure how badly I want them.

[Luke]

Whoa...even more $$ than I expected.

My dilemma is this. I absolutely love this show, however, the first two seasons just aren't that good...comparatively speaking. And for $100 I'm just not sure how badly I want them.

That is a lot of money. And there is no shortage of Seinfeld episodes on TV. I'm sure I've seen every episode multiple times.

So even if it's one of my favorite shows, I don't know if I'll get the DVDs. There are shows that I enjoy more that I have a greater compulsion to "catch 'em all" with. Still, around Christmastime, I imagine you'll be able to get both sets for around $60-$70, which is still a lot of money, but for the type of effort they're putting in, it's probably worth it. Well, if you like the first two seasons. From what I remember, some of the best episodes come from those years.

[Mr. Toad]

Me too. I absolutely loved Battlestar Gallactica and my wife is a big Star Trek fan. Just had to gag at the prices being asked though. Didnt buy them. Felt too much like I was being ripped off for being a loyal fan.

[yoda_four]

YAHOO! I can't wait for Seinfeld on DVD! TV Shows On DVD has posted final specs and artwork for the releases. Looks like we can be expecting more seasons next fall as well according to this story. I'm gonna be sure to pick up the Giftset, but it sucks that Columbia put a Minimum advertised sales price! The artwork's nice and simple but I think it could've been somewhat better. I'll be counting the days!

[AwallaceUNC]

Me too. I absolutely loved Battlestar Gallactica and my wife is a big Star Trek fan. Just had to gag at the prices being asked though. Didnt buy them. Felt too much like I was being ripped off for being a loyal fan.

Yeah, I'm hoping the TNG sets start slipping in price soon, especially the earlier seasons.

Paul, the minimum advertised price really does suck.

-Aaron

[Luke]

They're now up for pre-order at Amazon for $32.47 each (35% off SRP):

<img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000 ... UMBZZZ.jpg">
Seasons 1 & 2:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

<img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002 ... UMBZZZ.jpg">
Seasons 3:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz">Gift Set</a> is 35% off as well, on sale for $77.97.

[TheZue]

Me too. I absolutely loved Battlestar Gallactica and my wife is a big Star Trek fan. Just had to gag at the prices being asked though. Didnt buy them. Felt too much like I was being ripped off for being a loyal fan.

Yeah, I'm hoping the TNG sets start slipping in price soon, especially the earlier seasons.

Paul, the minimum advertised price really does suck.

-Aaron

Even at their current prices these sets are worth it. They have 7 or 8 discs each...and they are the sets that get the most play of all our T.V. season sets we own. The only ones that come close after them are south park.