And we'll just ignore how the "revelation" was leaked even before we had the episode in hand, shall we?
OK now, I've been buying the half-season sets because I'm one of those that just can't wait. They haven't released The Snowmen yet, as it was rumored it would be included with the 7.2 set. Now I see it as a separate release coming out on the same day as 7.2. Now, why the f$%k would they wait till May 28 with The Snowmen if it's separate?
As best I can tell (and this is from paperwork that's crossed my desk on these products in the past two or three months), pulling The Snowmen from the 7.2 set was a very late decision. As of a month ago, it was supposed to be in the set. I don't know the reasons, unfortunately. I just know there was a change of plans.
At this point, the reason could only be: more money. I would have had no problem with them being planned as separate releases. In fact, I would have loved to have had The Snowmen a few months ago. They're good about getting them released soon afterwards.
The Snowmen is rather weird. The original plan was indeed to include it witht the 7.2 set. Then it was decided to give it an individual release as well. Then someone realized it didn't make sense to give it an individual release if it's going to be included on the 7.2 set, so it was pulled from the 7.2 set.
"The Snowmen" appears to be included on the Region 2/B DVD/DB sets: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-...037080&sr=1-1&keywords=the+snowmen+doctor+who http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Part-Blu-ray/dp/B00BJ66DF0/ref=pd_vtp_d_h__3 going by the description on the cover art. I suspect a money grab.
I wish all of the Christmas specials were included in the season boxsets. Having them as separate releases is annoying.
I just received the 7.2 set in the UK and the 2012 Christmas special is included. I think our transatlantic brethren are getting shafted.
You have to understand, they have to take the content from two existing products and combine them into one singular product. These execs aren't getting paid enough for the peons to do this quickly.
It seemed to do the trick. By the way Moffat does mention it a few times in the new DWM. Only 210 people preordered and received it early. So I'd imagine if they could pinpoint approximately where the original uploads originated, they could trace it back to the customer. If they wanted. It's not a straight forward repackage - there will be extra extras. It makes financial sense to leave it a while, the two halves have a chance to sell on their own then. In the UK most series wouldn't get a release until the next series is on air - then they can benefit from cross promotion.
The US does the same. That never made any sense to me - if you weren't watching the show from the beginning, that makes it impossible to catch up.