^Fan perception of the merits of the show has nothing to do with it not being on DVD. That's all about some legal issues between Warner and Fox.
Why No 1960s Batman TV Series on VHS, DVD, etc.?
- Thread starter FalTorPan
- Start date
Yeah, I know. I was just venting. I want those DVD's. I've had the show on tape since the summer of 1989, and they are starting to wear out.
Well, if you (or any kids you might have) are a fan of various other Disney products, you might be in luck. The colorized first season and maybe half of the second is on DVD exclusively through the Disney DVD club. This means that you'd have to get like five other DVDs as obligation to the club membership, but if you like Disney stuff, that's no loss.
Along with wishing they would be non-exclusive, I wish they'd release the original b&w versions. I'm not really a fan of colorizing since I don't mind black and white. I just prefer things to be in their original format. But yes, in whatever form, I do wish they would put this show on DVD.
In addition to Zorro and Batman, the other must-release shows on my list are Maverick, the Lone Ranger (although, 36 episodes have been released, but with no more likely forthcoming anytime soon), the Green Hornet, Major Dad (hey, I'm a military brat), and the X-Men cartoon.
As for the question of cameos mucking up the works, I read about this Bob Hope movie called "The Paleface," a western comedy. Apparently, according to the IMDB trivia (or maybe Wikipedia?), Bob Hope had so much influence back then that he got a crazy amount of cameos from all the western superluminaries of the time. He had James Arness as Matt Dillon, James Garner as Brett Maverick, Fess Parker as Davy Crockett, and others. It seems that no TV presentation or video release of The Paleface has ever been totally complete, because they weren't allowed to use some of the cameos outside of the theatrical release. I don't know any of the whys and wherefores of that, but there might be a similar situation like that for Batman. I doubt that's the only problem, but consider; even if they just edited out all those cameos and released the show without them, that editing could cost a little more than they might care to spend, if they're under the impression that the DVD's wouldn't sell well since the dark Batman is so popular now (not that I feel that way; I think I'd be one of the relatively few younger people to buy them, but I think the nostalgia crowd would have them flying off the shelves).
Quoted for truth!
I know that's a little old to QFT, but I figure that I disagree with Christopher enough that I should give him his proper respects when I do so absolutely agree with him as in this case. I'm constantly surprised by the amount of adults I encounter who still don't get that the comedy was intentional. I feel kinda sad for them at what they're missing.
In that case, the issue would probably be the use of copyrighted characters, not the appearance of the actors. Although it's true that a couple of the "window cameos" in Batman were performers in character as their contemporary sitcom roles (though not explicitly named as such), including Werner Klemperer as Col. Klink and Ted Cassidy as Lurch.
Yeah, now that you mention it, that's probably true. Although, since we've no way to see those Paleface cameos, there's no way to know whether a character was specifically identified as Davy Crockett, or whether it was just Fess Parker in a coonskin cap. That could probably still cause problems, though.
Klink? How'd they manage that? Batman shows up at Stalag 13? 
No, it was just one of their bits where B&R were climbing up the side of a building on a rope (actually a horizontal building facade with the camera turned sideways) and a celebrity would pop out of a window and exchange a few lines with them before they resumed their climb. No attempt was made to explain the anachronism of Klemperer/Klink's appearance, because he wasn't explicitly acknowledged as Col. Klink (although I believe Batman did ask him to pass along his regards to Col. Hogan).
Another example of how even creativity was freer then. If a cameo worked, and if you could do it, you just did it. One time on The Lucy Show, she was inducted by mistake, and when the mistake was corrected, the Sarge said that he could never imagine a bigger screw-up than her. On that cue, in walks Jim Nabors, playing you-know-who in all but name. Prolly in those days, Lucy called Danny Thomas (Producer of Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle), and DT said 'Sure!' and that was that.
Look what I found: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHD_53UqBeA
They might have trouble with the use of the Addam's Family theme in this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT5dzaje1dE&feature=related
They might have trouble with the use of the Addam's Family theme in this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT5dzaje1dE&feature=related
Not me.
It never fell out of favour with me at any stage, even when I did the "serious adolescent" thing. Later on from that, I remember it being re-run in the mornings back in the late 80's, so I'd watch it before I went to work. It always put a smile on my face. Especially when Julie Newmar was guest-villainessing.
For me, Batman works best when it's at extremes - totally silly and camp, or totally serious. Therefore I love the 60's stuff and the Nolan movies pretty much equally.
Absolutely. I saw the movie last year after about 25 years, I was surprised as my reaction; it's a work of genius. I absolutely loved it, and I loved the show when I was a kid.
Not sure, but I picked up a copy for good measure myself.
"Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb!"
Look what I found: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHD_53UqBeA
Good grief, that was awful. Not one of their better-written window gags.
I've never stopped enjoying 60's Batman at any age either, at least the third season.
Being exposed to Yvonne Craig in purple pleather, frequently in bondage, greatly affected my 8 year old mind and eventual sexuality. The scene with Batman, Robin and Batgirl "tied up" in the Siamese Human Knot is forever burned into my fantasy life.
Being exposed to Yvonne Craig in purple pleather, frequently in bondage, greatly affected my 8 year old mind and eventual sexuality. The scene with Batman, Robin and Batgirl "tied up" in the Siamese Human Knot is forever burned into my fantasy life.
Look what I found: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHD_53UqBeA
Good grief, that was awful. Not one of their better-written window gags.
Perhaps this one is better...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUuv_fEJMpI&feature=related
I just love the introductions...
Fantastic show, one of the staples of my afternoon TV-watching as a child of the late 70s and early 80s. I hope they can work something out someday, as my cruddy VHS recordings are not improving with age.
Plus, imagining Yvonne Craig and Julie Newmar in digital (or even HD) clarity? Meow!
Plus, imagining Yvonne Craig and Julie Newmar in digital (or even HD) clarity? Meow!
"Gosh, Batman, what're they dressed like that for?"
A very standard comic book line, but Ward's delivery nails it.This one has to top them all for pure absurdity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4_5jngpLkY&feature=related
Santa was played there by Andy Devine, a noted comedic character actor of the day. Interesting that Batman actually breaks the fourth wall and speaks right to the camera.
And have you noticed that they're always climbing the exact same wall with the exact same scenery behind it?
And have you noticed that they're always climbing the exact same wall with the exact same scenery behind it?
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