Out of The Unknown Release Question

[LanceM]

Hello Again,

I was just wondering if anyone could help me. I was wondering if the early episodes of Out Of The Unknown have been released on any form in the US ? Or in the UK ?

Lance.

[andrew martin]

There haven't been any "Out of the Unknown" releases in the UK, don't know about the US but I doubt it.

[LanceM]

What is the BBC waiting for then? They should release a megaset like A&E did with the avengers series. Plus, it would be cool to tee the newly discovered episode Level Seven on DVD.

Lance.

[Nosmo King]

lancem said:

What is the BBC waiting for then?

Many are adaptions of authors work (like Asimov) which have rights options which would be uneconomical to clear for the relative low volume of DVD sales ... assuming they could be optioned at all. Hollywood may already have done so.

It is much simpler/cheaper for scripts written directly for the screen.

.. and of course the majority do not even exist.

There may be some music rights issues as well ... "To Lay a Ghost" has four commercial pop songs in it. These would also likely be costly to clear.

And don't assume it would sell at the level of popular sitcoms or Dr Who .. let alone that of major Hollywood releases.

[James Phillips]

Nosmo said:

And don't assume it would sell at the level of popular sitcoms or Dr Who .

I read that as "popular sitcoms such as Dr Who"..!

Tsk, silly old me!

[Jonathan Tennet]

I remember vaguely that the Beeb were planning on doing a video release some years ago, maybe as far back as '92-'93, but it came to nought due to alleged lack of interest (as I was informed by BBC Worldwide at the time).

The fact that you can get your mitts on copies of the remaining episodes via illicit means on certain "internet auction" sites on a regular basis obviously means there is a market for it and that the Beeb aren't listening - quelle surprise.

[LanceM]

I know that there are episodes floating around on ebay. But the BBC should really think about this idea. There is a market out there, people are willing to purchase this material. Like the extra Emma Peel bonus disk that was released by A&E ( which had Girl on The Trapeze and the first 20min of Hot Snow ). True the Avengers has a very large fan following, but so does the BBC. It seems wrong that they are keeping such treasures as these locked up in a archive, when there are many people who appreciate this material, and would pay to see it. However, we have never been given the opportunity to even try. I move that the fans should ban together in this common cause to get thier favorite shows out of the archive and back on the screen. What say ye ?

Lance.

[James Phillips]

Trouble is though, Lance, is there a big enough market..?

I mean, there may well be a big enough market for hooky DVDs if all you've got to cover is the cost of the blanks, but when you have to start going legit and paying actors, writers, etc, etc, if may turn out not to be viable.

Also bear in mind that whilst quite a few people might be willing to pay a few quid for a DVD-R on eBay, when asked to fork out £15-20 a whack, some of them won't be that interested.

[LanceM]

There are ways to see how large the market is for such material. You could start off by starting a online poll here, by taking down votes. Other fans could be made aware of this poll by word of mouth, or by posting an announcement on the BBC cult website for example ( Which is just an idea, don't get pissed off ). What do you gys think about that idea to test the market for such a release ? Please feel free to post a reply, but I ask that people try to keep thier posts from pestering other users here. Thank You.

Lance.

[Ian Beard]

I don't want to be overly rude Lance, but I do find your constant naivety rather wearing.

[LanceM]

I am not trying to ne naive. I guess that last approach was a bit much. I am sorry if that annoyed you Ian Beard. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens for Out of The Unknown releases.

Lance.

[Aaron Buderi]

Mr Beard your negative reaction is typical of people who do not have faith. Lance is a true Whovian. He has vision!

[James Phillips]

lancem said:

There are ways to see how large the market is for such material. You could start off by starting a online poll here, by taking down votes. Other fans could be made aware of this poll by word of mouth, or by posting an announcement on the BBC cult website for example ( Which is just an idea, don't get pissed off ). What do you gys think about that idea to test the market for such a release ? Please feel free to post a reply, but I ask that people try to keep thier posts from pestering other users here. Thank You.

Lance.

Trouble is, it's never going to be a representative sample. Plus, any bugger can say they'll buy a copy, but will all your responses translate into sales..? Doubtful.

[Ian Beard]

lancem said:

I am not trying to ne naive. I guess that last approach was a bit much. I am sorry if that annoyed you Ian Beard. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens for Out of The Unknown releases.

Lance.

Sorry about that Lance - I was in a grouchy mood last night.

Thing is, you bounce in like a hyperactive Tigger at times, spouting stuff that is little more than a stream of conciousness. For that reason alone, I don't always read something that is posted under your name - jumping to the conclusion that it just won't be worth bothering about.

Personally, I think you'd be better off signing up to OUTPOST GALLIFREY and posting there - I think you'd certainly get more out of it!

Best.

[LanceM]

Hey Ian,

I have been posting here for a while, and I do not appreciate being told where I can and can't post. If you don't want to read my postings, then don't. Since I guess you already have the conclusion before you even bother to read it. Then you will not have anything more to complain about. I am not trying to come off as rude or mean Ian. That is just what I feel like after reading your previous post.

Lance.