Home Video Asylum

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soap operas 70s 80s 90 200Xs

Due to the immense popularity of episodic television entire seasons of programming being released, I was wondering if there was an audience that would support the release of any soap opera special episodes in the DVD format? (Major network soap operas, not some obscure BBC soap opera)

[yes i am aware of the network series spoof of soap operas now available on DVD], my query concerns the real mccoy from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and up to the current day with the returning cast members over the years and major shocking plot twists tying up loose ends from years before. This type of medium would be perfect for fans, as this type of programming has never been available on home video before. Because of the nature of these types of shows, the older episodes from years earlier have never been seen. For example in 2003 the tv drama "ER" replayed a highly rated show from 1994 during the May sweeps season as a special episode.
Due to the high volume of programming for these shows (a one hour show generates almost 5 hours of product in a week!) a special version including only special episodes over the years would be necessary.

A series that ran on prime time that will no doubt be released is DALLAS, which let's all be truthful was a soap opera that happened to air during prime time. This was shot on film i believe, and not the multiple camera stuff shot on video with a live action cut in the studio.

Since some chemical companies own their own soap operas (for example Proctor & Gamble) what interest would they have in getting into the home video market with producing their own home videos (on DVD) of their product? With their ownership of the soap operas can we safely assume they have their own library archive of all the decades of programs? (Most likely stored at some 3rd party contractor's vault).

If i've missed a thread in the past would someone be so kind as to post the url of a soap opera thread for the DVD market.

What type of DVD products would any fans like to see? Specifically which shows, which years, and really what has the MOST interest?

Since this would have to be a special product how would one of these companies put it together?
a 2 disc 16 specially selected episodes (8 on each disc) spanning 20 years (1970-1990)?
or is there really enough market value to release a test of a single year of programming or special episodes say from 1985 for example. Maybe 52 episodes from one year, specially selected.
What about the 1960s soap operas. How far back do any of the characters go that any viewer would care about? General Hospital?


Lets discuss this, and spinoff other threads if needed. this thread should stay on the topic of an actual DVD product release (as opposed to character names and storylines).


-kspaz


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Topic - soap operas 70s 80s 90 200Xs - kspaz 19:48:27 09/23/03 (0)


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