Dammit. I managed to ahem the first 8 episodes, but it's just not enough.

I just can't see what Fox has to gain by sitting on the remaining episodes. Considering they've invested a not small amount of money in the show, why not try to make some of that back? They release cancelled shows all the time, what makes this case different?

If they've calculated that they can't move enough units with a wide distribution, why not make a limited run that they can sell exclusively on their website? They can produce more according to demand to maximize profits. If nothing else, couldn't they just release the episodes on iTunes or an equivalent?

I can't at all figure out why the suits choose the series they do to release on DVD, and not others. They haven't released Early Edition, for example, which ran for five seasons and was quite popular. But they did release Harsh Realm, which was cancelled quickly because, as far as I know, only three people watched it.

Maybe they'll decide to release them eventually, someday. Odyssey 5 and The Sentinel are getting DVDs this year, some years after they were cancelled. Maybe they're waiting for the viewing public to forget which show it was, so they'll think it's new and be intrigued and buy it on DVD. The viewing public are like goldfish, you know. Around and around the same bowl, "Ooo, that's new! Ooo, that's new!" when it's the same thing over and over. When they actually find something new, like The Inside, they're frightened and flee. Maybe if it's packaged like something familiar, they'll buy it.

Perhaps I need coffee.

If they've calculated that they can't move enough units with a wide distribution, why not make a limited run that they can sell exclusively on their website?

If you can spend $1,000,000 on promoting your new show that may be a runaway hit, or spend $1,000,000 on distributing a show you've given up on, you'll pick the first. The possible Return On Investment for the first case is much, much higher.

Making a DVD costs time and money. The executives at Fox have many projects that demand time and money; they're going to pick the projects that seem most likely to be successful. It is an economic decision.

Hey, I'm still pissed that "Frank's Place" is off the air.

I'm guessing based on no information, but I suspect that the PTB have decided that SF/fantasy watchers are crazier and more obsessive than other watchers. "Harsh Realm" will sell DVDs because that's the 2000's equivalent of the Midnight Movie. Science fiction media fans hang out together and propagate their obsessions. I'm not sure that mystery/detective media fans do in significant numbers.

I'm guessing based on no information, but I suspect that the PTB have decided that SF/fantasy watchers are crazier and more obsessive than other watchers. "Harsh Realm" will sell DVDs because that's the 2000's equivalent of the Midnight Movie. Science fiction media fans hang out together and propagate their obsessions. I'm not sure that mystery/detective media fans do in significant numbers.

Huh, I don't know why that never occurred to me, but I can totally see that. Are CSI or L&O even out on DVD? I think CSI is, but L&O I don't remember ever seeing.

24 probably sells well because of it's serial nature and people want to catch up at their leisure (bet Prison Break does similarly). Most of the cop shows that have come out have achieved classic status, I think (Homicide, Hill Street).

I recently saw an ad for L&O on DVD, but I can't imagine anyone who has cable buying it -- I mean, I'd like to see the older episodes more, but there's almost never a time that I think, "Gee, I'd love to watch some L&O" and it's not on.

I am pretty sure CSI is on DVD, as well-- but it does seem that only the big crime shows get DVD's.

And, by the way, where the heck are my Twin Peaks Season II and Max Headroom DVD's!?!?!

I recently saw an ad for L&O on DVD, but I can't imagine anyone who has cable buying it -- I mean, I'd like to see the older episodes more, but there's almost never a time that I think, "Gee, I'd love to watch some L&O" and it's not on.

Heh, that too. Isn't A&E one of the ones that's all L&O all the time?

It's interesting what comes out and what hasn't. Has LA Law, NYPD Blue or St. Elsewhere? I know Columbo has been coming out, but I don't think any of the other shows that aired in the Sunday Mystery Movie block have (or, say, The Rockford Files).

And, by the way, where the heck are my Twin Peaks Season II and Max Headroom DVD's!?!?!

Preach it! They can put out the real TP pilot again while they're at it.

eta Whoot! They're finally putting out the first round of Robot Chicken in March. Now if they'd only schedule the animated Tick like I heard was finally in the works.