MPI tells SG it is using the title "Dark Shadows - The Beginning" for the 206 early, pre-Barnabas episodes. SG previously announced that plans call for them to be released on DVD in 2007. They will be identified as Collections 1-6.
The title "Collector's Series," which was utilized when those episodes were issued on VHS video, will not be used for the DVDs. These 6 DVD releases, to be issued throughout 2007, initially will be available exclusively through MPI.
SG Online (Update # 153):
ShadowGram Update #153
I just hope that the DVD cases and artwork will be consistent with the initial 26 Barnabas/Bramwell collections. That just makes it look much better on the bookshelf.
Hmm, maybe it's just me. Until recently the only dvd's I had were the 1897 ones, which are in nice slim cases. But the 1795 ones which I just got during Deepdiscountdvd's sale came in a different kind of a box. A lot larger, thicker and CLUNKIER. I hope it's just old stock and the cases for the later dvd's are the kind they will be using for the new releases.
The first 10 collections of the DS DVD's came in thicker cases. Beginning with Collection 11, slimmer cases began to be used. You can get replacement (slimmer) cases for the first 10 collections (complete with appropriatley fitting artwork) by contacting MPI's customer service. I did it all by email. They are reasonably priced and look much better on the bookshelf with the later releases.
I've been collecting these since the beginning and I believe that the clunkier boxes ARE the earlier version of the DVD cases. I started getting the thinner cases with collection 11.
The first 10 collections of the DS DVD's came in thicker cases. Beginning with Collection 11, slimmer cases began to be used.
I'm very much looking forward to these!However, if I am reading correctly, they will only be available through MPI? Which translates as "full SRP of $59.98." I may have to wait on these after all.
I'm very much looking forward to these!However, if I am reading correctly, they will only be available through MPI? Which translates as "full SRP of $59.98." I may have to wait on these after all.
I know one thing - I'm NOT paying almost $20 more than I am now for a set. I'll wait them out or get them on Ebay from the people who buy, re-burn and sell the originals. Besides, I've still got my trusty old SciFi recorded VHS (Pre-Barnabas) tapes to keep me content.
It's just bad for those who don't have the tapes....like me. I don't want to join the club, so I suppose I'll try and get them off ebay.Would DS fan club members be offered a discount of some kind on the dvds if purchased through MPI?
Would DS fan club members be offered a discount of some kind on the dvds if purchased through MPI?
Would DS fan club members be offered a discount of some kind on the dvds if purchased through MPI?
Discounts on the dvds would be more desired.
Not everyone's interested in collecting them.
Club members ... don't they also get a free display case for them after they buy them all?
If ONLY MPI offered THE SILVER FILIGREE PEN. [b003]
I suspect only a rare few of us lunatics would be willing to pay the price for a Sterling filigree pen.
But what does MPI sell? DS boxers. Puhlease!! I ask you: When did a pair of boxers ever figure into a DS plot?! ::) >:( [lghy]
Nonsense! No self-respecting DS fan should be without one. It should be placed on a shelf of honor along with a stake and hammer, a jewel encrusted medallion, a cross, a filled brady decanter and a few snifters, a voodoo doll and pins, a bleeder valve, and, of course, assorted hair bows/ribbons and hairpieces/wigs (particularly a black wig for when you want to go completely incognito so that no one could ever possibly recognize you ;)).
You know, perhaps MPI realizes that the majestic glory of the silver filigree pen can never truly be duplicated for mass consumption.
However, I'm taking the "initially" to be hopeful even if it comes 1 year later. I've waited this long. Another year makes no difference to me.
But what does MPI sell? DS boxers. Puhlease!! I ask you: When did a pair of boxers ever figure into a DS plot?!
But seriously, I like the idea of buying 5 and getting a 6th free because that makes the overall pricing very similar to several other online outlets, if not actually cheaper than some.
But if you buy, and pay for, 6 boxsets from Amazon.com, it's only $252 for all 6 as they only charge $42 per boxset.
We're considering changing the club structure to a "Buy 5, Get the 6th free" structure for each year of membership. There will be no more bobbleheads or other merchandise as part of the club, but we would allow existing club members to determine whether they would like to receive the bobbleheads & other promotional items instead of the revised benefits of getting every 6th installment free. New club members would only be able to acquire bobbleheads at the discounted club price & would not be able to receive them.
I imagine most people who have a high level of interest in the bobblehead dolls would have long ago joined the club, so I wanted to gather feedback on this new suggestion. We're trying to find ways to provide a good bargain for customers, but we also have to make sure we do not anger our existing retail distribution network by directly competing with other retailers on price per collection. This may be a solution that will give fans a chance to get a good deal while not directly publishing discounted prices per volume Free US STD Ground shipping would still apply for club members.
Again, thank you for allowing me to participate in the discussion. This is just an idea & not "official" information, so please feel free to share any thoughts you may have on the proposed revision to the club...
First, I'd like to thank everyone for their feedback on the DVD Club. We're always trying to find ways to add value for members. I understand that many fans don't have interest in the Bobblehead dolls or other merchandise, so I'd like to get your opinion on a new idea we are considering for the DVD Club if that is okay. (If the moderators feel that this is not an appropriate forum for discussion, I apologize & please feel free to remove).
I'm probably one of the more ardent admirers of the pre-Barnabas episodes, which I would love to have, but I'm not about to join a club in order to do so and not at the prices I've heard quoted.
My better suggestion would be when it comes to the PRE-Barnabas episodes is to sell them to anyone who wants to purchase them. Not to make being a member of the DVD club mandatory. So I say do away with the DVD club. I'd rather pay $59.98 plus postage and be able to actually get them. Than be told that the only way to get them is to become a member of a club I know I don't financially qualify to join.
In addition, most of us don't want to be stuck in a contract we can't get out of. Many of us have health concerns and other family issues that tax our financial resources. When financial crisis happens, under your deal, we become stuck for the year. $60 can make a huge difference to us in these situations.
In addition, most of us don't want to be stuck in a contract we can't get out of. Many of us have health concerns and other family issues that tax our financial resources. When financial crisis happens, under your deal, we become stuck for the year. $60 can make a huge difference to us in these situations.
This is a non-issue.
What if something comes up like you lose your job or you have a medical or other personal crisis? What happens if, in the first year, you have to cancel and you've only bought say 3 sets? Is there some penalty for cancelling before all 6 sets are purchased? This is not clearly addressed as far as I can see.
Then the agreement states: Your credit card will be automatically charged as soon as each new Dark Shadows DVD collection is released. This is problematic for someone w/out a credit card as Victoria mentioned.
To answer the above question, it is possible to join the DVD Club without a credit card. Members can sign up to join the club by calling our customer service at 800.323.0442 & requesting the DVD Club membership form.
with the exception of the Silver Filigree Pen.
P.S. MB - Deep Discount DVD is selling the older sets at $43.22.
The information you provide Midnite does make it a little more flexible. I appreciate the leg work you did to come up with the answer.
However, it still doesn't make up for the price differential between MPI and Amazon.
Making the DVDs available to members a little sooner is one thing (though I'd prefer to, hello, pay less for them than non-members)...
Hubby taught me well. [wink2]
so glad i kept the collector series vhs which includes the opening production slates, i am putting volumes 1-42 on dvd now with my new machine from Sears.