Thinkcorps

I just went to this site, http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/. It occurs to me that the studios/producers/etc. are pumping out DVD sets of their television shows at a startling pace – both new and back catalog.

So, in the rush for DVD profits, are the studios cannibalizing a core revenue stream, syndication? With high penetration of DVD players, Blockbusters on every corner not to mention Netflix, and dare we say DVD-recorders, it makes you wonder—what’s the future for advertiser-supported television?

When everyone owns a huge library of television DVDs, doesn’t that offer significant competition for regular TV, especially syndicated blocks? And doesn’t it devalue the syndicated versions of the shows as well?

I think we need a big open session, hosted by HBO, where they explain how they’re able to make money without any advertisers. Sopranos, Sex and the City, Carnivale, Six Feet Under (these are shows I’ve actually seen and/or bought DVD sets of), none of these series are cheap to produce, and yet they exist on a for-profit network.

Mostly I want someone to figure this out (I guess Sci-Fi, would be best) so that we can get Joss Whedon back to work on Firefly, which could have been brilliant if given half a chance by those idiots at Fox. Rent the DVD set and the commentary from some of those involved is just this side of vitriolic, and it’s already been edited by Fox!!

I just can’t understand why you’d greenlight a project that requires you to build a full-scale mockup of a spaceship for Joss Whedon, a man known for creating great, but admittedly slow-developing shows, and then when the show is slowly developing an audience (as expected), pull the plug before the end of the first season. Firefly wasn’t even worth starting without at least a two-year commitment—you’re gonna need that much time to collect enough episodes, promote the show, and really understand its potential. I hear there’s potential for a movie, but I’m not holding my breath.

In the meantime, Firefly fans who aren’t averse to anime should check out Cowboy Bebop.