Network DVDs

[SwingingLondon]

I'm quite pleased with quite a few of my recent acquisitions from Network, but when I visit their website I don't see any invitations for requests for new titles. I've read (maybe here) that some people have written to them but have then heard nothing back.



Has anyone ever had any direct communication with them or had a request fulfilled?

[didi-5]

They have a thread on their Facebook page where you can submit suggestions - I suppose that's the closest thing.

[theuofc]

name='SwingingLondon' timestamp='1283966669' post='472240']

I'm quite pleased with quite a few of my recent acquisitions from Network, but when I visit their website I don't see any invitations for requests for new titles. I've read (maybe here) that some people have written to them but have then heard nothing back.



Has anyone ever had any direct communication with them or had a request fulfilled?

About the only thing Network says when queried about forthcoming titles (probably including any requests for new titles) is:



<Network have a number of titles currently under license but are only able to disclose titles which have been cleared of rights issues. When titles are cleared for release they will be added to the website.



Unfortunately we cannot comment on any other titles that may or may not be in the pipeline in case it jeopardises rights negotiations on those titles. >



Unfortunately, it seems that Network won't comment on titles that are requested until cleared.



I agree that it'd be nice if they sent a Thank You reply to suggestions, but perhaps they are minimally staffed.

[jaycad]

The network dvd 'facebook' page seems to be the only medium for suggestions-going by the number of comedy series requests over the last year and the recent spate of comedy series releases i'd say that network do listen to suggestions!

[didi-5]

Does anyone know how Network choose which series to release? There have been some very strange releases over the years (and some which make no sense - why Yus, My Dear and not Romany Jones, for instance?).

[jaycad]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1283978164' post='472339']

Does anyone know how Network choose which series to release? There have been some very strange releases over the years (and some which make no sense - why Yus, My Dear and not Romany Jones, for instance?).

The most confusing releases for me are the series with substantial amounts of missing episodes which would only be of interest to collectors-'the georgian house' is a good example,i was happy with the release but i cannot imagine that it sold well and i'd imagine that something like 'orson welles great mysteries' (which exists in its entirety) would have been a better release option? It much have something to do with overseas rights issues?

[SwingingLondon]

Maybe we could start a list of DVDs that people on this forum would like Network to release on DVD and send it to them.



I think they're making a mistake not communicating with their 'fans'.



There's a record label, I think it's called Cherry Red, who release obscure/deleted pop music titles and they're very good and receptive to ideas for new releases. They write back. Get you involved. Send you free stuff if you suggest a project that comes to fruition.

[jaycad]

But what purpose would a list of suggestions serve(other than discussion) if the only medium of contact is via the network dvd facebook page? I'm sure network do monitor their facebook page otherwise it would be pointless!

[didi-5]

Anyway, Network do a fantastic job; not knocking them in any way. I just wish they had a more obvious strategy when it comes to releasing material. A lot of obscure stuff has come out - which is great - but as we're only on the tip of the iceberg ... I don't know.



They are quite right not to speculate about titles when they haven't negotiated rights as that could easily cause a release to run into problems. Either that or they like to tease us punters!

[jaycad]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1284121223' post='472811']

Anyway, Network do a fantastic job; not knocking them in any way. I just wish they had a more obvious strategy when it comes to releasing material. A lot of obscure stuff has come out - which is great - but as we're only on the tip of the iceberg ... I don't know.



They are quite right not to speculate about titles when they

haven't negotiated rights as that could easily cause a

release to run into problems. Either that or they like to

tease us punters!

Agreed! I've been made up with networks output over the last two years,i just hope that the recent spate of vague comedy series releases is evened out over the next year!

Didi,what would be your release suggestions?

[didi-5]

name='jaycad' timestamp='1284122039' post='472821']

Didi,what would be your release suggestions?

I would like to see more Armchair Theatre (all surviving Thames and ABC stuff; plenty to be going on with there). More Play of the Week, Play of the Month, Playhouse, Theatre 625 (I know a lot has been wiped, but a lot hasn't ...).



Also Foxy Lady, Pig in the Middle, Devenish, Cilla's Comedy Six.



I'd have to think what else. Ah yes, and the rest of Crown Court, Because I'm sad!



If we're talking BBC then there's lots more scope but that is off limits to Network under their current contract.

[jaycad]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1284128978' post='472849']

I would like to see more Armchair Theatre (all surviving Thames and ABC stuff; plenty to be going on with there). More Play of the Week, Play of the Month, Playhouse, Theatre 625 (I know a lot has been wiped, but a lot hasn't ...).



Also Foxy Lady, Pig in the Middle, Devenish, Cilla's

Comedy Six.



I'd have to think what else. Ah yes, and the rest of Crown

Court, Because I'm sad!



If we're talking BBC then there's lots more scope but that is

off limits to Network under their current contract.

I remember 'crown court' being on at around lunchtime when at my nans house as a kid-i must say i wasn't too taken by it as a six year old or whatever i was!

It's a shame that acorn media do not release BBC material in the same manner as network release ATV/ITV shows but no doubt that's down to the miserable BBC! (hopefully the release of 'the woman in white' by 2entertain represents a change in thinking!)

I would like network to release the 'orson welles great

mysteries','tales of unease' and 'night voices' series.

[didi-5]

I like the releases by Acorn much more than the 2entertain equivalents. And Acorn score over Network because they have subtitles; I have hearing problems so these things are important. It would be my only quibble with Network.



But again, with Acorn, very strange choice of releases.

[Harbottle]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1284128978' post='472849']

I would like to see more Armchair Theatre (all surviving Thames and ABC stuff; plenty to be going on with there). More Play of the Week, Play of the Month, Playhouse, Theatre 625 (I know a lot has been wiped, but a lot hasn't ...).



Also Foxy Lady, Pig in the Middle, Devenish, Cilla's Comedy Six.



I'd have to think what else. Ah yes, and the rest of Crown Court, Because I'm sad!



If we're talking BBC then there's lots more scope but that is off limits to Network under their current contract.

The old problem of ABC material is that it is owned by Canal Plus, so Network don't have easy access to it. Hence the remaining three episodes of the superb series Public Eye have not been released....though thankfully they are 'about'. I agree though I'd love to see a release of Armchair Theatre and Armchair Mystery Theatre. Another series I'd love to see is Shadows of Fear from Thames, the one episode I've seen The Death Watcher starring John Neville and Judy Parfitt was excellent.

[dpgmel]

name='Harbottle' timestamp='1284471473' post='474166']

The old problem of ABC material is that it is owned by Canal Plus, so Network don't have easy access to it. Hence the remaining three episodes of the superb series Public Eye have not been released....though thankfully they are 'about'. I agree though I'd love to see a release of Armchair Theatre and Armchair Mystery Theatre. Another series I'd love to see is Shadows of Fear from Thames, the one episode I've seen The Death Watcher starring John Neville and Judy Parfitt was excellent.

Yes, IIRC don't they also hold the rights to The Human Jungle ? hence no release of that excellent series

[didi-5]

name='Harbottle' timestamp='1284471473' post='474166']

The old problem of ABC material is that it is owned by Canal Plus, so Network don't have easy access to it. Hence the remaining three episodes of the superb series Public Eye have not been released....though thankfully they are 'about'. I agree though I'd love to see a release of Armchair Theatre and Armchair Mystery Theatre. Another series I'd love to see is Shadows of Fear from Thames, the one episode I've seen The Death Watcher starring John Neville and Judy Parfitt was excellent.

I know the problems with the ABC material but Canal Plus don't seem that interested in the items they own. Network did negotiate the ABC episodes of Mystery and Imagination, and I'm sure there were other releases from that source (Redcap?). So there's hope.

[drumbeg]

I have to say that I am Network's biggest fan, they have been doing a truly brilliant job over the past few years in making available television series that I,as a collector, never imagined I would ever see again let alone own. I have written to Network many times and often,but not always, received a reply to my emails. I have submitted a list to Network of a number of television series I would love to see released on dvd, and a few of them have actually been released namely: The Four Just Men, Sword of Freedom, Ghost Squad, Sergeant Cork, The Larkins and Bootsie and Snudge. I now own 21 box sets of television series from the era that most interests me 1955-1965 and I really am extremely grateful,not to say indebted to Network for making it all possible. I am quite certain that many more of my television favourites will,at some time, be made available from Network.

[Grant]

Glad to see 'The Firechasers' listed for an upcoming release. Haven't seen that one in over 30 years!

[dpgmel]

Season Two of Man At The Top would be nice sometime soon....

[chuffnobbler]

Network are releasing Wood & Walters, and the Victoria Wood plays (Happy Since I Met You, etc).



I think I need to have a little lie down ... I've always wanted to see these.