God I would just love it if all the episodes were released. to see the coach drown again, to laugh when garth had the Christmas tree sticking out of his back, to watch Mary have her breakdown on live television. Wow I wouldn't watch anything else ever again. I won't beg because I know all those episodes are only a wonderful memory of this very funny and experimental show.
shareYes, I don't really understand how Sony could expect to release all the episodes when there were -- what -- about twenty on Volume 1? I hope they continue with the releases, but it just doesn't seem like a show suited too well to DVD.
shareThey are lost forever. How could such a once popular show be so ignored now. I guess people had more patience back then.
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There were 25 episodes on the first volume DVD set, which is about the same amount of episodes you would get on a season set of any other show. It would take 13 volumes to release all 325 episodes of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, but it is doable.
For example:
ER has released 8 seasons on DVD and that series is over 300 episodes total for the 14 seasons. There's no reason to think they won't release the rest of the seasons of ER on DVD. Now NBC has announced ER is coming back for a 15th season so it will have more episodes than Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman when it's finished.
Nothing's Gonna Change My World - The Beatles
Most likely Sony is holding back this and other archive content, as are other owners, waiting to see how Hulu and other experiments demonstrate how best way to "monetize" online distribution. Don't hold your breath for more DVDs in the long tail, which this is, despite the fervor of its devotees.
share326 episodes will never be on DVD
I am from the future. You have proven to be, mercifully, incorrect. :)
The new Shout! Factory complete DVD set is FANTASTIC. I've waited over 20 years to see this show after I first read about it, and despaired it would ever happen. Those measly 25 episodes released by Sony in 2007 were a cruel tease. I also assumed that was all we would ever get, so I was just floored when I first read Shout! Factory's announcement.
The best part? The series has only exceeded my expectations, which have been built up for so many years, I kind of expected to be at least a little disappointed. It's a groundbreaking, major piece of television history that, as far as I'm concerned, holds up beautifully as long as you're willing to adjust to the slow pace. And Louise Lasser is a revelation, a truly brilliant actress who never did anything else that came close to the greatness of her portrayal of Mary-- and this comes from someone who's always considered her great in everything I've seen her in.
Beg, borrow-- don't steal-- get this set ASAP! We need to reward Shout! Factory for rescuing the series from total oblivion! (note: I am not a representative of Shout! in any way, though I wish I were. . . )
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New blog on MH2, with detailed episode guide, reviews, and much more: MaryHartmanReview.com
Agreed. I can't believe I dropped the cash that I did on this box set but I am so happy I did! Please show your support for what Shout Factory does and get this! I NEVER thought this would happen.
shareFloored is right! That's how I felt when I read the announcement. The box set is a big chunk of money. But I had to have it.
shareAnother show 'rescued' by the great Shout! Factory.
- It's Garry Shandling's Show
- Barney Miller
- The Larry Sanders Show
and now this.
Awesome.
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Wait a minute... who am I here?
Not to mention. . .
- All in the Family (abandoned by Sony after season 6)
- Designing Women (previously released only in a skimpy "best of" disc)
- MST3k (picking up from the defunct Rhino Records, the company that the founders of Shout! Factory came from)
- SCTV (which would never have been released by any other company to begin with)
- Jack Benny (the very first official release on DVD ever, of episodes not seen in 50 years)
- You Bet Your Life (also the only official DVD releases ever, in two fantastic sets loaded with great bonus features)
They're the only DVD company that really seems to be in the business for the love of the shows themselves.
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New blog on MH2, with detailed episode guide, reviews, and much more: MaryHartmanReview.com
WOW, I can't wait to get this. I wrote this post so many years ago and just happen to look today and read that the complete series is available. You made my day!
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