MovieChat Forums > Small Wonder (1985) Discussion > No DVDs from FOX yet...I just don't get ...

No DVDs from FOX yet...I just don't get it!

posted 17 years ago by werenotfugazi
13 replies | jump to latest

It just isn't making any sense to me that FOX won't release Small Wonder on DVD. As much as I love the show, let's be realistic here, Small Wonder is low on the totem pole in terms of popularity, and it makes business sense to release the high profile shows first. But...I can't help but look at it this way; What has FOX got to lose? They aren't making a cent of this show while it sits in their vaults.

Now, if the bootleggers can buy bulk packs of just 100 blank, single-layer DVDs, typically amounting to about $0.15 to $0.25 per disc, FOX can certainly get them for far less than that. Probably around $0.01 to $0.03 each would be my guess, since they would obviously be buying them by the tens of thousands at a time. Let's assume the highest costs possible first; FOX pays $0.05 per disc, and releases the complete series as a box set with 4 discs per season x 4 seasons = 16 discs x $0.05 = $0.80. Then, double that for the silkscreening, and you have $1.60 for the set. Add another...what...$0.40 MAX for the 4 snap cases, and we're still only at $2.00. Next, print the inserts, and the box, which is probably the most expensive part of the whole thing, and we'll call it somewhere around $4.00 now. Throw in some odds, and ends for the mastering, disc authoring, and menu creations, and my guess is that it would cost FOX somewhere between $7.00 and $10.00 MAXIMUM, to produce each 96 episode / 16 disc set of Small Wonder. FOX could easily wholesale such a set for $30.00 or something, and the stores would retail them for about $50.00. The profit potential is obvious.

What's more, with the cost of two-sided discs coming down, FOX could skip the cost of silk screening altogether, and release the entire series on half the number of discs. Then, eliminate the snap cases, and inserts by putting the 8 discs in paper sleeves, inside a single, slim, folding cardboard box. That would be well enough for me, as I'd just throw away the all the boxes, cases, and inserts anyway because they take up too much space. (I store all my DVDs in books.)

The point I'm trying to make here is that no matter what, when FOX releases Small Wonder on DVD...they can't lose money. DVDs are literally a dime a dozen, so how can they go wrong? What are they waiting for? The only thing I can think of is that maybe they're waiting for a winner in the Blu-Ray / HD-DVD format battle, so they can release the entire series on just ONE inexpensive disc to keep their costs ultra low. Who knows?

All I know for sure is that I don't want "Survivor", or some junk like that. I want Small Wonder!

*I just had another thought...if FOX is really against a DVD release, is there any reason they couldn't avoid the production costs altogether, and cut out the retail middle man by offering to sell full resolution downloads on their website?

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] spam_ninja 17 years ago

prunetracy

you can get the complete series from tvboxset.com for $US45

Um... can you say bootleg?

[–] werenotfugazi 17 years ago

After searching long and hard, before giving them my credit card number, I have come to the conclusion that tvboxset.com is a SCAM. Sure they do mail some orders, but it seems you have a 50/50 chance of getting anything at all. If you do receive your order, it will be a bootleg, of poor quality, and half the discs won't work, or perform as claimed. No, I've never purchased anything from them, but I recommend you STAY AWAY from tvboxset.com!

[–] spam_ninja 17 years ago

So, um, you're welcome?

[–] werenotfugazi 17 years ago

spam ninja,

Have you purchased a set from DVDboxset.com? If so, what did you think of it? Are all the episodes present? How would you rate the quality? How fast did you receive you order? Any info you have could be helpful here.

I've read so many complaints online about that website. So, please let us know about your experience with them! I'd love to have one of these sets, but I just don't trust the site at ALL!

Thanks!

[–] spam_ninja 17 years ago

I'll go on the assumption you meat "tvboxset.com" not, "DVDboxset.com."

There are a bunch of reasons why I *know* the site is bunk.

1. They rely on the "your order is secure" crap too much. I can set up SSL on a Web server right now... that has nothing to do with whether or not I provide a valid product.

Look at their "Is my order secure" question in the FAQ. It's the largest blurb, and they even offer a link to the SSL Web site in an attempt to prove their validity.

For example, if I try and sell you a watch, how about this: "Hey werenotfugazi, I am selling this real Rolex Yacht-Master II, it's not a replica watch. I'll sell it for $10, and you can check it out here http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/yacht-master-II/index.jsp.";

By me putting a link to a valid site, it almost appears as if that is *the specific one* I'm selling, when in fact I'm lying my butt off and pointing you to a resource I know you'll trust. It is a common trick.

2. They offer no Verisign or other authority certificate as a seller or reseller.

3. The DVDs are region free, one of the number one ways to spot bootlegs.

Your order will appear on your Credit Card statement as either:
WWW.SXR.CA -or- Garcia Media Group

4. Any site selling something will normally, unless under extreme conditions, have only one credit card ID or group name.

I had a problem paying with Credit Card, what should I do?

This happens quite often and is not a big problem. Please contact us through the Contact Us link and inform us that you may have encountered a problem. We will look into the matter and get back to you within 24 hours.

5. Yeah, it happens quite often because your credit card company was probably smart enough to say, "Hold up. This looks fishy."

"All orders are shipped within 5-6 Days of being received however take 10-15 days to arrive at your Address."

6. Hrmm... for a business selling media that is an awfully *slow* turnaround. Does Deep Discount, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon or the like take 6 days just to ship your product? And then, in most cases does it take over 2 weeks to receive the product?

Must take them a while to burn all those DVDs in their basement.

7. Who can you contact about your order? "[email protected]"

First, why is it not [email protected]? A successful Web site won't even use their own domain as an e-mail address?

Second, visit http://sxr.ca/. What do you see? I see an improperly set up Web site.

Third, visit http://www.sxr.ca/ then. What do you see? An online payment processing site that I have *NEVER* heard of. And speaking of which, why would they not charge you as "Garcia Media Group" instead of their site name?

Fourth, oh, and what do you know... it's a payment processing site NOT located in the United States. It's kind of hard to go after your money when it crosses borders.

Fifth, why in the hell do I have to contact a payment processing Web site that is not even located in North America about an order I bought from *YOU* (tvboxset)?

8. The last thing I'll say, since my fingers are tired of typing is this: Do *any* of these TV shows have official releases from their associated production companies? Of course not, or else they'd be selling the product themselves through viable and trustworthy sources.

Check http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/ for more information on that one.

9. Actually, the last thing I'll say is once again, pay attention to the fact they are not a verified reseller. They have no seller authentication, Web site identify information, trusted site information, certificates, anything...

[–] vulcanjedimaster 17 years ago

I forgot I posted here, I usually cannot be bothered to.

Anyway,

I haven't actually bought anything off the for mentioned website but it seems many posters are against it.
I do not think I will place an order through that company.

Thanks.

P.S.
I used to be prunetracy.

What if...... that stuff I said?

[–] NickySaitta-1 17 years ago

Looks like it's coming out soon. It's on Amazon with a "not yet released".

http://www.amazon.com/Small-Wonder-William-Bogert/dp/B00005JOQZ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7556341-7535867?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183355751&sr=1-1

[–] spam_ninja 17 years ago

NickySaitta-1

Looks like it's coming out soon. It's on Amazon with a "not yet released".

Just for the record, that does *not* mean it is coming out soon.

Besides, I seriously doubt 20th Century Fox thinks Small Wonder will be a big seller.

[–] Slade-4 17 years ago

I'm not certain, but I think those items are used to test consumer interest in a title. Add yourself to the Alert Me list and I guess that will tell Amazon and whoever owns the rights how much of an interest there is. I can't think of any other reason to create a page for a title that has no planned DVD release date yet.

[–] onederboi779 17 years ago

why hasn't this been released yet?it hasn't been on tv since the early 90's.it was a good show and i'd love to own it on dvd.if anyone hears anything please let me know.thanks

[–] eabdeb8176 17 years ago

Nicky and spam ninja,

Both of you are sort of right. Amazon.com has done this for other 80's sitcoms.

If you give them your email address your actually voting for the release. They then email you when the dvd will be released. They did this with Perfect strangers.

On Good Morning America tomorrow they are going to be catching up with the girl who played Vicki. So I have a feeling that will remind alot of people about this show.

[–] eabdeb8176 17 years ago

One thing you forgot to mention is that with the dvds, you have to pay the writers of the show (you know the knew strike thats coming out) Well they insist on being paid more than $30,000 per season that is released. Alot more expenses are included and required for a dvd release