A couple of weeks ago we brought you
a news story with a lot of new info about the upcoming releases of
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, including the early cover art (which may or may not be final). However, we were still missing the precise listing of episodes that would be on each of the offerings from UrbanWorks/Ventura.
We reported previously that one offering is a low-end release: 1 DVD with "5 of the most sought-after episodes" for $14.99 SRP, running at 150 minutes. The other's more collector-oriented: a 4-DVD Deluxe, Limited-Edition box set with 20 classic episodes, bonus features, a custom embossed slip case, and an exclusive 12-page booklet. That one will go for $49.99 SRP for 720 minutes. Both are due in stores on
12/14.
Here is what ToonZone.net's Craig Crumpton
reports on these sets, including the fact that the 4-disc version won't have an bonus features after all. It also seems that the previously-reported running times were off as well:
Previous sources, such as an ad in the 10.11.04 issue of Video Business, mentioned that the 4-disc boxed set would include "bonus features." Unfortunately, this is not true. UrbanWorks rep Brett D. tells Toon Zone that "there will be no bonus material on these two releases."
"The 4-disc box set," says Brett, "will feature a 12-page collector's booklet, embossed packaging with artwork of all the Fat Albert characters as well as a free t-shirt with purchase (depending on from which account it is purchased.) We will look at including bonus material for our episodic releases throughout 2005." And for fans who remember the two Fat Albert Holiday TV specials, Brett adds, "The Halloween and Christmas specials will be a part of our 2005 release schedule."
Following is the complete episode listing for both upcoming Fat Albert titles, due for release on 12.14.04:
+ For the single-disc release (total run-time 110 mins), episodes include:
Creativity
Take Two, They're Small
Smoke Gets In Your Hair
Sweet Sorrow
Poll Time
+ Included on Fat Albert's Greatest Hits - The Ultimate Collection (total run-time 440 mins):
Disc 1:
Lying
Creativity
Tomboy
Fat Albert Meets Dan Cupid
Take Two, They're Small
Disc 2:
Smoke Gets In Your Hair
Readin', Ritin' and Rudy
Sweet Sorrow
Poll Time
Soft Core
Disc 3:
The Secret
The Gunslinger
Little Girl Found
Watch Thy Neighborhood
Justice Good As Ever
Disc 4:
Rebop For Bebop
Handwriting On The Wall
Video Mania
Second Chance
The Birds, The Bees and Dumb Donald
For episode plot summaries, visit tvtome.com.
I must admit that I'm confused by the titles on the 3rd and 4th disc of the Collection. The 2nd disc contains episodes "Sweet Sorrow," "Poll Time," and "Soft Core" from the 1979 revival
The New Fat Albert Show, which adds on to the episodes previously available from Time-Life's releases. The eps on Discs 3 & 4 also appear to be new-to-DVD, but neither I nor TVTome.com nor Google seem to recognize the other episode names. Well, I'm sure one of our astute readers will fill me in on where those come from. If so, I'll be sure to pass it on in our next update. Stay tuned!
