When we first learned that
Lost In Space was going to get a 2nd Season DVD release,
the word about it came from none other than Ron Epstein, owner of The Home Theater Forum (HTF) website - the site where Gord and I first met and he first dreamed up the idea for TVShowsOnDVD.
Now Ron has come back and reported something new about the next
Lost In Space season. At first he was very careful in describing it as a rumor:
I have the opportunity to speak with a few people involved with the Lost In Space fan clubs.
Rumor has it that Fox is considering releasing the second season as a 2-part set. In another words, dividing up the season in two separate
releases.
The reason? To lower the price of each set so that more stores will carry them.
Personally, if this is true, I hope Fox does not go this route. Breaking up the set into two parts is not an attractive purchase option for the fans who want an all-inclusive purchase.
It also *seems* that releasing 2 separate packages can't be as cost-effective as releasing one. Therefore, people will most likely pay MORE when they buy two packages rather than one.
Of course, just speculation...Take all of this as rumor.
Very quickly there was a response in that thread from Fox Home Video's Sr. Vice President, Peter Staddon, who personally wanted to explain the situation to
Lost In Space fans, including Ron:
We are indeed looking at this option.
In an ideal world I would like to produce a complete Season 2 package. The sad reality is that although Season 1 sold ok, it did not sell well enough for many accounts that carried it to carry Season 2. Dividing it into two volumes and lowering the shelf price is a way of getting the series into distribution. We are not trying to gouge the fan base here we are trying to get the product on the shelf!
The combined pricepoints of volumes 1 and 2 should be pretty close to the pricepoint of Season 1, we are not trying to make 1 + 1 = 3 here.
Thanks for your interest,
Peter Staddon
The discussion in the thread continued, with most showing understanding and support. One reader posted disappointment, though. HTF owner Ron soon returned with this statement about that:
You know, I am perhaps one of the biggest LIS fans out there.
I too was disappointed to hear that Fox was considering releasing this set in two parts.
However...
Peter Staddon took the time not only to personally confirm the rumor but also explain that dividing the set gives a far better opportunity for the
product to even get out (where otherwise it would not have).
...I stand behind Fox's decision.
Ron also points out a short time later that
"Fox could have just stopped putting any more seasons on DVD. I look at this situation as a studio doing whatever they can to increase sales in order to get all the seasons out. Give them credit for that."
Peter Staddon returned later to briefly explain the exact plan for this "split" release:
I just wanted to add that we are committed to releasing both volumes of Season 2 this year. I believe volume 1 is in September and volume 2 is in November.
Thanks for your interest.
Peter Staddon.
You can read the entire contents of the thread
by clicking here. It's great that Mr. Staddon took the time to come to the HTF and explain what the plan is, why they're doing it, and show that they are really being on the sides of the fans with this. When retail chains are hesitant to continue stocking future seasons of a series, then it's better that the studio look for creative solutions rather than simply abandoning the TV show entirely. We can only hope that this works, not only so that we can get
Lost In Space's third season, but so that perhaps
Mary Tyler Moore Show fans can have some hope as well!
Bottom line is that we can expect Lost In Space - Season 2, Volume 1 in September, and probably will get Lost In Space - Season 2, Volume 2 in November. Our thanks to Ron Epstein and Peter Staddon for the fine discussion over at the Home Theater Forum. A site well worth our support!
