Roseanne - Even Stars Want Their TV Shows On DVD, Part 2

I know that we've visited this subject before, but this time it's Video Store Magazine that's talking it up, and the subject is Roseanne. The star who wants the show put onto DVD, of course, Roseanne (nee "Roseanne Barr", "Roseanne Arnold", and "Roseanne Thomas") herself.

The VSM article can be read in its entirety at the link above, but here are the highlights:

As the TV DVD trend continues to pick up steam, certain classics remain unavailable. "Roseanne," which ran from 1988 to 1997, is reportedly among the most-requested shows, but production company Carsey-Werner-Mandabach (CWM) has yet to give it the green light.

That frustrates star and series creator Roseanne, who believes the production company is worried a DVD release would negatively impact its syndication deals.

"I think because it's doing so well in syndication; I think they still are selling it, and they kind of own Oxygen, that channel," Roseanne said. "It's something to do with money, I'm sure."

A spokesperson for CWM would only say, "CWM has had several discussions about 'Roseanne' being sold on DVD, but no final decision has been made at this point."

...Roseanne encourages fans to contact CWM to demonstrate demand for "Roseanne" DVDs. "That isn't my decision," she said. "It's Carsey-Werner. If you write Carsey-Werner and ask them, maybe they will [release it on DVD]. I wish they would."

Roseanne said she would be happy to create extras for a DVD package. She's particularly keen on providing commentary tracks and promises to come clean on the notorious behind-the-scenes conflicts between cast and crew.

"I would totally do commentary for it, because I remember almost every show and what was going on," she said. "I would say, 'Well, this is where such and such was fired.' There are good stories."

...Roseanne said she's also willing to film wraparound introductions to various episodes and features. She would also like to search for deleted footage. "There probably are hours of tape that I don't know where it is, or who has it, or it might have already been destroyed," she said. "The whole time we were doing that show, I thought to myself, 'I should save these,' especially [the scenes in which] John Goodman is just improvising the most brilliant stuff you've ever heard. I don't know if it's anywhere."

Whatever the fate of "Roseanne" DVDs, the actress remains good humored..."Whatever they do, I just hope it keeps giving me checks so I can continue to support my children. I've got five kids, three ex-husbands and a mom and sisters and a brother. I have a lot of people I take care of, so keep that money coming."...she cautions, "If selling DVDs is going to cut down my [syndication] checks, I don't want it to happen."

An interesting article, to be sure, and a good look at the point of view of the stars who truly care about the shows they were a part of, and care about the fans who supported them all that time.

Well, we here at TVShowsOnDVD have good news for Roseanne. She'll be glad to know that her classic sitcom isn't being singled out in any way, shape, or form. You see, CWM owns not just Roseanne (the series), but also many other classic sitcoms such as 3rd Rock From The Sun, Cosby, The Cosby Show, Cybill, Davis Rules, A Different World, Grace Under Fire, Grounded For Life, Normal Ohio, Oh Madeline, She TV, That 70's Show, That 80's Show, Townies, and Whoopi.

Have you seen any of those shows out on DVD in the USA? Nope. Well, one exception: Columbia House offers a couple of Cosby Show DVDs to the members of the appropriate club, at what has been described to me by purchasers as "too few episodes per disc for way too much money" (actual quote). Other than that, and a Region 2 (Europe; incompatible with most USA players) release of 3rd Rock From The Sun - Season 6 (link goes to UK version of Amazon) and perhaps a few other similar non-USA releases of their properties, CWM shows simply haven't been released to DVD.

Not yet, anyway. Because, although CWM doesn't currently have a home video distributor, they ARE in negotiations with a few companies right now. However, it seems that they've been talking to companies for perhaps over a year, and noone knows how close they are to signing a deal. As you can see from the quote CWM made in the article above, they really don't want to say much about the situation. Doing so would probably jeopardize the negotiations.

However, as you can also see, we've been keeping a very close eye on this entire situation for a long time now. Stay tuned, because we'll let you know which CWM shows are coming to DVD, and when, just as soon as the studio works out a distribution contract with the partner of their choice. In the meantime, don't forget to log your votes right here at TVShowsOnDVD.com!

Besides, if Roseanne never comes to DVD, my wife will be very upset!!!