Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Is The Music On DVDs Of Your Favorite TV Series The Music That's Meant To Be There??

WOW! by fishpillow	Jun 24th, 2008 08:30:07 AM
Slow to the uptake much, this has been going on forever
QUANTUM LEAP by sapno_krei	Jun 24th, 2008 08:35:20 AM
Season 2 Season Finale. Removal of "Georgia on My Mind" during Al's "ghost dance". Probably the most maligned instance of music replacement in recent years.
HOLY MISSING MUSIC BATMAN! by thinboyslim.	Jun 24th, 2008 08:38:18 AM
seriously
Deadwood by EriamJH	Jun 24th, 2008 08:39:06 AM
At least they didn't tamper with that series -- as minimalist the soundtrack was and closing with period-songs that are in public domain. Glad they didn't copyright swear words, too. Would hate to hear what they would have done to change such lines as "fucking cocksucker of a sea-creature-looking, hoopleheaded cunt."®TM©
Did I just travel back in time? by Nico Toscani	Jun 24th, 2008 08:46:13 AM
This has been a known fact for years. Just check out The Greatest American Hero DVDs. At least Miami Vice is unaltered.
ROSWELL DVD by tacoshack27	Jun 24th, 2008 08:50:04 AM
I remember when Roswell was first released on DVD the original music was repalced with alternate songs. I remember the boxset having a sticker or label on it stating alternate songs were used for the DVD because of the cost for some of the rights for the songs was too pricy.
"Why even bother putting the "correct" music on the show" by chrth	Jun 24th, 2008 08:51:18 AM
Because when the shows were made, no one knew the DVD TV Show market would pop up. The producers only purchased the rights to the songs for the airing and syndication, not for DVD (especially in the case of WKRP when DVD didn't exist yet). Getting the rights for DVD involves an extra set of potentially costly negotiations.
You mean that filler theme for Get A Life by INWOsuxRED	Jun 24th, 2008 08:52:13 AM
isn't still REM?
Old issue... by CeeWulf	Jun 24th, 2008 08:54:54 AM
Way to go Variety. They've finally written about an issue that's been going on for YEARS!!
I will accept nothing less than the original artistic vision for by beastie	Jun 24th, 2008 08:57:03 AM
... According to Jim
Dungeons & Dragons Cartoon by fyrie	Jun 24th, 2008 09:20:22 AM
The R1 release of DnD has bits of the original music stripped out as well. Thankfully the R2 release is intact.
You'll never see WONDER YEARS on DVD either by slone13	Jun 24th, 2008 09:20:38 AM
There were so many popular 60's songs used throughout the entire series and in each episode that there's no way they could afford to license all of them. The only other option would be to replace all the songs with cheap canned music. But that won't happen for 2 reasons: 1) To replace all the licensed songs in the entire series and remix the masters would be almost as expensive as licensing the original music. 2) Very often one of the characters in the show would be discussing a song that was playing on the radio or Kevin's voice over would reference the song that was playing on the "soundtrack". If the original music was replaced many of these scenes would make no sense.
Life Goes On did that. by The Gospel According to Bastardface	Jun 24th, 2008 09:26:50 AM
Completely different opening music to the one from the show.
las vegas had its theme song changed on dvd by j2talk	Jun 24th, 2008 09:31:31 AM

Freaks & Geeks by dvdhound79	Jun 24th, 2008 09:33:00 AM
Did it right. Not only did they choose the right music the first time around. They made sure to give the fans the original version the second time (dvd) and got the rights to do so.
Ain't It OLD News? by Mose Schrute	Jun 24th, 2008 09:36:28 AM
Didn't we learn all this with the WKRP release several years ago?
Britain by badboymason	Jun 24th, 2008 09:37:25 AM
Been a problem with British TV programs too - the classic sitcome Only Fools and Horses had to have scenes cut and/or redubbed with different music, and from what I heard the UK Life on Mars DVDs have different versions of some songs on them...
That's why Cold Case will never be on DVD, supposedly... by tonagan	Jun 24th, 2008 09:38:03 AM
I know, not like anyone cares, but I like to watch it on occasion.
Some even have scenes cut by TheBigDogg	Jun 24th, 2008 09:39:02 AM
Some shows (Cheers is one I can think of) have had scenes cut in which characters sing along to a tune that may have clearance issues. It's cheap, crappy and should be plastered all over the front of the dvd box. Some theme songs, as mentioned, have been missing (Married with Children) and generally audio on television dvds has been shafted. So it may be old news, Merrick, but it's about time someone kicked up a fuss. Tell Herc and get him angry.
That's why Northern Exposure 1st set was so expensive by Kentucky Colonel	Jun 24th, 2008 09:42:42 AM
They paid for the rights to all the music. That's why it costs about $60 pre-retooling. Another is "City on the Edge of Forever". I believe that my Coloumbia House VHS has the original score while the DVD release has been altered (which it does state in the liner notes). It's worth it to me to have the original music. Sure I'll pay more. I'd love to have a copy of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with it's original music intact. You have to have a pre-1986 VHS (or my Beta copy of that tape) or see it in a theater to hear the original soundtrack which, BTW, is superior to the redone one. But yes, you still hear "Somebody's baby" before anyone gets laid. And any DVD not containing the original mix should be labeled as such IN BIG FUCKING RED LETTERS.
Taxi by ArcadianDS	Jun 24th, 2008 09:43:14 AM
The them to taxi was one of the best in a long long time. Michael Post, I think? Regardless, the theme to Taxi is just a part of that show. Same for WKRP - that theme IS that show.
and yes by Kentucky Colonel	Jun 24th, 2008 09:45:27 AM
Aint-It-Old-News
The Fugitive by Fried Gold	Jun 24th, 2008 09:47:05 AM
I thought that had original score (apart from a few Twilight Zone cues). What would the legal issues be involved with that?
Sports Night had great music... by DanielKurland	Jun 24th, 2008 09:51:24 AM
And I'm so glad that wasn't tampered with. The Weight. Eli's Coming. My Boogie Shoes. It's In His Kiss. It Hurts.
The 21 Jumpstreet DVDs by Bobo_Vision	Jun 24th, 2008 09:52:14 AM
These shows were great and contained some great tracks from the late 80's by bands like REM, Fine Young Cannibals, Suicidal Tendencies, etc., but they've all been replaced with horrible generic no-name 80's music. Really awful. The DVDs are still good, but not as good as they could have been if the producers had forked over a little more money for the rights to these songs.
Venture Bros. almost lost their season 2 premiere song... by DanielKurland	Jun 24th, 2008 09:52:52 AM
But fought hard as hell not to lose it on the DVD, since the entire thing was storyboarded TO the song to begin with. Anyone who's seen it knows what a travesty it would have been to lose that song.
Herc covered all this years ago by darthuser	Jun 24th, 2008 09:54:58 AM
I remember him (and many others on AICN) yelling about this years ago, particularly with regard to WKRP's horrible music replacement, sloppy accomodating dialog overdubs, and even entire scenes deleted. Does Merrick even read this site?
I'M SHOCKED BY THIS NEWS.... by polyh3dron	Jun 24th, 2008 09:58:27 AM
not. Ain't it old news indeed.
Married with children by David Cloverfield	Jun 24th, 2008 10:01:30 AM
Now I understand why the Sinatra song is missing from the DVD rips.
there is a way arond it by postalpez	Jun 24th, 2008 10:02:49 AM
use live cuts of the songs. someone wanted white rabit for a flash toon i did for them but the lp cut cost to much. we got looking in to it and found a live cut that cost 05% as much.
haven't purchased the adventures of Dr. Sam Beckett by ciroslive	Jun 24th, 2008 10:03:35 AM
Due to these music issues. Only hope I have of seeing them in HD is on Universal HD where the music is intact...
nude scenes added to Buffy DVDs... by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 24th, 2008 10:05:32 AM
in my brain and in my shorts.
Yes, Married with Children by SamBlackChvrch21	Jun 24th, 2008 10:05:34 AM
I'd have to say that is probably THE WORST offense. That classic opening theme is missing from Season 3 on. The worst part is, it's intact in syndication, but missing from the DVDs. They even had the audacityt o promote the new theme song as a special feature on the dvds. Those TV sets should be exact replicas of the original broadcasts. Most of teh time episodes aren't even the full cut, but the same syndication cuts.
Bosom Buddies... by darebear	Jun 24th, 2008 10:06:08 AM
...with Tom Hanks used to start with "My Life" by Billy Joel. It doesn't anymore...
Even on reruns by rockgolf	Jun 24th, 2008 10:06:30 AM
...WKRP had the music changed. Worst example: The credits of Bosom Buddies, which used to be Billy Joel's "My Life" have be replaced by some generic jingle.
Nico Toscani by Damage_Inc	Jun 24th, 2008 10:22:57 AM
If you're still here, what did you mean with The Greatest American Hero DVDs. Did they take music out of those? If they did, I hadn't noticed.
See this is the part about hollywood that by Series7	Jun 24th, 2008 10:27:15 AM
I don't get. All the legalities of everything. There was an insteresting episode of Studio 60 about it, that ultimatly went no-where (like the show) about a joke they used that was someone elses joke. Also stuff about permiting and things, how you just can't go out and film shit. I guess they teach you that aspect of making movies at film school? Also with music and copyright stuff, like Beavis and Butthead how they couldn't use all the music videos they did because of copyright stuff. I know its a bitchy thing to say, but certain things like that, can't people just be like go ahead and put it on DVD? I guess its like the whole writers not paid for internet thing.
Are we talking instrumental score or pop music? by Jor-El23	Jun 24th, 2008 10:29:08 AM
Or both? Hasn't The STate DVD been sidelined because of music rights issues? and wasn't Freaks & Geeks the same way? I know How I Met Your Mother was sold without a good portion of the pop music that seems so integral to the show, replaced with bad instrumental filler that sort of sounds like the pop song they originally used. LAME!
Some of you.. by WickedJester	Jun 24th, 2008 10:39:14 AM
Seem to think this is the production companies trying to save a buck, it's the music rights owners trying to get extra money -- they basically feel like they have them by the short hairs, and for the most part they do.
HIMYM had music replaced?... by DanielKurland	Jun 24th, 2008 10:42:44 AM
Where? I hadn't noticed.
OLD NEWS!! by whoanecron	Jun 24th, 2008 10:52:29 AM
DVD TV music has been getting replaced for a decade now. Even the FUGITIVE issue has been all over the Web for weeks. Way to stay on the cutting edge there, Herc!
HIMYM music replacement by 24200124	Jun 24th, 2008 10:54:48 AM
I've noticed it on at least one episode. The second season Christmas episode, where Marshall's going around, delivering the presents? The music that originally underscored that scene was "Backdoor Santa", but it's been changed to something completely generic and stupid. This has been going on for years, with the first notification I ever noticed being on the "Wayne's World" videotape. It said something like "Music has been changed from its original version" or something, and that was largely in part due to the "No Stairway" scene. But it's not getting noted on more recent DVDs, and that's what (I think) this whole article is decrying. It IS bullshit that the film/television business thinks this practice of substituting shitty music is passable.
Just finished watching the season 1 of WKRP on DVD by Big Jim	Jun 24th, 2008 10:57:48 AM
Sometimes the music replacement is no big deal, especially with the exterior establishing shots. But some are so integral to the scene half the scene is cut and makes no sense. I think even Jennifer's doorbell music is different. And I'm pretty sure the bugle music that sounded during Arthur Jr.'s visit to the station is not the same. As hard as they tried to make the generic music match it is still very jarring at times it doesn't match perfectly. Like watching a poorly dubbed film. And at other times it doesn't have the same gravitas, like Les getting dressed in his ascot and hairpiece before confronting Mr Carlson. At least the opening and closing themes were made for the show and they owned the rights to them. American Dreams season 1 had most, if not all, of its original music. That's why it was priced at over $100 for 20 or so episodes. And why we'll never get seasons 2 & 3 (don't think it sold well). I've said it before, and I've meant it every time: I'm willing to pay Star Trek prices for WKRP dvds with the original music.
by Potch	Jun 24th, 2008 11:16:00 AM
SO Many shows have done this. It really stinks. 90210, which most of you probably hate, but you can't ignore the fact that it was an iconic show of the 90s, has SO much great music cut out of it. Whole scenes are cut because they couldn't show them without the music. And not having My Life on Bosom Buddies is a freaking travesty. It's also because of this that no more seasons of American Dreams have been released. It really sucks.
WEAK! by JacksParasites	Jun 24th, 2008 11:21:48 AM
I remember that the DVD for the first season of Scrubs had a song in one episode replaced.
That's why something like China Beach will never see the by Pennsy	Jun 24th, 2008 11:37:58 AM
light of day, because of all those music clearance issues. Or else price it higher than the Sopranos complete series which will retail for $400.
SCTV by wash	Jun 24th, 2008 11:42:49 AM
SCTV is effected by this as well. I think that's why they haven't done straight chronological season releases. I heard the new Square Pegs DVD has MOST of the orignal songs (I think it's missing 2).
Quantum Leap by supertoyslast	Jun 24th, 2008 11:44:26 AM
If you want the season 2 finale of Quantum Leap complete with 'Georgia on my Mind', get the Region 2 DVD. It took longer to come out here in the UK, but it was worth the wait because that song is what makes that sequence my favourite scene in television history. But were there really people who were not aware of music being replaced on DVDs? I hate this practice. My most-hated example being "How Much Is That Doggy In The Window" being replaced by generic music in The Wrong Trousers. This is yet another stupid example of copyright being guarded far too closely. One of the main reasons for my buying a CD would be because I heard a song in a TV show. By charging exorbitant rates for songs to be included on DVDs, the music studios are actually doing themselves out of sales. Well done. Very smart.
Moonlighting by total eclipse	Jun 24th, 2008 11:44:44 AM
A few musical cues were replaced in the DVD versions (like the chase scene in Lady in Iron Mask), and a couple of scenes removed (mostly those that came before eps actually started) for a reason I'm not clear about.
NOT news by mach5jack	Jun 24th, 2008 11:47:39 AM
Who is this guy?
Copyright sucks by mraig	Jun 24th, 2008 12:05:52 PM
What started out as a good and noble thing that protected artists' rights has turned into a way for big companies to acquire creative 'property' that they had nothing to do with in order to make a profit. The laws are written by the big studios and then bought in congress, and so are in no-one's interest except the studios. Think about it--why should Disney still own the copyright on Mickey Mouse? This character was created by Walt Disney (who died 42 years ago) and Ub Iwerks (who died 37 years ago). Any such character, whose creators have been gone so long, should clearly be in the public domain. What right does the Disney company have to Mickey Mouse any more than you and I do? The answer is that they have none, but they have paid big money to keep extending the copyright law to match their needs. At this rate, early twentieth century characters (Mickey Mouse, Popeye, Superman, Batman, Bugs Bunny, etc.) will never enter the public domain--which, throughout history, has been the natural thing to happen to creative content after some period of time. If this had been the case in the past, we would not have the Iliad, Oedipus Rex, the Aeneid, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, the Divine Comedy, Paradise Lost, etc, etc. Allowing artists to build on what has come before has always led to greater creativity and possibilities. I know this is only tangentially related to the music issue, but I see it as part of the same problem--studios have a financial incentive to make it so they can apply copyright law as extensively and thoroughly and rigidly as possible, and the result is that laws are being written that are of no benefit to the people and to the consumer, and of much less benefit to the artists than they are to corporations.
Quantum Leap by XoanonTORN	Jun 24th, 2008 12:28:29 PM
was also 'music raped'...
It is our moral obligation to crush the music industry. by smackfu	Jun 24th, 2008 12:32:35 PM
Never buy another published CD for as long as you live. I hate the RIAA more than I hate Al Qaeda and the Superdevil combined.
Freaks and Geeks did do it right... by Dragon Man	Jun 24th, 2008 12:33:40 PM
In the liner notes, the producers talk about the reason for why there was a delay in getting the show on DVD -- the worked their asses off to make sure they could get the rights for all the songs they used originally. The Fugitive should have its original music -- it was an essential part of the show and helped its vibe. I don't know how substantial the changes are, but its keeping me from going out and getting the new DVD.
I agree - this is soooo old by JackRabbitSlim	Jun 24th, 2008 12:40:36 PM
Even casual Miami Vice fans would know of the endless legal problems that show has had simply in airing reruns, much less the eternally-delayed boxsets, in terms of music clearing issues.
As for WKRP by JackRabbitSlim	Jun 24th, 2008 12:45:09 PM
The famed "My God, the turkey's cant fly" is still one of the ten funniest things Ive ever seen on screen. Right up there with Mr Burns, referring to a robotic Richard Simmons in the "Deleted Scenes" Simpsons episode - "His ass is about to blow".
But hey, RESCUE ME mini episodes start 2night! by 2for2true	Jun 24th, 2008 12:51:51 PM
Shit'em & shake'em, bozo...
When producers put shows together today by Big Jim	Jun 24th, 2008 12:56:45 PM
and negotiate for a song, do they in the same deal negotiate for its DVD use? It would make sense to do so. When it comes to a classic show like WKRP, one that came out before home video was the norm, I think the music industry should make an exception and allow a bending of the copyright regulations. The show is so closely tied to the music industry of the late '70s that the songs are an integral part of the show - the 9th character. Here's my suggestion: $0.05 for each artist whose song is used. Say 15 songs per episode times 20 episodes = $15 per DVD set goes to the artists, be they solo or a group. Charge $55 per set instead of $40 and let people know it has ALL the original music. Sets will sell like hotcakes. Another suggestion would be a fixed $15 or $20 per DVD set goes to the union that covers music artist's rights. They can add it to the slush fund they use to help out their less-successful brothers & sisters (ie, one-hit wonders) who don't get the same residuals as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, or John Williams.
I can see that by TVguy4566	Jun 24th, 2008 01:23:51 PM
if the studio actually tries to secure the rights to song, but just can't get a deal negotiated. But if the studio takes out music and replaces it with generic music to maximize their profits, I think it is just wrong. Someone who shells out $50 or so for a season's worth of a series wants to get the complete series (prior to getting cut for syndication). I feel the studios are actually defrauding the consumer in this case. Personally, I can't remember any of the shows I have on DVD switching music (although I have all the Scrubs seasons so I must have missed the one replacement someone else caught), but other people might.
copyright by jax9999	Jun 24th, 2008 01:24:18 PM
yeah, copyright isn't stifling anything at all...
Damn the music labels and publishers! by Engelhast	Jun 24th, 2008 01:25:42 PM
For demanding ridiculous amounts of $$$ for the rights to some of these songs. For one it is good advertisement for their acts. I can’t tell you how many times I have sought out and bought something I had first heard in a TV Show. You would think some kind of extra advertisement for the music found on the DVD on the discs content for each band could also serve as motivation for the rights holders to lessen their grip. This is all just stupid. That being said….I prefer much of the music they used to replace the original tracks on the Roswell DVD’s over the original over played main stream shit that it originally had. They had the same flavor as the original but are not songs that have been beaten into my head countless times on the radio. I would not be so open to it on other discs (Wonder Years) though. BTW yes this is OLD news but I would rather that it keeps getting brought up instead of swept under the rug and accepted as the norm.
Quantum Leap, Wrong Trousers, Spaced, House by meldy	Jun 24th, 2008 01:30:49 PM
Quantum Leaps music is unedited on seasons 1-3 on region 2, which thankfully means some classic music themed episodes are untainted. Bizarrely the Wrong Trousers DVD has changed music as noted by supertoyslast - yet you hear the proper music on the directors commentary! Even the mighty Spaced has had it's music issues - that's partly what's held up the US release. As for House, what music does the Region 1 DVD have for title music? We don't even get Massive Attack for our TV showings...
Wiseguy (Sonny SteelGrave arc) by zer0cool2k2	Jun 24th, 2008 01:36:25 PM
Was the one that really pissed me off. I'd kept that whole first season arc on videotape for years. Finally the DVD's came out and I chucked the pile of videotapes in the garbage. I watched the whole thing again on DVD, and when it got to the final episode with Vinnie and Sonny slugging it out in a closed-down old theater, before collapsing to the floor in exhaustion, as the jukebox played "Nights in White Satin", they replaced that Classic Moody blues track with some generic instrumental track. It took half the emotion out of the scene, and irritated the Frak out of me.
Sometimes it happens in reverse! by Cheif Brody	Jun 24th, 2008 01:44:49 PM
I used to work at a WB affiliate and we would get an early advanced screener of the Smallville season premieres...and it was chock full of all this great contemporary hits...and when the actual episodes premiered that fall on The WB...over half those songs were replaced with generic music. They didn't need licensing rights to release the "NOT FOR AIR" VHS screener...but cheaped out when it came time for the broadcast airing. But this IS news...just NEW news on a really old problem... Wonder how much flicks like Forrest Gump & The Big Chill had to cough up for the DVD's...it's gotta be astronomical!
Dr. Who by spikeandjezebel	Jun 24th, 2008 01:57:47 PM
A few classic Dr. who DVDs have had music replaced as well - Spearhead From Space had a Fleetwood Mac song replaced, and Revelation of the Daleks had a Hendrix song replaced. Can't say I actually remembered those songs as they weren't crucial to the plots, but still...
Sometimes even in reruns by nyj_et	Jun 24th, 2008 01:57:54 PM
I can remember one memorable episode of "Hunter", titled "Rich Girl". It featured the Hall & Oates song of the same name and some other song at the end. The music positively made this episode. I found the episode showing on TVLand a couple of years ago, and when I watched it, all of that music is gone. Does anyone know if WKRP in Cinncinati kept the closing credits song on the DVDs?
Happened with Joan of Arcadia too. by V'Shael	Jun 24th, 2008 02:28:55 PM
Not that that show ever got much cred on a site like this. One more reason to bittorrent your favourite shows.
so how come MIAMI VICE is intact? by scourge0	Jun 24th, 2008 02:30:52 PM
granted, i've just seen the first 3 seasons on DVD, but all of the original music seems to be there. i know it was a popular show, but did they really expect to sell TONS more than WKRP (for example), to offset the music costs?
MTV's The State by Exasperilious	Jun 24th, 2008 02:43:03 PM
This is the very reason MTV's The State has been delayed and keeps being delayed for years. You'd think they would've thought about this before using the songs to begin with.
Scrubs? by WickedJester	Jun 24th, 2008 03:00:37 PM
I'm a huge fan, thought I would notice a song change -- but I didn't? Which ep? As for what someone else said, now-a-days they do seem to negotiate for DVD release as well -- so if Wonder Years aired today, music rights would most likely be locked up for DVD use. I'd be surprised if shows that started airing in the last 5 or 6 years had music right issues. That would be poor planning on the production companies part. Would it be feasible to have an option as consumer? $10-$20 more for the real music?
WELL I GUESS THAT EXPLAINS by timryanokane	Jun 24th, 2008 03:07:19 PM
why my season 1 of Greatest American Hero has the theme song from Happy Days...
Oh yeah, wasn't Lathe of Heaven held up too? by tonagan	Jun 24th, 2008 03:13:22 PM
That had a Beatles song, which is lots and lots of money.
I hate to be one of the A Holes by hst666	Jun 24th, 2008 03:15:45 PM
But, this has been a concern for a long time. It's the only reason why I have not purchased the WKRP DVD as the music often correlated to the scene. They don't have to keep every background song, but songs that are important to the scene should be kept.
Greatest American Hero DVDs by malicedoom	Jun 24th, 2008 03:17:09 PM
If anyone is interested in obtaining 100% perfect quality (meaning the 'officially released' Japanese DVDs, which contain ALL the ORIGINAL music), episodes please contact me off-list at: kolchak - at - ameritech.net and I can help.
nyj_et, yes WKRP has the original closing song by Big Jim	Jun 24th, 2008 03:20:49 PM
because they own the rights to it. Hugh Wilson got a buddy of his to record something for the closing credits. Wilson swears he has no idea what the guy is singing. The missing Scrubs song is on the first season. It is mentioned on the commentary for the episode (sorry, can't remember which one). Bill Lawrence was pissed because he says between getting the song for the show, and when it came time to put the DVD together, the band had become famous (or at least known, patly because the song got played on TV) and they were asking a king's ransom to use the song. The scene had been cut to the original music so Lawrence took the time to find another song that fit both the mood and the pacing. He did such a good job that unless you know the music has been changed you wouldn't know it.
Star Trek: City on the Edge of Forever by Frank Reynolds	Jun 24th, 2008 03:25:00 PM
Back in the 80s, when all the original TREK episodes came out on VHS, the 1930s song "Goodnight, Sweetheart" was taken off of CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER. and replaced with soundalike music. Whenver it was broadcast, though, it always had the original song. It might have been put back in since then; I don't know.
Malcolm in the Middle and Muppet Babies... by GoDFaDDa42	Jun 24th, 2008 03:27:22 PM
More seasons of Malcolm in the Middle, and any seasons of Muppet Babies, have been precluded because of this crap. The Muppet Babies ones are also affected by their use of TV clips. A number of the Muppet Show episodes have also been eviscerated, with the best number in the Vincent Price episode being a particular loss.
Copyright's "nobility" by hst666	Jun 24th, 2008 03:28:25 PM
In response to the guy that said copyright started out as a noble endeavor, it was started by the king granting monopolies to publishers to publish certain works. There was no concern for the author or his/her heirs. Copyright evolved to protect the author, but it's beginnings were only noble in the sense that the Nobility controlled it.
Someone needs to start a list of regions containing unaltered se by hst666	Jun 24th, 2008 03:29:26 PM
Or does this exist?
unaltered sets by hst666	Jun 24th, 2008 03:29:41 PM

Free Freds balls by Freds_Balls_in_a_Mason_Jar	Jun 24th, 2008 03:31:06 PM
Free them!
Too expensive by BurntRectum	Jun 24th, 2008 03:48:52 PM
I work on the music side of film and tv. DVD sets would be un-affordable if they put in the original music. Which sucks, but it is what it is. Most of the time it comes down to getting the best you can for the original broadcast and blowing all your money up front knowing you won't be able to keep it later, but it beats sound-a-likes all the time. The worst offense has got to be the movie "Sixteen Candles" It was shown for years on TV with replacements. I remember listening to the soundtrack thinking these songs aren't in the movie.
The First Season of The Fugitive is Musically OK... by arzbest	Jun 24th, 2008 04:05:59 PM
...but "The Fugitive Season Two Volume One" DVD set is where the problems start. Except for the opening and closing themes, all episodes have had the complete terrific Pete Rugolo music scores stripped away and replaced with generic snythesizer-based scores. Pretty jarring to say the least and a slp in the face to the Rugolo estate and the fans. The only notification of this in on the back of the set where it reads, in microscopic letters, "Some music has been changed for this home entertainment version". Some, in this case, equals 90% of the music! Needless to say, I will not be buying any future "Fugitive" DVD sets if this is the way Paramount/CBS intends to produce them.
MTV's The State by blacknoi	Jun 24th, 2008 04:06:12 PM
Yes is still delayed due to the pop music used throughout the show. Shit, look at the 5 episodes that have been canabalized, but ready for sale on the Xbox Live marketplace. The -no pants- skit with Michael Ian Black, and Kerri Kenny was scored by The Breeders - Cannonball. It fit, was fun and just made the skit feel nice and lighthearted. The version I downloaded had some generic crap that totally killed the skit. I believe at the time (early 90s), when MTV, IMO, was in its prime in terms of non-music television programming, had an agreement that they could use any and all music within its shows for the first run and MTV syndications of the programming. But that didn't cover DVD sales (DVD didnt exist in 1993 on a consumer level). SIGHHHHHHHH
total eclipse beat me to the MOONLILGHTING mention by RenoNevada2000	Jun 24th, 2008 04:13:06 PM
The thing about the replace of the music in MOONLIGHTING's "Lady in the Iron Mask" episode is that the piece they took out was "The William Tell Overture"! Surely, that's got to be public domain. Of course, a silly chase scene was edited to the music and the replacement just kills the comedy.
Any word on whether the Dr Who vs HMV... by emeraldboy	Jun 24th, 2008 04:36:49 PM
case has been settled.
This is what happens when everybody sues everybody over everythi by Yeti	Jun 24th, 2008 04:38:51 PM
We all lose out in the end.
For those who dont know what i am talking about regarding dr who by emeraldboy	Jun 24th, 2008 04:45:41 PM
Hmv had literally put Dr who Box set Series Three on their shelves when they got a very stern letter telling them to take them down or there would be some sort of legal trouble. I wanted to get Season 2 and three for my brother who is a huge fan and he has all the old ones anyway. They seem to have divided them into two parts, so you ge part one of say season three released at one part of the and part two released sometime else.
Talk about aint it OLD news... by Cap-m Canuck	Jun 24th, 2008 04:53:40 PM
This has been an issue for ever. Roswell came with a whole explanation as to what had been done to their show because of greedy artists. Yeti is right, sue happy world equals sucking the fun out of everything...
Ithought the Stae hadn't been released by hst666	Jun 24th, 2008 05:24:08 PM
because it sucked ass. I remember it being high concept but not particularly funny, like the first season of Conan O'brien.
That's why 'Name That Tune' on DVD is for shit! by Heckles	Jun 24th, 2008 05:33:13 PM
I'm just saying.
Odd by EyeofPolyphemus	Jun 24th, 2008 05:45:55 PM
i am curious why more musicians are not grateful for the exposure versus greedy for royalties. I had never heard of the Submarines before I heard "Brighter discontent" on Nip/Tuck. I became a fan because of it. With so many people waiting to watch season sets of shows instead of a when they air, musicians will probably get better exposure ON DVD anyway.
I stopped wanting NX DVDs by Season 4 when... by tangcameo	Jun 24th, 2008 06:19:16 PM
I heard the children's chorus introduction of "Inchworm" at the end of the episode with the antique clock and then, before Danny Kaye starts to sing, they switch in mid-song to a completely different song. I haven't even watched the episode where Chris flings Toolie's coffin into the lake. In my head it's still flung to "Whiter Shade of Pale" but I'm too afraid to see how they've ruined it. Haven't really noticed the new music on The Fugitive. The original incidental music seems to be completely replayed by a new orchestra or by synthesizer though.
Scrubs - My life in 4 cameras = no cheers theme by Reilly	Jun 24th, 2008 07:15:55 PM
At the end, when they were trying to save the "Cheers" writer or producer or whatever they originally had the cheers theme which actually was pretty moving from the transition they made in that episode from sitcom to real life. They took it out in the DVD and basically made that part feel less moving after seeing it again.
WKRP on WGN by Joe Mannix Jr.	Jun 24th, 2008 07:49:00 PM
Seems to feature quite a bit of the original songs. I know the Thanksgiving ep still had the Pink Floyd song and discussion of still in there. If'n anyone cares....
Damn You MCMLXXVI by TheyCallMeMisterBay	Jun 24th, 2008 07:49:27 PM
Damn You MCMLXXVI
The WKRP episode with the funeral home jingle by Big Jim	Jun 24th, 2008 08:26:12 PM
had Bailey singing Amazing Grace and Jennifer singing Happy Birthday. I'm not sure about Amazing Grace but I'm pretty sure Happy Birthday is copyrighted. Probably had to pay a pretty penny to get the rights to that (if we're to believe what we saw on Jpod).
City on the Edge.... by rben	Jun 24th, 2008 08:29:23 PM
hmmm, i may have to watch City again. I have the original DVD in those red,yellow,blue shell cases and now that i think about it, the goodnight song may have been changed. of course, i'd seen the episode so many times growing up, that the mind fills in the old music when the new is playing. still, kind of annoying. and i agree with the free publicity which helps the artist out. i mean, hell, it definately has helped alot of the new artists in the TV commercials since commercial radio is so musically dead anymore. the writer's content on the internet i can see but the music thing is just absurd....
Keen Eddie the great Fox cop show that was cancelled to soon!! by Penetron	Jun 24th, 2008 08:41:48 PM
Has suffered from these inane copyright policies. They had to replace all of that authentic English rock/mod music with a shitty Casio score.
Rben, that's a good point by Big Jim	Jun 24th, 2008 09:30:21 PM
Look at WKRP - all the music is at least 30 years old. When's the last time any kids today heard a Juice Newton song. They would if it wasn't replaced on the DVD. Even big bands like Pink Floyd, and Zeppelin will find new fans from kids watching the DVDs. A show like WKRP is a great way to introduce a new generation to some classic rock (and some disco too, but that was only that one two-part episode and it was made clear how evil disco was).
On WKRP by Pancho Straight	Jun 24th, 2008 09:56:15 PM
now those fans are crushed to death at a Kinks concert.
HEY RECORDING INDUSTRY!! THIS is why bootlegs will never die by Jobacca	Jun 24th, 2008 09:59:53 PM
Seriously...I WILL NOT BUY EDITED/CENSORED SHOWS!!! I would rather pay $100 over retail for a crappy VHS to DVD transfer as long as I'm watching the original versions. I would LOVE to buy WKRP,The Muppet Show,and The Greatest American Hero from stores...these were a huge part of my childhood and I rewatch them whenever I can. Thank god for cons and bootleggers...
Speaking of Quantum Leap...here's a True story.... by TRON	Jun 24th, 2008 10:34:41 PM
I once went to a sneak preview of Lord of Illusions in Washington DC. After the screening there was an appearance from Scott Bakula and Famke Janssen for a quick Q&A session. Several questions came from the audience..... "Mr. Bakula,, will there ever be a follow up movie to Quantum Leap?" What did they mean by .... on that one episode of Quantum Leap?" etc... etc.... Scott Backula finally asked the audience if they had any questions about the movie they just watched. A couple of quick questions did come up,,,, "will there be a sequal? and "what was it like to film the love scene?"......ALL I could think at the time ..."GET A LIFE, will you people?"... Amazing that several years later he would helm the head of the USS Enterprise. I guess someone was conditioning him for his future at Star Trek conventions.
No disrespect... by Bob Loblaw Law Blog	Jun 24th, 2008 11:53:15 PM
but did people actually not know this was an issue? This is exactly why "The Wonder Years" has never been released on DVD, save for a few "Best of" discs several years ago. Can you imagine that show without its iconic, original music? I mean... even the theme song is a timeless Joe Cocker cover of a great Beatles song! This is also the reason why box sets of shows like "Freaks and Geeks" cost significantly more than other shows, as all the original music was used. As for Quantum Leap, I've heard that the Region 2 discs for that series includes all the original music. I'm not sure why that's the case.
It happens even more on iTunes by Antz	Jun 25th, 2008 01:16:15 AM
...and other download sites, as that is often another license that is required. Supernatural on iTunes has a different soundtrack to the DVD set for example.
The Extra Stupidity With Quantum Leap by Jinxo	Jun 25th, 2008 04:04:26 AM
First off, there was such a fuss over Georgia On My Mind being zapped from QL (the change to generic filler music really does ruin the scene) that someone involved with the release did an interview to "fix" things and only made the idiocy worse. The guy claimed it wasn't a rights thing. There was also concern that the music was replaced because they wanted the DVD set out in a certian time frame and the rights couldn't be secure in that short a time frame. He said that wasn't the reason either. I wish I could remember the exact statement but he to explain the change he essentially talked in a circle providing no good reason for it. Idiot, if you at least copped to one of the likely reasons I could say, okay, it sucks but I understand why it happened. But no! He gives NO good reason. Okay, now you truly are idiots. But the topper for stupidity it this. They end up going back to the scene with Georgia On My Mind for the last scene of the entire series. And when you watched the final episode on DVD they actually keep Georgia On My Mind in place. So the song couldn't be used on the first episode but it could be on the later? And while I'm happy they left it in for the finale, it actually means if you are watching the show on DVD, the continuity between the scenes doesn't match. I don't know why they didn't include the first episode with the music restored as a bonus feature on the final disc set. Clearly the right were worked out so make ti right for the fans ya dopes.
DR WHO CONFIDENTIAL by spud mcspud	Jun 25th, 2008 04:07:08 AM
In the UK, watching the full 45 minute DR WHO CONFIDENTIAL on BBC3 directly after the episode (repeated on Sunday nights) is the only time you get to see the full deal - complete with contemporary, very fitting music. After that, shitty, generic tunes (or no tunes at all) on a stripped down 15 min version htat is so shite it's pointless them having made it at all. Guess which versions make it onto the DVD? Hint: it ain't the full bore 45 min version. Why the fuck would you put music in a programme that you KNOW will go to video (old school) or DVD (new) but you can't afford to pay for the songs for BOTH types of release in the first place? These fucks MUST know that they'll have to redub the whole thing. WHY FUCKING BOTHER? WHY NOT EITHER PAY UP FRONT OR JUST GIVE US THE GODDAMN STRIPPED DOWN VERSION FIRST?!?!? GAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! Feel better now...
SUPERNATURAL by spud mcspud	Jun 25th, 2008 04:09:47 AM
Wouldn't be hafl as great if it weren't for that fantastic '80s Dad Rock soundtrack. Fantastic! It's almost like a character in itself. If they replace it with fucking Nickleback and shit on the DVD, then by God I will buy the TV-recorded versions. YOU HEAR ME, RETAIL DUDES?!?!?
Friday Night Lights by tezmo	Jun 25th, 2008 06:43:03 AM
the R1 DVDs get a big fat FAIL for music - crying shame too - no Explosions in the Sky :(
2for2true, my lord... by just pillow talk	Jun 25th, 2008 06:56:52 AM
You posted the same message in multiple threads...is this THE message for your loyal warciples to begin the final battle against shitheels and infidels? We patiently await your word...
City on the Edge... by Kentucky Colonel	Jun 25th, 2008 07:25:08 AM
If you have the DVD that came in the single case (2 episodes per disc) with Joan Collins on the cover, look closely at the rear of the box. In the fine print it states "Music has been altered". Not in big red letters, but it is there. I'm pretty sure the season-long DVD set also mentions this...but only in the liner notes and not on the exterior of the packaging. I'll check when I get home... Shouldn't this types of shit be listed on Amazon as well?
Paramount is the worst offender in this regard.. by SubliminalJones	Jun 25th, 2008 01:15:26 PM
The season sets of my all time favorite sitcom THE ODD COUPLE are rife with this kind of editing(not just in the case of musical replacement, but with jarring slashing of scenes involving a spoken or sung lyric that removes entire lines of dialogue and punchlines to jokes both verbal and visual). This is why I didn't and will not buy them, (save for Season One, when it was released by TimeLife) but have instead rented and burned them. I would have certainly payed for them if I was getting what I was paying for. So, up yours, Sumner Redstone.
it's all about the money by filmfanatic1	Jun 25th, 2008 02:01:13 PM
I used to work in copyright clearance, and those cheap-ass studios look at the bottom line before releasing anything that has a lot of rock songs like WKRP and NEX. If those greedy suits think that replacing the songs with crappy synth soundtracks will alleviate the problem, then they are going to see more piracy and less sales across the board. Unless the audience boycotts DVDs that have replacement music, it will definitely continue, and get much worse.
I've been reluctant to pick up Supernatural by Big Jim	Jun 25th, 2008 02:48:55 PM
on DVD because I fear some or all the great songs that were a part of the show will not be on the dvd. Part of my selling point in convincing people to watch it is "...plus it's got a great soundtrack". Anyone know if Supernatural got the dvd rights to the music they used when the episodes aired?
be suspicious of EVERY DVD that has a great soundtrack by filmfanatic1	Jun 25th, 2008 02:57:46 PM
Big Jim: Wish I knew; but do some research on Amazon and other sites, and check those DVDs out for the soundtracks; knowing these cheapskate studios, if they can get away with a synth soundtrack instead of the real songs to sell their DVDs, THEY WILL! BOYCOTT THE DVDS IF THEY DO!
I am watching WKRP... by mrfan	Jun 25th, 2008 02:58:13 PM
on hulu. It has the first season. Good free stuff.
And I'm not sure it's only TV shows either by JackRabbitSlim	Jun 25th, 2008 03:21:10 PM
I'll swear to my dying day they played "Be my little baby" by Ronnie Spector and the Ronnettes in the theatrical version of Casino I saw. Just as I know for goddamn sure the theater version of Aliens I saw in 1986 had a version of scene with the automated guns firing, counting off the number of rounds on a digital display.
JackRabbitSlim, can't help you with Casino by Big Jim	Jun 25th, 2008 03:25:45 PM
as I did not see it in the theatre. But I did see Aliens in the theatre and I too am certain the automated guns had a counter.
Glad this is covered again. by Stunt Vocalist 709	Jun 25th, 2008 03:43:04 PM
I for one am glad for the new article on an on-going issue. It's provided the opportunity to let people who don't live on their couch to find out about this. And it's also spawned a new TalkBack, which has some great contributions about what DVD's have been screwed with. Excuse me - ...what DVD's up with have been screwed. Keep those coming! It's the closest thing I've seen to a list of changed-music DVD's. Thanks!
i was in darfur in january by frankenfickle	Jun 25th, 2008 05:03:23 PM
and this issue is on fire over there! especially as pertains to wkrp, that's a very popular comedy among the dwindling populace.
It's Not Just the Music by RaRoMo	Jun 25th, 2008 05:58:47 PM
It seems to me DVD releases of TV shows should be the definitive, archival version of that series, but that's often not the case. A good example is Will and Grace. In order to fit the episodes on x number of discs, the producers cut or trimmed scenes from many of the episodes. That means that if you liked Will and Grace and bought the DVDs, you don’t have the complete series. A lot of jokes and exchanges are missing because the producers didn’t want to spring for an extra disc. It sucks, but that's how little respect producers have for what they produce. That's one reason why HBO DVDs cost more than broadcast DVDs. They retain the original music, and keep the integrity of the episodes.
Big Jim - Supernatural by Mosquito March	Jun 25th, 2008 06:20:27 PM
I have never watched the broadcast versions of the show, but the DVD soundtracks are full of original 70s-80s rock tunes. I would guess that if they fucked with it, they didn't fuck with it very much.
Supernatural by My Pretty Pony	Jun 25th, 2008 06:43:45 PM
So far they haven't changed the music for the DVD sets. Season 1, in particular, has tons of classic rock songs.

Talkbacks

Is The Music On DVDs Of Your Favorite TV Series The Music That's Meant To Be There??

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks