Why did MPI Home
Video not restore the shows from the original 35mm
picture negatives?
It was
determined retransferring all 128 episodes would be
cost-prohibitive for DVD exclusively -- without a new
sale for reruns of the episodes on television to help
offset the hefty expense. Unfortunately, it has become virtually
impossible to repeat most old programs on television, as
was so common in previous decades.
The sources used for
the DVD releases are videotape transfers taken from
safety negatives that were copied when The Doris Day
Show aired on CBN in the mid-1980s. (Although CBN
subsequently deleted a couple of minutes from each
episode, the versions released on DVD are all complete,
uncut versions.)
The 1980s remastered
versions may not be as crystal sharp as a new digital
35mm negative transfer, but they are respectable and
represent a significant upgrade -- with cleaner, sharper
and more colourful visuals -- than the eventually
well-worn, scratchy and faded 16mm prints of the series
that were seen in worldwide syndication from 1975-1985.
It should also be
noted that the ability to transfer from a film negative
directly to videotape was not possible until the 1980s,
which actually allows for most shows to look brighter,
crisper and more colourful than when they originally
aired (when only positive print copies of a film were
utilized for playback). So, even with some colour
fluctuation, due to age, in some of the 1980s remastered
transfers, much of the images are in fact more brilliant
than when The Doris Day Show was seen during its
initial run on CBS from 1968-73.
With The Doris Day
Show on DVD, every attempt has been made to present
the best possible product within the financial
limitations inherent in releasing an older program shot
on film. Ultimately, it is hoped that viewers will enjoy
and appreciate the chance to see the series again in the
complete and commemorative presentations that have been
offered by MPI.
Best discovery when
working through the vaults for these projects?
All the extra bits such
as bloopers, promos and outtakes that make the DVDs fun
for fans.
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