Seinfeld on DVD

pale blue eyes · 12-26-2003, 07:26 PM

I'm not sure if anybody has heard anything about it (I haven't) but I saw this article and I guess that means its finally in the works:

Seinfeld Star Will Do DVD; But Asks For Pay
by Sheryl Waxman, New York Times

Michael Richards, a star of the hit television comedy "Seinfeld," says he will take part in the making of a DVD of the series, but he says he ought to be paid for it.

People close to Mr. Richards and his co-stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander said on Monday that the actors had decided not to grant interviews for the DVD because they were unhappy with the financial deals they have had with the show over the years.

"I'm not boycotting," Mr. Richards, who played Kramer in the series, said in a telephone interview late Monday night. "I'm involved. I was never called to do an interview. I am so for the DVD coming out that I'll go on the `Tonight' show."

But Mr. Richards said he thought he ought to be paid for taking part in the DVD project, in part because the show has been such a windfall for its creators, producers and distributors: Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Castle Rock Television and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. They will all share profits from the DVD.

Actors do not typically receive residual payments for DVD's, but this is quickly becoming a major issue in Hollywood, as DVD sales now bring in millions of dollars to those who control the rights to hit television shows and movies, far more than revenue from videocassettes.

Mr. Richards said: "I innocently asked a question. Is there some compensation? I don't believe there is. There isn't anything."

He added, "I think everyone wants to get paid," referring to his co-stars. "Is it honorable for those on the inside to make compensation? That's an ethical question they have to deal with. But I never heard back from anybody."

Mr. Seinfeld and Mr. Richards spoke together yesterday to mend fences. A spokeswoman for Mr. Seinfeld said: "Jerry and the other producers are profit participants of the `Seinfeld' show and do not control the ancillary stream of revenue. The owner is Warner Brothers, and Sony controls the syndication rights, which *******s DVD sales."

Ms. Louis-Dreyfus and Mr. Alexander could not be reached for comment, their representatives said.

Mr. Richards said that he had spoken to Ms. Louis-Dreyfus on Monday and that she was noncommittal about taking part in the DVD.

To some degree the dispute may be about a lack of communication. Mr. Richards said he asked Mr. Seinfeld why he did not call when Mr. Seinfeld first heard that his co-stars had declined to take part in the DVD.

"I said, `Why didn't you call me?' " Mr. Richards said. "He said, `I should have.' "

mewl · 12-26-2003, 07:29 PM

i think i'm the only person alive who hates that show.

Elvis The Fat Years · 12-26-2003, 07:30 PM

I don't understand buying movies and tv shows. I mean, how many times are you going to watch them a year? Just rent them.

wounded · 12-26-2003, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elvis The Fat Years
I don't understand buying movies and tv shows. I mean, how many times are you going to watch them a year? Just rent them.

i watch family guy dvd all the time. it entertains guests. i will admit i've bought some movies i wish i hadn't. i have way too many dvd's. like 40 or something.

strange_one · 12-26-2003, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mewl
i think i'm the only person alive who hates that show.

I've never even watched a full episode

sledge · 12-27-2003, 02:21 AM

Whoaaahh, like totally excellent news!

Nate the Grate · 12-27-2003, 02:36 AM

hey, kramer's talking funny! all...normal and stuff!

I just hope the DVDs aren't 100 bucks or something, like some of those collectors sets.

sledge · 12-27-2003, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nate the Grate

I just hope the DVDs aren't 100 bucks or something, like some of those collectors sets.

It most likely will

spfreak · 12-27-2003, 02:56 AM

yeah saw this article yesterday, sounds cool

but i hate how some shows come out w/ boxsets once a year for a season... sure it makes sense and all, but i hate waiting...

wounded · 12-27-2003, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pathos

It most likely will

those are usually the hour long drama series like x-files, six feet under and so on. half hour comedies don't require as many discs and are cheaper. i can garuntee seinfeld will not cost 100, probably like 40-50

12-26-2003, 07:26 PM	#1
pale blue eyes NOPE. Location: :/ Posts: 15,110	Seinfeld on DVD I'm not sure if anybody has heard anything about it (I haven't) but I saw this article and I guess that means its finally in the works: Seinfeld Star Will Do DVD; But Asks For Pay by Sheryl Waxman, New York Times Michael Richards, a star of the hit television comedy "Seinfeld," says he will take part in the making of a DVD of the series, but he says he ought to be paid for it. People close to Mr. Richards and his co-stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander said on Monday that the actors had decided not to grant interviews for the DVD because they were unhappy with the financial deals they have had with the show over the years. "I'm not boycotting," Mr. Richards, who played Kramer in the series, said in a telephone interview late Monday night. "I'm involved. I was never called to do an interview. I am so for the DVD coming out that I'll go on the `Tonight' show." But Mr. Richards said he thought he ought to be paid for taking part in the DVD project, in part because the show has been such a windfall for its creators, producers and distributors: Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Castle Rock Television and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. They will all share profits from the DVD. Actors do not typically receive residual payments for DVD's, but this is quickly becoming a major issue in Hollywood, as DVD sales now bring in millions of dollars to those who control the rights to hit television shows and movies, far more than revenue from videocassettes. Mr. Richards said: "I innocently asked a question. Is there some compensation? I don't believe there is. There isn't anything." He added, "I think everyone wants to get paid," referring to his co-stars. "Is it honorable for those on the inside to make compensation? That's an ethical question they have to deal with. But I never heard back from anybody." Mr. Seinfeld and Mr. Richards spoke together yesterday to mend fences. A spokeswoman for Mr. Seinfeld said: "Jerry and the other producers are profit participants of the `Seinfeld' show and do not control the ancillary stream of revenue. The owner is Warner Brothers, and Sony controls the syndication rights, which ******s DVD sales." Ms. Louis-Dreyfus and Mr. Alexander could not be reached for comment, their representatives said. Mr. Richards said that he had spoken to Ms. Louis-Dreyfus on Monday and that she was noncommittal about taking part in the DVD. To some degree the dispute may be about a lack of communication. Mr. Richards said he asked Mr. Seinfeld why he did not call when Mr. Seinfeld first heard that his co-stars had declined to take part in the DVD. "I said, `Why didn't you call me?' " Mr. Richards said. "He said, `I should have.' " __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

12-26-2003, 07:29 PM	#2
mewl Socialphobic Posts: 14,498	i think i'm the only person alive who hates that show.

12-26-2003, 07:30 PM	#3
Elvis The Fat Years 007 373 5963 Posts: 31,408	I don't understand buying movies and tv shows. I mean, how many times are you going to watch them a year? Just rent them.

12-27-2003, 02:21 AM	#6
sledge Apocalyptic Poster Location: the sea Posts: 1,907	Whoaaahh, like totally excellent news!

12-27-2003, 02:36 AM	#7
Nate the Grate Minion of Satan Posts: 6,212	hey, kramer's talking funny! all...normal and stuff! I just hope the DVDs aren't 100 bucks or something, like some of those collectors sets.

12-27-2003, 02:56 AM	#9
spfreak Apocalyptic Poster Location: Toronto Posts: 1,401	yeah saw this article yesterday, sounds cool but i hate how some shows come out w/ boxsets once a year for a season... sure it makes sense and all, but i hate waiting...