The Month in Home Media highlights short-lived or rare TV shows released on DVD or Blu-ray in the United States during the previous month. Also covered are recent additions to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Check back on the first Thursday of each month for a new The Month in Home Media column.
Support Television Obscurities
October 2017 saw the release of Best of the West (ABC, 1981-1982), Dink, the Little Dinosaur (CBS, 1989-1990), and Special Unit 2 (UPN, 2001-2002) on DVD. Man with a Camera (ABC 1958-1960) and Harts of the West (CBS, 1993-1994)) were both re-released on DVD last month. Support Television Obscurities by purchasing any of these releases from Amazon.
Also, Amazon Prime began streaming episodes of even more game shows, including What’s My Line?, I’ve Got a Secret, and Beat the Clock.
DVD/Blu-ray
Highlight of the Month: Special Unit 2
VEI announced plans to release this short-lived UPN sci-fi series on DVD almost two years ago. Last month, the Complete Series finally became available. The series starred Michael Landes, Alexondra Lee, Danny Woodburn, and Richard Gant. It ran for 19 episodes over the course of two short seasons from April 2001 to February 2002.
Other Releases
The Red Skelton Show – In Color (Deluxe Edition)
The Jackie Gleason Show – In Color [Time Life Exclusive]
The Jackie Gleason Show – In Color (Deluxe Edition) [Time Life Exclusive]
Man with a Camera – The Complete Series [Re-release]
Best of the West – The Complete Series
Dink, the Little Dinosaur – The Complete Series [Warner Archive]
Harts of the West – The Complete Series [Re-release]
Streaming
Amazon Prime:
What’s My Line? [1955]
Blondie [1957; 1 episode]
I’ve Got a Secret [1961]
Double Dare [1976/1977]
Match Game [1978]
Beat the Clock [1979]
Password Plus [1979]
Blockbusters [1981]
Child’s Play [1983]
Super Password [1984]
Body Language [1984]
Card Sharks [1986]
Family Feud [1988]
News
As I reported earlier this week, VEI will release The Immortal (ABC, 1970-1971) on DVD on November 8th. The complete collection set will include the pilot telefilm and all 15 episodes.
According to the official website for the recently published book Mr. Novak: An Acclaimed Television Series, Warner Home Video will release the first season of Mr. Novak (NBC, 1963-1965) on DVD next year. New prints will reportedly be struck from the original 35 mm camera negatives (MrNovakBook.com).
Both seasons of The Californians (NBC, 1957-1959) are available for pre-order on DVD or Blu-ray at Amazon. However, no release date has been set. The western, which ran for 69 episodes over the course of two seasons, is currently airing on diginet Grit TV (Home Theater Forum).
Recent obscurity Galavant is coming to DVD. VEI will release the Complete Collection on November 10th. The half-hour musical comedy/fantasy ran for two very short seasons on ABC during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. Only 18 episodes were produced. Josha Sasse, Timothy Omundson, Mallory Jansen, Vinnie Jones, Karen David, and Luke Youngblood star (TVShowsOnDVD.com).
Hit the comments with any news about upcoming DVD/Blu-ray releases or additions to streaming services.
I still have my TV recordings of Galavant. I’m a little surprised it too so long for a DVD set to come out considering that the only reason for season 2 seemed to be to finish the story so it could be sold as a complete series.
There was also a making of special for season 1. I don’t see any indication of whether the set has it or not. I’m sure at some point it will be reworked into a stage musical.