Super Friends cartoon DVDs : marketing release strategy for the seasons / episodes ?

[megotoys]

I am not really knowledgeable about such matters, and I really appreciate the many things I have learned on this board. Especially as there are very knowledgeable members of this forum who have experience / careers currently, or have had careers in the entertainment, marketing, toy, etc. industries.

The Super Friends in such a great historical piece (in context), that was aired over many years, and seen by (if I were to speculate) millions of kids.

This seems to be an accurate perspective when the show / cartoon is taken into temporal and historical context with regard to the plethora of great superhero items released in the 1970's, that I would assume many here are fond of.

The Super Friends cartoon in its various versions, most likely spawned the spending of millions of dollars on related merchandise (not necessarily the Super Friends brand, but superhero items in general), and greatly influenced an entire generation of kids growing up.

I would think for many (especially given the 1970's nature of Mego items in general), that the 1970's bring fond and strong connections to superheroes in general.

Okay, sorry for the long preamble.

All that being stated, there are some concerns, questions, etc. that I have for those in the know. Some of the questions might be interrelated.

First, why has it taken decades (okay maybe less than that since the advent of the DVD) for the Super Friends seasons to be released (in season format)? On top of that all of the seasons / episodes to my knowledge are - still - not released.

Second, why the confusing (at least to me) and especially haphazard approach to releasing the seasons?

One look at Amazon and the series is all over the place. There is not only confusing packaging, but somewhat irrelevant packaging as far as the artwork not being indicative or representative of the contents at least not directly, but yes, perhaps peripherally (meaning yes, there are superheroes in the content of the dvd). Take King Kong. King Kong has of course been theatrically released in many versions. Shouldn't the proper "Kong" be on the packaging. To clarify this example, I would not think it prudent to put the 1930's King Kong on the packaging for the King Kong movie from the 1970's. Or to use either of those Kongs for the later King Kong movie. The example might not be directly analogous, but I am just trying to provide a loosely related example that a 1973 Super Friends Superman is artistically unique to that of much later versions.

Third, the release of the seasons, to my knowledge, was - not sequential -. Why?

Meaning, for example, it took a long, long time for the first season to come out after some of the other seasons had been released. That in my experience is not consistent with today's seasonal dvd releases (again from what I have experienced).

Fourth, and this relates to the second inquiry, why for such a popular and long running series is the packaging / artwork so haphazard (artwork, fonts, color schemes, general design, presentation, etc. etc.)? Again, this would seem to contribute to consumer confusion. I have a knowledge of the Super Friends, and I am still confused when looking at the various packaging / artwork for these sets. Compare that with other releases (i.e. The Avengers cartoon from the last few years, The Justice League cartoon, Justice League Unlimited, etc.) where the packaging is consistent and indicative of the series, therefore igniting a psychological light bulb to the consumer that, "hey, that's the new season for the series I have been collecting". Of course long running live tv shows tend to stick to a "thematic" design for their various seasons, but the Super Friends...are all over the place (in my humble [and probably confused] opinion).

Lastly, why the haphazard releases? Again, the various seasons (if available at all) are all over the place (literally). From what I understand (which could very well be incorrect), some episodes / seasons are only available in some kind of download format from various entities, a season (perhaps more) only available at a specific retail outlet, some available on dvd, and of course, there are some(?) not available at all.

That leads me to the second half of this "Lastly" inquiry. Given the enormity of the Super Friends major impact (mostly on kids...who are now adults...who have kids who continue to be influenced by the show), continued popularity (i.e. superheroes are still enormous money makers...record breaking movies, merchandise, toys, posters, clothing, etc. etc.), temporal longevity (the thing has been on tv in one form or another and on various networks (initial release, Cartoon Network, Boomerang (?), etc.) for 40 years!...Why not release a comprehensive boxset.

Perhaps some kind of deluxe boxset with an insightful book that takes a season by season look at the series. Topics in the book could possibly be the philosophies expressed in the show over time, and the background behind the influences on those philosophies expressed in the show, the move towards an increasingly ethnically diverse team of superheroes over time, the non-violent nature of the show and the shift to that kind of tv for kids, a plethora of production artwork / unused artwork / style guides, various merchandise, toys, etc. - just some random thoughts...but the book could be great...I know I would appreciate a somewhat definitive look at the series and its characters over time).

Well, that is about it. Your insight into something that has perplexed me over the years of these releases would be greatly appreciated.

Before closing, I would like to state that I am thankful (although it might not seem like it from this post) for what we do get from the Super Friends seasons. Some of the episodes have aged better than others, but it is still great to know that they are available.

Thank you for taking the time to read my (probably overly verbose) post.

[madmarva]

Only a guess, but I figure Warner's released the seasons it believed would sell the best first. Warner's might have not been sure sales would warrant issuing all seasons or a complete box set.

There really is very little to no continuity between seasons, so the order didn't matter story wise.

[megotoys]

Thank you for your great reply.

You make excellent points.

Yes, you are correct, I didn't think about there being no continuity between the seasons story wise.

Also, the "sales aspect" (from Warner's perspective) you mention is also a credible theory.

I guess I might be like many who feel their personal interest or passion or nostalgia holds greater value or appeal, especially from a financial aspect, than perhaps it's actual market value.

I did want to mention, though, that your post reminded me of a series I was thinking about when drafting my earlier post, and that is the old (from the 30's and beyond) Popeye cartoons.

I am unsure if it is the same division of Warner, but Warner Home Video released a series of DVD sets of Popeye cartoons (the really old cartoons from the 30's and up) which kind of illustrates a more cohesive way of releasing the series. As a side note, to my knowledge there wasn't story continuity between the old Popeye episodes.

What I try to describe in words in my opening post, is illustrated / actually put into practical / market application in the Popeye DVD sets Warner released.

It was a three volume set, with the packaging color coded and appropriate artwork present. It was chronological (by years) in both the release dates of the DVD sets, as well as the content contained within the sets. It was also a nice touch that the years of the cartoons were stated on the DVD packaging.

To my memory these are things that none of the Super Friends DVD sets demonstrate in their current releases.

What I find to be interesting from my limited perspective is that I think most (if not all) would agree that the members of the Super Friends (especially Superman and Batman given their current market / merchandise relevance and longstanding presence in the marketplace [and of course Wonder Woman]) are more popular and well known than Popeye across all ages.

In addition, the big three members of the Super Friends (and other members) have a much higher level of marketability, as there is current superhero product / merchandise in the marketplace with members of the Super Friends that is marketed toward a wide demographic. Things from Fisher Price for the really young kids to action figures for school age kids (and us big kids of course) and then exclusive high end merchandise (even specific Super Friends brand merchandise) for the really big kids (age wise).

Also, the Popeye cartoons are approximately 70 years old. While the Super Friends in its Justice League / Justice League Unlimited form is only approximately + / - 5 years old. Of course the Super Friends in the later episodes being approximately 35 + / - years old.

The above is not to suggest that one entity is inherently better than the other. Each person has their individual tastes and preferences.

I am just trying to dig deeper into a question that might well have only been on my mind (and perhaps a few other perplexed nostalgic type persons).

Speaking of Wonder Woman. The box sets of the 1970's shows released by Warner also illustrates a nice cohesive way of chronologically (by release date of the dvd sets and of the series [by season]) releasing a much beloved tv show.

As I am sure most know (at least most who like the show), the Wonder Woman series was released a season at a time, and then after all of the seasons were on the market, all of the seasons were released as a box set with a very attractive case replete with great photos, vibrant colors, and excellent graphics.

What would have been really great is if the Wonder Woman box set came with a nice book that included lots of great photos, archival materials, etc.

Okay, well those are two illustrations of releases by Warner video that were excellent releases of "character" commodities.

I guess those illustrate why I am perplexed that something as universal as the Super Friends was not given equal treatment. It lasted much longer than the Wonder Woman series and included a lot more characters, and I have given my analysis (based on my limited knowledge) of comparison to the Popeye cartoons.

Perhaps, as tends to be the case with some of these releases, we will get sold the same thing twice (and sometimes more than that). The first time around is "piecemeal", and then we - might - be given the Super Friends box set properly put together.

[Figuremod73]

Popeye ran for decades in syndication. It has only been in the last twenty years that he seems to have become phased out. I use to watch him on cable (WGN and TBS) all the time in the '80. My guess is that Popeye is considered a historically important cartoon and is treated as such.

I may be wrong but I've felt for years that Warner Bros. doesnt hold Hanna-Barbara highly as a property. Other than Scooby Doo and the Flintstones, they probably try to release what they feel will sell well. They most likely released Superfriends based on how much demand they feel is there. How SF '73 could be released before Worlds Greatest Superfriends is anyones guess. I hope the lost shorts gets a dvd release.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I think part of the problem is WB is a HUGE conglomerate, and the have hundreds and hundreds of valuable properties, and iterations of those properties, to exploit. If DC wasn't owned by WB, I think you would have seen many of the home video companies courting DC to release ANY shows based on their properties. But as it stands, WB has tons of material to potentially release, and Super Friends, despite it's pop culture impact, is just one of them.

Chris

[megotoys]

Thank you all for the great insight and feedback.

I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this matter.

It's nothing to get stressed (for lack of a better word) about, I just thought it would make for some interesting discussion given the multifaceted aspects of the Super Friends and superheroes in general.

Again, thank you for your contributions to this topic.

I am open minded and enjoy others' perspectives on such matters as this one.

[filmation batman fan]

I think part of the problem is WB is a HUGE conglomerate, and the have hundreds and hundreds of valuable properties, and iterations of those properties, to exploit. If DC wasn't owned by WB, I think you would have seen many of the home video companies courting DC to release ANY shows based on their properties. But as it stands, WB has tons of material to potentially release, and Super Friends, despite it's pop culture impact, is just one of them.

Chris

I'm inclined to agree. Not only the reason why it's taking so long to release the SuperFriends seasons on DVD, but also why I think we did not get the New Adventures of Superman by Filmation (1966-1968) in its entirety on DVD. In 2007, WB released the first 36 episodes from its first season in 1966 and that was it. No Superboy (for legal reasons I've heard), and the remaining 24 episodes from seasons 2 & 3 have yet to come out. Also, the very first Batman cartoon by Filmation is not yet on DVD, yet it is available for download @ itunes. I would have thought with the Dark Knight Rises last year and Man of Steel this year, would have been good enough reason to release these toons on DVD.
I was told that in a Q&A session a few years ago, that WB said they intend to release all the DC animation titles to DVD in time. It's actually been a few years since, and I am happy to learn they are releasing the 1980 season of the SuperFriends super shorts, leaving only the 1981 season left for release, which I hope won't be too far away. But I wish WB would release the 1968 Batman toons, and do a Volume 2 release of the New Adventures of Superman with the remaining 24 episodes, or a Complete Series set. My DC Filmation and SuperFriends video libraries are dying for completion.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Heck, WB has yet to release Legion of Super Heroes season 2 in any form. Season 1 was released over 3 volumes, and you could get those shrinkwrapped together, but that's it.

You would think with the push for 66 Batman this year, WB would at least put the 68 Filmation series on the schedule, since it's a close as they can get, since the live-action series is mired in legal hell.

Chris

[Figuremod73]

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Worlds-Greatest-Superfriends-The-Lost-Episodes/11778

The "Lost" episodes from Australia have been released already? I completely missed those!

[PNGwynne]

Yeah, it's so sad we have no early filmaton Batman.

I don't think it's a mistake the Challenge was the first SF on VS/DVD. It's the coolest!

[enyawd72]

They should re-release everything in one collection. I'd buy a complete Superfriends box set in a heartbeat.

[filmation batman fan]

They should re-release everything in one collection. I'd buy a complete Superfriends box set in a heartbeat.

I definitely would. It would be neat if all 10 seasons and all 208 episodes could be released in a giant boxset that resembles the Hall of Justice.

[filmation batman fan]

Yeah, it's so sad we have no early filmaton Batman.

I don't think it's a mistake the Challenge was the first SF series released on DVD. It's the coolest!

I agree. I'm guessing that WB released it forst because Challenge is considered to be THE most popular version of the SuperFriends altogether. In my kindle ebbok report on THE ULTIMATE SUPERFRIENDS COMPANION, I reccomend starting today's kids off with Challenge or the All New SF Hour first and wait until later to show them the Wendy and Marvin shows since most of that series is a yawner.

[PNGwynne]

I definitely would. It would be neat if all 10 seasons and all 208 episodes could be released in a giant boxset that resembles the Hall of Justice.

That is blowing my mind!

[VintageMike]

Cool idea, it's just about the right size for a compact set. Currently the 10 official releases comprise 21 discs. If the two remaining series of shorts are two discs each (like the previous collection) it would be 25 discs. As a comparison "The Complete Series" of Charlie's Angels was released last year in a 27 disc set.