Thanks so much for the quick and informative reply. I think it’s great that there are dedicated people trying to preserve these “lost” pieces of history. I think it’s shameful that creators/companies often don’t make an effort to re-release things that were put out originally. I know it’s often due to “copyrights”, “Contractual Obligations” and of course, money, but if it was out once, it ought to be released again. I especially hate it when, for instance, extras are not carried over to an updated release. So, good luck on all your efforts. Don’t even get me started on Lucas and his endless tinkering of “Star Wars”. I want exactly what I saw in 1977, and in better quality than Laserdisc…
Have you ever compared what Spielberg said about “CE3K” in the Laserdisc releases for the original cut and the longer version? He’s completely dishonest about why he made the longer version, it’s sad. I can’t remember if his remarks carried over to any of the DVD or BD releases.
When the original “Planet of the Apes” films and television series were originally broadcast on network television in the early 1970’s, way before the advent of home video, I would record the dialogue off the TV onto cassettes and listen to them. That was the only way to enjoy your favourite things until their next transmission.
I can also relate to your efforts in preserving things as they were originally released. Decades ago I taped the POTA TV series when they became a series of 2 hour movies and then added that missing footage to the run when they appeared in their original form on cable, though heavily edited! Remember, I did this all without the aid of any computer programs, just linking VCR’s together.
I’m very glad that I’ve saved all the material I taped over the last 33 years, as I figured it may be lost forever if someone didn’t save it. Being a huge ST fan, I tried to tape everything I could when each movie came out, often running several VCR’s at once.
I totally understand the “nothing to see her…move along…nudge, nudge, wink, wink…” aspect as well!
I forgot to add “Logan’s Run” to my faves and collection list. I wish the later formats of many films released on Laserdisc incorporated all the printed material extras that were on them. Some of the supplements were extensive. I also have three or four VHS tapes of extras from the 1st “X-Files” movie and 2 tapes from the awful “Planet of the Apes” (2001) movie. Anyone interested in those?
As I recall, the extras on the “Star Wars vs Star Trek” were NOT on the STV DVD extras disc. I haven’t seen it in years, but remember being blown away when they showed up. I even made a note of it somewhere. I’d have to see it again to be sure.
As I’ve indicated, I’ve done all of my recording over the years on the (then) popular home video formats. I am not computer savvy at all and haven’t transferred anything to a hard drive before. My question is, would it be best for you to have the original source when you’re doing your preserving? I assume it would, as the best that I can do is copy them to DVD’s at XP speed for the very best DVD quality. Does putting them directly onto a computer skip a whole generation of loss in quality? If so, we’ll have to figure out a way for you guys to get my originals.
Living in the Chicago area I often find the strangest things. Just today I came across a still sealed package of Beta L-750 tapes at a thrift store! Crazy. Also, the controversy surrounding Lucas’ museum is heating up again here. It just may end up in our city after all. Another hideous piece of crap to sit right next to the abomination that has become Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, right on our beautiful lakefront. Oh well…
Oh, and you’re not being greedy, I still get excited when I see/hear of things that I love that I’ve never seen before! I’ll start documenting what I have it greater detail.
I may be wrong, but I think I also have something taped off-air that featured Mark Hamill hosting a Star Wars or science fiction themed program. Any ideas on what that could have been? I have it somewhere… Yes, I think I do have that Voyager program that’s from Youtube, thanks. It came on right before the premiere in 1995 and mine should be in FAR better quality. I’ll let you know.
I also still have my off air recordings of “Harsh Realm”, “Starman” and other things that have original bumpers, etc. that didn’t make it onto official releases. I was very into “Starman”, and was involved with trying to get in renewed, along with the “Spotlight Starman” group. I have many of their original newsletters, etc. I even won an autographed (Robert Hays) cookbook they produced!
Thanks again.