Not that we need more commentary at this point, but here’s how I see it:
No question I intend to pre-order and have it in my hands as soon as possible when it is released. I have a very good bootleg copy, but I am quite tired of seeing a bug at the bottom of the screen, and also have had enough of the washed-out colors. I want Siren’s silver Greco-Roman gown to look as vibrant and shimmering as it did in 1967. I am very grateful the legal problems finally were hurdled. I am not complaining about the price.
That said, I certainly was quite underwhelmed by the extras, and I’ll explain why:
1. Warner’s hype contributed to the letdown. I fail to understand how the extras were announced at the same time that a panel featuring Adam, Burt and Julie was in progress, yet none of the extras even mention Burt or Julie. Now this is no offense to Adam, but it was Batman starring Adam West, NOT the Adam West Show. Yes, Adam was the biggest reason it became a phenomenon, but without Burt, Julie and the rest of the Big 4 villains, I don’t think it would have been the same show. They deserve their due.
2. Of the extras, the only one that interests me is Adam’s notes on the shooting script for the pilot. Why? BECAUSE THAT DEALS WITH THE MAKING OF THE SHOW ITSELF. I’m not as into commentaries as others on this board, because unless the actor is prodded by someone, it often devolves into meaningless chatter. But I would be interested in seeing new interviews with Adam, Burt and Julie.
And yes, I know the argument, and it’s a valid one, that Adam will say the ‘curious stirrings in my utility belt’ line about Julie for the 457,982nd time, and Burt again will talk about how dangerous the set was for him (as he apparently did on the panel that night). Still, if the right person is asking the right questions, the interviews could bear fruit. At least try. Burt has been quoted as saying he did something like this recently, so I can hope, anyway.
But I don’t care about collectors [no offense to the ones on this board], or about Adam’s celebrity buddies, or about a miniature Batmobile. If you’re going to give me extras, give me some meat and potatoes. You’ve certainly had more than enough time to ponder those potential extras, that’s for sure.
The one commentary I WOULD be interested in could have been provided by this man:
http://articles.latimes.com/2014/jan/18 ... n-20140119
I mean, the director who was responsible for the PILOT is alive and quite lucid. It’s mind-boggling that nobody thought to try to get Robert Butler to do a commentary.
3. I also don’t like the fact Batgirl and Yvonne are being given short shrift, and this is coming from someone who would have preferred Greenway went with Mary Ann Mobley for the role. Still, with that said, the fact is season 3, like it or not (and I know how many people hate it) doesn’t happen if not for Batgirl and Yvonne. And if the show went only two seasons and 26 fewer episodes, the MSRP certainly would be lower.
What I’m saying is this---like it or not Warner, the presence of Yvonne and Batgirl means more money in your pockets. I wonder if there’s bad blood because of the length of the negotiations with her for the rights to her likeness for the toys, figures, etc.
'I thought Siren was perfect for Joan.'--Stanley Ralph Ross, writer of 'The Wail of the Siren'
My hobbies include gazing at the Siren and doing her bidding, evil or otherwise.
'She had a devastating, hypnotic effect on all the men.'--A schoolmate describing Joan Collins at age 17
