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MacGyver Online Forums > DVD & Bluray > Full Series set - rate it


Posted by: MacGyverOnline 16 October 2007 - 12:59 PM


THE COMPLETE SERIES
 

Release Date:  October 17, 2007

Discs in Set:    39

Format:             Color, Full Screen

Sound:              Dolby Digital, stereo

Presentation:   Loose discs

Extras:               Both made-for-TV movies

Tag Line:           None


All 139 episodes plus the 2 made-for-TV movies
 




Posted by: Lothithil 22 October 2007 - 02:52 PM
I have a rule.

Since I bought the two MacGyver TV movies on Ebad, I assuaged my guilt by promising to purchase the TV movies when they became commercially available. Since I had the means at the time, I went ahead and ordered the new complete DVD collection.

As I make discoveries, I will add them here so that those who come will know what to expect.

The discs come in a long flat display box with a velcro catch, the dvds placed inside two smaller boxes with velcro closers, cardboard subdividers, and tabs labeling the seasons. They are decorated reminiscent of the menu screen for Season one, in orange and yellow streaks and lines, number and notches, designed to appear to be held together with strips of duct tape (this is in fact the box design--not actual duct tape) happy.gif There is also an episode guide that lists the episodes by season, disc, and title, with a brief description of the plot, glossy paper, rolled and folded in three places.

The first little box contains Seasons 1 through 4, and weirdly, the discs of the first, second, and fourth seasons is plain silver, while the third appears to be identical to the season releases that are decorated in MacGyverisms (ie., handcuffs, garden hose, rubber bands, baby powder, and a chocolate bar).

Those of us who got the unedited replacements for Season 1 will remember that the 'new' discs were done in silver--S1,2, and 3 are identical to those. I will report as to whether they are edited or unedited as I veiw the discs.

I must say that I find it odd that they would mix them like this. On the face it seems to be evidence supporting the suggestion that they cobbled this collection together from left-over individual season releases. *eyebrow arch*

The second small box contains Seasons 5 through 7, as well as the 'Special Feature' disc, which contains Lost Treasure of Atlantis and Trail to Doomsday. S5, 6 and 7 are decorated identical to the individual releases. The Special Features disc is decorated like the individual releases, orange background with a SAK, a compass, and a piece of twine unravelling.

Why would they decorate the last disc, but not the first, second, and fourth seasons? How much trouble to whip out a new disc and slap a decorative sticker on it.... weird.

I'm watching the TV movies first, to see what might have been edited out of the recorded- from- TV- and- mutilated- by- commercials- versions that I have. I will have more to report on this, but for now let me say that the quality of the picture for Trail to Doomsday is awesome.

more soon.... cool.jpg

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 22 October 2007 - 02:59 PM
Excellent Loth!!

Thanks for the report. It does seem to indicate that Paramount really have taken little to no care with this set.

But it's great to have some detail of the set.

Look forward to reading more.

MacG.gif

Posted by: MacNymph 22 October 2007 - 03:53 PM
dry.gif Did she just say that there's not uniformity to the set?

That it seems they threw it together from "leftovers"? ohno-smiley.gif

mad.gif <<< this is me... peeved.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 22 October 2007 - 04:13 PM
thats certainly what it sounded like. Paramount have turned the show into a cheap nasty joke.


Posted by: Lothithil 22 October 2007 - 05:04 PM
Yep. Not terribly professional-looking at all. I'm baffled why they couldn't take the time and effort to put art on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th seasons... very cheesy.

It is nice to see the movies with quality picture, and with good sound.

Good news... the First season appears to be the 'unedited' version in fact. For example, at the beginning of 'The Thief of Budapest' there is extra footage of the city; an extended scene of the gypsies playing in front of the café; the extended scene between Mac and Yanna outside of the prison and the introduction of Yanna's St. Theotimus metal; the 'Hungarian goulash' scene outside of Reena's, etc., ect.



Brain is melting now. More details will be revealed as the drama continues to unfold. tongue.gif

Posted by: Macs Lab Rat 22 October 2007 - 09:41 PM
Ahhhh! If it turns out I'm going to want to re-buy my seasons 1, 2 and 4 due to editing I’m going to come over there and slap someone! boxing.gif


Oh, and thanks for the update Loth! love.jpg


QUOTE (Loth)
The discs come in a long flat display box with a velcro catch, the dvds placed inside two smaller boxes with velcro closers, cardboard subdividers, and tabs labeling the seasons. They are decorated reminiscent of the menu screen for Season one, in orange and yellow streaks and lines, number and notches, designed to appear to be held together with strips of duct tape (this is in fact the box design--not actual duct tape)
hmm.bmp Sounds like they have tried to make the boxes have a Macgyverish feel to them anyway. But does it work or just look tacky? Does your comment about the set not looking very professional just apply to the odd no decoration on the disks or to the whole thing?

Posted by: Jess 22 October 2007 - 11:27 PM
I've got all the DVD series sets, but no movies yet.

Is it possible to see some screenshots of the boxset and inside? i've only seen the actual box images off of Amazon and the like, but what does it look like inside and such?

Posted by: Reptile 23 October 2007 - 12:09 AM
Some great news here smile.gif

Lothithil, do you have a camera or just camera on mobile phone for example?
If yes, could you take some pics how does it look inside the box, some pics of DVD labels and maybe episode guide and I really want to see how the 2 smaller boxes where the DVDs are placed look like.

Then I will place my order at Amazon.com (through MOL store to support this great site of course) wink.gif

btw, if you tell me that the Thief of Budapest has unedited (1min 10secs) opening theme then it certainly is unedited version which is great...
I didn't noticed any other editions in individual season sets (as I watched it at friends home), so the only edited episode in whole MacGyver DVDs for me is Thief of Budapest from season 1 (from the first edited release), so really it is weird why season 2 and 4 has also plain silver DVD label

Posted by: Lothithil 23 October 2007 - 04:08 AM
I have no camera, but I shall consult my techno-gurus on the possibility of doing a layout for you guys so you can see what they look like.

For the now, let me say that I have mixed opinions about the design of the boxes.

They look neat, having a MacGyverish flavour to them, but I wonder about long term wear. The smaller boxes file the discs like cards in a recipe box, with individual folders, but do not provide dust protection like the full sized plastic encasements of the individual releases, and they are made out of paper, so that will be a concern if a time comes when they might get torn or wear out.

They will have to be kept inside the display box for protection, and that means that they will not fit nicely into my DVD racks. I'll have to make a special place for them on the bookshelf or on top of the rack.

I'll get pictures of the inner boxes, how they open, and what the discs look like. May take a few days.

Lothithil reporting, stay tuned for further developments! cool.jpg


Posted by: Reptile 23 October 2007 - 04:53 AM
thanks...
maybe it will be a good idea to buy empty DVD cases and then just put the DVDs there, I know it wont have pictures on case or something but at least it will be more protected...

Posted by: MacGyverGod 23 October 2007 - 06:06 AM
QUOTE
thats certainly what it sounded like. Paramount have turned the show into a cheap nasty joke.

I sure wanted talk to the boss over there.

QUOTE
It is nice to see the movies with quality picture, and with good sound.

5.1 dolby? Or is that too high for expectations?
Fade outs in place especially for Trail to Doomsday?

QUOTE
Good news... the First season appears to be the 'unedited' version in fact. For example, at the beginning of 'The Thief of Budapest' there is extra footage of the city; an extended scene of the gypsies playing in front of the café; the extended scene between Mac and Yanna outside of the prison and the introduction of Yanna's St. Theotimus metal; the 'Hungarian goulash' scene outside of Reena's, etc., ect.

Interesting.

What about the Pilot episode? Is it the original opening or the one from the previous release? And is that scene where Mac is coming back with Taylor in the Pentagon in it?

QUOTE
Ahhhh! If it turns out I'm going to want to re-buy my seasons 1, 2 and 4 due to editing I’m going to come over there and slap someone!

Wait, I'll join you. Feel like slapping someone anyway. boxing.gif

Posted by: MacNymph 23 October 2007 - 06:10 AM
This is so frustrating. I have the movies and think they're complete. unsure.gif

Would be nice to have them in best quality available tho.

I'm going to have to butter someone up to borrow them. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Jess 23 October 2007 - 08:14 AM
It would be great if they had released the show with extras. Interviews and such. I'd love an interview with David Lee Zlotoff to see where he got the idea for the show from and the like. Commentaries on some episodes would be nice too. Wistful thinking maybe..?

Posted by: chocolate 23 October 2007 - 08:21 AM
[FONT=Times][SIZE=1][COLOR=orange]
Hi, everyone! hmm.bmp
I would like to know if I have the edited versions or the unedited ones? How do I tell? unsure.gif

chocolate

Posted by: Reptile 23 October 2007 - 08:22 AM
yes it would be nice, but maybe Paramount really dont have any... but I think that they have, but just dont bother to add them to the release

Posted by: Jess 23 October 2007 - 08:58 AM
Well they could always shoot new ones. Murphy Brown did that when they got Season 1 out on DVD. commentaries on 2 episodes, plus a couple of interviews in extras.

maybe a "Look back on MacGyver" featurette or something. at least...

Posted by: Vader 23 October 2007 - 05:13 PM
QUOTE
...Those of us who got the unedited replacements for Season 1 will remember that the 'new' discs were done in silver...


OK, now I'm confused (again.... still...?).

I got the unedited replacements sent to me by Paramount (the whole season, too... I just asked for replacement instructions for the one disc!). Except for the outer box, with the "Contains the original uncut episodes" text on the back, they all had the same artwork that the edited set has...? Did Paramount fail to print some of the replacement discs?

Posted by: Lothithil 23 October 2007 - 07:02 PM
Oops! I suppose I have been making broad statements without doing enough research!

When I replaced Season 1, the set I received was identical to the packaging of the 'original', except that on the back of the box, down under the big red "1" that is overwritten with 'The Complete First Season', is the legend "Original Broadcast Episodes" (within a frame). The discs themselves are not decorated with the orange-yellow motif and pictures of duct tape, matches, chewing gum, bottlecap, paperclip, and SAK-- just a silver finish with title, episode information, and legalese printed on it.

Perhaps the difference is that I just bought a new set from Amazon, and did not go directly to Paramount and ask for a replacement. I still have the old version set sitting on my bookshelf.

MGod:
The Pilot episode does not contain the footage of MacGyver and Capt. Taylor in the Pentagon... unfortunately. How righteous that would have been! *sigh*

As for the movies, the fade-outs for commercial breaks are smooth and perfect, and the sound quality is Dolby Digital Stereo just like seasons 3-7. If it is any higher quality, I wouldn't know, as my TV is an antique. happy.gif

Posted by: MacGyverGod 24 October 2007 - 12:00 AM
QUOTE
MGod:
The Pilot episode does not contain the footage of MacGyver and Capt. Taylor in the Pentagon... unfortunately. How righteous that would have been! *sigh*

blowup.gif

Posted by: Vader 27 October 2007 - 05:45 PM
QUOTE
Perhaps the difference is that I just bought a new set from Amazon, and did not go directly to Paramount and ask for a replacement.


Now that is weird. You had me worried for a minute that I still had the edited version, but I just double-checked, and even though the disc art is the same as the original set, the episodes are indeed the uncut versions (as confirmed by the "missing footage" thread)...

Posted by: MacGyverDVD 28 October 2007 - 10:42 AM
I do have a question before I consider buying MacGyver: The Complete Series. I have heard one source that the complete series is edited and one other source saying it is unedited. Is the complete series unedited by any chance?

Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 03:44 PM
I finally got some pictures taken of the set. I'm going to post them one at a time so that I can annotate them.

First, here's a picture of the set with some items for reference in size:

Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 03:47 PM
Next, a picture of the box closure to demonstrate width. You can see the little white circle of velcro that keeps the box shut:

Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 03:52 PM
A shot of the box open. You can see the two smaller boxes inside. I have unfolded the episode index so that you can see. Photo on the front and each fold lists the episodes and a brief plot synopsis:

Posted by: MacsChick 28 October 2007 - 03:53 PM
Ha, ha! I like your size references, Loth! laugh.gif Perfect!

Gee...now I'm really conflicted. I'd still love to have the movies, but to buy the whole series again just to get them (not to mention the still poor quality...)? Then again, some of my Mac DVDs seem damaged. They just freeze at certain parts of the episode, and I have to take the disc out again, fast forward through the frozen part, and watch the rest without that missing scene. sad.gif Fortunately, it's only on a few of my discs, but it's still frustrating. I swear I took good care of them, too. There aren't any scratches or fuzz on them to account for this strange "freezing" of the frame, and my DVD player is new and plays everything else fine.

Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 03:56 PM
I know these pictures are blurry, but unfortunately, I am no professional photographer. smile.gif

This is one of the small boxes containing Seasons 1-4. You can see the tabs that divide the seasons. Each disc is in a cardboard fold which seperates them.


Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 04:01 PM
Here are the first four seasons, to demonstrate the art differences. You can see that the 1st, 2nd, and 4th seasons are plain silver, while the third is the same disc art as the individual releases.

Seasons 5-7 are similar to S3.

Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 04:03 PM
Finally, a picture of the 'Special Feature' disc, which contains both TV movies, 'The Lost Treasure of Atlantis' and 'Trail to Doomsday'. It is located behind the 7th season in the second index box:

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 28 October 2007 - 04:14 PM
AWESOME Loth!! Thanks for posting the pics biggrin.gif

surprise.gif I can't believe how cheap and nasty the set looks. I'm absolutely disgusted.

no protection for the disks and they don't even match! they've used two different sets! blink.gif

Well after seeing that I wouldn't' advise anyone to buy it unless you plan to use a disk holder wallet (which is what I did with mine) in which case the packaging wouldn't matter.

You'd almost be tempted to buy the pack.. copy the features disk and then send it all back and get your money back.

Maybe if enough people send the damn things back Paramount might GET A CLUE!!!

Posted by: trtlsoup 28 October 2007 - 06:53 PM
I totally agree with Rocky's assessment. Word for word!

So, do you think it's worth the price, Loth? I'm really torn... And I really don't want to go though hassle of reselling the sets that I have just to get the movies (of which I already have from a *mumblemumbleTORRENTmumblesnort* site and have yet to watch...)

And,

Has anyone else sent a (scathing, but polite) *ahem* letter to Paramount? I haven't got a real answer yet. Just the "We've recieved your mail, bla bla bla, yadda yadda" form letter that companies send. And that was before I saw these pictures.

My Season 1 set has "The Complete First Season" only... not "Original Broadcast Episodes" anywhere on the box. I'm really disliking Paramount right now...

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 28 October 2007 - 07:07 PM
one of the problems is determining who's actually responsible.. Is it paramount or is it CBS (who now own Paramount)?


Posted by: Lothithil 28 October 2007 - 07:07 PM
I'd say that the Complete Series Collection would good if you haven't already invested in buying the individual season boxes.

If you already have them, paying out for the collection again is kinda steep, even if you haven't got the movies.

I have a feeling that Paramuck is going to be receiving a lot of strongly-worded letters and emails concerning the CSC. wink.gif

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 28 October 2007 - 07:19 PM
Another thing to consider is that the 2 movies are not like the series. They don't seem to follow any conventions set out in the tv series, non of the characters from the show are in either of them except MacGyver himself nor do they appear to follow the same time line of the show.

The comparison imo is that of the original StarGate movie to the SG:1 TV series.

Posted by: MacGyverGrrl 28 October 2007 - 08:22 PM
Thanks, Loth for the pics and the assessment. I'll be holding onto my current collection and putting my $$ toward a convention ticket for a certain event next August.

This discussion has been very helpful and informative while I was trying to make up my mind.

As far as the packaging goes, geez, even my son's Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs are packaged nicer.

Stupid Paramount. Stupid CBS. mad.gif

They both SUCK!!!!!!!!! mad.gif

Posted by: Reptile 29 October 2007 - 03:08 AM
Hmm thanks for pics, for me it doesn't look soo horrible but yes it is very cheap packaging dry.gif

Posted by: MacGyverGod 29 October 2007 - 03:35 AM
I guess I don't have much choice. No new releases since the fourth season early this year. They're really waiting for that collection.

Posted by: Reptile 29 October 2007 - 05:34 AM
QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 29 October 2007 - 12:35 PM)
I guess I don't have much choice. No new releases since the fourth season early this year. They're really waiting for that collection.

maybe, on amazon.co.uk you can too buy this set but it's the same as on amazon.com (NTSC, Region 1)

Posted by: trtlsoup 29 October 2007 - 08:07 AM
QUOTE (Rocky)
one of the problems is determining who's actually responsible.. Is it paramount or is it CBS (who now own Paramount)?

Oh darn... never thought of that...

I wrote to the email address on the box, which was Paramount. We'll see, I suppose.

QUOTE (Loth)
I'd say that the Complete Series Collection would good if you haven't already invested in buying the individual season boxes.

If you already have them, paying out for the collection again is kinda steep, even if you haven't got the movies.

I have a feeling that Paramuck is going to be receiving a lot of strongly-worded letters and emails concerning the CSC.

Well, I've invested in all 7 seasons (actually, some were gifts from the spousel unit, so I don't know how he'd feel about me trading in his gift. unsure.gif )

Paramuck roller.gif

Posted by: Old Fan 29 October 2007 - 04:54 PM
So... the "Special Features" disc contains the 2 movies only - nothing else... no "Behind the Scenes, no interviews , no outtakes, etc... hummmmm...

I still don't know about purchasing the set. I may hold out for the 2 movies to come out separately (probably never will happen)

Agree with previous comments - very poorly designed box - especially protection-wise for the discs - as Rocky pointed out. This is an expensive item - and Paramount (now - whatever they call themselves now - CBS or whatever...) is CHEAP!!!! to have put this package together like this. (Who knows - with the nitwits working there now, maybe they think it's wonderful) Penny-wise and pound foolish, I say!

Blah!

mad.gif jeep.gif

Posted by: MacGyverGod 30 October 2007 - 03:04 AM
QUOTE (Reptile @ 29 October 2007 - 02:34 PM)
QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 29 October 2007 - 12:35 PM)
I guess I don't have much choice. No new releases since the fourth season early this year. They're really waiting for that collection.

maybe, on amazon.co.uk you can too buy this set but it's the same as on amazon.com (NTSC, Region 1)

I'm region 2. Going to wait anyway, can't be that long anymore.

Posted by: MacNymph 30 October 2007 - 06:12 AM
So what's your final assessment Loth?

Are you happy with your purchase or are you suffering from buyer's remorse?

Posted by: Lothithil 30 October 2007 - 06:41 AM
QUOTE (MacNymph @ 30 October 2007 - 09:12 AM)
So what's your final assessment Loth?

Are you happy with your purchase or are you suffering from buyer's remorse?

The Collector in me is delighted to own an official release of the movies.

The Accountant in me is annoyed about the lack of quality of the CSC and the fact that the Packrat in me want to keep all the sets instead of reselling them.

Packrat won't even let me get rid of the old VHS taped-from-SpikeTV episodes that I still have! happy.gif

I don't do Regret... takes too much energy away from maintaining my Dignity when I'm talking about RDA. tongue.gif

Posted by: jackwabbit 30 October 2007 - 06:43 AM
As a recent purchaser of the boxed SG-1 set, I also will not part with my other discs.

And I still have The X-Files on tape from fX, despite owning them on DVD.

You never know, man...you might need that!

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 30 October 2007 - 01:23 PM
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 31 October 2007 - 03:41 AM)
Packrat won't even let me get rid of the old VHS taped-from-SpikeTV episodes that I still have! happy.gif

I can help with your pack-rat problem.

user posted image

Posted by: macphoen 30 October 2007 - 02:58 PM
Do the TV movies include the CBS/Paramount logo in place of the original Paramount one?

Posted by: Lothithil 30 October 2007 - 03:20 PM
*Conducting research.... * tongue.gif


The disc in introduced with a CBS DVD logo.

At the end of both movies there is a copyright by Paramount Pictures, then a Gekko Film Corp Production logo, followed by Winkler/Rich Productions, and finally ends with an association with CBS Paramount Television.


Posted by: MacGyver 30 October 2007 - 05:30 PM
Hey, thanks for the pictures, Loth!!! At last that cures my burning curiousity to see what the package actually looks like on the inside. It does look pretty cool somewhat- but I do think they might have done a better job on the packaging. I don't know how long it will really hold up. I don't know why they didn't just stick the existing Season box sets into that one bigger box.

But anyway, I'm also curious about the silver discs thing. I have noticed that on a MacGyver Season 1 set (used) that I saw for resale at a video game store. But when I got my replacement set for Season 1, it still had all the original artwork that I remember from the initial release.

I'm also still curious about the "edited episodes" warning on the complete box set. Have you been able to figure out if there are any edited episodes? (Beyond that one scene in the "Pilot", that is)

Posted by: MacGyver 30 October 2007 - 05:42 PM
By the way, regarding the quality of the MacGyver episodes (and this applies to all the individual Season sets and the Complete Series box set)
I found this thread on the Home Theater Forum (www.hometheaterforum.com)
that may be of interest.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=260368&highlight=MacGyver

The thread is basically people questioning (and complaining about) the quality of the MacGyver DVDs- and I found some information in there regarding remastering DVDs that might help explain a few things for people like me who don't really know much about it.


Posted by: MacGyverOnline 30 October 2007 - 06:56 PM
Theres some interesting comments there regarding that MacGyver was shot on film but then transfered and edited to video tape. meaning they had to use the video tapes as the master copies.

I didn't realize that they transfered the film to video for editing, although it does make sense.. videos a hell of a lot easier to edit than film is.

I, like the people in that thread, can't see Paramount going back to the film stock and re-editing all the episodes all over again to improve the quality. Although there are other digital methods which could be employed to enhance the already edited images.

edit: That might be an explanation for the edited episodes being use dint he first release too... Maybe the edited had better quality?

Posted by: MacGyver 30 October 2007 - 08:37 PM
That could be a reason- however Paramount probably decided it was better to release the full series unedited, if they learned anything from the release of ALF on DVD. (That one's not a Paramount property- but when it was released, apparently the original masters were in bad quality- so only the syndicated versions were released on DVD because they were deemed to be of better quality. So all 4 seasons of ALF are on DVD- and they are all the syndicated, edited version- and so you can bet a lot of ALF fans are seriously upset!)
So at least MacGyver was released with unedited episodes (for the most part- the scene in the "Pilot" episode notwithstanding) and that's something anyway.


Posted by: MacNancy 31 October 2007 - 10:20 PM
Mac's Chick:
QUOTE
Gee...now I'm really conflicted. I'd still love to have the movies, but to buy the whole series again just to get them (not to mention the still poor quality...)? Then again, some of my Mac DVDs seem damaged. They just freeze at certain parts of the episode, and I have to take the disc out again, fast forward through the frozen part, and watch the rest without that missing scene. sad.gif Fortunately, it's only on a few of my discs, but it's still frustrating. I swear I took good care of them, too. There aren't any scratches or fuzz on them to account for this strange "freezing" of the frame, and my DVD player is new and plays everything else fine.


Hi Lothithil,
Just popped in and saw your pictures you posted on that new MacGyver package. Thanks So Much for taking the time to post those pictures. smile.gif I agree with everyone. After seeing those pictures, I don't plan on buying that either. It's too pricey for me, not to mention what poor quality the packaging is. I think that's a shame the way they did that. And considering there are NO special features on them, I definitely won't buy it. I taped those two movies when they first aired on TV, so at least I have them on tape. That's better than nothing! I wish Paramount/CBS Would put the movies out separately. But it looks like they were in a hurry to release this package and didn't care about how they packaged the disks! What a shame! :-(

Btw Macs Chick, I have the same problem with some of my MacGyver dvds. Some of them tend to freeze up too. Our dvd player is a few years old, and I called this man who works on dvd players, and told him that our dvd player froze up sometimes. He said it could be that it needed to be cleaned, that they get dusty on the inside too, as well as the outside. So maybe your machine just needs cleaning. But I have taken good care of my disks too, and try to keep them clean. So it could be your dvd player needs cleaning. Just a thought.

Thanks Rocky for telling me about this thread. I think that really sucks that Paramount/CBS ripped us off on this MacGyver package. I agree, when you said they could have done it better. And to have the disks play in such poor viewing quality, that's a shame too. I know it's an old show, but at least they could have redone the quality of the shows. mad.gif All I can say is that they won't be getting any of my money! I too can only hope that if enough people send back their boxes and complain more to the company, that Maybe they will put those movies out separately. Let's keep our fingers crossed! Too bad we can't write to Rick and tell him how everyone got ripped off! Maybe he could do something about it. This is definitely a bad reflection on Paramount! :-( I hope they do get a lot of Steamy letters! It will serve them right! ;-)

Take Care,
Sincerely,
Nancy

Posted by: j12752 1 November 2007 - 05:47 AM
I have just bought the new complete series. I too was horrified at the packaging, it's absolutely horrible. I haven't checked all the episodes, but this version's Thief of Budapest has the missing scenes the original offering didn't. It was a pleasure to see the movies on DVD, and Trail looks great, though Atlantis is not as good as Trail. i also noticied in some spots, the picture kind of "hesitates" as it does when the tape is old, but they are not enough to be noticiblally distracting. Season 1 did seem brighter than the original DVDs, I guess they cleaned it up. Either way, I'm never giving up my original VHS recordings of the as it aired series. Considering how many little commercial blurbs there are for Macgyver during that, I don't understand why they couldn't have added all of them onto a "special features" thing. Like RDA saying Happy Holidays to the fans at the end of the Madonna as he's planting a tree, or when he promotes "Macgyver's Women" dressed in period costume, and my personnal favorite, when he plugs Macgyver moving to monday night along with Monday Night football, and dons a headband with "Macgyver" written on it ala Jim McMahon of the Chicago Bears.

Posted by: perfectlykevin 1 November 2007 - 06:09 AM
I'm late to the party, and plan to get the boxed set only because it'll be cheaper than buying each season seperately.

My question though is, how likely is it that Paramount/CBS will decide to release a better version of the boxed set, with extras, bloopers, whatever at some future date? Has that ever happened before?

Thanks,
Kev

Posted by: Lothithil 1 November 2007 - 06:38 AM
QUOTE (perfectlykevin @ 1 November 2007 - 09:09 AM)
My question though is, how likely is it that Paramount/CBS will decide to release a better version of the boxed set, with extras, bloopers, whatever at some future date? Has that ever happened before?

Seriously doubtful that they will make a special release with extra stuff. mellow.gif I've never seen or heard of any such distribution.

I'd give a kidney to see a collection of backstage bloopers or auditon tapes! I don't understand why Paramush/CBS won't go the extra mile. dry.gif Phooey!




Posted by: MacGyverOnline 1 November 2007 - 12:32 PM
QUOTE
My question though is, how likely is it that Paramount/CBS will decide to release a better version of the boxed set


Well lets see...

First they released each season individually with no extras

then they release a full series box set with the 2 movies as extras

next a "Special edition" box set with interviews, out-takes etc as features.

blowup.gif

It's hard to know what Paramount plan to do.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 2 November 2007 - 03:03 AM
QUOTE
Well lets see...

First they released each season individually with no extras

then they release a full series box set with the 2 movies as extras

next a "Special edition" box set with interviews, out-takes etc as features.



It's hard to know what Paramount plan to do.

Call me crazy, but let us hope so.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 2 November 2007 - 04:34 AM
I just found this little quote from a review of the box set on the http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Content?oid=594933 web site.

QUOTE (NewsReview.com)

Now, if you’re the type of person who needs a fancy box and special features to buy a television show on DVD, then MacGyver: The Complete Series is not for you. One of the most basic sets ever released, this 39-disc collection comes in a no-frills case and is utterly devoid of special features. That seems unfairly annoying, but the meat of the product remains intact and doesn’t disappoint. All of Mac’s adventures can be yours for around $135.


dry.gif Tell me about it!

Posted by: Vader 2 November 2007 - 04:54 AM
QUOTE

next a "Special edition" box set with interviews, out-takes etc as features.


Given Paramount's treatment of the series up to now, I think we've seen the final release of the series (except, hopefully, someone there will grow a brain and release the TV movies seperately)....sad.gif

Posted by: MacsChick 3 November 2007 - 04:02 PM
Yeah MacNancy, I've thought about cleaning my player. The thing is...it's new! Also, I don't have a problem with any of my other discs. I'm just hoping it's not the quality of the Mac discs already deteriorating. sad.gif Maybe cleaning it would do the trick.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 3 November 2007 - 06:21 PM
get someone else to try playing it on their player.. or if your computer has one, play the disk in that and see if it still freezes.

That'll tell you straight away where the problem is.

The only problem you should ever have with a DVD is surface scratches. There are exceptions such as extreme temperatures/humidity and things like that, which could interfere with the recorded media, but they certainly shouldn't have any wear or tear issues like video tapes do.

Posted by: MacsChick 3 November 2007 - 09:27 PM
Thank you for the advice, Rock. I'll have to give it a try.

Posted by: macphoen 5 November 2007 - 04:23 PM
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 31 October 2007 - 11:20 AM)
*Conducting research.... *  tongue.gif


The disc in introduced with a CBS DVD logo.

At the end of both movies there is a copyright by Paramount Pictures, then a Gekko Film Corp Production logo, followed by Winkler/Rich Productions, and finally ends with an association with CBS Paramount Television.


Thanks Lothithil.

I contacted the CBS Store and received the following response from them:

QUOTE
Dear Chris,

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, I do not currently have any information regarding independent release of the two MacGyver reunion specials. However, we greatly appreciate customer feedback and I will share your interest in the show with our product suggestions team.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Best regards,
Jessica
Customer Service
CBS Store
www.cbsstore.com


QUOTE
Hi!  Do you have any plans to release separately the two 1994 reunion movies that were released as a "bonus disc" with the complete series set?  There are many fans like myself who are disappointed and upset that this was not released on either the final (seventh) season set last year or as a single separate release.  I very much would like to own these on DVD, but not at cost of re-buying the entire series.

Thank you for your time.


Chris

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 5 November 2007 - 05:48 PM
I wonder if Paramount sees the movies as a draw card to encourage people to buy the full set. If they do I can't see them releasing the movies separately.

Also the movies where not reunion movies. There's no link to the TV show at all with these movies other than the MacGyver character.

Sad but true.

Posted by: trtlsoup 6 November 2007 - 07:08 PM
I guess I wrote to wrong folks. All I got was a canned response from Paramount. *sigh*


Posted by: MacGyverOnline 6 November 2007 - 10:55 PM
nope. that sounds like Paramount all right.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 7 November 2007 - 12:30 PM
So Loth...

The disks in the set are just the individual seasons packaged together in one box right?


Posted by: Lothithil 7 November 2007 - 12:34 PM
QUOTE (Rockatteer @ 7 November 2007 - 03:30 PM)
So Loth...

The disks in the set are just the individual seasons packaged together in one box right?

As far as I can tell... yes.

The selection of episodes that I've watched from the Complete Series Catastrophe appear to be identical to the individual season release sets.

cool.jpg Loth

Posted by: Astra 7 November 2007 - 02:05 PM
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 7 November 2007 - 10:34 PM)
the Complete Series Catastrophe

laugh.gif is that an official term? rolleyes.gif

Posted by: MacBeth 7 November 2007 - 05:24 PM
I think it goes along with Paramuck and Paramess.

Personally, I favour "The Complete Series Contraption" or possibly "The Complete Series Confustication".

Posted by: MacGyver 7 November 2007 - 07:39 PM
QUOTE
I'm also still curious about the "edited episodes" warning on the complete box set. Have you been able to figure out if there are any edited episodes? (Beyond that one scene in the "Pilot", that is)


Okay- well, then I'm still wondering what in the world the label on the box about "Some episodes may be edited from their original network airing" was all about. Is it possibly referring to music rights where stuff may have had to be replaced? But then, there's very little copyrighted (if any) music from MacGyver that I can think of that would need to replaced. I think most of the music used was either public domain or specifically written for the show.

But so far as you can tell, there's no scenes missing or anything so far. But there must be some reason for Paramount to put that warning on the box. I would definitely be interested in getting this set if only to have a copy of the TV-movies on DVD (which are very fun for me and worth owning- it'd be nice if Pete, Jack or Murdoc had shown up- maybe even another appearance of Sam, but Dana Elcar was truly the only other real cast member to reunite with- and I imagine at that point Mr. Elcar probably may not have been doing much acting. Oh well- they're still further MacGyver adventures, similar to some of the 1st. Season episodes or later Season treasure-hunting episodes.)
But before I get this complete set, I would really like to know exactly what has been edited on the set. Or does that warning mean that there's been edits on the individual Season sets all along that were never noted and that I just never realized?




Posted by: MacGyverGod 8 November 2007 - 08:23 AM
QUOTE (MacBeth @ 8 November 2007 - 02:24 AM)
I think it goes along with Paramuck and Paramess.

Personally, I favour "The Complete Series Contraption" or possibly "The Complete Series Confustication".

roller.gif

Posted by: macphoen 8 November 2007 - 01:48 PM
QUOTE (MacGyver @ 8 November 2007 - 03:39 PM)
QUOTE
I'm also still curious about the "edited episodes" warning on the complete box set. Have you been able to figure out if there are any edited episodes? (Beyond that one scene in the "Pilot", that is)


Okay- well, then I'm still wondering what in the world the label on the box about "Some episodes may be edited from their original network airing" was all about. Is it possibly referring to music rights where stuff may have had to be replaced? But then, there's very little copyrighted (if any) music from MacGyver that I can think of that would need to replaced. I think most of the music used was either public domain or specifically written for the show.

But so far as you can tell, there's no scenes missing or anything so far. But there must be some reason for Paramount to put that warning on the box. I would definitely be interested in getting this set if only to have a copy of the TV-movies on DVD (which are very fun for me and worth owning- it'd be nice if Pete, Jack or Murdoc had shown up- maybe even another appearance of Sam, but Dana Elcar was truly the only other real cast member to reunite with- and I imagine at that point Mr. Elcar probably may not have been doing much acting. Oh well- they're still further MacGyver adventures, similar to some of the 1st. Season episodes or later Season treasure-hunting episodes.)
But before I get this complete set, I would really like to know exactly what has been edited on the set. Or does that warning mean that there's been edits on the individual Season sets all along that were never noted and that I just never realized?

It's possible that this might not be edited. I asked this very question to "Numb3rs" co-creator Cheryl Heuton on TWoP.

http://forums.televisionwithoutpity....post&p=8735454

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 8 November 2007 - 01:53 PM
the link doesn't work

Posted by: macphoen 8 November 2007 - 02:12 PM
QUOTE (Rockatteer @ 9 November 2007 - 09:53 AM)
the link doesn't work

Oops.

Sorry about that Rockatteer.

http://forums.televisionwithoutpity.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=3120799&view=findpost&p=8735454

Posted by: MacGyver 8 November 2007 - 08:33 PM
So the studios just slap this sticker on there "just in case", is that it? So basically, it's like a box of chocolates- you never know what you're gonna get!
The MacGyver complete series set might be totally unedited- but there's always that chance that some edited episodes may have slipped by?

Hmm- I wish Paramount would address the issue directly. (But then, there's a lot of things I wish Paramount would do in regards to the MacGyver series.) sad.gif


Posted by: Kate Mackay 9 November 2007 - 05:54 PM
Thanks for the pics, my friend. That is something to see. They got the liner notes and everything. So what I am about to say is NOT your fault, okay ?
But I think this attempt they call a presentation for the fans, is more like an attempt to quack off the fans. I mean, they should get their " act " together. To put the discs to match each other. To really PLEASE the fans, NOT quackING US OFF ! Make the disks match , FCOL ! And have more stuff than just the two movies !
I mean it took them all this time, they had an on - off relationship with the idea of HAVING the boxed-set. Then when they FINALLY bring it to us, . . .
Okay, I think I better go somewhere to calm down and to cool off . I will be back when that happens. But in the meantime . . . OOOOOOOooooh ! I wish I could just ring their necks for what they DIDN'T do !

Sincerely ( quacked ) ,
Kate Mackay

Posted by: Old Fan 11 November 2007 - 05:53 PM
I think there is a big line forming for just that purpose...

mad.gif jeep.gif

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 15 November 2007 - 09:32 PM
QUOTE (MacGyver @ 9 November 2007 - 05:33 PM)
So the studios just slap this sticker on there "just in case", is that it? So basically, it's like a box of chocolates- you never know what you're gonna get!
The MacGyver complete series set might be totally unedited- but there's always that chance that some edited episodes may have slipped by?

It would certainly give them the opportunity of re-using the edited versions of "thief of Budapest" and get away with it, wouldn't it.

I guess the phrase "complete series" only covers all the episodes being included in the set, not that the whole episode is included. dry.gif

Posted by: MacGyver 24 November 2007 - 02:27 PM
I just noticed that TVShowsonDVD.com has a review of the MacGyver Complete Series DVD set online.
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/reviews/MacGyver-Complete-Series/6863

I think it pretty much agrees with what we've been saying-

A+ for the MacGyver series,
F- for the way it was released. mad.gif sad.gif

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 24 November 2007 - 03:05 PM
one thing the review doesn't mention is that they seem to have used the left overs of 2 different disk sets (silver label and standard yellow label) which adds considerably to the overall cheap and nasty feel that they have just taken the already existing sets and thrown them into a cheaply made box.

Posted by: stooge4444 1 December 2007 - 08:44 PM
Hey Everyone!!

Thank you very much Lothithil for the demo of the packaging (and everyone else's research) as I know it has helped everyone here.

I've been weary of these complete sets in recent times that have been released because I fear of their quality. I've been on a crusade recently to consolidate my movie/show collection by getting complete series/box sets. I had almost all SG-1 and only 3 Seinfeld seasons but they took up so much space. I bought both complete sets and I am very glad to have the space. The Seinfeld set is awesome with very good packaging and "stuff." The SG-1 set it just like this Mac set; the DVDs sit in cardboard sleeves. I think the Mac set is actually better because the discs are at least a little loose in the cardboard. The SG-1 set has a cardboard panel with four DVDs lined vertically and the discs rub right against the cardboard.

Now that I know how the Mac set is constructed (and how it's similar to the SG-1 set), I am not going to buy it. Even though, I really want the tv movies. The standard current sets barely take up any room right now anyway so that I don't think there's that much of a benefit.

Here's hoping that one day the mighty capitalistic studios will listen to us. On that note, are there any torrents for the movies? .....hehe, jk....wink.gif

Posted by: MacsChick 1 December 2007 - 10:10 PM
I have the complete series of Seinfeld, and I've noticed how much more "stuff"--extas, etc. they have in comparison to even the SG-1 discs and how much better they're packaged. I wish these TV DVDs were a little more equal in terms of extras and packaging. It still eludes me as to why they're not--okay--$--that's a huge factor. How disappointing, but inevitable and unavoidable, I guess. dry.gif

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 2 December 2007 - 01:01 AM
QUOTE (stooge4444 @ 2 December 2007 - 05:44 PM)
Here's hoping that one day the mighty capitalistic studios will listen to us. On that note, are there any torrents for the movies? .....hehe, jk....wink.gif

http://www.macgyveronline.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=9&t=4054#

Posted by: trtlsoup 2 December 2007 - 01:58 PM
I read your rant, for which I wholeheartedly agree! You should send that to Paramount!

As for the |t|o|r|r|e|n|t|s| for the movies , it is now illegal to download them now they a marketable product out. I got my movies way before Paramount released anything.

Ya know... I can probably guarantee that the 2 movies will be released. When, I don't know. It's all just so frustrating! Grr...

My local WalMarts (they're breeding!) are all sold out of the MacGyver sets. Probably for holiday gifts... I just wonder how many will complain when the gifts get opened... hmm.bmp




Posted by: murdoc040 28 March 2008 - 01:24 AM
I have it and its the best thing I ever bought. Life is good now.

Posted by: kiwijem 5 August 2008 - 02:25 AM
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 29 October 2007 - 12:03 PM)
Finally, a picture of the 'Special Feature' disc, which contains both TV movies, 'The Lost Treasure of Atlantis' and 'Trail to Doomsday'. It is located behind the 7th season in the second index box:

*steals this disc*

Man, I soooooooo want the movies somehow!!! Does anybody know where I can get them from? I was so gutted when I discovered that, after ordering all of the seasons 1-7 boxed sets, online and waiting for them to be released and then sent to me ... that I can't get the movies unless I buy the series all over again!!! sad.gif How unfair is that?!! *cries*

sak.gif

Posted by: Liz1976 5 August 2008 - 04:19 AM
QUOTE (kiwijem @ 5 August 2008 - 10:25 PM)
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 29 October 2007 - 12:03 PM)
Finally, a picture of the 'Special Feature' disc, which contains both TV movies, 'The Lost Treasure of Atlantis' and 'Trail to Doomsday'.  It is located behind the 7th season in the second index box:

*steals this disc*

Man, I soooooooo want the movies somehow!!! Does anybody know where I can get them from? I was so gutted when I discovered that, after ordering all of the seasons 1-7 boxed sets, online and waiting for them to be released and then sent to me ... that I can't get the movies unless I buy the series all over again!!! sad.gif How unfair is that?!! *cries*

sak.gif

Loth,

Have you checked on Ebay?

Posted by: Lothithil 5 August 2008 - 06:48 AM
QUOTE (Liz1976 @ 5 August 2008 - 06:19 AM)
Loth,

Have you checked on Ebay?

For... ?

Posted by: Liz1976 5 August 2008 - 11:03 AM
QUOTE (Lothithil @ 6 August 2008 - 02:48 AM)
QUOTE (Liz1976 @ 5 August 2008 - 06:19 AM)
Loth,

Have you checked on Ebay?

For... ?

The 2 made for TV MacGyver movies. hmm.bmp

Posted by: Lothithil 5 August 2008 - 11:35 AM
I got them inside the Full Series set... maybe it was kiwijem that you meant to address. wink.gif

biggrin.gif

Posted by: Liz1976 5 August 2008 - 07:03 PM
doh.gif

Posted by: Beachbead 4 September 2009 - 11:50 AM
Found this on the net a new box cover for the all of them.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 4 September 2009 - 03:11 PM
That set was around long before Paramount ever released MacGyver on DVD.

It's a recorded from TV bootleg set, which is why I've removed the link that beachbead originally posted (we don't support blatant video piracy)

One of the main giveaways when looking at things like this is to look for the region. If it says "region 0" or "region free", or in this case "guaranteed to play in all DVD Players." it means its been recorded on a home dvd writer/recorder and will obviously be a bootleg copy.




Posted by: Beachbead 6 September 2009 - 06:11 PM
that sucks, aybe one day they will get caught.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 3 December 2009 - 01:20 PM
I've actually reported a few of those sites to the appropriate authorities for copyright piracy. Nothing seems to get done about it.

As I've said in other rants about copyright. The production companies only make a noise about copyright when it suits them, and it only suits them when there's a sizable amount of money to be made.

ranting2.gif

Posted by: Norwegian fan 24 January 2010 - 01:14 PM
Is it correct to say, that if you ain't looking for the two movies you should buy them separately(the seasons).

As the most people here agreed with, the box wasn't very good looking. So if I can find them separetely, perhaps on sale and then save some money, should I go for it?

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 24 January 2010 - 02:46 PM
It is correct. smile.gif

The individual sets are much better presented. smile.gif


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