My recent review of Warner Bros.
Batman: The Complete Television Series was mostly glowing, though I did mention issues with a couple of episodes that are missing brief shots. On Tuesday, Warner Bros. addressed these minor issues with the following statement announcing a disc replacement program (interestingly, the bonus discs will also include a little new bonus content):
"Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will provide fans with
replacement discs and digital repairs to the few minor technical issues
identified in its recent release of Batman: The Complete Television
Series.
Amounting to less than five minutes of footage within the 50-plus hours
of entertainment, the issues encompass one 60-second dropped scene in
the episode entitled "Marsha's Scheme of Diamonds"; a brief piece of
rarely-heard William Dozier narration that originally opened the pilot
episode, "Hi Diddle Riddle"; and an assembly of villain tags from the
end of assorted episodes.
"The restoration process of this footage - spanning 48 years and two
major studios - has been a super heroic task, and we deeply regret even
the smallest of glitches occurring in that process," said Rosemary
Markson, Senior Vice President, TV Brand Management & Retail
Marketing, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. "We recognize our obligation
to the fans of this landmark series, and we have worked diligently to
identify all issues and provide resolutions as quickly as possible."
To resolve these issues for consumers purchasing Batman: The Complete
Television Series, WBHE will make available complete replacement discs
for the discs that originally included the episodes "Marsha's Scheme of
Diamonds" and "Hi Diddle Riddle." The villain tags will be re-issued as
an assembled string on one of the aforementioned discs and, as an added
bonus, WBHE has acquired rights and legal clearances to both a
Bat-vehicle teaser that originally aired as part of the second
season-opening "Shoot A Crooked Arrow" episode, and one of the original
promotional tags that aired on the original showing of the "The Duo
Defy" episode. Additionally, all fixes will be made to all Digital HD
versions of Batman: The Complete Television Series.
To obtain the replacement discs, consumers who have purchased Batman: The Complete Television Series are directed to www.warnerbros.com/help/customer-service.
Worldwide demand for the Limited Edition box set of Batman: The Complete
Television Series has been tremendous, resulting in widespread retailer
sellouts and rapidly dwindling inventories heading into the holiday
season. To fulfill consumer interest, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
has announced a new streamlined Blu-ray™ box set that includes all 120
episodes and matching enhanced content from the limited edition set, but
without the added premium items or Digital HD copy. Purchasers of this
set will also need to utilize the customer service website to obtain
replacement discs."
