Are we sure this is not some sort of listing error? Has any studio ever released a DVD on a Friday before? If its legit, I may be down for one. As its been said already, not bad for $10/season.
EDIT: DD has Season 1 for only $9.05, this may not be as sweet a deal as originally thought.
clintilona
07-19-07, 04:50 PM
Does this really come out tomorrow? I can't find anybody else selling anything but Season 1 (which is usually out of stock at the places I checked).
That's exactly why I'm hesitant to order this set. Season 1 is the only one that's been released or even scheduled to be released AFAIK. Also, the release date of the 20th seems odd. It's too bad...I really want the other seasons of this show and have been waiting for them for quite a while.
jmanlakerfan
07-19-07, 05:10 PM
Maybe it's an Amazon Exclusive. I'm sold.
thursdaynighter
07-19-07, 06:46 PM
It's a nice show...I'm not sure if I would buy it though...perhaps a rental.
chris_sc77
07-19-07, 07:08 PM
yep just ordered my copy today. been waiting on this since i bought the 1st season in August of 04...
Certainly not a bad price for 50 episodes (39 of which havn't been released on DVD before)
I was beginning to think this was never gonna come out.
highly recommended even for a blind buy. This show was insightful and often hilarious.
so it goes
07-19-07, 08:19 PM
The picture Amazon shows says complete first season in the corner so I would be careful with this one.
ASAPadam
07-19-07, 08:44 PM
Or you can buy just the third season for the same price: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000TA1L4U/dvdtalk
Somethin's screwy here.
ASAPadam
07-19-07, 08:53 PM
Here's some info:
http://www.customflix.com/Special/AboutUs/PR/20070718_DinnerForFive.jsp;jsessionid=251F97954A1E5FB5E50ECB2FD6E3A2AA.cfxworker01
"Favreau is making the second, third and fourth seasons of "Dinner for Five," as well as his self-titled "Favreau's Favorites," available only on Amazon.com. Fans can also choose to purchase individual episodes of these seasons, or create their own DVD with up to 10 clips or 90 minutes of video, through the CustomFlix Labs CYOD program."
bwsmom
07-19-07, 09:14 PM
The picture Amazon shows says complete first season in the corner so I would be careful with this one.
Well, I've done screen captures of both the product page and my order confirmation, so if they only send Season One, they'll be answering some rather difficult questions down the line...
HockeyMan2000
07-19-07, 10:27 PM
The picture Amazon shows says complete first season in the corner so I would be careful with this one.
But the Complete 1st Season is already available on a separate link for $12.
I don't think there's much doubt this is legit, it's a pre-order and specifically states Seasons 1-4 in the item upon checkout.
DiggityDawg
07-20-07, 10:59 AM
It sez "contains all four seasons" in the product description.
Peep
07-20-07, 11:20 AM
Here's some info:
http://www.customflix.com/Special/AboutUs/PR/20070718_DinnerForFive.jsp;jsessionid=251F97954A1E5FB5E50ECB2FD6E3A2AA.cfxworker01
"Favreau is making the second, third and fourth seasons of "Dinner for Five," as well as his self-titled "Favreau's Favorites," available only on Amazon.com. Fans can also choose to purchase individual episodes of these seasons, or create their own DVD with up to 10 clips or 90 minutes of video, through the CustomFlix Labs CYOD program."
Scary. So, if you order Seasons 1-4, you get what? CustomFlix versions? Crappy DVD-R's of the series with possibly no menus or value-added features? That's what it sounds like to me.
Pass!
bwsmom
07-20-07, 12:01 PM
Scary. So, if you order Seasons 1-4, you get what? CustomFlix versions? Crappy DVD-R's of the series with possibly no menus or value-added features? That's what it sounds like to me.
Pass!
My guess is that's for Amazon's download section, not what you get boxed from the studio.
Peep
07-20-07, 02:18 PM
My guess is that's for Amazon's download section, not what you get boxed from the studio.
I didn't think that CustomFlix were downloads. I though they were burnt DVD-Rs.
whitetigeress
07-20-07, 04:23 PM
If this is true. I am going to be very mad. I just bought the first season 2 wks ago.
Geist
07-20-07, 05:44 PM
Yeah, what if you just want 2-4?
Shoveler
07-20-07, 06:26 PM
Scary. So, if you order Seasons 1-4, you get what? CustomFlix versions? Crappy DVD-R's of the series with possibly no menus or value-added features? That's what it sounds like to me.
Pass!
That's not how I read it.
Favreau is making the second, third and fourth seasons of "Dinner for Five," as well as his self-titled "Favreau's Favorites," available only on Amazon.com.
Period. New sentence...
Fans can also choose to purchase individual episodes of these seasons, or create their own DVD with up to 10 clips or 90 minutes of video, through the CustomFlix Labs CYOD program.
So anyone who doesn't want the entire run of seasons 1-4 can purchase individual episodes of those seasons. But in my interpretation (and it seems pretty clear to me), that second sentence is not intended to suggest that the Amazon.com offering is through the CustomFlix Labs CYOD program. Two seperate options.
Shoveler
07-20-07, 06:33 PM
I'm in, blind buy for me, but I've heard many good things about this show. Looking through the episode list, the OCD side of me will demand that I watch the seasons and episodes in order, but I cannot possibly wait for episode 3.9 (I just hope it's not a letdown!).
TheMovieman
07-20-07, 07:02 PM
VERY tempting, but I've spent too much the past couple months. Hopefully it'll still be around in September. Might get it then... Good deal, though.
Peep
07-20-07, 07:07 PM
Period. New sentence...
That's fine if you only read two random sentences. Let's go back and read the introductory paragraph.
CustomFlix Labs, part of the Amazon.com, Inc. group of companies (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that famed writer, director, and actor Jon Favreau has selected CustomFlix Labs on Demand programs to serve up his highly acclaimed, Emmy-nominated television series, "Dinner for Five," to the show's fans on Amazon.com. Through the CustomFlix Labs DVD on Demand service, customers can order DVDs of the entire series, complete seasons, or individual episodes. Favreau has also chosen to make "Dinner for Five" available as customized DVDs through the CustomFlix Labs Create Your Own DVD (CYOD) program. Now fans can create personalized DVDs of their favorite moments to relive anytime and receive them within days of ordering on Amazon.com.
It sounds very much to me that customers will be using the "DVD on Demand service" to "order DVDs of the entire series".
If you want to interpret that differently, that's fine by me, but please keep the complaining to a minimum once you've received your DVD-R's.
bwsmom
07-20-07, 07:50 PM
All right... let's just put this to bed. If you look here (http://www.amazon.com/b?node=362631011), you'll see that several of the individual episodes (right up through the 4th season) have been released on DVD by Fairview Entertainment as of July 12th, so.... I'm going to go out on a limb and say these are not DVD-Rs, nor do they have anything to do with the CustomFlix versions, since you can pick and choose (aka customize) the content you want on those.
Peep
07-20-07, 11:40 PM
All right... let's just put this to bed. If you look here (http://www.amazon.com/b?node=362631011), you'll see that several of the individual episodes (right up through the 4th season) have been released on DVD by Fairview Entertainment as of July 12th, so.... I'm going to go out on a limb and say these are not DVD-Rs, nor do they have anything to do with the CustomFlix versions, since you can pick and choose (aka customize) the content you want on those.
I saw these earlier and took them to prove my point - that these are DVD-R's of individual episodes.
Through the CustomFlix Labs DVD on Demand service, customers can order DVDs of the entire series, complete seasons, or individual episodes.
These are those individual episodes, burnt on demand. If you want to pick and choose actual scenes on your DVD-R, they have an altogether different mechanism for letting you pick those scenes to customize your own DVD-R.
bwsmom
07-21-07, 12:10 AM
I saw these earlier and took them to prove my point - that these are DVD-R's of individual episodes.
These are those individual episodes, burnt on demand. If you want to pick and choose actual scenes on your DVD-R, they have an altogether different mechanism for letting you pick those scenes to customize your own DVD-R.
Maybe this will make it a little easier:
CustomFlix - Dinner for Five (http://www.customflix.com/dinnerforfive) Now it's easy to create your own customized DVD!
Just browse through the categories on the right hand side or search for your favorite segments of Dinner for Five by guest star. Then just add the clips you like to your DVD.
A disc can hold up to 10 clips or 90 minutes - whichever comes first - and costs $14.95. When you've got the clips you want, click "Checkout." Your custom compilation will be produced on-demand and shipped within 2-3 business days!
Fairview Entertainment (http://www.imdb.com/company/co0008347/) is the production company that produced the series Dinner for Five. They have already put the seasons and episodes on disc. They are, for all intents and purposes, out of the picture, except where their own royalties are concerned, or unless and until they decide to put the rest of the individual episodes on dvd.
Now, take a look at the cover for any episode or season released by Fairview. As an example...
I realize the CustomFlix one is MUCH smaller (I couldn't resize it without completely distorting the picture), but you can clearly see the words "Custom Compilation" in the middle. That's because through CustomFlix, I can take this clip on sitcoms (http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=615913) and put it on the same disc with this clip about pepper grinders (http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=615959), along with this clip about nude scenes (http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=616021), and this clip about basketball (http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=615905), even though they're all from different episodes and involve different guests.
The individual episode discs put out by Fairview Entertainment are each the entire respective episode - no customization available because they're just that - the full episode. Same goes with the full seasons. Yes, through CustomFlix, you can create full seasons, but why would you want to, when you can get them already professionally done by the production company, just as you would the various seasons of Lost, CSI, or the Dukes of Hazzard?
To my knowledge, no other tv show has done something this innovative. Say, for instance, I wanted to pick and choose certain segments of my favorite CSI episodes... mabye I wanted to create a disc that had the two-minute segment where Katherine falls into Warrick's arms when she slips while trying to climb out of an aqueduct, and then I want to have the three-minute scene where Grissom's lying on the bed in his pj's and Sara's in a bathrobe, then the couple of four or five-minute scenes between Grissom and Lady Heather.... they're all from different episodes, but if CSI were doing the same customization deal through CustomFlix, I could do that... pick and choose various clips from various episodes. That's the customization part of it. Of course, all we can get right now is what's released on disc by their production company - full seasons, no customization.
I hope this makes more sense. Yes, the write-up posted earlier in the thread made it sound as though these season sets would be darn-near bootleggers, but I am quite certain the episodes and seasons put out by Fairview Entertainment are just the same as any other tv show season set you might pick up.
Peep
07-21-07, 01:43 AM
The individual episode discs put out by Fairview Entertainment are each the entire respective episode - no customization available because they're just that - the full episode. Same goes with the full seasons. Yes, through CustomFlix, you can create full seasons, but why would you want to, when you can get them already professionally done by the production company, just as you would the various seasons of Lost, CSI, or the Dukes of Hazzard?
To my knowledge, no other tv show has done something this innovative. Say, for instance, I wanted to pick and choose certain segments of my favorite CSI episodes... mabye I wanted to create a disc that had the two-minute segment where Katherine falls into Warrick's arms when she slips while trying to climb out of an aqueduct, and then I want to have the three-minute scene where Grissom's lying on the bed in his pj's and Sara's in a bathrobe, then the couple of four or five-minute scenes between Grissom and Lady Heather.... they're all from different episodes, but if CSI were doing the same customization deal through CustomFlix, I could do that... pick and choose various clips from various episodes. That's the customization part of it. Of course, all we can get right now is what's released on disc by their production company - full seasons, no customization.
I hope this makes more sense. Yes, the write-up posted earlier in the thread made it sound as though these season sets would be darn-near bootleggers, but I am quite certain the episodes and seasons put out by Fairview Entertainment are just the same as any other tv show season set you might pick up.
I agree that Fairview Entertainment is the production company of the episodes, but I don't think that they actually made the discs - they just licensed the content. I think that CustomFlix made the discs and that they printed the artwork, just like they will print artwork for you if you make a custom compilation.
What makes you think that a different company (Fairview Entertainment), which has never actually created physical product before, was the company that pressed the individual episodes, when CustomFlix advertises that they do that very same thing? You seem to agree that CustomFlix advertises that they will burn the complete series or individual episodes and that they will sell them through Amazon. Show me how I could order either of these (from CustomFlix) through Amazon. If you can, then I will believe that there are two different companies producing the same product. Until then, I only know of one - CustomFlix Labs DVD on Demand.
As for your comparison of the differences between the episodic covers and the compilations, you've lost me. I would expect episode-specific covers to have been designed in advance for the CustomFlix DVD-Rs. And I would have expected the compilation covers to be different, and to be designed on the fly, to illustrate the scenes chosen by the customer. I don't think the covers prove or disprove either of our arguments.
I agree that providing the ability to create custom compilations is innovative. But I don't want my season sets on DVD-R, no matter how professionally done. They are nowhere near as durable - no matter how pretty the content looks.
Jah-Wren Ryel
07-21-07, 03:08 AM
FWIW, the real-DVD season 1 is listed as "Region: Region 1" while all the others - single episodes and 4-season compilation are listed as "Region: All Regions"
I'm sure there is an exception or two somewhere, but otherwise the MAFIAA never officially releases region-0 dvds. But customflix discs are all region-free per:
http://www.customflix.com/Customer/Compatibility.jsp
bwsmom
07-21-07, 07:06 PM
Well, I'm worn out from all this, so I guess the best thing to do is just wait until they show up and then I can let you know what they are. I'll even be happy to scan one of the discs so everyone can see whether they're DVD-Rs or not. One thing's for sure... if they DO end up being DVD-Rs, I suspect Amazon will have a small riot on their hands from people expecting professionally-produced discs instead of glorified bootlegs. I promise to report back either way.
Peep
07-21-07, 08:56 PM
Works for me. Thanks!
EurovisionGS
07-25-07, 05:53 PM
As of Monday of this week, the price has gone up nearly 50%... new Amazon price is now $59.95....
So, let's wait for somebody who actually ordered this set to see if they are the real thing and if it's worth waiting for the price to drop again.
nevermore
07-25-07, 06:38 PM
I ordered mine when this thread first opened. My ship date has been pushed back twice. It says it will now ship late Sept. to arrive early Oct. The reason why, I don't know. But, it still has the initial price, so I'll be damned if I'm cancelling.
chris_sc77
07-25-07, 07:00 PM
Son of a bitch... i knew this sounded too good to be true.
Wonder if this'll ever be released. I still have the Life Aquatic book orderer from amazon that was supposed to come out over 2 and a half years ago.
EurovisionGS
07-25-07, 07:10 PM
Nothing could be worse than the My So-Called Life horror story from a few years ago... I think i will actually give that set away to rid myself of the bad karma and purchase the new one from ShoutFactory when it comes out :)
Hope Dinner With Five Complete will turn out to be the real thing, it's really a great show!
jmanlakerfan
07-26-07, 06:44 PM
Strange.
I received the message saying it wasn't going to be available until late Sept also. However, I just checked and was charged for it today. It says it is "shipping soon." The estimated delivery date still shows Sept 27th though. That's weird.
Did this happen to anyone else?
bwsmom
07-26-07, 07:12 PM
Strange.
I received the message saying it wasn't going to be available until late Sept also. However, I just checked and was charged for it today. It says it is "shipping soon." The estimated delivery date still shows Sept 27th though. That's weird.
Did this happen to anyone else?
Giggle... had to check mine to see what the status was....
Items shipping soon:
Delivery estimate: August 6, 2007 - August 10, 2007
1 of: Dinner For Five: The Complete Series, Seasons 1-4
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
I'll keep watch on it every day to see if the status changes and will report back accordingly.
Peep
07-26-07, 09:06 PM
I received the message saying it wasn't going to be available until late Sept also.
I guess it takes a while to burn all those discs. :)
bwsmom
07-26-07, 11:20 PM
I guess it takes a while to burn all those discs. :)
:whofart: rotfl -screwy- :lol:
bwsmom
07-27-07, 07:39 PM
Giggle... had to check mine to see what the status was....
Items shipping soon:
Delivery estimate: August 6, 2007 - August 10, 2007
1 of: Dinner For Five: The Complete Series, Seasons 1-4
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
I'll keep watch on it every day to see if the status changes and will report back accordingly.
FYI - Still says the same thing today.
nevermore
07-27-07, 08:49 PM
I just got an email telling me that it had shipped. Hopefully it won't just be a crappy cardboard box and a stack of burned discs,
I just now got shipment notification that it shipped yesterday. It seems they don't know what's going on. They sent it by Fedex overnight and it's scheduled to be delivered Monday. I will let you guys know how they are. Hopefully, they shipped the right thing.
This is the email they sent me yesterday:
Thank you for writing to us at Amazon.com.
We are very sorry for the delay in completing your order. I have
reviewed your account and can see that this experience has been far
less than positive. We strive for convenience and efficiency at
Amazon.com, but in this instance we have fallen short of our goal.
I'm truly sorry that your impression of doing business with
Amazon.com has been so negative.
The new Estimated Ship Date for your order is Septebber 24, 2007 and
the new Estimated Delivery Date is Septebber 26, 2007 .
I can assure you that we are working hard to obtain this item for
you and we will ship it as soon as we are able to obtain it. This
means that we will ship the item as soon as we receive it from our
suppliers even if the estimated ship date has still not arrived.
Please allow me to explain that sometimes unexpected fluctuations in
supply can add time to our original availability estimate. We have
learned that "Dinner For Five: The Complete Series, Seasons 1-4" is
now back-ordered, and our supplier has not been able to let us know
exactly when they expect to have more in stock.
I'm sorry that you were not notified sooner of this change in
availability.
We will ship the item as soon as we are able to obtain it. You
won't be charged until we ship it to you. On the date of shipment,
we'll send you e-mail confirming the date, contents, and method of
your shipment.
We would understand if you'd prefer to cancel your order. You may
cancel unshipped items through the "Your Account" page, accessible
at the top of any page on our web site. To cancel your order,
simply click "Cancel items or orders." After signing in with your e-
mail address and password, you will be able to view your order
history and cancel your order for any item that has not yet entered
the shipping process.
If you have further questions, feel free to visit our online Help
pages:
http://www.amazon.com/help
In addition to a wide selection of items, one of our aims at
Amazon.com is to provide a convenient and efficient service; in this
case, we have not met that standard.
Rest assured that you were not been charged for this order.
Again, I am truly sorry that we were not able to fulfill your
expectations for this level of service. I hope that you will give
us another opportunity to prove the quality of our service to you.
bwsmom
07-28-07, 02:51 PM
Whoa! Your post made me curious, so I went and checked my status... it was shipped yesterday via FedEx Next and is already here in Portland, so I should have it either today or Monday! Woot! :D
bwsmom
07-30-07, 02:34 PM
They're here! And the verdict is..... we were both right?!? They are definitely professionally done and released by Fairview Entertainment, but it says right on the case and the discs themselves that they are "DVD-R format". I will take one of the sets to work and scan the disc, as promised, so you can all see exactly what you'll be receiving.
Must edit: Just found the CustomFlix notation, in eency weency lettering above the barcode, so Peep's in the right here. It will be interesting to see how they play...
nevermore
07-30-07, 03:36 PM
I tried out my Season 1 Disc 1. The quality is the same as the original release of season 1. There are no special features, but, to be fair, there weren't many on the old Season 1. But no deleted scenes or outtakes or history of the restaraunt. It's a simple menu with Episode Selection and Play All. Over all, it's nice to finally have the entire series and it's probably the best fans are going to get, but it's still DVD-Rs and that is kinda...irritating.
jmanlakerfan
07-30-07, 03:43 PM
I haven't checked the quality yet but I don't see what the big deal about DVD-R's is. Favreau was behind this so I think this is the best we will get. He knew this was the only way fans would be able to get the episodes. Maybe Amazon should list the product differently but even then it will still be bought.
Most major studio releases don't have extras anymore - so this having none is really no big deal. As long as we can watch the episodes in DVD quality - it will be fine by me.
chris_sc77
07-30-07, 03:44 PM
It could have been worse...It could have been a lot worse...
Peep
07-30-07, 05:01 PM
I haven't checked the quality yet but I don't see what the big deal about DVD-R's is. Favreau was behind this so I think this is the best we will get. He knew this was the only way fans would be able to get the episodes. Maybe Amazon should list the product differently but even then it will still be bought.
Most major studio releases don't have extras anymore - so this having none is really no big deal. As long as we can watch the episodes in DVD quality - it will be fine by me.
The big deal shows up a year or so from now when those discs start to degrade. Burnt discs are significantly less reliable then then pressed ones.
Are these DVD-R's single layer or dual layer?
bwsmom
07-30-07, 06:26 PM
Are these DVD-R's single layer or dual layer?
No clue. No indication on either the disc or the cover.
And, as promised, here's the scan of the disc (sorry it's a little distorted!):
Pop it into your computer and see how much space the files take up. It it's under 4.5G(ish), then its a single layer.
Jah-Wren Ryel
07-30-07, 09:39 PM
If you want to take it a step further, install this software:
http://www.dvdinfopro.com/
Put one of the discs in and check the media info page in dvdinfo for the media code - typically a couple of letters and a couple of digits. The media code will tell you the manufacturer of the blank media and thus the quality of the disc and its likely longevity. Rule of thumb is that japanese-manufactered blanks are at the top of the quality list.
Peep
07-30-07, 09:56 PM
Yeah, I'd be curious to see if they are using decent discs.
bwsmom
07-30-07, 09:59 PM
Unless somebody else that's received them can do it, I'll have to wait until I get home (I work nights, and my disc drive here at work isn't seeing the disc). I'll be happy to post the info once I get home and can check it out.
Trevor
07-30-07, 10:47 PM
Season 1 disc 1 is 3.6G
Peep
07-30-07, 11:12 PM
Season 1 disc 1 is 3.6G
Ouch. Not only are they single-layer DVD-R's, but almost 1/5 of the space on the disc is wasted.
So far, I'm not impressed.
RevKarl
07-30-07, 11:45 PM
Well, after learning that the set was definitely made up of DVD-Rs, I tried to cancel my order online, but the website listed it as "Shipping Soon."
I then called Amazon customer service and was told my order had shipped on the 27th, but the "website hasn't been updated yet." The CS said he would authorize a refund (Yeah, Right!) and asked that I ship the DVD set back to them once I received it "in a few days."
A few minutes later, I got an Amazon email informing me that my order had shipped today (30th) via FedEx Next Day Delivery (I had selected "free shipping.") So, tomorrow, I'll refuse delivery and await my refund.
Many thanks to bwsmom for being the "sacrificial lamb" on this one.
bwsmom
07-30-07, 11:53 PM
Many thanks to bwsmom for being the "sacrificial lamb" on this one.
I'd fall on the sword for (most) of you guys any day! ;)
One question though - Peep says that DVRs degrade faster, and even faster still depending on the type of DVR - so, does that mean that if you play them too many times, they wear out faster, or is it that they simply go downhill over time, whether you play them or not? (Sorry guys, but I'm not well-versed in the longevity of the various types of media).
Peep
07-31-07, 01:14 AM
That's agood question. I've never heard anything to suggest that playing them less will make them last longer. How you store them will definately be a factor.
Jah-Wren Ryel
07-31-07, 01:48 AM
Here's the short version of the NIST recordable optical disc handling guide:
reason i'm curious is that i rented the first disc and am looking into getting the entire series set from amazon, but the season 1 disc i got looked like this:
so when you order the entire set from amazon, do you get s1 like this? and then s2-5 in dvd-r format? but if you buy s1 by itself, you get the version i posted a pic of?
and also, do you think there are plans to release the entire series later on in non-dvd-r format? is this an amazon exclusive only for a short period of time, much like "grosse pointe" which became available at other retailers later on?
HockeyMan2000
07-31-07, 07:26 PM
Well I opted to give these a try and I was pleasantly surprised. They have glossy disc surfaces (not cheap, adhesive labels you often see on DVD-Rs that end up corroding) and most of the episodes look fine...not having seen the show before I was a little puzzled as to why some episodes look a little more "video" like/pixilated than others, i.e. if they shot some on a certain kind of video or what not (you can flip to the next episode and it looks perfect).
Overall though the compression level is certainly satisfactory and I'm pleased with the set as a whole.
slder78
08-01-07, 01:09 AM
I have a problem with Disc 3 season 1 of the release. When I try to play Episode 7 The screen goes totally white, but the audio is ok. Is this happening to anyone else?
Trevor
08-02-07, 02:03 PM
I have a problem with Disc 3 season 1 of the release. When I try to play Episode 7 The screen goes totally white, but the audio is ok. Is this happening to anyone else?
Same problem here. I've only checked two other episodes in the set so far, #8 on that disc, and the first episode, and they were fine.
Kinda sucks, but if every other episode is fine, I may just keep it. It's really an audio dominant show, do I really need to see them eat...?
Ajediday
08-04-07, 05:15 PM
I got my season 1-4 discs the other day. They first sent email saying they would be delayed and two days later fedex showed up with the package. I have found the following issues:
Season 1 Disc 3 - Episode 7 is all white, good audio
Season 1 Disc 4 - Episode 9 is all white, good audio
Season 2 Disc 3 - Episode 18 is all white, good audio
Season 3 Disc 2 - Just Ep 25 and Ep 26 is displayed, instead of episode number and who is in it.
Season 3 Disc 2 - Ep 25, low volume.
Season 3 Disc 3 - Just Ep 27.1 and Ep 27.2 is displayed instead of episode number and who is in it.
Season 3 Disc 6 - Episode 26 is all white, audio is good.
All of season 4 seems ok.
Jah-Wren Ryel
08-04-07, 11:55 PM
Looks like Amazon is using you guys as guinea pigs.
Ajediday
08-05-07, 08:42 AM
It seems that way, I am returning the set, as much as I like it, the defects are not acceptable. They are going to refund in full, but can't replace because the set is unavailable now.
utopia23
08-06-07, 02:29 AM
I have a problem with Disc 3 season 1 of the release. When I try to play Episode 7 The screen goes totally white, but the audio is ok. Is this happening to anyone else?
yeah I've had 2 episodes that have gone white on me so far. I'm not gonna return them or anything but its disappointing. if I'd payed over 41 for these I'd be more pissed.
chris_sc77
08-06-07, 10:17 PM
Ajediday's list seems to be the same problems i got on my set except it is episode 36 that is all white .
Peep
08-06-07, 11:15 PM
I think all of you should be more aggressive about demanding satisfaction or else Amazon is going to continue allowing the sale of low-quality crap like this in the future.
When six of your discs are bad, you should do more than mutter.
nevermore
08-08-07, 08:43 PM
My DVDs were messed up, too, and had work given me an opportunity, I would've let Amazon know. However, this afternoon I got an email from them. Let me sum up: "We screwed up. Some of those DVDs were shit. We've fixed the error and are sending you new copies. Keep the old. Also, here's a 10 dollar gift certificate. Sorry. No, really." So, not too bad. Hopefully the new ones will be better quality.
Ajediday
08-08-07, 09:28 PM
It was episode 36, my fingers got confused and typed 26.
I got my email from amazon today as well...I guess it was a good thing I was slow about getting the return setup :)
Jah-Wren Ryel
08-08-07, 10:02 PM
Wow, so Amazon has taken a break from sucking hard this time.
chris_sc77
08-08-07, 10:32 PM
Wow that was really cool of amazon to do this for us who got screwed up sets
Trevor
08-08-07, 11:45 PM
I was actually going to fire off an email and return them if necessary. One non-video episode I could have lived with, but there were way too many issues to just bend over.
Props to Amazon for going out of their way to make us happy. As long as the new discs work well I'll consider this a steal for $31. Great series, and very easy to watch/listen to while multi-tasking.
Peep
08-09-07, 01:14 AM
My DVDs were messed up, too, and had work given me an opportunity, I would've let Amazon know. However, this afternoon I got an email from them. Let me sum up: "We screwed up. Some of those DVDs were shit. We've fixed the error and are sending you new copies. Keep the old. Also, here's a 10 dollar gift certificate. Sorry. No, really." So, not too bad. Hopefully the new ones will be better quality.
I hope that they are just as gracious if the discs start degrading and become unplayable in a year or so. Sounds like CF had crap quality control. I wouldn't take the risk - I'd just return the entire set and demand my money back.
bwsmom
08-14-07, 06:32 PM
Got my new set via FedEx today. Never did get an e-mail about it (nor did I send one), and there was no note or explanation in with the dvds, just the whole set, nicely packed and all. Crossing my fingers these ones are better than their predecessors. -pray-
Peep
08-14-07, 11:19 PM
Got my new set via FedEx today. Never did get an e-mail about it (nor did I send one), and there was no note or explanation in with the dvds, just the whole set, nicely packed and all. Crossing my fingers these ones are better than their predecessors.
I'm telling you, send them back and demand a refund. You will be wishing you had 6 months from now.
iconoclasm
08-15-07, 09:13 PM
it was a good show, but i have a hunch these will be mad cheap soon enough(5 to 7 bucks per season).
edit i first thought this said "party of 5 complete series for $40" and should have known better
jmanlakerfan
08-16-07, 03:30 PM
I'm telling you, send them back and demand a refund. You will be wishing you had 6 months from now.
I think enjoying the show - even for 6 months - is worth it. Where else can it be seen? This will be the only way to see it (for maybe forever).
The set cost us essentially $ 30.00 for every episode. The set is pretty poorly made but the shows look ok. As good as the tv broadcasts.
They did also send us two sets. While the first set was defective - you could still listen to the show. Do you really need to see them eat the whole time?
I think it was worth it. At least for those of us who bought it early.
bwsmom
08-16-07, 03:36 PM
The set cost us essentially $ 30.00 for every episode.
While I've never claimed to be a math genius, I'm hoping that's a typo... :whofart:
chris_sc77
08-16-07, 03:44 PM
41.99 minus the $10 coupon Amazon sent out to appease the people who got defective copies = 31.99 for (1 corrected set and One damaged set)
I' am definitely glad i bought this and have already watched all the episodes.
Hilarious show.
bwsmom
08-16-07, 03:48 PM
41.99 minus the $10 coupon Amazon sent out to appease the people who got defective copies = 31.99 for (1 corrected set and One damaged set)
I' am definitely glad i bought this and have already watched all the episodes.
Hilarious show.
I get it now... I was reading his comment as "$30.00 for each episode" as opposed to "$30.00 for all episodes". Silly me! :D
HoolieMan
08-16-07, 04:55 PM
So these discs self destruct in 6 months? Are they divx? oh no!
aussieaj
08-17-07, 12:34 AM
uhhh guys? there isn't anything on Amazon about a full series set. In fact the only one available is the 1st season. Did they take it down?
chris_sc77
08-17-07, 12:43 AM
^I would say that it is a pretty safe assumption that they did indeed take it down.
At least for the time being.
MasterofDVD
08-17-07, 01:09 AM
Hopefully they will get this stuff straightened out and put the set up again soon. The big question is who is going to volunteer to be the guinea pig for the next set?
aussieaj
08-17-07, 01:10 AM
great as if living in Australia and not getting any of the good shows wasn't bad enough, now Amazon is making things tough too.
RevKarl
08-17-07, 06:45 AM
Just out of curiosity...to those of you who received the "Version 2" sets:
Did they fix all the problems found with the first pressings and/or did any other issues pop up?
jimmyjames
08-18-07, 01:09 PM
I received a second set of DVD-Rs, but unfortunately they are just as unplayable as the first set (on a DVD player that has never had an issue playing any other DVD-Rs). I hope that others have better luck. Our experience is that the menu loads to show 'Episodes' and 'Play All' options, but nothing allows us to get past that screen to see episode listings or play any of them.
I re-read a recent email from Amazon and while it implies a fix was made, it does not explicitly state that the second set is the result of the manufacturing error having been fixed: "We've learned that there is a manufacturing error with this item and your order may be affected. In some cases, chapters in this DVD collection display a blank video screen. To resolve this issue, we will ship you a replacement copy of this DVD set at no extra charge in the next 7-10 business days." Maybe a fix was made, but I'm not seeing much evidence of that.
The customer service person I spoke with was polite and likely helped me as much as she was able. My credit card will be credited, but my order experience remains very unsatisfactory.
Again, I hope that re-deliveries will work out better for others.
bwsmom
08-18-07, 01:19 PM
I received a second set of DVD-Rs, but unfortunately they are just as unplayable as the first set (on a DVD player that has never had an issue playing any other DVD-Rs). I hope that others have better luck. Our experience is that the menu loads to show 'Episodes' and 'Play All' options, but nothing allows us to get past that screen to see episode listings or play any of them.
I re-read a recent email from Amazon and while it implies a fix was made, it does not explicitly state that the second set is the result of the manufacturing error having been fixed: "We've learned that there is a manufacturing error with this item and your order may be affected. In some cases, chapters in this DVD collection display a blank video screen. To resolve this issue, we will ship you a replacement copy of this DVD set at no extra charge in the next 7-10 business days." Maybe a fix was made, but I'm not seeing much evidence of that.
The customer service person I spoke with was polite and likely helped me as much as she was able. My credit card will be credited, but my order experience remains very unsatisfactory.
Again, I hope that re-deliveries will work out better for others.
Ugh!!! I'm hoping to (finally) get a look at mine tomorrow and will certainly report back any problems with the replacement set. One question: Are they expecting you to send back the second set, since you're being credited for the amount?
My guess is Amazon will chalk this up as a learning experience, since they've pulled the "complete series" set off their website. Hopefully they'll think twice before dealing with CustomFlix again (and hopefully Jon Favreau will, too!) I know it'll be a long time before I buy anything produced by them (if I ever buy a product of theirs again!)
Sorry guys. :(
Jah-Wren Ryel
08-18-07, 03:30 PM
Amazon *is* CustomFlix. They bought them back in 2005.
Peep
08-18-07, 03:40 PM
My guess is Amazon will chalk this up as a learning experience...
I'm hoping that Amazon isn't the only one having a learning experience.
When people who know about DVD authorizing warn you repeatedly not to be beta-testers of a new burn-to-own technology, you should listen.
:)
Peep
08-19-07, 11:22 PM
For those who care, CustomFlix Labs has just announced that they are changing their name to CreateSpace. Co-founder Dana LoPiccolo-Giles did not mention the recent Amazon fiasco when justifying the name change.
Buy: