My folks got me the new Season 3 West Wing DVD boxset for my birthday yesterday. I was expecting greatness, and instead was delivered mediocrity. I've complained thusly:
Hi,
I would like to complain about the UK (Region 2) DVD release of "The West Wing - Complete Season 3" box set. The booklet contained inside says four discs, not six, and mentions a features disc which doesn't appear to be included in the UK set. This booklet appears to be a reprint of the booklet for the US release, not the UK.
Also, the back of the box states that the episodes are in 1.77:1 widescreen, but doesn't mention that it is not *anamorphic* widescreen - I must zoom into the picture on my widescreen television to fill the screen with the picture, thus losing picture quality from a medium which is supposed to be all about quality. To add insult to injury, the disc menus are in anamorphic widescreen, meaning the menus are of a higher visual quality than the actual episodes themselves!!
I am disgusted at the extremely shoddy quality of this boxset which does not befit the content included on the discs, and demand that these problems be corrected.
To make matters worse, the booklet talks about commentary tracks which aren't there, and the packaging does not match any of the previous Region 2 releases. Warner Bros., hang your collective heads in shame. I'm disgusted.
8 comments
Bob · 31 March, 2004 at 21:13
Moaning old git ;)
John Barton · 1 April, 2004 at 10:15
Thanks a lot. I have just been given the same present (but not for the same reason) and have been made to wait until next week when I'm on holiday to open it. Now I expect to be disappointed.
If what you say is correct (and you usually are - I lurk in both TWW newsgroup and Scotlug) then its time we started a war to get our just rewards as faithful fans.
(God I've actually de-lurked and made a comment)
neuro · 2 April, 2004 at 10:24
OK, here's a partial solution. Call Warner Bros. Consumer Products on 0207 984 6100 and ask to make a complaint regarding the West Wing Season 3 Boxset. You'll be put through to someone and likely asked for your details to receive a replacement booklet, as they're aware of the problem. What they're not aware of is the anamorphic widescreen (or lack thereof) hiccup. If they receive "hundreds of calls" (to quote the helpful woman I spoke to), they may look at the discs again. Campaign, anyone? :)
Greg · 2 April, 2004 at 17:56
It's time like these you look elsewhere and enjoy the benefits of a multi region dvd player... For too long region 2 dvd's have been sub-standard, view askew dvd's for instance... better off getting region 1 version through play or amazon or cdwow
neuro · 2 April, 2004 at 22:01
Doesn't solve a myriad of problems though. My parents asked me what I liked for my birthday, I suggested those DVDs - it's more reasonable for them to buy R2s than it is for them to buy R1s - also the fact that the Merkan discs won't be out for a while yet.
Gareth · 3 April, 2004 at 13:04
Who wants to fetch pitch forks and burning sticks of fire?
Susan · 3 April, 2004 at 13:28
I too got the DVDs. They came on release day which I was really happy about and in the morning I ripped my set open. i only ahd time to look at the episode list and the booklet quickly cause I had to go school. I didn't notice the mistake then. But when I got home and tried to wathc them I was really pissed. Why put a booklet in advertising the US release which doesn't even have a date yet? WB have a lot to answer for.
t holding · 28 April, 2004 at 17:33
just rang warner and got the same info - sorry misprinted book - do you want the new one?
apparently S4 will be the same style!
uk gets stuffed again!