Goodbye Studio DVDs, Hello Live DVDs?

[Ford Prefect]

blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2009/03/an_exclusive_sw_interview_with_1.php
“We’re writing our ninth movie now since we started, and we’re toying with whether we should be doing studio shows anymore: Should we be doing just live shows and recording [them]?”

I think live material should be included as a bonus feature or (if it’s financially possible for them) they should create a secondary DVD line for live show releases. I don’t think live performances should replace the studio episodes though. Studio shows allow them to include more jokes for one thing. In live performances they’ll be jokes that make the audience laugh so much the crew will miss out on an opportunity to say something else because nobody will hear it. They might not continue the loose storyline from the intros if they just start recording the live shows. Plus they wouldn’t get to do all the goofy visual gags on screen like the breast blimp.

Keep in mind, I don’t think the DVD audience should miss out on some fun material from the live shows. The warm up act, the signing afterward, and some “best of” live material that’s different from the studio show would be great to include as a bonus feature. A secondary line of live show releases to test the market would be good too. It would give fans something to watch while we wait for a new episode if we wish to do so. Heck, fans have already proved they’d buy a movie twice with the “Santa Claus Conquers The Martians” episode.

But if they abandon studio shows in favor of live performance DVDs because it's more economically feasible or if they sell better, I suppose I’ll live. What do you guys think?

[Beautiful Mind]

I posted a very similar sentiment over on the CT board. I really like the studio DVDs and I really hope they keep doing them. But recent interviews seem to point to CT becomming more about the live shows and less about the DVD sales. That's cool with me as long as they include somewhere midwestish in every tour so I get a chance to see 'em! If the DVDs all go live I'll live too but I really will miss the cute studio site gags and the premise.

[Captain Hygiene]

I agree with Ford Prefect, that studio DVDs as definitive editions with a secondary line of live recordings would be ideal. It's worked fine for musicians in general, and allows the studio version to be much more fine tuned, and the live version to be a bit more free and loose - the best of both worlds.

That said, I wouldn't be particularly upset if they switched to only live recordings, as long as the sound quality is fine.

[crowschmo]

I agreee, they should do a bit of both.

[Chuck]

I'm all for live shows. Especially the Titans, because they can work material during the live shows. Keep the DVDs studio -- that way we can catch ALL of the jokes.

[mrmeadows]

Chuck Johnson is right! I'm of the opinion that live shows are best experienced, well, LIVE! They just aren't the same when pre-taped and watched later on TV. . .it's all about actually being there, if you're fortunate enough to be. If not, then a studio release with crystal-clear video and sound would be far preferable. Plus, we'd lose the silhouettes!

[Mod City]

I'd prefer they stick with studio DVDs, but I've never been to a live show or have any idea what one would sound like on a DVD, so it's hard for me to say. It would be different, that's for sure.

[callipygias]

I'm surprised they'd actually consider doing this. I thought the live shows were just something to help get them started. I haven't been to one, but the main reason I'm in favor of studio productions would be that I can't imagine these people nearing their 50's with families not getting tired of the constant interruption that comes with extended touring.

[Zombiejesus]

I have no hope of ever going to a live show and I think like with rock concerts a lot would be lost in the recording. I sincerely hope they continue the studio shows and don't pull a reverse Beatles.

[Queen Shadowrama]

I love the live shows. But they're simply not going to be as fun in DVD form. Like previous posters have said, we'd lose the silhouettes, the sketches, the storyline...all that cool stuff. I'll go to live shows whenever I'm free, but I always want a studio version.

[Zombiejesus]

Also, I don't know anything about their sales figures, but I wouldn't think live DVDs would sell as well as studio DVDs, because of the aspects missing that Queen Shadowrama just pointed out. I know I would be less likely to fork out money for nothing but live shows.

[strangefate]

I don't want to hear an audience laughing during (and possibly over) the riffs any more then I want to hear a laugh track. Please no. I'd also be disappointed if they start to view the live shows as their main focus since, for various reasons others listed above, I doubt such a venture would have much longevity. I'm glad the live shows are doing well but I hope the official studio releases remain their first concern.

Although if, as some are suggesting, they started to include live extras on the DVDs that would be great. In fact, any kind of extras would be great. Even the Film Crew releases had extras.

[doctorz]

I think the studio DVD's would be superior to a live DVD. I think that I'd much rather have a movie riffed without a lot of ambient noise in the background. I could be wrong and I'd like to see one come out so I could really judge for myself if there is any value added to a live show DVD. They ought to try it anyway. I thought the real reason for doing the live shows was similar to what the Marx Brothers did: Test out routines and jokes to see what worked then put out a killer DVD!

[solgroupie]

i'm just going to chime in with the rest and agree that the live shows should not replace the studio dvds. i would think they could make more money selling them as extras here and there - i know i'd probably buy one since it is doubtful i'll ever make it to one of the shows. i'd hate it if they changed from studio to live full time. i know i would drive myself crazy if i couldn't hear all the riffs, due to the laughter of the crowd.

[Diet Kolos]

What I want to know is: When're they going to get a juicy TV deal? Its a concept that's had some success in the past, it has a built-in audience, name recognition, etc. If I were a cable TV exec, I'd jump on this, tout suite.