Why so few DVDs(or VHS) of Broadway shows ?

[Rusty]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 8:58pm

Since every new Broadway show is videotaped why don't they release more for sale ? Major TV networks and motion picture studios are making a fortune with DVD releases. YES, I do realize hat the Braodway experience is enjoyed as a live, in person show and these sales would reduce the number of regional productions. But it would be nice to have some blockbusters available for sale. Opera does it, why not Broadway?

[aces25]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:16pm

You can get Smokey Joe's Cafe and Jekyll & Hyde on DVD and are taped very nicely!

[PJ]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:22pm

They would be too expensive to produce with royalties and such. Everybody and their brother who had anything to do with the mounting of the production would demand a piece of the profits.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:22pm

There are lots of issues with rights involving the original creators, the original casts and the designers that need to be addressed. Most of those archival videos don't pay any sort of royalties because they weren't taped for any sort of commercial release. To release them would involve a lot of contract negotiation with a ton of different people. (Keep in mind: operas are public domain, there are no writers to deal with.)

It's debatable that the releases would have a negative effect on regional productions. I tend to think the opposite: that a video of a live show only encourages people to go see the performance in person. (You never hear about live videos or albums hurting any other sort of sales in music.)

Really, it's just economic issues both in terms of royalties and a probably cynical outlook at possible revenues that are keeping these things from being taped and released.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:35pm

The rights issues can be a real headache. What happens sometimes is that an artist sees a show and doesn't like their work in it and so they won't release their consent. Also different artists have disagreements (i.e. Jerry Herman/Harvey Fierstein)and the work never goes forward.

[BroadwayNYC]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 10:25pm

I think it would be great if they would video tape a live performance of the show's run at that time and then offer it to the audience to buy after seeing the show...I would love that!

[eponine88]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 12:22pm

I agree BroadwayNYC, that would be awesome!!! Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon, but wouldn't it be great? Every time I buy a cast album for a show I've seen, I try to go over the blocking and choreography in my head as I listen, but after awhile it seems there's so much to remember.....