Session Start: Tue May 25 21:23:00 1999

Subject: Scott Schechter "JUDY GARLAND TV SHOW"

<RonEpstein> Let's begin...

<Richardskipper> You're the best friends anybody ever had!

<RonEpstein> Gentlemen...

<Richardskipper> It's always best to start at the beginning...

<RonEpstein> Thank You for stopping in...

<RonEpstein> At this time...
I'd like to introduce...
The noted Judy Garland Historian...
Also... The Co-Producer of the "32 Records" 4-CD Boxed set, JUDY...
Mr. Scott Schechter

<ScottSchechter> Thanks so much, Ron
That was BEAUTIFUL!  My MOM couldn't have introduced me better!

<RonEpstein> Welcome, Scott!

<ScottSchechter> Oh, please : Call me anything, but late for dinner!
Thanks, Ron, and thanks to all of you for being here to talk about JUDY's TV Series on DVD!

<RonEpstein> Scott, can you give us a little background on yourself?

<ScottSchechter> Sure ....
I've been researching Judy's life for 25 years now and have written about her, ...
Co-produced the "Judy" CD / Video Box Set....Joel Dorn and Adam Dorn were the producers ....
and am now working with PIONEER to bring Judy's legendary TV Series to DVD!

<RonEpstein> What is the release date on the DVD?

<ScottSchechter> "The Judy Garland Show, VOLUME ONE" will be out on June 15th
You can preorder it now at Pioneer's website

<RonEpstein> And approximately how many shows will be on this disc?

<ScottSchechter> Each volume is planned to have 2 epsiodes on each disc ....
and Extras: outtakes, dress rehearsal footages, etc

<RonEpstein> What is the website address?

<ScottSchechter> The main address is : www.pioneer-ent.com
There is a JUDY PAGE up at Pioneer's site

<RonEpstein> Okay, I am sure that people can access it from the Pioneer page

<Ned_Vogler> the link for the DVD is: http://www.pioneer-ent.com/pea/10266.html

<zemgo> Oh yes, my question was who owns the rights to Judy's show? My guess would be CBS, 
but I could be wrong.

<ScottSchechter> The rights to the series WERE owned by Sid Luft.
 Sid sold the rights in 1997. Sid sold the rights to Classic World Productions, who  
has now licenced the rights to Pioneer for the DVDs

<ScottSchechter> I'd like to thank Pioneer ....
for having the belief in Judy's talent and popularity, and the historic value of these shows.
They have not been seen for over 35 years for the most part.   I'd like to thank Matt Friedman 
and Brian Swarth at Pioneer,  and Daryle Payne at Classic World

<Wayne> Will the shows be closed captioned? I've a hearing problem.

<ScottSchechter> Ok .... Wayne, have you by chance emailed me about this?

<Wayne> No, not about theDVD's. About the videos.

<ScottSchechter> There are NO plans for VHS currently : DVD only, right now!

<Richardskipper> Why is that?

<Wayne> Judy and Her Friends was closed captioned. It was such a great help to me.

<ScottSchechter> I know many people are disapointed, but 32 Records decided they didn't 
want to do the video, just the CDs

<Richardskipper> Why?

<Wayne> I would have both bought video and DVD.

<ScottSchechter> I will try to get an answer for you, about the close-captioning

<Wayne> Thanks, Scott.

<ScottSchechter> Yes, but DVD seems to be the wave of the future, just as CDs were in the mid-late 80's

<ScottSchechter> Richard, why what?
Why is the series NOT being put out on VHS?

<Richardskipper> I think all of  us would buy the video...I just don't think it's a very cost 
effiecient way of doing things!

<ScottSchechter> But DVDs sales are SO strong right now -- 300,000 DVDs a WEEK!
There COULD be VHS at some point, but right now, there are NO plans for it =, sorry :(

<Wayne> The cover looks great.

<RonEpstein> Kendahl...

<Wayne> Is this Ken of San Diego?

<Kendahl> Great to be here, Scott.  Did you have any trouble getting clearances for any of the artists?  
Ken from CT

<ScottSchechter> Thanks for the compliment on the cover, Wayne .... Some, but they were all done, finally .... 
I know SOME, well ONE guest star has stipulations about her use.  The use of her name in advertisting, etc

<Richardskipper> Liza?

<ScottSchechter> But otherwise, I think most artists are THRILLED to be seen with Judy Garland

<zemgo> Or Barbra?

<ScottSchechter> I can't say who the artist is. I'm sure you understand

<Wayne> As long as we have Judy Henske's, the Dillars and the Brothers Castro. Smile.

<ScottSchechter> LOL

<ScottSchechter> Yes, the IMPORTANT guests

<Kendahl> Maybe Peggy?
Haha!  And the Kirby Stone Four, lets not sell them short!

<Richardskipper> And let's not forget Zina Bethune! She's gonna be a big star someday!

<ScottSchechter> Now, come-on guys .... It's not important anyway, right?

<ScottSchechter> Yes, we love ZINA!  Our lovely ballerina

<Richardskipper> (singing)  Getting to know you!

<Wayne> I like Zina. And the Kirby Stone Four.

<ScottSchechter> Judy worked welll with EVERYONE

<zemgo> Zina with a Z?

<ScottSchechter> I love seeing her handle HILLBILLIES!
Zina Bethume

<Richardskipper> And everyone worked BETTER with Judy!

<ScottSchechter> Yes : everyone wanted to be at their best for JG

<Richardskipper> A shame that Carol Channing never appeared with Judy!

<RonEpstein> Scott Schechter is here with us...

<ScottSchechter> To talk JUDY DVDs!

<RonEpstein> Yes, Ned...

<Ned_Vogler> are there any other JG DVD's planned, or are they waiting to see how the first one sells?

<ScottSchechter> Yes, thanks for asking .... More single volumes and a DELUXE, MULTI-DISC BOX SET 
coming THIS FALL!!!!! 

<Richardskipper> Is there going to be a tie-in with the Museums of Broadcasting?

<ScottSchechter> Possibly -- it's too early to tell about the Museum ....

<Wayne> Will the commercials be included. I have to have my Crest toothpaste debate!

<ScottSchechter> Well.....
Pioneer is still making sure the legal end is cleared.  So right now, NO commercials on the FIRST Volume

<Richardskipper> It would be so thrilling to see them on a large screen!

<Richardskipper> Scott, how did Pioneer get involved?

<ScottSchechter> Richard, I called Pioneer late last Summer, and they loved the idea, 
and they and Daryl Payne started working on the deal

<Wayne> I saw the Judy show with Babs at the museum here in Bev. Hills this month.

<ScottSchechter> Well, buy a BIG SCREEN TV.... From PIONEER, of course! ...LOL, just a joke!

<Richardskipper> And are they going to be released in order of air or taped dates?
<Richardskipper> Is 32 Records still involved?

<ScottSchechter> No exact "order" per se ....  No, 32 Records is NOT involved

<Richardskipper> What happened?

<ScottSchechter> They did not want the DVD rights, anway.  With 32?  They just decided 
they only wanted to do CDs

<Richardskipper> Are they going to be releasing anything else in regards to Judy?

<ScottSchechter> Not video -- which makes sense -- They are a SUPERB Record Company!
and label.  Well, we ARE here to really talk about the DVDs, but I just spoke with Joel Dorn tonight .....

<ScottSchechter> There MAY be more CDs either the end of this year or by next Spring -- 
but Joel has NOT decide yet

<Richardskipper> What is the NEXT big project after this?

<ScottSchechter> MORE DVDs -- that's the next big project! :)

<Richardskipper> Give me his number! I'll help him decide!

<LeeBombard> Scott, please forgive me if this has been covered.  
What is the source material for your DVD's?

<ScottSchechter> Lee, not at all -- GREAT question ..... 
The source is the original 2-inch video tapes

<Richardskipper> Are you writing Liner notes, Scott?

<ScottSchechter> Thanks, Richard -- Yes, I have.  4 pages worth!  oy vey!

<Richardskipper> AT LEAST!

<Wayne> Will they be sold at the Virgin and Tower near me?

<ScottSchechter> Yes, you can buy the DVDs in stores starting June 15th
Or pre-order it on line at Pioneer's website

<Richardskipper> Is John Fricke involved in any way?

<ScottSchechter> No, he is not, Richard

<Richardskipper> What about Steve Sanders?

<ScottSchechter> No, Richard -- I am Pioneer's historian

<LeeBombard> Scott, is Sid Luft connected to these releases?

<ScottSchechter> Lee, no, Sid is not : He sold the USA rights in 1997 to Classic World Productions, 
Daryl Payne's company  and Classic World and Pioneer have made these DVDs possible -- 
The FIRST ever release of all 26 Episodes.  Thanks, Wayne

<Wayne> I'm glad about your involvement, Scott.

<Richardskipper> oic...Maybe you answered it, but what is Sid's take on all of this?

<Richardskipper> Isnt it True Scott, that he didnt know what he was signing away?

<ScottSchechter> Folks, I'll have you know Richard Skipper is a DEAR friend, and HE's 
the one asking the tough questions, LOL!

<Richardskipper> Only because I love you, Scott!

<Wayne> (singing) Be my guest, be my guest.

<Richardskipper> If I really am your guest, I have a small request...

<LeeBombard> How complete will the future box set be?

<ScottSchechter> LOL ... Ok, Lee, you asked about the Box??
Well, .....  We are still at the VERY early stages, but I assure you, Pioneer is KNOWN for their outstanding 
quality and devotion, and I wil certainly do all I can to help! So, I don't have a LOT Of info about the Box ... 
but ask me anything about VOLUME ONE

<Wayne> Will there by newspaper and TV ads?

<ScottSchechter> Wayne, not sure yet ... and Lee, as I said, it's still too early to tell about that also, sorry ...

<Richardskipper> Scott, this may not pertain, but how did the 32 Records do sales wise?

<ScottSchechter> Richard, you and I can talk about that privately  : I am not a speokesperson for 32 Records

<LeeBombard> OUTTAKES...tell me more!

<ScottSchechter> There will be MANY outtakes on Volume one and a newly created SURROUND SOUND track,
5.1 surround.

<RonEpstein> Excuse me gentlemen...I am going to depart, however...
Please feel free to stay and chat...

<ScottSchechter> OK, Ron -- Bless you. You are the greatest. 
I hope you'll have me back when the BOX is ready!

<RonEpstein> If you wish, yes!  Nite!

<ScottSchechter> I wish, yes! :) .... Thanks again, dear man

<Richardskipper> We'd love to have your back to discuss your box!

<ScottSchechter> Ready for outtakes? And then I guess we can call it a night?


<Wayne> Will the outtakes pertain to the first 2 shows?

<ScottSchechter> Yes, the Outtakes will ONLY pertain to the VOLUME's SHOWS (except for the Box set of course)

<ScottSchechter> LOL .. YOu guys know ALL the lines!

<Richardskipper> Scott, are there any numbers that she recorded (filmed) that did not air?

<ScottSchechter> So, VOLUME ONE will ONLY have outtakes from Shows 1 and 3
BUT .... There will also be a TEASER,   a "Coming Attractions" ad for "Upcoming Shows"

<ScottSchechter> The MIckey Rooney and Liza Minnelli shows

<Wayne> They should release the unaired Rooney show too version.

<Richardskipper> Give us a clue!

<ScottSchechter> Ok, here are the outtakes ... I'll save the best for last

<Richardskipper> Tell me more! I know nothing about that!!

<ScottSchechter> 1) Judy's ORIGINAL Opening for Show #1 : "Keep Your Sunny Side UP

<Richardskipper> OH MY GOD!

<ScottSchechter> 2) Judy and Jerry Van Dyke's "I Believe IN You"

<Richardskipper> REALLY!?!?!

<ScottSchechter> 3) Liza and Jerry talking
<ScottSchechter> 3) Jerry
<ScottSchechter> 4) Jerry's ORIGINAL Show #3 LOne Ranger

<ScottSchechter> 5) and the BIG ONE ....

<ScottSchechter> Ready ?

<Richardskipper> Come on!

<ScottSchechter> Judy and Mickey TALKING with the audience after the taping of the Show
NO ONE has EVER had this before -- even on kinescope

<LeeBombard> Is it a Q and A?

<Richardskipper> What are they talking about?

<ScottSchechter> and this is ALL on Glorious Video
They laugh and joke, and Mickey professes his love for Judy, and they thank the audience, etc ... 
You gotta SEE it!!

<LeeBombard> Scott...What's the release date and price again?

<ScottSchechter> THANKS Lee -- JUNE 15th; $24.98 List Price

<LeeBombard> Gotta have it NOW!

<ScottSchechter> Welcome

<ScottSchechter> Go to Pioneer's SITE -- You can preorder it now
But it won't ship til the 15th -- don't want to mislead you

<Wayne> Any Liza show outtake?

<ScottSchechter> Yes -- Liza and Jerry talk

<Wayne> Great.

<LeeBombard> I thought you'd say something like that.


<ScottSchechter> What do you mean, Lee?

<LeeBombard> I mean it won't ship till the 15th...Oh well.

<ScottSchechter> Well, I wish it were out SOONER, too!

<LeeBombard> Scott, these sound really great.  Can't wait.

<Wayne> I'd better get my DVD player asap

<LeeBombard> Wayne!  No DVD player?  What are you waiting for?

<ScottSchechter> Yes! If MILTON BERLE could sell TVs then JUDY can sell DVD players!!!

<Wayne> Judy!

<LeeBombard> I've got to run.  Thanks for your time Scott.

<ScottSchechter> Of COURSE -- Thank YOU for coming!!!!

<ScottSchechter> You were a GREAT pleasure

<Wayne> I have to go too, Scott. This was entertaining.

<ScottSchechter> and GREAT questions, Lee

<ScottSchechter> Thanks Wayne, you are also great, and bless you

<ScottSchechter> I guess it's time to say "Good Night -- I Love You Very Much

<ScottSchechter> "GoodNight, God Bless"

<Wayne> A happy 1999! We love all you're doing, and you too.

<Richardskipper> We love you!

<ScottSchechter> Bless you!!

<ScottSchechter> I love you guys -- Thanks SO much for showing up!

<ScottSchechter> Goodnight all

Session Close: Tue May 25 23:07:05 1999