Why isn't Batman the 60's TV series on DVD yet? Is it a rights issue?
Rights issue
s...
- 20th Century Fox owns the show
- Warner Brothers owns the "Batman" trademark thru its DC Comics division (Time-Warner acquired DC in 1977)
- Producer William Dozier's estate also has an ownership stake in the show, aka Greenway Productions
A Columbia House VHS series was set for 1989, but derailed when Fox balked at the amount of DC's trademark licensing fee.
Fox and DC came to terms a couple years ago, with partnering help from Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video label.
But no sooner did that happen, than Dozier's family sued Fox for nonpayment of TV syndication profits.
Reportedly, the Dozier lawsuit is recently settled. If so, it's back in Fox's court, assuming it and DC can re-establish a royalty deal. Lorne Michaels may or may not still be involved.
Note...
The BATMAN movie from 1966 has not been affected by all this; it's original 1966 production agreement between the parties provided for the possibility of future "alternate" distribution venues; William Dozier reportedly was the one with that foresight, after the TV series proved to be a huge success. It's had numerous home 8mm, VHS, laser disc and DVD releases in the past 40 years.
