TV series DVDs from Shout! Factory... Could it be? COULD IT BE?

[Sir Lemming]

http://www.shoutfactory.com/community/269/thread.aspx


Yeah.


Just... just read that.



If this "B Ward" guy is legit, then I officially declare The Heavens "opened". Would this company's website really allow some dude to pose as an employee for several months? Doubtful...


Of course, if they are developing the boxed set, there's still the matter of finishing it and releasing it. So keep praying to whatever fire-breathing dieties you believe in so we can make this happen.

[Jennifer]

Shout! Factory's released some niche releases before (such as The Weird Al Show), so I wouldn't be surprised at all if this were true.

[Zeek]

If they do this, they got my money!

That reminds me.... *pre-orders Animaniacs Vol. 3 and orders Gargoyles Season 1 & Season 2 Vol. 1*

[jp-30]

Sweet - just added the news to mixnmojo.com!

[Emily]

Shout Factory is supposedly doing up a boxed set of My So-Called Life right now, too, which makes me happy. (There was already a boxed set of that show once and I already have it, but a rerelease with extras would be cool.)

Still... it's always good to wait for an official announcement.

[Hero1]

Sounds awesome I hope we get some steve purcell commentaries

[Ooze33]

If you read on it says they are developing the box art for the set.

[AdamG]

Really? Holy bleep!! :D Hopefully it's true. If it is, they'll make a lot of money because a ton of people have wanted those on DVD for years. I'll definately get it if they make it. Seems like the whole industry is watching TellTale, because practically everyone is trying to get in on the action. :p PennyArcade and there episodic game (I heard TellTale will be at the PennyArcade Expo, btw.), and now finally after all these years somebody might be releasing the cartoons on DVD. I wonder what's next? : /

[xChri5x]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*jumps for joy*

[Mafioso]

I'd be peeing my pants out of excitement if I was wearing any.

[AdamG]

......... :confused:

[tobar]

*resists getting his hopes up for the risk of being let down*

[xChri5x]

No more crappy quality videos and missing episodes!

[Sir Lemming]

Yay, I've been Myspaced! (new bulletin)

[xChri5x]

haha what?

[NatsFan]

I watched a few of the cartoon episodes on YouTube, if I were about 5 years younger and was watching it with "saturday morning cartoon" expectations instead of Sam & Max expectations, I probably would have liked it a bit more.

Well, I hope you guys like the DVD, I'm going to stick to the comics and games.

[Zeek]

Yeah, the cartoons were kind of dumbed down in retrospect, but given the time they were airred, they were no way appropriate for the kids of the Fox Block. Then again, the same can be said about some of the stuff they got away with in Batman: The Animated Series. [/nerd]

[Hero1]

The animated series is good for two episodes written by Steve Purcell. Christmas, Bloody Christmas and the bigfoot episode. Hilarious stuff, that any self respecting Sam & Max fan must own

[Sir Lemming]

They're not all up to Sam & Max standards. But most of them are.

[AdamG]

They're not that bad, really. I didn't know Purcell didn't write them until months after I watched them. (Except a couple episodes.)

[Sir Lemming]

You need to see it at least for the cartoon version of the Max puppet tutorial alone.

I also haven't seen the episodes with Lorne or The Mad Thespian since they aired. Really looking forward to seeing those again, because I remember them both being hilarious.

"I hate to resort to that sort of subterfuge, but what do you do with a guy like Lorne?"
"I know! Get him to follow a marshmallow peanut trail into the furnace?"
"That would be patently irresponsible, Max. And besides, we don't have a furnace."

[Zeek]

You need to see it at least for the cartoon version of the Max puppet tutorial alone.

-*cough*-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS0ZiYkLf1Y

[Jake]

I liked the episode with the giant Max robot which they send off to Japan to live happily amongst their culture of other giant monsters and robots to fight. Also I thought the episode with the little kid who could transform objects with his brain was fun - it had some really spot on Sam & Max rapid banter stuff, which usually didn't work that well in the cartoon but worked there. Max demanding to be turned into a painted turtle, and the thing with the pincher robot were pretty good as well. Other than that... Boiled? Haggis!

[Zachspyfox033]

I don't think the TV show would be as good as the game though.

[Haggis]

I'd be peeing my pants out of excitement if I was wearing any.

Me too!

Oh wait... I am wearing pants... :(

[Hero1]

I've completely lost all control of my bowels.. and I'm not even excited!

[Zeek]

You may want to get that checked out.

[AdamG]

Maybe they should put a warning sticker on the box.

Warning!
May cause loss of bowel control!

[Kaldire]

So help me god if all they do is reprint the VHS series to dvd without the omitted episodes im gunna hurl. I still cant get the darn videos im missing :(

[xChri5x]

That's not a common practice and I can bet that this won't be the case. I wouldn't worry about it.

[presidentmax]

is the company doing it usa only like gametap? because i'm kinda in the little olde uk drooling over this news.

[jp-30]

If you have a multizone and NTSC compatible DVD player, you can just order it off Amazon if it doesn't get a localised release.

[Wickywoo]

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7479


Discuss and cheer

[Sir Lemming]

Actually it's no more official than last time we checked, but it's cool that the story is spreading around.

[Wickywoo]

When somoene in Brian Ward's position is saying stuff like that, then it's official but they haven't set a date. If they didn't have it signed, sealed and delivered, he wouldn't be saying squat.

[xChri5x]

I hope the packaging has some better art then the VHS tapes. Although the Y-files tape was decent.

[Soup]

I don't think the TV show would be as good as the game though.it's not a question of AS good, it's good in a different way. Actually, ways plural. IN FACT, MY WAYS, LET ME SHOW YOU THEM

1. More Hot Sam-on-Banjo action.
2. THE GEEK!!!
3. the wonderful direct parodies of film classics, like the Apocalypse-Now-inspired "We Drop at Dawn"
4. THE GEEK!!!
5. humor flexing in terrifyingly arousing way to still reach peak comedy levels while stealthily bypassing censors!
6. THE GEEK!!!

i love that gal.

[Sir Lemming]

Fact is, it's Sam & Max's first and only foray into the world of film/television, so it needs to be seen. It's too bad it didn't get a chance to really find its ground and develop to its full potential, but what's there is still really good. I don't see how any Sam & Max fan would feel complete without it.

[RabidZombie]

And if this post from B Ward isn't enough for you, I've found another insider source (http://forum.captainn.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1137610373/538#538).

I'm very pleased to say that one of my favorites, Sam & Max is in the list of titles we've all but acquired. I was a huge fan of this comic book as well as the videogame by LucasArts, so I'm really excited about seeing this irreverant series finally released to the fans. We have no official release date set and we haven't really begun work on this title, but I'd suggest it will be released sometime early next year.

Note, DVDInsider is B Ward, or Brian Ward. He definately does work at Shout! Factory.

I guess this unofficially confirms Sam & Max will see a DVD release.
2008 though! D:

[AdamG]

I've said it a million times, and I'll say it again, I thought the cartoon series was great. :) Most of it wasn't done by Purcell, but it's still good stuff/must see stuff.

[YoshiAngemon]

Hi, guys! I'm the one responsible for finding out the news, and spreading it like wildfire in the first place - YoshiAngemon! Who'd've imagined that I'd be responsible for building up the hype of "Sam & Max: Freelance Police - The Complete Series" on DVD? First I uncovered it at Shout! Factory's Forums, then I told the guys at ToonZone.net, and the word got spread to a MySpace page, and even this forum, and even TVShowsOnDVD.com found out about it! I'm a God among men, or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

[Hero1]

we bow down to you Yoshi :) Early 2008 release sunds good.

[YoshiAngemon]

Actually, VeemonJosh of ToonZone.net found out about it. I actually made the discovery public, and that discovery spread quicker than the rapid depletion of Wiis in an electronics store.

I believe I actually responded to the confirmation with "Sweet merciful Mario Brothers, having heaping helpings of Shroom Pasta, topped with Inky Sauce, with a side of breadsticks!" That's something Sam would say, if it were to be worked into a Wii Version of Sam & Max.

[Cyberlink420]

Hmm...your name sounds familiar YoshiAngemon...do I know you from somewhere? SA.net, perhaps?

[Sir Lemming]

It's true. You can read all about it here: http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=191728

[Hero1]

If B Ward is going through Nelvana's catalogue I hope he releases eek the cat on dvd as well.. savage steve holland classic!

[YoshiAngemon]

Hmm...your name sounds familiar YoshiAngemon...do I know you from somewhere? SA.net, perhaps?

Yeah. I'm also seen at Serebii.net, and many other forums.

[Kaldire]

Ok im lost so I went to ebgames and the only thing you get on the dreamcatcher preorder is a lame guide... wee? Which is the one i order to get the poster and goodies?!?! I dont care if I have to ship it from EUR!

Edit: Urmm oh I see its not a preorder bonus but in fact the goodies come in the box? Odd.. how is a poster going to fit there.. unless folded. :P

Im getting both versions unless a 3rd comes out in GER or something, let me know if thats the case!

[AdamG]

Well, the developer interview is also exclusive to the retail version (At least in the US version, have to ask TellTale about that.). The TellTale Season 1 set has all the stuff they're posting online from the Summer of Sam & Max feature, and apparently there's a couple other little things on there that they're not posting online. The retail version has the physical oriented things like the poster and the strategy guide if you preorder it on EBgames, and it also has the developer interview and possibly a couple other things unique to it as well. But that's just how I understand it.

[YoshiAngemon]

And I was griping about not becoming a Gametap customer, just to get the First Season in Downloaded form, and waiting for the Disc version.

[Hero1]

Shout! Factory expands family programs

Company has distribution deals with Nelvana, Jetix Europe
By Laurence Lerman -- Video Business, 7/16/2007

JULY 16 | Los Angeles-based Shout! Factory is expanding its library of children’s and family animated content with two new deals.

Shout will be the exclusive U.S. home entertainment distributor for Nelvana Enterprise’s Maggie & The Ferocious Beast cartoon series, 52 half-hour episodes of Medabots and 13 half-hour installments of Sam & Max.
Also, an agreement with Jetix Europe gives Shout distribution rights to 39 half-hour episodes of the cult Korean property Pucca and 26 half-hour episodes of the sci-fi action series Oban Star-Racers.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6460182.html

[Zeek]

SQUEEEE!! We are one more step closer to a DVD set of the TV show!!

[Hero1]

I hope its loaded with extras!

[Udvarnoky]

Though having a Shout! Factory employee essentially say that they're working on Sam & Max on their message board is all the proof anyone needed, I believe this is the first official announcement regarding the existence of this set, so wooooooo indeed.

[xChri5x]

13 half hour episodes? Does that add up to all 24?

[Udvarnoky]

Yep. Two episodes were a half hour long, the rest fifteen minutes. 24 stories total.

[Hero1]

I hope Steve Purcell gets involved in this release..

[xChri5x]

Hopefully they don't do a crap job on the picture quality. Then again I'm not sure if it's shout factory that actually deals with the video...

[Jake]

I'm sure they go back to the highest quality source they can, to get the best video. Their DVD sets are generally very well put together.

[Laserschwert]

Now, TTG... since you've got Steve Purcell running around your office from time to time, try to convince him (or "convince" him) to get involved and do audio-commentaries on all episodes... seriously, YOU got that man right NEAR you. Why not use the chance to at least ask him? (Or start with the "Yo' momma..."-jokes)

[Zeek]

Now, TTG... since you've got Steve Purcell running around your office from time to time, try to convince him (or "convince" him) to get involved and do audio-commentaries on all episodes... seriously, YOU got that man right NEAR you. Why not use the chance to at least ask him? (Or start with the "Yo' momma..."-jokes)

While you're at it, see if he can't get Pixar to create a silent Sam & Max short to be put in front of Wall-E next summer.:D

[AdamG]

I'm still hoping Steve will someday have a new Sam & Max cartoon series on Cartoon Network... Wouldn't have to worry about censorship so much there. : /

[Kaldire]

I doubt it.. talking to steve a few times on the subject he says he has no plans for tv and or movies. Yet didnt they say there wasnt going to be a new sam & max game too? muahaha so long story short... dont hold your breath but be shocked if it comes. Kinda like Christmas, only opening up your biggest present and finding out uncle Earl got into your cake box and choked on a candle... Uncle Earl we miss you.
From that day on my birthday was known as Marie Antoinette day.. sighhh

Muahaha Sorry snapped into max mode for a second.

[Quuux]

Hope they don't skip Fools Die On Friday like GameTap have :/

[Zeek]

Hope they don't skip Fools Die On Friday like GameTap have :/

I knew they were missing an episode!

[Hero1]

from Brian Ward @ shoutfactory.com

I've mentioned it in a few posts on the forum, but I thought I would make a new thread for it now. Up until now, my all-time favorite set has been Sonic The Hedgehog: The Complete Series. While producing it, I would even openly refer to it as "my swan song", believing I could never top it. I was wrong. We're doing topping it right now with the upcoming Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!! 3-disc set.

Sam & Max are two twisted, but lovable, detectives (Sam, a dog in a suit and fedora, and Max, a naked rabbit) who are constantly getting into all kinds of trouble while investigating the...well...downright weird. The humor is totally Adult Swim-ish; irreverently hysterical!

The characters originated as an underground B&W comic and reached a mainstream popularity when George Lucas' video game company, LucasArts, released the PC-based Sam & Max Hit the Road in 1993 (the Mac version was released in '95). The game was a hit and led to another incarnation of the characters: this animated series, produced for FOX Kids in '97, I believe. The series lasted 13 episodes (24 cartoons). Over the past couple of years, LucasArts began work on and then abandoned the sequel to the original video game for unspecified reasons and a new company (created by former LucasArts employees), Telltale Games, eventually picked up the license. Now, they've finished a full "season" of mini Sam & Max games that are available each month via their site: http://telltalegames.com/samandmax/.

While attending this year's International Comic-Con in San Diego, the set's producer, Frank Mohler, and I shot a brand new interview with Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell as well as an interview with the guys behind Telltale Games. Steve's interview is all but done being cut and I couldn't be happier. It is absolutely AWESOME. We're working on the Telltale interview now.

We're currently hoping to get together with Telltale to score some additional bonus material, as well.

Seriously, we're several months away from the release date for this set and it's already become my favorite project. And each day is looking brighter and brighter.

If you're a Sam & Max fan, you're gonna love this set. If you're not, you soon will be.

Brian

[xChri5x]

http://www.weeklyreader.com/readandwriting/content/binary/happy%20and%20excited.jpeg

!!!

I really hope telltale gives them tons of neat junk!

[tobar]

Chri5 post above pretty much sums it up for me!!!!!!! :D

[xChri5x]

That flash short in interim theatre would be a perfect bonus feature on this set. ;)

[Zeek]

:eek: Hopefully this means by Christmas, I can "give myself" both SatAM Sonic and Sam & Max in one fell-swoop! I can't wait!

The only thing that can make this any better is if the re-release of Surfing the Highway comes out at the same time. Talk about mega sales all around!

[Badwolf]

Hopefully this means by Christmas, I can "give myself" both SatAM Sonic and Sam & Max in one fell-swoop!

I always preferred AoSTH to SatAM, but that's probably I'm the sort of person who thinks Robotnik having his moustache ripped off, and Scratch and Grounder exploding every five seconds is comedy gold.

[Guybrush Threepwood]

I apologise if this is a stupid question, but will this DVD be sold on Telltale's store?

[Jake]

I apologise if this is a stupid question, but will this DVD be sold on Telltale's store?

That would be cool, but I don't think we really know / have talked about it.

[TrogLlama]

I always preferred AoSTH to SatAM, but that's probably I'm the sort of person who thinks Robotnik having his moustache ripped off, and Scratch and Grounder exploding every five seconds is comedy gold.

Ditto. SatAM was always too... serious for me. To be honest, I always enjoy a light-hearted sight gag to a "73h z0mgz0rzes!!! 73h w0rld g0ez b00000m!"
Okay, kind of an over exaggeration, but you get the idea.

[Guybrush Threepwood]

That would be cool, but I don't think we really know / have talked about it.

I'm just thinking ahead for when you might bring out some more merchandise, I could put the DVD into my basket to save on shipping costs. But yeah, let us know if you do get permission to sell them on your store please! :D

[patters]

I'm just thinking ahead for when you might bring out some more merchandise, I could put the DVD into my basket to save on shipping costs. But yeah, let us know if you do get permission to sell them on your store please! :D

guybrush if it were on telltales website it would most likey be region one (ntsc) where we are region 2 (pal) so you would need a multiregion dvd player

[Guybrush Threepwood]

guybrush if it were on telltales website it would most likey be region one (ntsc) where we are region 2 (pal) so you would need a multiregion dvd player

Hmm, I forgot about that. I usually play all my DVDs through my computer though - would that work?

[tabacco]

Technically, video standards (PAL vs. NTSC) are completely separate from region coding. You could, in theory, release a PAL disc in region 1, it's just that nobody would buy it because PAL isn't the video standard in most region 1 countries.

Computers can play either PAL or NTSC no problem, and many European DVD players and TVs can play nice with either standard. Here in the US, there are virtually no multi standard players or TVs though.

[Jake]

Computers can play either PAL or NTSC no problem, and many European DVD players and TVs can play nice with either standard. Here in the US, there are virtually no multi standard players or TVs though.

That said, many Region 1 players that can be unlocked with a remote code will properly resample PAL video to NTSC no problem, though. You can't really buy regionless players off the shelf in the US, but there are still some that can be region unlocked without opening the player up or anything, via instructions online.

[patters]

Hmm, I forgot about that. I usually play all my DVDs through my computer though - would that work?

often dvd drives have the ability to change region but only a certain number of times so you can check through device manager which region it is set to

[Zeek]

That would be cool, but I don't think we really know / have talked about it.

I'm sure Emily can work her charm to strike a deal. I mean, c'mon. Marketting.

[Fangarius]

Recently I went back to the Shout! Factory website forum where B Ward was confirming the project has been given the green light, and they are working on the 3-Disc DVD set as we speak. Though no definitive date has been mentioned for the series itself, B Ward claims it'll be several months from August, so I'm suspecting either Winter 2007 or early-2008 when it comes out.

I've also been checking Amazon.com to see when preordering is available so I can promptly order my copy in advance. Or if the Telltale Shop starts putting up the preorders here, I'll order it from them. Still miss the show tremendously, and I hate the fact they plucked it off of YouTube, esp. the Christmas Special with Sam's grandmother (or mother, I forget which). Secretly I do hope the popularity of the DVD might inspire a revival of the series. That is, if Purcell still wants to animate the hound and the lagomorph. I'm also looking forward to the reprint of Surfin' the Highway, tho' I still have my original. Who knew that thing would be worth a $100?:D

Anyhoo, that's all I know so far. Hopefully we'll here some more from B Ward soon.

[Kaldire]

sigh for the love o pete .. its street value isnt that high haha. Id place a fully arted purcell book signed and arted TPB for 100-140 depending on if the art was colored or sketch standard. Hell I didnt even pay 140 for my hardback. Idk.. lol Things like this are priceless to me but as for seeing people want to pay 100-140$ for a TPB is insane, same with the guy trying to sell his hardback for 300$ I just laugh.
Any word on if the dvd will have EVERY episode? we dont want them to omit anything.. and I wonder if it will have the shorts.. those were sooo funny.
Wow I cant wait I have goosebumples

[xChri5x]

It's been said it'll have all 24 cartoons. I don't know about the 3 shorts though.

[Quuux]

There's nothing stopping them from releasing a region free NTSC disc :)

[Bward]

Hey, guys...

I'm happy this news has conjured this amount of excitement. My name is Brian Ward and I am the DVD Producer from Shout! Factory. If you've picked up copies of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! or Sonic The Hedgehog: The Complete Series, you know my work.

Typically, I like to surf the boards and find the fans, make inquiries on their expectations, answer questions, and generally make myself available to walk folks through the DVD process. That's what I've come here to do now, assuming the great gang at Telltale allows it.

The post above pretty much says it all for now. We have completed Steve's interview cut and are cutting the Telltale interview even as I type this (we're pretty great multi-taskers). As soon as we reach a cut we're all happy with, we'll send them both to Nelvana for their approvals, which I don't anticipate being a problem.

Needless to say (since I already have before), this set has quickly become my favorite-- especially since I've been such a big fan of the characters for years. So with that, I leave you-- with every intention of coming back regularly to take you through our progress. After all, it's through the excitement, feedback, and word-of-mouth from fans like yourselves that we'll make this underground gem a DVD success.

Thanks, guys!

Brian

[tabacco]

That's what I've come here to do now, assuming the great gang at Telltale allows it.

http://www.idlethumbs.net/images/thumbsup.gif

[Laserschwert]

Cool to have you here Brian, since I hope you take suggestions for the set. Cover-wise I would really recommend (and hope) that you ask Steve Purcell to do some artwork for the packaging (just take a look at the cover-art he painted for the DVD of the games' first season and you know why this is a MUST), which of course should include some kind of booklet with info on the episodes and the show itself.

Oh, and any chance for audio-commentaries? I assume not, since you've only talked about the interviews...

[patters]

I'd quite like a box set similar to the firefly one with an 8 page booklet 9which could include synopses of the episodes

as well as Purcell artwork

[Bward]

When we interviewed him at Comic-Con we all expressed great interest in having Steve illustrate the cover art (at least). Our art department hasn't officially reached out to him yet, since we're a little early for this stage, but I can assure you that they will in early September.

As for the booklet, it will all depend on our budget. Something like that would come out of our special features budget, a lot of which has already been spent on the interviews we shot in San Diego. We'll certainly see, though. I'd love to include something along the lines of a booklet, if for no other reason than to include the complete episode descriptions.

Brian

[Silly Bob]

something I'd love to see with these DVDs, have the menus at leaast on the first disc, be the front end of the desotto and all the bumper stickers are the different episode selections, maybe make it the office bulletin board for the second disc, and stuff carved in the desk's surface for the third disk. Of course you've probably already programmed the menus so take everything I said with a grain of salt.

[Bward]

We've not officially begun the menu designs just yet, but I can tell you that you're not far off from some of our favorite ideas.

Brian

[Silly Bob]

sweet, cuase, I've had that vision in my mind for some time, from back when I was trying to figure out how to program a custom menu for my home made dvd, I ended up just going with a bunch of videos on a disc with autoplay.

[Kaldire]

Please put the shorts on! And you rock BTW I love my super mario show set XD

Awesome news ! Thanks! and welcome!

[Bward]

At the risk of speaking prematurely--as opposed to immaturely--, it looks we'll have the three Nelvana-produced shorts.

Brian

[xChri5x]

I love the packaging for the Harvey Birdman dvd's and alot of the other adult swim sets.
http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eTRWf6%2B1L._SS500_.jpg
I keep picturing the Sam & Max set to look something like that. Very simple yet affective artwork. Maybe something with coffee stains, and grime.

[Bward]

It's a thought, and certainly one worth keeping in mind. Nelvana will not--just as we don't--want fans to be confused over which incarnation of Sam & Max this series is. While I adore Telltale's Sam & Max: Season 1 set's cover art, that gritty style not be appropriate for our upcoming set. The cartoon was initially created, after all, for older fans and younger audiences alike and we don't want to alienate either.

I would also be a little concerned about seemingly "ripping off" Adult Swim, since their DVDs all seem to use this style.

I promise you, if everything goes according to plan (though we all know what happens to the best laid plans of mice and men), every fan from every version of Sam & Max will love the artwork.

Brian

[xChri5x]

Well, as long as it's better then the VHS covers, lol. The first one they released wasn't that bad, but after that they seemed to just not care anymore.
I've always admired this fan cover and menu by laserschwert (as seen here http://www.lucasforums.com/showpost.php?p=1485240&postcount=2 ) But I'm pretty confident yours will turn out good.

Is this release going to be in a regular style dvd case or is it going to be some sort of set with cardboard?

[Hero1]

Yeah a Steve Purcell artwork cover for the DVD is a must.. I would love a commentary on the episode christmas, bloody christmas but it looks like that may not be in your budget.. I suspect we will get plenty of concept artwork?

[tobar]

Exciting!

[Waxstains]

For some reason I own the cartoon on VHS well certain episodes, someone stole one of the disks. But my Comment is that when i watched the episode "Bad Day on the Moon" There was one important part missing. When the cartoon aired thaey had a small segment before commercial where Sam and Max showed you how to make a Sam hand puppet with a brown lunch bag and you could glue food into this mouth and the hand puppet is used as an international sign for something or other. And this segmented piece was not on my VHS. I'd like to see it on the DVD.

Was this released on VHS or did i Ebay my way into a great find of some sort? it looks official enough.

Michelle

[xChri5x]

For some reason I own the cartoon on VHS well certain episodes, someone stole one of the disks. But my Comment is that when i watched the episode "Bad Day on the Moon" There was one important part missing. When the cartoon aired thaey had a small segment before commercial where Sam and Max showed you how to make a Sam hand puppet with a brown lunch bag and you could glue food into this mouth and the hand puppet is used as an international sign for something or other. And this segmented piece was not on my VHS. I'd like to see it on the DVD.

Was this released on VHS or did i Ebay my way into a great find of some sort? it looks official enough.

Michelle

That wasn't part of Bad Day on the Moon, it was one of the shorts that aired inbetween shows. It's called Artsy Craftsy Bit of time wasting nonsense and can be found on google video here:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4526371113989647287&q=sam+max+bit&total=12&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

There were also two other shorts called Vice Squad and Our bewildering Universe. I think those are both on gametap.

[Fangarius]

Actually I'd like to see some bonus material from the show, like possibly some outtakes (if you're able to get them) from the show, like scenes probably deemed "too risque" for Fox Kids. As well as probably some interviews with the voice actors (if possible) or the people who helped produced it. Just some thoughts.

[tabacco]

Generally with animation, cut scenes don't get finished because the costs are high enough that there's extensive script and storyboard reviews. At best, you usually get an animatic, which is just the storyboards set to audio to approximate the final result.

I can't speak for sam and max, of course, but that's usually how it works.

[xChri5x]

It would be neat to track down the voice actors for interviews. Harvey Atkin, who did the voice for Sam, does those Leons commercials (which is this furniture store here in Canada).

"Ho ho hold the payment event!"

[Quuux]

There were also two other shorts called Vice Squad and Our bewildering Universe. I think those are both on gametap.

Our Bewildering Universe is, but not Vice Squad (also Fools Die on Friday is omitted)

Edit: Actually, Vice Squad forms the introduction to That Darn Gator

[xChri5x]

Our Bewildering Univers is, but not Vice Squad (also Fools Die on Friday is omitted)

I'm pretty sure Vice Squad is, but I think it's attached to an episode.

[Bward]

The three shorts we've just officially acquired are:

Vice Squad, Our Bewildering Universe! "Chock Full o' Guts!", and Sam & Max's Artsy Craftsy Bit of Time Wasting Nonsense.

These are all great ideas, gang. Keep 'em coming and thanks for the help!

Brian

[Guybrush Threepwood]

The three shorts we've just officially acquired are:

Vice Squad, Our Bewildering Universe! "Chock Full o' Guts!", and Sam & Max's Artsy Craftsy Bit of Time Wasting Nonsense.

These are all great ideas, gang. Keep 'em coming and thanks for the help!

Brian

I recommend letting Telltale sell the DVD on their store (if they want)! :D

[Bward]

There's nothing we'd love more!

Brian

[VincentPrice]

Here's what I love on dvds: in-character audio commentary. The ones on Freaks&Geeks had me in stitches.

[Molokov]

Here's what I love on dvds: in-character audio commentary. The ones on Freaks&Geeks had me in stitches.

And if the original cartoon voice actors aren't available... maybe the voice actors from Season One could comment on the cartoons in character as Sam and Max? (and comment on how they sounded different back in the 90's)

[Laserschwert]

maybe the voice actors from Season One could comment on the cartoons in character as Sam and Max? (and comment on how they sounded different back in the 90's)

Actually I really like this idea... yet I guess that would kill the budget. Or TellTale is able to talk David Nowlin and William Kasten into it, to do it as kind of a "favor to the fans" (or if they're fans themselves, just freakin' do it!). I know, this whole thing would in someway interfere with the "creative works" of others (in this case Nelvana), but I guess in case of S&M this idea isn't even too crazy...

[Silly Bob]

and having different voice actors do the commentary wouldn't be too out there, on a few episodes of Ren and Stimpy, they had the characters doing commentary, and Stimpy was very obviously not Billy West, Ren kept making comments like like "Boy your voice sounds wierd", it would have been funny if the new Stimpy didn't suck so much.

[Zeek]

LOL I can hear the throw-back refferances to the game already.

MAX: "Sam, why do we have to do this? You know I don't like the sound of my own voice on tape! It doesn't even sound like me!"

SAM: "Huh, I don't remember ever picking up smoking."
MAX: "I think these cases were from after the accident with the heater in the office that caused it to smoke like chimney full of extra-crispy pigeon fledglings."
SAM: "Oh yeah, I still have nightmares about that."

[Hero1]

That is a brilliant idea..if Steve wrote it and they got kasten in..could be very funny :)

[xChri5x]

I think it would be funny if they dubbed one of the episodes with new dialoge, but that would probably never happen. They could put in all the stuff the censors didn't like

[Zeek]

They could put in all the stuff the censors didn't like

I don't think any of that got animated, let alone recorded.

[TrogLlama]

That wasn't part of Bad Day on the Moon, it was one of the shorts that aired inbetween shows. It's called Artsy Craftsy Bit of time wasting nonsense and can be found on google video here:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4526371113989647287&q=sam+max+bit&total=12&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

There were also two other shorts called Vice Squad and Our bewildering Universe. I think those are both on gametap.

So THAT's where "Death from above!" came from.
I knew I heard that in relation to Max somewhere...

[xChri5x]

I always thought that was in the comic too, but I guess not. It's too bad that not more of the original comics were turned into episodes.

http://xf0.xanga.com/f08d8b5349333143518027/b106099579.jpg

[MonkeyHunter]

How about any commercial spots to put on the DVD? I'm sure that FOX Kids had some commercials that weren't just footage of the cartoon but had Sam and Max doing something/promoting the cartoon.

[Zeek]

How about any commercial spots to put on the DVD? I'm sure that FOX Kids had some commercials that weren't just footage of the cartoon but had Sam and Max doing something/promoting the cartoon.

The show wasn't really advertised much from what I remember. The only advertisement I remember seeing around that time was advertising that the show was coming out, and even then, all it had were clips of general Sam & Max wackiness.

[meelWORM]

I'd like to see a Production Artwork gallery. There is a guy on eBay selling copies of a 148 page production artwork booklet (with a hefty price tag). It would be really cool if this art was included for everyone to see, and it would put that eBayer out of business too!

[Mike Haley]

As fans of the Sam & Max comics know, the episode entitled "Bad Day on the Moon" is based on the comic of the same name. A bonus featurette discussing the development of that episode would be interesting. One of those Storyboard-to-Screen sort of things.

[Bward]

The idea to have in-character commentaries is a good one. Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to nip it in the bud. For a couple of reasons.

For starters, it would be against the current union rules to have the voice actors do the voices without paying them at least the scale day rate for their "performances." This expense, on top of what it would cost to get the recording session in order, would be well above our budget constraints.

Secondly, if there are commentaries, I'd be much more excited about the prospect of someone like Steve Purcell alongside folks like Steve Whitehouse and Dan Smith.

As for a storyboard-to-screen-type comparison of comic vs. the episode... I don't think we'd be able to afford that, either, since we'd have to pay the publisher for the rights to "re-publish" the comic if only in digital form on the disc.

Can't wait to announce what we actually do have outside of the already known interviews. I think you guys'll be really happy. I'm certainly having a blast putting it together.

Brian

[xChri5x]

Any chance it'll be out by the end of the year?

[Zeek]

Or at least before Black Friday?

[Bward]

No chance. We have it tentatively scheduled for a first-quarter '08 release, but I'm trying to have it bumped up slightly. Unfortunately, the deal was made too late to be released in time for the end of the year. So it'll have to be a Just-In-Time-To-Be-Slightly-Late-For-The-20th-Anniversary Edition. Just kidding. Although, I like the sound of that...

Hmmm...

Brian

[Zeek]

*sigh* OH well, I've waited this long.

*trots off to update his Amazon Guide to Sam & Max*

[xChri5x]

Oh poo.

I really hope we get Surfin' the Highway in the meantime though. Jake? ;)

[Eschotron]

Wow, between this and releasing Freaks and Geeks, Home Movies, the Herb Alpert re-releases, the Nintendo and Sonic cartoons, and the upcoming Nick Danger box set, Shout! Factory has won my heart a thousand times over.

Even though I'd buy the Sam & Max box regardless, and I completely trust you guys to make the special features awesome, is there any chance of including more notes from the censors at Fox Kids like the sketchbooks had? I can see how that may not be possible, but you said you were looking for input so I thought it would be worth mentioning.

I also second the idea of including production art, as what I've seen in the sketchbooks have been really interesting. Just don't make the same mistake that Synch-Point--another of my favorite companies--made with Di Gi Charat and make the production art transparent on a weird background.

[Bward]

We've run into a bit of a problem with original concept art and the like...

The good folks at Nelvana and Corus Entertainment have come back to us saying they have NOTHING. That's right, I said it. NOTHING. Steve's looking through his collection of stuff, but we're not sure what he'll have in terms of art done specifically for the animated series. Still, we have our fingers crossed.

While this stuff would be great and easy to include on the set, our bonus materials don't rely on them as heavily as some of our other titles have in the past. But if anyone can point me toward this artwork elsewhere, like for example, the guy selling it on Ebay, it'd be a great help.

Thanks, guys!

Brian

[Zeek]

The sketchbooks (Age of S&M and Effigy Mound) have sections of them featuring art from the cartoon. Mostly character and set designs, but I think the first sketchbook has three storyboard panels from one of them.

[xChri5x]

We've run into a bit of a problem with original concept art and the like...

The good folks at Nelvana and Corus Entertainment have come back to us saying they have NOTHING. That's right, I said it. NOTHING. Steve's looking through his collection of stuff, but we're not sure what he'll have in terms of art done specifically for the animated series. Still, we have our fingers crossed.

While this stuff would be great and easy to include on the set, our bonus materials don't rely on them as heavily as some of our other titles have in the past. But if anyone can point me toward this artwork elsewhere, like for example, the guy selling it on Ebay, it'd be a great help.

Thanks, guys!

Brian

Maybe this guy used to work for Nelvana when they made the show. Here's the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Sam-Max-Model-Sheets-Backgrounds-148-pgs_W0QQitemZ110136074428QQihZ001QQcategoryZ1532QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It's worth a look at but I don't think there is much there for use.
The two sketchbooks like previously stated also have alot of awesome concept art:
http://files.telltalegames.com/productshots/sketchbook/sketchbook_productshot4.jpg
http://files.telltalegames.com/productshots/sketchbook/sketchbook_productshot2.jpg

[Bward]

We've looked into the ebay auction. It doesn't help that he doesn't have a Buy Now option.

As for Steve's sketchbooks, we've approached him for content, but I don't like the idea of using the work he's had published. I don't want to make something that fans purchase from him at the conventions available as a "bonus feature" on the discs. I just don't feel right about it; as if I was taking money out of his pocket.

We'll see what we get.

Brian

[Harald B]

We've looked into the ebay auction. It doesn't help that he doesn't have a Buy Now option.Are we looking at the same auction? The auction I'm looking at (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Sam-Max-Model-Sheets-Backgrounds-148-pgs_W0QQitemZ110136074428QQihZ001QQcategoryZ1532QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) has a Buy it Now option at $25.16, with 5 purchases made already (http://offer.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=110136074428) and 7 pieces left.

[patters]

Are we looking at the same auction? The auction I'm looking at (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Sam-Max-Model-Sheets-Backgrounds-148-pgs_W0QQitemZ110136074428QQihZ001QQcategoryZ1532QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) has a Buy it Now option at $25.16, with 5 purchases made already (http://offer.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=110136074428) and 7 pieces left.

yes it is the same item and 7 purchases now both have buy it now options

[Bward]

No, the one I saw did not have a Buy It Now. I'll check it out.

Brian

*EDIT: We've just purchased a set. Sad that we just bought on Ebay something we should've been able to get from Nelvana. But we have it. That is, we have it in theory until it's in our hands.

[Hero1]

Brian I love your idea of having a commentary by Steve Purcell & Steve Whitehouse. As far as special features go a commentary would be the number 1 item I'd look forward too. Obviously you have budget constraints but it's the special features that are really gonna sell this set considering you can watch the episodes online. Fingers crossed you can make it happen.

[patters]

Brian I love your idea of having a commentary by Steve Purcell & Steve Whitehouse. As far as special features go a commentary would be the number 1 item I'd look forward too. Obviously you have budget constraints but it's the special features that are really gonna sell this set considering you can watch the episodes online. Fingers crossed you can make it happen.

i dont mind the idea of only having a few extras (they would probably get stripped down if/when it is released in Europe hint) i would like a physical copy to add to my collection (possible similarities in layout to season one if possible would be good)

[Silly Bob]

No chance. We have it tentatively scheduled for a first-quarter '08 release, but I'm trying to have it bumped up slightly. Unfortunately, the deal was made too late to be released in time for the end of the year. So it'll have to be a Just-In-Time-To-Be-Slightly-Late-For-The-20th-Anniversary Edition. Just kidding. Although, I like the sound of that...

Hmmm...

Brian

You should totally put that on the box art, Like if you look at The Tick Box Art (which I thought you guys did, but I guess you didn't, since I can't see it in the store) the Title is THe Tick Vs. Season One, I thought that was awesome. But Maybe say "Just-In-Time-To-Be-Slightly-Late-For-The-10th-Anniversary Edition" Considering ithe TV show is only about ten years old.

[Laserschwert]

That wouldn't be too bad... I've recently got the new release of the "Spaceballs"-soundtrack, named "The 19th Anniversary Edition", so all is possible...

[LuigiHann]

Call it the "30th Anniversary Edition" and design the package as if it's been sent backwards through time.

[Trumgottist]

There's nothing stopping them from releasing a region free NTSC disc :)

Yeah, region free would be nice for those of us in other parts of the world.

[Bward]

Yeah, region free would be nice for those of us in other parts of the world.

It could happen. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

Brian

[Guybrush Threepwood]

It could happen. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

Brian

Are you trying to imply something with your hints, nudges and winks? ;)

[Kaldire]

I dont like that ebay seller.. he says he sells for his brother who worked on the cartoon and others like freakazoid. His brother also has alot more art of s&m he WONT share nor discuss. I personally have an awesome pic set from an unmade cartoon.. and I own the originals soo :P
It shows max as GRANDCOOPER MAX.. this might be a nice sketch to use if done up.. Id love to see this redone with color on the back sleeve saying something like "Im old but Im still kickin!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/Kaldire/SMstoryboard3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/Kaldire/SMstoryboard1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/Kaldire/SMstoryboard2.jpg

Anyway I bought the set from him long ago.. that s&m and a freakazoid one.. pretty poor prints imo. But he states that in the description soo. Once you get the thing BWARD notice my arts are not in there... odd.. no? Yet this guy said he had my art even though I have the originals... again .. odd. So I smell something rotten in that(those) guys.

If it doesnt violate anything I can send you full page scans of these.. to anyone actually.

[TrogLlama]

I remember Freakazoid. That was a good show.
I miss Warner Bros. animation of the early-mid 90's.
Disney had some pretty good shows around then, too...
They really should put out Freakazoid on DVD...
Kinda off-topic, but oh well.

[Bward]

If it doesnt violate anything I can send you full page scans of these.. to anyone actually.

You would be an absolute lifesaver! Please get in touch with me via private message and I'll give you the details.

Thanks!

Brian

BTW-- Freakazoid was announced a little while back as being released on DVD, but the production was postponed. Not sure what the hold up is, but I'm certainly familiar with these kinds of hold ups.

[Jake]

Well, as long as it's better then the VHS covers, lol. The first one they released wasn't that bad, but after that they seemed to just not care anymore.

I think the first VHS cover was an inked drawing by Steve which they colored for the case, but for the second and third tapes, they just blew up cels from the show.

[Bward]

Yeah, those are pretty horrible. We've been speaking with Steve about how to avoid releasing something that bad again. Believe me, I'm not only a fan of the show but of the characters in general, so it's important to me that this set looks right. After all, it is the complete series, so it's the only shot I'll get at this.

Brian

[xChri5x]

Until an HD release! jk.

[Bward]

I've actually seen some test footage of an older animated series that's getting the HD treatment. The up convert is surprisingly VERY nice. Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!! would be even better, because it's a later show and the colors are brilliant. An HD release wouldn't be a bad idea for this title, to be honest-- in terms of technically. Are there enough fans buying it to warrant an HD transfer and authoring? Doubtful.

But, I'd sure like to try!

Brian

[patters]

i don't have anything that plays HD content and dont plan to get an hdtv or hddvd or bluray yet

[tobar]

Plasma HDTV's are waaaaaaaay better than LCDs. Not that has anything to do with anything. :P

[Zeek]

I'm backwards. My monitor on this computer is HD, but the DVD player connected to it isn't. And anything HD or Blu-Ray as far as DVD players go is out of my budget at the moment, sooooo, yeah... Standard DVD formating please.:p

[wisp]

I would say, that a normal DVD-release would be sufficient at the moment. Maybe in a few years I would buy a HD-version, but I suggest not to delay the DVD if not necesary. I can't wait to get it..

[Combustibillion]

I think the first VHS cover was an inked drawing by Steve which they colored for the case, but for the second and third tapes, they just blew up cels from the show.

Do you (or anybody else) have pictures of the covers? I'm finding it's surprisingly difficult to find a picture....that and I don't know what to look for.

[xChri5x]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/411JH17TBQL._AA280_.jpg
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/419R3YPNQYL._AA280_.jpg
http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WJE1NR3RL._AA280_.jpg

I own the first one!

[Combustibillion]

Thanks, and yeah, I do see the difference.

[Ooze33]

Wow, those last two pictures are really bad!

[Silly Bob]

I just got an updatre e-mail from tvshowsondvd.com about the set, not to much new new, but I figured people might want to read it

Sam & Max...Ah, Sam & Max...

Seriously, this one has become my favorite. I was a huge fan of the comics and the video game before the series originally aired, so I'm making sure to take excellent care of this title.

Right now, we have a GREAT featurette with creator Steve Purcell that looks back at the history of the characters and the show. We also have a featurette featuring the gang from Telltale Games, the company responsible for the Sam & Max Season 1 episodic games on Gametap. If everything goes according to plan, we might have a little something extra from those guys, but nothing's official, yet.

We do have the three shorts that aired along with the episodes and have included an original short film that was written and co-directed by Purcell, as well, called Sam & Max: Our Bewildering Universe. If you're a fan of the characters, you may have seen this short before, but we thought it would be nice to include on the set for posterity.

We'll also have the usual gathering of artwork and we might even include the Series Bible, which was written by Purcell. All of these bonus materials are, of course, pending final approval by Nelvana. But regardless, I'm having so much fun with this set

[xChri5x]

YES! I'm so glad he's gonna put that flash short on! Cannot wait!

[Eschotron]

I just got an updatre e-mail from tvshowsondvd.com about the set, not to much new new, but I figured people might want to read it

Oooh, including the series bible would be GODLY. I've always wanted to see what one looked like.

[xChri5x]

What exactly is the series bible?

[Jake]

Generally, something like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_(writing)). I don't know what exists in terms of a show bible for the Sam & Max cartoon, but that's general gist of what one is.

[Zeek]

Generally, something like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_(writing)). I don't know what exists in terms of a show bible for the Sam & Max cartoon, but that's general gist of what one is.

I think I have a pretty good idea what's in the Sam & Max show bible.

"Run-on senetences with big words are nessicary. 10 points for using the thesaurus, and an extra 20 if it is possible to say said sentence on one breathe."

"When in doubt, blow it up!"

"Sam & Max must be falling and screaming for their life at least once per episode, especially if it is for no apparently reasons."

That seems to be the trend in the episodes I've noticed at least.

[Bward]

For the Canadians and Europeans in the crowd, we just secured the French language track for Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!! The Complete Series. Can't wait to hear what Max sounds like in French!

Brian

[xChri5x]

I hope the Canadian version doesn't have french all over the case. I hate that with a passion! Alot of our DVD's are like that and it's annoying (from an artistic point of view). I have nothing against french people or their language :P

[Bward]

The packaging will be identical to ours.

Brian

[Zeek]

For the Canadians and Europeans in the crowd, we just secured the French language track for Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!! The Complete Series. Can't wait to hear what Max sounds like in French!

Brian

I wonder if there is a Spanish dub of the show. Some of those long-winded sentences must sound pretty interesting in a language where you have to congigate sentences by placing every adjective after every noun.:D

[Bward]

I may have spoken too soon on the French language track. I'm now being told they were mistaken... Ugh...

The good news, however, is that Steve Purcell has been officially contacted about illustrating the packaging. No word back from him, yet, but he is a very busy man. Hoping to hear from him shortly.

Brian

[LuigiHann]

I may have spoken too soon on the French language track. I'm now being told they were mistaken... Ugh...

Aw, too bad. If you could get a clip of it as a bonus feature, that'd still be great, since most of us would just check it out once to see how it sounds.

On one of the Terminator 2 DVD editions, there's a pretty cool feature that just shows him saying "Stay here, I'll be back" in almost every language... it'd be funny to see the same short Sam & Max clip in a few different languages. Especially if the subtitles indicate how the joke changes from region to region. Just a thought.

[Hero1]

I may have spoken too soon on the French language track. I'm now being told they were mistaken... Ugh...

The good news, however, is that Steve Purcell has been officially contacted about illustrating the packaging. No word back from him, yet, but he is a very busy man. Hoping to hear from him shortly.

Brian

*fingers are crossed*

[Silly Bob]

Aw, too bad. If you could get a clip of it as a bonus feature, that'd still be great, since most of us would just check it out once to see how it sounds.

On one of the Terminator 2 DVD editions, there's a pretty cool feature that just shows him saying "Stay here, I'll be back" in almost every language... it'd be funny to see the same short Sam & Max clip in a few different languages. Especially if the subtitles indicate how the joke changes from region to region. Just a thought.

There's something like that on the Futurama discs to. Mostly funny scenes with bender in a few different languages.

[Zeek]

Or the Finding Nemo DVD where the seagulls say "Mine" in like 20 different languages.:D

[xChri5x]

Maybe if Steve doesn't have time to do some artwork, he'll have some lying around he could spruce up.

[wisp]

even if he isn't 100% satisfied with the series, what i think i read somewhere, it's still his stuff somehow. i mean having a cartoon series made after ones comic isn't quite bad, i'd say. so i really hope he will take the time to draw some art for the dvd-set.

i'm not to sad if there is no french version on the european version, since i will probably buy the us release anyway, even though i'm pretty european myself.
having some voice examples in differrent languages would be quite funny on the other hand. i always wondered what "you crack me up" sounds like in swedish...

[Bward]

I'd love to include multiple languages, but Nelvana's saying they don't have any available to us.

As for Steve being "satisfied" with the series, when I interviewed him at Comic-Con, he couldn't have seemed more satisfied. He truly believes the characters are there and the series was pretty great. And it was. I love the series and I still find myself doing little things here and there everyday, just so I can work on it, despite the fact that I'm in something of a holding pattern, waiting for the packaging artwork and the menus to be fully designed.

Brian

[Guybrush Threepwood]

I haven't seen any of the episodes, so this is going to be a fresh experience for me.

[Bward]

Guybrush, you're in for a treat!

Brian

[xChri5x]

It's toned down and has a Saturday Morning Cartoon feel, but it still captures the essence of Sam & Max. Some of the background art is reall good too

[Zeek]

Toned down? Yes, but you'd be surprised what they got away with, mostly thanks to Max.

[xChri5x]

Not that much compared to other incarnations though

[Bward]

There's definitely humor there that wasn't written for children. In today's era of The Family Guy and Adult Swim, it's hard to look back on it in context. But there are a number of adult-oriented jokes. Personally, as a fan of all incarnations so far, I still think the series is awesome. I've even turned some people at my office onto the duo via the animated series.

Brian

[Hero1]

I think Steve Purcell's episodes were great..steve whitehouse was another great writer.. the episode christmas, bloody christmas was brilliant! they got some great adult jokes in on that 1..like max in the prison showers with a certain sign on him :D:D:D:D:p

[xChri5x]

I don't know how that got past the censors yet some stupid stuff like "Max Inspecting a dirty matress" and other things listed in the sketchbooks didn't.
Same with Max pulling his skin back revealing his skull, and having his head sawed open.

[Harald B]

Probably because the censors are a lot more concerned with sex and anything remotely related to it than they are with gratuitous violence and such. Censors are nothing if not double-standarded.

[Marzhin]

I may have spoken too soon on the French language track. I'm now being told they were mistaken... Ugh...

Gosh, I almost had an heart attack there... I watched the series in french back in the day. I would have loved to have the french track on the DVD. Oh, well.

[Diduz]

Hi, Brian! Glad to see you on these forums. :D
I would also be VERY happy if the toons were "region-free", since I live in Europe.
Is there ANY way to confirm the mysterious existence of an Italian version of the series? I'm not hoping to have the track on the dvd, I just want to know if it EXISTS. There's one guy wandering in various Italian forums who claims to have seen some Italian-dubbed episodes on a satellite network of ours. Could you ask Nelvana about this?
I hope the dvds won't be too expensive. ;)
Will they come with subtitle-tracks? They're a great help for us foreigners.

[Zeek]

I don't know how that got past the censors yet some stupid stuff like "Max Inspecting a dirty matress" and other things listed in the sketchbooks didn't.
Same with Max pulling his skin back revealing his skull, and having his head sawed open.

Probably because the censors are a lot more concerned with sex and anything remotely related to it than they are with gratuitous violence and such. Censors are nothing if not double-standarded.

According to the Batman: The Animated Series and Disney's Gargoyles, Broadcast Standards and Practices (ironically known as BS & P :D) had people that understood context in the show during the 90s. Their cheif concern then was making sure nothing shown in the cartoons could be duplicated by children in real life. These days, because of how conservative uptight the general US viewing public is (what with things like Janet Jackson and even Columbine), BS & P seems to be getting rid of anything and everything remotely violent or sexual in most, if not all, cartoons.

In relation to Sam & Max, I would get BS & P were probably concern with things Sam does to Max given what's in the sketchbook moreso than adult joke. There was a line in the series where they visit the Greek Gods and Hera says flat out that Zeus has been having sex with all kinds of "nymphs, muses, and fairies." And yet, Sam makes sure Max has a crash helmet on when he chucks him into the parrallel dimension gate found in The Geek's Freezer. Frankly, I'm just wondering how they were able to talk their way out of the Little John episode, what with the idea of having an aligator as a domesticated pet and all.

[xChri5x]

Didn't they also always have seatbelts on whenever they were in a car or vehicle?

[Zeek]

Didn't they also always have seatbelts on whenever they were in a car or vehicle?

Yeah, from what I remember. They cut out any chance of Max highway surfing.

Yet they turn Max into the most racest statue you can put in your lawn in the same episode where they take a cheap-pop at women from my home state. As well as set fire to various monuments in DC (which would explain Episode 4 a bit).

[Bward]

Great news, gang... Steve's on board. We'll have an exclusive package illustrated by the man himself.

Brian

[Guybrush Threepwood]

Great news, gang... Steve's on board. We'll have an exclusive package illustrated by the man himself.

Brian

Good going. I can't wait to see what Steve whips up.

[Jake]

That's awesome! I'm glad that all of these projects are bringing Steve out of hiding and coaxing him into producing more Sam & Max artwork.

[YoshiAngemon]

I know I might get hit with a foam ball from a ball gun after saying this, but when can we expect the box art to be exposed?

[Jake]

http://www.theadventuress.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/samnmax.jpg

ta da!

Final DVD cover art stolen from The Adventuress (http://www.theadventuress.com/lets-win-some-cool-stuff/)

[xChri5x]

Bless his heart

[Hero1]

Great news, gang... Steve's on board. We'll have an exclusive package illustrated by the man himself.

Brian

awesome!!! :):):):):)

[xChri5x]

Steve needs to keep fresh with Sam & Max art anyways...
Well, I guess he still has the webcomic he's hopefully working on too...

[Bward]

Jake, we weren't quite ready to reveal that, yet. Thanks a lot.

Brian

[xChri5x]

It's missing something... I-just-don't-know-what!

[Jake]

In this digital age it's hard to keep such hot news under wraps! I thought work this groundbreaking deserved to be seen.

[Laserschwert]

Damn, I was so hoping for the "Happy Tree Friends"-version:

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs21/i/2007/257/4/d/Sam_and_Max___HTF_by_twy_chan.jpg

[Dedlok]

http://www.theadventuress.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/samnmax.jpg

ta da!

Final DVD cover art stolen from The Adventuress (http://www.theadventuress.com/lets-win-some-cool-stuff/)

Funny thing is: I would totally buy a DVD w/ that cover. Well if it was the ONLY option anyway. if there was alternate cover version I'd buy it over this one, but still. :D

[tobar]

Speaking of the web comic.......is Steve still working on that?

[Zeek]

Damn, I was so hoping for the "Happy Tree Friends"-version:

Sam looks like Ralf from Muppet Babies.:D That cracks me up.

[tobar]

I knew he looked familiar! :D

[Dedlok]

Speaking of the web comic.......is Steve still working on that?

Well they said chapter 12 was the final chapter. Of this story anyway.

Whether he's gonna do another one or not is unsaid.

[Kaldire]

Im still down for sam and max being old on it :P I love that old max pic.. wish it woulda been made.

[Zeek]

Im still down for sam and max being old on it :P I love that old max pic.. wish it woulda been made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YoVMoZYmlE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_p_If_BalY

I like the way they designed Old Sam with his nose all limp, as well as that quip he says about over purchasing and wanting to return things he just bought.:D

[Kaldire]

yep.. couple that with my old max! and poof! lol. Least it would make a good back cover. Maybe have them watching the projector of them as kids on back. Ill photoshop something once my machine gets up..
Darn northbridges

[Bward]

Argh! The French language tracks may be back on, after all. Not sure, yet. I'll keep you updated.

As for the good news of the day, we're expecting our first look at a few thumbnail sketches of concepts for the packaging, provided by Mr. Steve Purcell, later today. Can't even begin to tell you how my heart's a'racin' with anticipation.

Brian

[Laserschwert]

Argh! The French language tracks may be back on, after all. Not sure, yet. I'll keep you updated.

As for the good news of the day, we're expecting our first look at a few thumbnail sketches of concepts for the packaging, provided by Mr. Steve Purcell, later today. Can't even begin to tell you how my heart's a'racin' with anticipation.

Brian

Does that include us having a glance at them as well?

[xChri5x]

http://www.greenbug.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/02/puss-in-boots1.jpg
Pretty please

[Hero1]

Argh! The French language tracks may be back on, after all. Not sure, yet. I'll keep you updated.

As for the good news of the day, we're expecting our first look at a few thumbnail sketches of concepts for the packaging, provided by Mr. Steve Purcell, later today. Can't even begin to tell you how my heart's a'racin' with anticipation.

Brian

oohh..so hes doing back cover as well?

[Kaldire]

2.5 million yen right now for a copy of the art!.. is that about 300 $ or so? haha

Always looking for purcell art.. im a freak like that...

[Bward]

The art is amazing. When we ask for thumbnails of concepts, Steve provides almost completely fleshed out images. I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.

We've selected our top choice for the cover. Now, we have to get that approved by Nelvana. We should know something shortly.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that these images are still pending, I cannot reveal them just yet. As soon as we have completed artwork, I'll be sure to give you guys a glimpse.

Brian

[Hero1]

Ooohh exciting.. I'll be honest I'd buy the dvd just to have another piece of cool Purcell Sam & Max artwork :)

[wisp]

true...but on the other hand, i would probably buy it if it was wrapped in an old newspaper as well.
i assume the art that did not make it to the cover will be put to good use as well.

[Zeek]

I'm buying it because I'm tired of YouTube messing up the quality of the video and audio.

[Kaldire]

friggen awesome bman! Tell him to put the others in his next art leftovers book! or put em on telltales site! We will gobble prints up here like madmen. Awesome!
Im buying 3 no joke weee!

[Bward]

Nelvana--who's got to be one of the coolest licensors to work with--has officially approved the concepts submitted by Steve. How could they not?!

So, we're moving forward. Hope to have something to show you guys shortly.

Brian

[Hero1]

Thanks for the updates Mr Ward, Appreciate it. :)

[Bward]

No worries. I'm happy to have updates!

Like this one... We've just confirmed an exclusive sticker to be included with Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!! The Complete Series.

Expected to see the final illustrations for the packaging shortly. Woo-hoo!!

Brian

[tobar]

*giddy*

[Hero1]

wow i've always wanted a sam & max sticker

[xChri5x]

A bumpersticker quality sticker?

[Kaldire]

ok brian what are you doing ? now you just sold me on another 2 more :P

hope your making A bUNCh

[Bward]

I think it's "bumper sticker"-quality. Of course, that's having only seen the VERY FAMILIAR design pre-sticker. I'll let you know once they're produced.

Brian

[Ooze33]

so...no cover art yet?
(sorry I'm very anxious to see it. But who isn't?)

[Bward]

We won't see a fully-realized cover (with the title treatment and logos) for another week or so and, even then, we won't have it approved by Nelvana for a week or so after that. So we're looking at a couple of weeks before anyone outside Shout! or Nelvana will see anything. If it's any sooner, I'll be sure to run it by ya'.

Brian

[Silly Bob]

I LOVE YOU BRYAN WARD!

Did I say that out loud?

[Bward]

Um...thanks?

Good news, gang: Nelvana has officially approved the final, colored version of the slipcase cover. As soon as I get the greenlight from the powers-that-be, I'll give you a sneak peek. Personally, I think it's pretty amazing.

Brian

[Laserschwert]

Oooooh, a slipcase? GREAT! :cool:

Does this mean, that slipcase and DVD-case are getting a different artwork? Or ist it even a digipak?

[Bward]

Slipcase and two thinpaks. One will have two discs, while the second will only have the one. And, yes, they'll all be different and illustrated by Steve. Loving the designs for the two thinpaks, as well. Looking forward to seeing the final, colored versions soon.

Brian

[Hero1]

is the geek on the cover?

[Bward]

Oh, what the hell... Here ya' go!

Brian

http://files.telltalegames.com/misc/nelvanacover.jpg

[pinwiz543]

that is beautiful...... i just peed.

[Bward]

that is beautiful...... i just peed.

Welcome to my world.

Brian

[xChri5x]

Impressive!

Can't wait to see the slim case designs too!

I think that maybe the "Sam & Max" would look better in a different colour other than blue. Maybe a red?

[Dedlok]

I agree w/ Chri5. I usually associate red w/ the logo. Dunno why. lol And I think it would go better w/ the background.

[Hero1]

I love the lighting on that..awesome!

[xChri5x]

I'm warming up to the blue.

[Jake]

That's awesome!

[Zeek]

Huh, dominate yellow... I guess Steve felt the drawing was too busy or falling appart and went into his safe color. I'm digging the chrome finish on the "The Complete Series" text, as well as the type face. Classic.:D

[xChri5x]

I hope that the cover is.... how do you call it.... raised? I don't know the proper term

[Jake]

Embossed, probably.

[xChri5x]

I like to run my fingers over it
http://www.studioout.net/reslab/post_images/salad-fingers.jpg