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I wanted to post this alert to all fans of classic dramatic television. A fly, unlike either Vincent Price or Jeff Goldbum, may have flown directly into the medicinal ointment from which the long lost episodes of "Route 66" have been finding both "release" and escape. There are ominous indications throughout the spider's "web" that Infinity Entertainment may have pulled the plug on the genie's bottle, and terminated plans for future DVD releases of this great and memorable black and white television series. Plans to release Season Two, Volume One have been..."Indefinitely Postponed." The not so subtle translation of this cryptic message, of course, is that due to sluggish sales, no further volumes will be issued. Some of the finest and most intense hours of dramatic series television were found in the second season of the series, particularly the finest episode of the troubled series..."The Thin White Line"...not to mention the wonderful Halloween episode from the third season, "Lizard's Leg and Owlet's Wing," featuring Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, and Lon Chaney, Jr. In times of vapid television programming, and mediocre DVD releases of the silliest, most innocuous television shows and films in history lining video shelves, it's frightening to think that, despite the resurgence of interest in great black and white series, fans have not supported the releases of "Route 66," and that its future on home shelves is now in dire jeopardy of never seeing the light of cathode rays. Say what you will about the preachiness or dated writing of some episodes. It got better as it progressed, and found its voice. Some of our greatest actors and actresses found their earliest exposure on shows like "Route 66." Please help support further DVD releases of seasons Two and Three...at least, the marvelous episodes pairing both George Maharis and Martin Milner. We'll never see their like again. Many and sincere thanks.

Blessings,



Steve Vertlieb

Hi, Guys

Didn't want to leave everyone hanging. Just had a message via E-Mail from the kind folks at Infinity Entertainment. Apparently, rather than continue to release the episodes a half season at a time, they've decided to release them as an entire season at a shot. Consequently, the complete Season One will be released in August, while the complete Season Two will be released in October, 2008. This is great news. Sorry to push the panic button, but I've grown a tad cynical over the years regarding good intentions and proper video or DVD releases. At least now we have an answer. I genuinely appreciate the professionalism and courtesy of the management at Infinity Entertainment in updating me regarding their intentions. They could have just blown me off. This is just one hell of a great series, and I'm thrilled to know that my assumptions were proven wrong. Wanted to get you the latest news as quickly as possible. We'll just have to wait until the Fall...but, it will be well worth the wait, I promise you. By the way, George Maharis will celebrate his 80th birthday in September.


Blessings,



Steve Vertlieb

I've learned that they're also going to re-do most of the episodes, adding some six minutes of missing footage and restoring the frames to their original full screen versions, rather than the artificially "enhanced" wide screen aspect ratio that marred the first sets in the name of "progress." Hopefully, they'll be able to brighten up some of the earlier episodes that suffered from a dark and grainy appearance, as well.


Steve

Here's some exciting news. Just heard from Infinity Entertainment that the complete second season of "Route 66" will finally be released in its entirety on October 21st in its original full screen ratio. This is the marvelous season that included "The Thin White Line," the episode I've always considered the high point of the series, and the episode that my brother and I were fortunate enough to actually see filming when the cast and crew set up shop in Philadelphia in the early Fall of 1961. I was all of fourteen years old. My brother had just turned twelve. It's an experience we'll never forget. Incidentally, George Maharis will turn eighty years young on September 1st. That's hard for me to believe. In my mind and heart, he'll live on eternally as Buzz Murdock, a young, embattled soul in his early thirties...at least in the fragile time machine occupying my thoughts.

Steve

Just received my box set of the entire second season of "Route 66," and it was worth the wait. The episodes are now available in their original full screen ratio, and the prints are gorgeous. Watched the first episode last evening. It was a very touching episode with Ann Francis as a dying young actress, and Conrad Nagel as her priest. Buzz falls for her, with powerful, poignant results. I also...God help me...re-purchased the entire first season, and it was a revelation. The premiere episode,"Black November," had been very dull and grainy in its first releases both on the old Columbia House video tape, as well as the first Infinity DVD release. It's now as sharp as a bell. I'm not thrilled about being forced to purchase the same set a second time but, at least, they finally got it right. This is a tremendous, dramatically ground breaking series with great stories and acting, and the new second season release is more than worth any serious television fan's time and attention.

Best Wishes,



Steve