Volume 20 is on sale !!!!

[snugden]

Having bought all the previous 19.5 volumes you might have thought that Network would send out emails about Volume 20 being available. The only email they've send me is about their offer of the week, the PD James collection. It's almost as if they don't want their customers to know about Crossroads. Surely it makes good business sense to keep customers informed of the products they obviously want to buy?

[Aston Cross]

It's not even flagged up on the Mausoleum Club Forum (which is run by someone at Network).  In fact, the last Crossroads DVD to be flagged up as a PR notice there was Archive Volume 13.

I'd argue, Snugden, that to a certain extent they don't want people to know about Crossroads after the hoo-hah from last year.  I only found out about Volume 20 after someone (I forget who - sorry!) flagged up on here that it had been cleared by the BBFC.  Even on the Network website, you can only find out about it in the Crossroads section.  It doesn't feature in the Forthcoming Releases area at all, as previous volumes did.

[Douggie]

If I were cynical and into conspiracy theories I'd say Network were tryng to kill the releases off.

[Steve F]

If I were cynical and into conspiracy theories I'd say Network were tryng to kill the releases off.

Tbh Douggie, I think you're right. The episode synopses for Volume 20 are the worst so far. On several earlier volumes, there might be the odd really bizzarre synopsis which'd make me laugh but these... the writer obviously thinks the series is utter w*nk and actually makes personal remarks about at least one of the actors (Alan Gifford who plays the wonderful and very loveable Lloyd Munro). As far as I know, the actor who played him had all his teeth, so the remark about his dentures isn't accurate or funny imho.

I was so surprised when it turned out that there would be a Volume 20. Surprised and delighted & of course, I had to buy it, but tbh, I really think this is the end.

I'm curently formulating an e-mail to Network DVD to thank them for the releases thus far and for making over 300+ episodes of Classic Crossroads available but I also intentend to express my dissatisfaction with the quality of the sound on certain episodes (Mobile Phone interference is briefly heard on 4-5 episodes spread across Volumes 18 & 19) & the unhelpful and sarcastic tone of the writing on the episode synopsis  but I will also express my hope that the releases continue but only once my concerns (regarding the lack of care being taken during the transfer/mastering to DVD process and the lack of respect for the nature of the material in the writing of the synopsis) have been acknowledged and addressed.

Obviously, I have no faith that they will be. I'm resigned to that but will continue to buy the DVD's if/when released.

[Aston Cross]

It is basically saying, "Look, this is a rubbish soap, so this isn't what's going on but we've noticed these going through the episodes.  Fancy spending £16 on this?!"  Luckily, we all know the truth.

And a rather gratuitous and unnecessary use of the word "jihad" to be quite honest, even if it is Rosemary!

[Douggie]

Having gone back and looked over the episode synopsis for Volume 20 I'd say the spoof ones we did a few weeks ago look postively real! What are Network thinking off???

[Steve F]

I've just sent the following E-Mail to Ryan Hewitt, Account Manager, Sony DADC UK Ltd.

Dear Ryan,
 
I'm writing to you in connection with the above.
 
As you were very helpful in sending a duplicate copy of Crossroads Archive Volume 15 out to me when the original failed to arrive in the post, I thought I would e-mail you with regards to this series of releases.
 
Firstly, I would like to thank SONY DADC UK Ltd and Network DVD for the many Crossroads-related releases issued thus far and for making over 300+ episodes of Classic Crossroads available to myself and others who quite frankly, adore this wonderful old series. I have purchased every release this far and will continue to do so should they continue.
 
Secondly, and on a less happy note, I wanted to express my concern and dissatisfaction with the quality of the sound on certain episodes included on recent releases (Mobile Phone interference is briefly and clearly heard on 4-5 separate episodes included on Volumes 18 & 19.
 
I am also growing increasingly iritated by the unhelpful and sarcastic tone evident in the writing of the individual episode synopsis. These have been becoming more childish and sarcastic as the releases have progressed. I think it's disrespectful to the work and also, offensive. This problem has reached new and more tasteless heights with the forthcoming release of Archive - Volume 20.
 
Finally, and despite all of the above, I wanted to express my sincere hope that the releases continue but only once these concerns regarding the lack of care being taken during the transfer/mastering to DVD process and the lack of respect for the nature of the material in the writing of the individual episodes synopsis have been acknowledged and addressed.

I would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt of this e-mail and that you would forward it on to the relevant individuals within SONY and Network.
 
Thank you very much for your help and for taking the time to read this.
 
Kind regards,
 
Steven J M Foster
LEEDS


I will let you know if I receive a reply.

[Aston Cross]

Nicely worded, Steve.  I can't help but be cynical (I know - MOI?!?!) I think I know whether or not you'll receive a reply.  My generous side will keep my fingers crossed for you, though!

[Steve F]

According to my Order History on the Network site, Volume 20 has been despatched! 

If anyone is thinking of buying it and hasn't yet, I'd get in quick before the pre-order discounted price goes up to £20+  which I think will prob happen either at the weekend or early next week.

[Mike of CAS]

I've sent out the information via the mailing list (I think it still works!)

I guess maybe i should shove something on the front page of CAS as well then.

Having been bemused by some of the write-ups, this one I did find a lot of the comments funny. The only one I thought was a bit 'network' usual standard was the 'disgusting decor' comment.

[jean9]

I like your letter to Ryan Hewitt, Steve, and I hope you receive a reply, although I'm not holding my breath.

It does seem as though Network are preparing us for the worst by not even sending out emails about the release of Volume 20 or featuring it on their main page, or forthcoming release page.  I only happened to look on the Crossroads page because I was looking back at the cost of Volume 1.1 to see how much Network were charging for it, and noticed Volume 20 down the bottom of the page, although we were all alerted to the fact that it might be in the pipeline.

Looking on Networks site my Volume 20 has been despatched as well.  Something to be happy about!  Though I think the episodes may stop short of David and Barbara's meeting which I am very sad about    There was a nice scene where David helped Barbara to decorate at Lloyd's cottage and David was up a step ladder scraping the ceiling!  That I would love to have seen.     

[Steve F]

I have received a reply from Ryan @ Sony:

HI Steve

Thanks you for your comments and constructive criticisms. I have answered your points below.

Re: sound quality - these are as supplied by the licensor. We have tackled them about the episodes with the mobile phone interference and this is in evidence on the other copies they hold also. It has obviously been introduced at some point as Crossroads was made at a time when mobile phones weren't in use, but it wasn't by us and unfortunately it's in all of the copies available to us. With regards to the general sound quality, that's as per the masters and there's nothing we can do about that.

Re: sleeve notes - these are written in a tongue in cheek perspective and are a major plus for the majority of fans and have been since volume one. We realise that some people might not like their tone, but that can be said about any set of sleeve notes for any of our titles - most people will like what's written but some people won't, it's the nature of these things.

As per previous announcements, the Crossroads Archive series is going into hiatus with volume 20 due to declining sales. We will revisit the situation at regular intervals - rest assured, if it's financially viable to release more Crossroads episodes then we will do so.

Many Thanks

Ryan Hewitt
Account Manager
Sony DADC UK Ltd.


I'm impressed that he has replied on the same day and addressed all my points of concern. Although I do not agree with him with regards to some of the things he has said e.g "Re: sleeve notes - these are written in a tongue in cheek perspective and are a major plus for the majority of fans and have been since volume one." (I thought the general consensus is that 9 out of 10 Crossroads fans would prefer them to be more straighforward/factual) I'm pleased that he has taken the time to reply and reply promptly.

I've e-mailed him to thank him and thought I'd share what he said with everyone here on the forum as his e-mail is quite informative and the final paragraph gives some hope that there will be future releases.

[Douggie]

I'm sorry but the majority of fans don't like the "tounge-in-cheek" synopsis as evident by posts on here.

[Aston Cross]

WOW!!!!  At least you got a reply, Steve!!!  Well done, Sony and Ryan Hewitt.

[jean9]

Nice one Steve.  Yes, rather good of him to reply so promptly and address all your points.

Interesting what he says about future archive releases, but how, I wonder, will they judge the financial viability of the continuation of releases?