"Justice League: Season 2" Widescreen DVD Letter Writing Thread (Update: Success!)

[James Harvey]

This thread has been made the "official" thread for discussion on what is a major concern for fans planning to purchase the 2006 release of Justice League: Season Two on DVD. What could this problem be? Well, check out the news link below and read this thread for more details. Thanks to Funkatron for getting this going!

-Justice League Season 2 DVD Aspect Ratio Decision Nears (http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=7561)

[Funkatron]

well, thanks to TZ, we now know Jl season is fullscreen (http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=7480). With that being said, lets get our pens out and our keyboards handy to let WHV know the fans want Justice league in Widescreen, the way it was meant to be.

I'm writing mine tonight when I get home from work. As the mods would day, be polite and courteous and spellcheck, spell check, spell check.

[PatrickG]

Wasn't the first season shot in full screen and then just edited with a bar at the top and bottom for the wide screen showing? I thought they only went to truy wide screen for the second season.

[Funkatron]

Wasn't the first season shot in full screen and then just edited with a bar at the top and bottom for the wide screen showing? I thought they only went to truy wide screen for the second season.
In that case, better to do a pre-emptive strike so that S2 is WS

[William C. Maune]

Wasn't the first season shot in full screen and then just edited with a bar at the top and bottom for the wide screen showing? I thought they only went to truy wide screen for the second season.

My understanding is that the episodes were framed for widescreen, just like Season 2. To make the season 2 episodes fullscreen they zoomed in the picture to get rid of the black bars, and thus the sides were cropped off. On the other hand, to make season 1 episodes full screen, animation was added where the black bars would be. Thus, nothing was cropped in the full screen version, but the full screen version included animation that was supposed to be there.

Personally, I really want these episodes in widescreen and I think a letter writing campaign is a great idea.

[Trevor Balena]

My understanding is that the episodes were framed for widescreen, just like Season 2. To make the season 2 episodes fullscreen they zoomed in the picture to get rid of the black bars, and thus the sides were cropped off. On the other hand, to make season 1 episodes full screen, animation was added where the black bars would be. Thus, nothing was cropped in the full screen version, but the full screen version included animation that was supposed to be there.That's it, more or less.

I can live with Season 1 in fullscreen, but I'm more worried about the precedent it sets for Season 2.

[John6777]

Yeah Since Season 1 was animated in fullscreen I would much rather it be the way it was animated.

[ITDEFX]

I've gotten use to cartoons being full screen since the 80's :) The only time a cartoon needs to be in widescreen format is when it was a theater released and now going to video. I don't mind it being widescreen, but if the show was never designed for widescreen, instead we were "fooled" with "fake widescreen" then no loss for me. I'm watching a cartoon, not a full length live feature. I will still sign the campaign :P but also i will sign the campaign to CHANGE that artwork for JL Season 1 :(

[S.C.B]

Maybe we could be given the (har har) option of either fullscreen or widescreen.

[William C. Maune]

Here is some more information in regards to widescreen vs. fullscreen for Justice League Season 1:

http://jl.toonzone.net/widescreen/widescreen.htm

[Funkatron]

Mr. Maune, can you change the title of this thread to " Justice League Season 2 DVD Widescreen Letter Writing Thread ". At least we can pre-eptively let WHV know we want WS season 2

[maxnugget]

I agree, the real danger is that season 2 may be released in fullscreen.

[FALLEN ELDOR]

I'm lazy and dumb. Somebody tell me the address to send it to.

[FunTurtle]

The only Season 1 episodes I'd like to have WS is Secret Origins, Savage Time, and MAYBE Injustice for All...the rest were pretty ho-hum adventures...but yeah, Season 2, and pretty much all of Unlimited should have the WS treatment.

[John6777]

Well is the JLU DVDs in Fullframe or Widescreen. Then there should be a fear but if not then We really have to worry. I figure since JL season 1 was made for Fullframe then it's better to have it in FullFrame. But since Season 2 was infact animated for WideScreen then it should get it's original aspect ratio.

[b.t.]

yes, please, by all means, send those cards and letters....and do it NOW.

we'll be starting special features stuff for season two in the next few weeks, which means a decision on fullscreen or widescreen will need to be made very soon....i've been doing my best to persuade the whv folks to release the season two set (and all subsequent JLU sets) in widescreen, but it's an uphill battle (full-frame format is the standard default mode for "family entertainment" dvd's)....a deluge of (POLITE but emphatic) letters expressing fan support for widescreen dvd sets just might tip the scales....

i debated pushing this issue while we were prepping the season one set, but decided against it....i'd PREFER to have season one released in 1:85, but since those shows were actually made in full-frame format, no visual information is actually being lost (and i argued with myself that the most "complete" version should be on dvd for posterity)....from season two and onward it's a different story....

so plese please PLEASE, if you want season two in 1:85, let whv know.

[William C. Maune]

Does anyone know the best address to which a letter should be written?

[Simpler Simon]

yes, please, by all means, send those cards and letters....and do it NOW.
Now I'm scared.

Seriously, for awhile I thought we were all being overly paranoid and that WHV would naturally release season 2 in widescreen. Don't ask me why, I just figured they'd know to do it that way.

Shows how much I've learned.

So yes, a WHV snail mail address would be very helpful right now.

[otter]

Thanks for the heads up. With things looking so good with the new Bats/Supes sets & the JL/Batman Beyond sets announced, I was just assuming Season 2 would be in widescreen. I'll definitely be writing a letter or 2. Since these are under the family banner, maybe I should have my "son" send in a letter just for kicks. I doubt they'd buy it, but it'd be funny seeing a 5-year-old write in asking for widescreen.

Can't seem to find an address for WHV either. Just want to make sure the letters are going to the right place before sending them off.

[maxnugget]

Here's the address info from the BTAS Vol. 4 DVD Extras thread (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=142398):


Please be polite as well. Rude letters are usually thrown out by people who read them.

Here is the address (provided by Bleu Unicorn)

Warner Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

For those who live in California you might want to check out the phone and fax number.

Phone: 818-954-6000
Fax: 212-954-7667We need to get these letters out ASAP (and don't forget, snail mail is slow so mail early!).

If you've got writer's block or want to see what a letter to WHV might look like, check the BTAS Vol. 4 Extras campaign (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=142398) thread. It doesn't have to be long, it can just be a paragraph or two stating your preference for season 2 in widescreen. Just write it and get it in the mail!

The only thing worse than not getting season 2 in widescreen would be not getting it in widescreen because we didn't mobilize and write enough letters in time to make a difference!

[FALLEN ELDOR]

I'll be mailing a letter out tomorrow! lets spread this campaign across the Internet folks!

[Tommunist]

I'll write a letter too. The "family friendly" full frame aspect ratio has already been used on the single release DVDs (now branded "DC Comics KIDS Collection). These full season sets are for the older more mature collector (who many probably bought the single discs already!) and as such, the collectors should get the intended aspect ratio for the second season and beyond of JL.
That's the point I'll make in my letter. Warners knows that these season sets are popular, and it ain't kids buying them: it's adults who will watch them (and try to make their kids watch them as an excuse!).
Of course, anamorphic widescreen only.
And I'll ask to throw in more/better special features.
This'll be my first letter of the sort, but you got to start somewhere.

ALSO: It may be a good idea to post a link to this thread at a place like the Home Theater Forum, if not done already. There may be more people willing to support such a campaign, especially knowing what b.t. said about timimng. And HTF has a good relation with Warners, so it's a place for great visibility.

[maxnugget]

ALSO: It may be a good idea to post a link to this thread at a place like the Home Theater Forum, if not done already. There may be more people willing to support such a campaign, especially knowing what b.t. said about timing. And HTF has a good relation with Warners, so it's a place for great visibility.
Great idea. We need to mobilize quickly. Their site is down right now but later when it goes back up I'll post something on there.

[A.J]

I just told this to all of my friends here in Costa Rica. WE are gonna work HARD on this. We will be starting writting the letters today and will send them right away. We cant let this happen guys, Season 2 and JLU should be in WS! Thanks to b.t for letting us know. Lets send those letters people!

[Rorschach]

As with all DVD sets, the material should be presented as it was intended to appear by the creators and made from the original film elements.

When Buffy the Vampire Slayer started airing in the UK in 16x9 widescreen, people in the US wanted to know why we still got 4x3 full screen. I remember the debate went on for some time until Joss Whedon said he filmed it in 4:3 and that's how he intended it to be seen. When it was discovered it was cropped for 16x9, people wanted the 4x3.

What we want to avoid is a screw-up where we get cropped 16x9 from 4x3 source material. I don't know of any 16x9 set that does not zoom 4x3 material into 16x9 cutting off the pillar boxes without distortion. I hate watching distorted zooms (which all these sets have too), but if I want to watch a 4x3 in 16x9 I can switch the tv set.

I hoping that original material is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen that will play equally well on 4x3 or 16x9 sets. I hope it's mastered in high definition too, but above all I want to see the original presentation as intended by the creators -- whatever format it may be.

That said, WB probably will still think of this as a kiddie-video and release it in 4x3. I seriously doubt they will go to the effort that was done on Toy Story or Finding Nemo and provide both formats.

[Divv]

Isn't the recently announced Justice League DVD set composed of 26 episodes, i.e., season one and two combined?
No season one was 26 episodes as was season two. It wasn't until JLU started that the season length changed to 13 episodes.

I've already fired off an email. Gonna pop a letter in the post this weekend too.

[efumf]

When Buffy the Vampire Slayer started airing in the UK in 16x9 widescreen, people in the US wanted to know why we still got 4x3 full screen. I remember the debate went on for some time until Joss Whedon said he filmed it in 4:3 and that's how he intended it to be seen. When it was discovered it was cropped for 16x9, people wanted the 4x3.

It wasn't cropped. Information was added, not taken away in the region 2 releases. Joss simply preferred that Buffy be released as a full screen show, and Angel as widescreen.

[Br'er Lappin]

We should probably specify that we want anamorphic widescreen - otherwise it might be like the uncut Return of the Joker...

[Silly McGooses]

I think by this time they know to do Animorphic Widescreen. ROTJ was a long time ago. Starcrossed was Anamorphic.

[Karkull]

Not only will I write a letter, but I'll also put a post about it up on the Watchtower. We must mobilize quickly.

[Trevor Balena]

I just sent the following letter to WHV via e-mail. I'm going to print it out and send it snail-mail, as well.

I felt it was important not to sound too enraged by Season One being fullscreen, but rather to emphasize how they can improve on future products.

Here's the letter:

"Yesterday I was overjoyed to learn about the announcement of "Justice League: Season One" on DVD. For myself, and the many other longtime fans of Bruce Timm's animated universe, it was a day we'd been looking forward to for a very long time.

But for many of us, our excitement was cut short when we learned that the DVD's would be fullscreen, instead of widescreen.

Now, while Season One was indeed produced in fullscreen, it was done so with the intention of cropping to image to produce a widescreen frame. The show's creators, including Bruce Timm himself, stated many times that widescreen was the preferred format for the show. Starting with Season Two, the situation becomes even more clear-cut, since at that point Justice League was animated purely in widescreen.

Many fans are resigned to the fact that we're getting Season One in fullscreen. It was, after all, animated that way. Making the Season One DVD's in fullscreen is therefore not a case of being completely right or completely wrong.

But I'm writing this letter to emphasize that we, the fans, would be greatly disappointed if Seasons Two and onward (including "Justice League Unlimited") are not released in widescreen. I doubt I would buy the DVD's, and I know many others that would do the same. The show is a landmark in the world of animation, and to release it in any format other than that chosen by its creators would be a terrible mistake.

I understand that you are worried that widescreen DVD's would not sell as well as fullscreen ones. I can guarantee you that this is not the case. While many kids might not understand the difference in aspect ratios, kids are not spending fifty dollars on a colletor's DVD boxset. Collectors are. It's because of collectors that sales for the "Batman" and "Superman" sets were so high, and it is because of collectors that the sales for "Justice League" will match that standard.

But only if you respect the integrity of the artists that created the show, and the intelligence of those that would buy the DVD's, by insuring that all future releases in the series live up to the standards set by Warner Home Video's many excellent live action releases, and the many widescreen animation DVD's released by your competitors.

That means, above all, the correct aspect ratio.

Widescreen, not fullscreen.

Thank you for your time."

[Joe Chill]

Just sent off my snail mail letter! Could someone post WHV's email address.

[batmanbeyond13]

:bosko: I see now I was wrong and join you fans in writing to W B and letting them know we want widescreen for the next season sets. Since, I just found out those were made in widescreen.

[Crow]

Would it hurt our chances if we asked for 5.1 sound as well?

[Bird Boy]

I'll be mailing my letter in tomorrow, hopefully.

In the mean time I set up a page on The World's Finest (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/main.php) main page with information and examples of what to write. I spent most of the day on it, so hopefully it all checks out and won't confuse too many people.

-BB

[b.t.]

hey, if any of you guys here post on other jl-centric sites (jlanimated, tv.com, etc), you might want to bring this issue up on those boards as well...couldn't hurt...you could even give a link to my earlier post on the subject....

[James Harvey]

Would it hurt our chances if we asked for 5.1 sound as well?5.1 sound? I'm sure it would be fine to request it, but I would not risk recommending it. I think the most important thing to remember, what Bruce pointed out, it to be uniform and polite with this request concerning the proper widescreen ratio.

Getting hot under the collar, writing out a “WHV Revenge Fantasy,” and then mailing it off to WHV will not solve anything expect the letter going through the shredder. This a delicate issue for not only the fans, but for the creative team as well, and should be handled as such. We want to see Justice League and Justice League Unlimited handled correctly, and to do that we have to present ourselves as passionate and eloquently as possible.

And spread the word. If you visit other forums, put up a post about this. Other animated fan sites, DVD sites, TV sites, etc. Every little bit helps!

[Doomsday]

Amazing news on the JL season sets coming out. I prefer season one to be full screen but if season 2 and on is in the format, I won't buy it. Simple as that. I actually might mail them but its not really my thing, but the very least I'll spread the word.

[Tommunist]

Well, it looks like HTF is back up, but I've never posted there before. Right now new registration is offline due to their server upgrades, so if one of you guys/gals have an account there, please post the relavent info about where to write and email. There is an existing thread in the DVD TV subforum about DCAU dvs that touches upon the subject in general, but not the specifics of the situation for season two and beyond, and how timing is important.
I see from their forum that Gord Lacey of TV Shows On DVD has already contacted Warners on fans' preferences for widescreen, but we can help too.
And if HTF has any chats with Warners reps in the near future, you can bet the DCAU always gets multiple questions, so let's be heard.

5.1 sound may be pushing it though :)

[Crow]

5.1 sound? I'm sure it would be fine to request it, but I would not risk recommending it. I think the most important thing to remember, what Bruce pointed out, it to be uniform and polite with this request concerning the proper widescreen ratio.

I realise while it's quite similar to the widescreen request, it's another thing entirely, almost like requesting a specific extra be included (Bruce's intros/words that are on the existing JL DVDs, etc).

Surround Sound isn't as big a thing as getting Widescreen in this context, I'll concede that. I live in hope.

In regards to the letters, has anybody thought to mention the Justice League Unlimited DVDs? They are tangible evidence of turning off fans and collectors and would be great as Exhibit A and B in the case against Fullscreen.

EDIT: Here is the HTF link:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=236423

[Squall]

...full-frame format is the standard default mode for "family entertainment" dvd's...
Wow, are the people working at Warner Home Video really that dense? It boggles the mind...

While we're writing letters, could we also ask them to make all two-parters and three-parters into single "mini-movies" instead of splitting everything up into their individual parts? (like they did for the "Secret Origins" and "Starcrossed" DVDs) I hate having to go back to the menu to select Part 2 or Part 3, and hate the "Meanwhile, on the last episode of..." bit on DVDs because, well, I've already seen all the episodes, and all the parts are right there on the disk. Leave the "Meanwhile, on the last episode of..." stuff for the reruns on TV! :)

[James Harvey]

While we're writing letters, could we also ask them to make all two-parters and three-parters into single "mini-movies" instead of splitting everything up into their individual parts?Actually, I prefer to get the full episode with the opening credits, teaser, end credits - the whole thing. I don’t mind having to go to the menu to select the next episode. Plus with the chapter selection and “Play All” options, it’s no big deal at all. It just takes a couple seconds. I’d rather have the complete episode - all of it - and not have them edited together in any fashion that could drop any music, animation, etc. They’re episodes of a great animated television series, and should be treated as such. But we shouldn't be thinking of this. The major deal right now is getting the proper widescreen ratio.

[Simpler Simon]

While we're writing letters, could we also ask them to make all two-parters and three-parters into single "mini-movies" instead of splitting everything up into their individual parts?
I think its important that we keep our requests uniform. asking for outrageous extras or having half the people wanting "mini-movies" is going to send mixed signals to whv, and we might end up with nothing.

I'd personally stick to asking for the original widescreen masters and extras we know they can handle (like another commentary or such). 5.1 surround, while nice, is something whv won't likely place time or money on.

[Squall]

Actually, I prefer to get the full episode with the opening credits, teaser, end credits - the whole thing. I don’t mind having to go to the menu to select the next episode. Plus with the chapter selection and “Play All” option, it’s no big deal at all. It just takes a couple seconds. I’d rather have the complete episode - all of it - and not have them edited together in any fashion that could drop any music, animation, etc. They’re episodes of a great animated television series, and should be treated as such.
I thought they were originally complete story arcs, and that they were in fact edited apart, so that they could be aired as half-hour episodes on TV? The only things that would be "dropped" would be the into (which is the same anyway) and the "Previously, on Justice League" which isn't really a teaser for a new episode, it's just clips of the previous episode cut & pasted to get you caught up on what you missed yesterday (or last week). No music, animation, etc. would be lost.

[maxnugget]

I wouldn't even include requests for extras. We know we're getting some extras, what we need to focus on is getting the episodes in widescreen. Honestly if the episodes are butchered into pan-and-scan, NO amount of extras is going to make up for that.

Seems Home Theater Forum is having some site problems. Mods, do you think b.t. would mind if I simply quoted his post in the HTF thread? That seems like the most straightforward and effective way of communicating the situation as well as its urgency.

[Aberration]

I'm sure this idea has been mentioned before in the "Widescreen vs. Fullscreen" debate, but why can't companies come up with a 1-2 minute featurette that they could put on DVDs explaining that you're not actually losing picture with those black bars on the screen, show side-by-side comparisons of the two versions, and explain how important it is to check for the original aspect ratio (so people don't start asking for widescreen versions of The Wizard Of Oz or something)?

I can understand WHV wants to give the public what it thinks they want, but I think offering something that's legitimately better and educating people as to why that is is just as admirable a goal.

[Karkull]

Okay, I've updated my Widescreen Explanation page (http://jl.toonzone.net/widescreen/widescreen.htm) to discuss this matter and rally the troops, and I've added a link on my main page (http://jl.toonzone.net/). What do you think? Does it need to be edited?

[Simpler Simon]

Okay, I've updated my Widescreen Explanation page (http://jl.toonzone.net/widescreen/widescreen.htm) to discuss this matter and rally the troops, and I've added a link on my main page (http://jl.toonzone.net/). What do you think? Does it need to be edited?
The link to the fullscreen JLU pic (the one that cuts off the question) is not working.

Otherwise great page...I'm gonna get my letter written over the weekend.

[Crow]

I think its important that we keep our requests uniform. asking for outrageous extras or having half the people wanting "mini-movies" is going to send mixed signals to whv, and we might end up with nothing.

I'd personally stick to asking for the original widescreen masters and extras we know they can handle (like another commentary or such). 5.1 surround, while nice, is something whv won't likely place time or money on.
Too true, while it's fine to get the word out, being concise is the biggest issue here. Focus completely on the Widescreen requests, at least until we hear more about the Season 2 Set.

[Trevor Balena]

I've directed the folks at tvshowsondvd.com to the new pages at The Watchtower and World's Finest, thanked them for their assistance in this matter, and asked for them to continue to exert any pull they might have.

I only hope that, if we're successful, WHV (or b.t.) will give us some kind of indication, so that we don't have to wait up to six months for the official Season Two announcement to find out.

[A.J]

Okay, I've updated my Widescreen Explanation page (http://jl.toonzone.net/widescreen/widescreen.htm) to discuss this matter and rally the troops, and I've added a link on my main page (http://jl.toonzone.net/). What do you think? Does it need to be edited?
Karkull, excellent explanation man. People like you is what we need in order to let our voices to be heard by WHV. We are working here in Costa Rica on the letters right now. They should be in the mail over the weekend. So far we are almost 30 guys. We need JL S2 & JLU in WS!

[Karkull]

I took the liberty of sticking the thread to the top of the message board. I think this topic merits the extra attention.

[Bird Boy]

Okay, I've updated my Widescreen Explanation page (http://jl.toonzone.net/widescreen/widescreen.htm) to discuss this matter and rally the troops, and I've added a link on my main page (http://jl.toonzone.net/). What do you think? Does it need to be edited?

Good stuff. I threw in a link on WF's page. Also threw in Timm's quote, since he cleared it for use.

I know Jim sent his letter in this morning and I'll be mailing mine today. Hopefully we'll be getting most of these out by next week so they have time to have an affect.

-BB

[Trevor Balena]

Gord at tvshowsondvd.com just got back to me. He's forwarded the links I sent him (see my previous post) to WHV, to show just how serious we are about this.

Can't hurt.

[Karkull]

The link to the fullscreen JLU pic (the one that cuts off the question) is not working.Image repaired. Thanks for the heads-up.

[James]

I think its important that we keep our requests uniform. asking for outrageous extras or having half the people wanting "mini-movies" is going to send mixed signals to whv, and we might end up with nothing.

I'd personally stick to asking for the original widescreen masters and extras we know they can handle (like another commentary or such). 5.1 surround, while nice, is something whv won't likely place time or money on.

This post has been recommended already, but I think it's pretty important and worth bolding and reminding people again. Don't get greedy in requests. The widescreen option is the key issue here and not Santa's JL DVD special features Christmas list (know as SJLDVDSFCL to the elves).

Keep it simple, keep it respectful. Always the most effective way to write those letters.

[batmanosaurus]

I just finished my letter and will mail it today. That's one from Canada. Here's what I wrote (feel free to cut and paste):

Dear Warner Home Video,

I am writing to let you know that although I am excited about the upcoming Justice League season sets, I would very much prefer season two and subsequent volumes to be released in 1:85 anamorphic widescreen format.

It is my understanding that, starting season two, the episodes were created in 1:85 format, then adapted for fullscreen presentation by zooming in, thereby cutting animation off either side. The DVDs should preserve the original and intended aspect ratio.

I realize that full-frame format is the standard default mode for family entertainment DVDs, so perhaps you could offer the choice of aspect ratios at the menu level as was done for Starcrossed The Movie.

I have purchased most of the DC animated DVDs and was particularly impressed with all four volumes of Batman: The Animated Series and volumes one and two of Superman. I hope you will listen to the fans and continue to do justice to these masterpieces of Warner Bros. animation.

[90'sCartoonMan]

All right, a letter writing campaign! I'll do mine over the weekend, but in the mean time, Fone Bone wanted me to tell you that he fully supports this campaign and encourages others to do so as well. Here's the letter he sent:


Dear Warner Home Video,
I am very pleased that you folks are finally releasing Justice League and Batman Beyond season sets this March. However I am a little concerned that the Justice League set will be in full-screen rather than widescreen. While full-screen IS the preferred method for Justice League season one it has come to my attention that you are considering releasing season two and Justice League Unlimited in full-screen as well. As a fan I have to say it is imperative that those two are released in wide-screen as they were animated that way and full-screen crops off the picture. They also just plain look better in widescreen.

I have to say that as a fan I would be less inclined to buy seasons two and Justice League Unlimited if they were formatted in full-screen. It is important to me when spending $35 for a set that I get the version that the show was originally supposed to be seen in. Every fan on every message board is really hoping for the season two and Unlimited sets to be released in wide-screen. Please make sure that a wide-screen set is made available as I would really hate to pass on future Justice League sets.

Warmest regards,
Matt Zimmer
Framingham, Mass.

And again, here's the address:

Warner Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

[John Cage]

And again, here's the address:

Warner Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522
Just wrote my letter and I'll get it off this weekend. And thanks for the heads up and trying to get WS too, B.T!

Have a good day.
John Cage

[Br'er Lappin]

I sent my letter off today... I sure hope it works!

[Casimir]

Count me in! My letter is off to Burbank.

I based mine on the TZ sample letter. (Thanks!) I also included information about what WHV's competitors are doing, in hope that will light a fire under them.

My text is below. Feel free to use and alter:

Warner Home Video

4000 Warner Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91522



December 9, 2005





Dear Warner Home Video Representatives:



Like so many fans, I was very excited to read the announcement on December 7th regarding the release of Justice League — The Complete First Season on DVD. I did note that the intended aspect ratio will be 4:3 or full screen, as the season was created in such a format.



However, I am concerned about subsequent releases of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. Starting with the second season of Justice League, the show was animated in widescreen and was aired as such on Cartoon Network. I would hope that WHV would respect the fact that this was the original aspect ratio and make sure any future releases were in widescreen. The variousDC animated series by producer Bruce Timm draw on a strong adult fan-base. These particular fans, myself included, would greatly prefer the show to be released as it was originally intended in widescreen. Generally speaking, I will not purchase DVS of programs altered to fit a perceived demographic. There are no “pan and scans” in my sizable collection. My kids feel the same way.



I refer you to Disney’s announcement last fall of the recent release of the the Muppet Movie and the Great Muppet Caper. The initial press release stated the DVDs were to be cropped full frame versions. Within hours, Disney was swamped with emails, calls and faxes by concerned fans with disposable income. A few days later, a new press release was sent out proclaiming the Muppet films would in fact be released in both formats. When the DVDs hit stores two weeks ago, each one prominently displayed a sticker stating the film is included in both full frame and the legitimate anamorphic widescreen.



Contrary to popular belief, widescreen releases are not disliked among viewers, as anyone who watched Justice League and Justice League Unlimited on Cartoon Network has proven. The future of home entertainment is in the 16 by 9 aspect ratio. Season two of Justice League and the current Justice League Unlimited were animated with widescreen and HDTV in mind. It is my hope that WHV will pay tribute to the hard work of the creative teams and the loyalty of their dedicated fans by respecting this.



Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.



Sincerely yours,



(Signature)
(Name)
(Address)

[The_Magick_Hat]

What the hey. I'm not nearly as hardcore a fan of the JL series as most on here, but I'm all for widescreen releases. Plus, when I do watch it for the first time I'd rather have it in widescreen if that was the intended ratio in the first place. So count me in.

[Sacbrain]

I did my part and called Warner at the following number and voiced my opinion about WS S2 JL & beyond.

818-954-6000

Ask for the animation department. When there tell them you would like to voice your opinion about the S2 JL DVD set. They will route you to the proper people. The lady I spoke with was very nice and seemed interested in what I had to say. She asked for my name & phone # and said she would make sure that my opinion was forwarded to those that make the decisions.

One call won't make a big difference. But, if we all call they will start to get the picture. Letters are probably even better. But, I know what a procrastinator I am & would probably never end up sending one out.

Call today if you can & maybe with enough calls close together we can tip the scales for WS.

-Mark

[Bleu Unicorn]

Wrote my letter today, will be going out in tomorrow's mail.

It's great to see all the support this is generating - keep up the work, guys!

By the way, I can't find the thread about BTAS volume 4 where we were writing letters about special features, so I'll say it here instead. WHV actually wrote me back regarding my letter. I got the letter a few weeks ago, to my very large surprise. It basically said the features were already locked, thanks for my interest, etc. I was genuinely shocked they even wrote me back at all. I don't know if anyone else received a reply, but I thought I'd just mention that they do take these kinds of things seriously, so be sure to be polite and respectful.

[Emperor Fred]

I'm a widescreen nut, have been even since before I got my high definition TV. Now, I drool at the thought of anything in widescreen.

So, here's two from Canada. I wrote the basic points in bold, in case they don't feel like reading the whole letter:
Dear Warner Home Video Representatives:

I’m a long-time fan of Warner Bros. Animation, and an avid collector of many of your recent DVD collector’s sets. I own all four Batman season sets, the two Superman sets, and am eagerly awaiting the release of the announced and/or planned box sets of Justice League, Batman Beyond, Teen Titans, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain.

As an adult collector and animation enthusiast, I greatly value DVD releases that respect the material’s original exhibition and creative vision. (BIG kudos to you guys on the Looney Tunes Golden Collections, by the way!) The DVD format has proven time and again to be a real blessing for collectors like me, providing TV shows and movies in their entirety, with no edits, pans, or alterations of any kind, making them well worth the price.

It has come to my attention that Justice League season 2 is now being put together, and that its original 16:9 aspect ratio may be an issue. I have no problem with season 1 being released in standard 4:3, as that is how the show was originally produced (even though it was framed with 16:9 in mind). However, releasing season 2 and beyond in 4:3 would mean that the image would have to be cropped from its original intended aspect ratio.

This would be unacceptable to me, and would not only stop me from buying any future Justice League season sets, but probably deter me from picking up season 1.

With so many movies and TV shows being released on DVD in widescreen and even shown letterboxed on TV, I find it hard to believe that viewers even notice it anymore. Certainly with the growing number of widescreen and high-definition televisions in people’s homes, producing DVDs - of any kind - in anamorphic widescreen is the way to go if the source material is available.

Finally, I understand that the argument for 4:3 is being made since this release is considered a “family entertainment” title. But let’s be honest here, these boxed sets are being released for the collectors and fans. If they were intended strictly for kids, you would probably just continue releasing single-disc collections like Paradise Lost and Starcrossed (the latter which did include an anamorphic transfer - thanks!). I do find it ironic that Paramount kids’ titles like the Hey Arnold movie and the SpongeBob SquarePants movie received 16:9 anamorphic widescreen releases, while similar Warner Bros. titles like The Powerpuff Girls Movie were given only pan and scan. This way of thinking has to stop.

Please release Justice League season 2 and beyond in its original 16:9 aspect ratio. I honestly don’t believe that the backlash from widescreen-haters will be any match for the backlash from Justice League fans if you don’t.


PS: I would give my right arm to see Teen Titans season sets presented in the 16:9 aspect ratio they were made!

[Emperor Fred]

I know this is WHV we're talking about, but seeing as the JL Season 2 & JLU were orignaly aired in widescreen. Then doesn't that mean the master copies (tapes, etc) of JL Season 2 & JLU that they make DVD's from also in widescreen? If that's true then they could just do a straight copy of the episodes off of those, Why go to the trouble and cost of Paning & Scaning when you don't need too.Not necessarily. Pan & Scan versions were made for all the episodes, and in fact are the standard version shown, I believe, on all international Cartoon Networks and other channels running the show (YTV, etc.). The original widescreen version shown on Cartoon Network US was a special situation... and therefore we need to let WHV know that we demand the same special situation in this case.

[Crow]

Not necessarily. Pan & Scan versions were made for all the episodes, and in fact are the standard version shown, I believe, on all international Cartoon Networks and other channels running the show (YTV, etc.). The original widescreen version shown on Cartoon Network US was a special situation... and therefore we need to let WHV know that we demand the same special situation in this case.
This is correct. I've only ever seen Justice League S2/3/4 in Fullscreen because I don't get the US version of Cartoon Network. On four rare occassions have I only ever seen S2 in widescreen - Twilight Part 2 and Tabula Rasa 1 and 2 when they were strangely shown on free to air television, plus an even stranger once-off showing of A Better World Part 2 which for some reason was shown in widescreen on Cartoon Network AU. Don't know what happened there.

I did spend a pretty penny for the American version of Starcrossed the Movie, but was very surprised when I double-dipped to get the Australian version to find that there was no widescreen option available. Not to raise fears any more, but I do believe Season 2 is real danger of being released fullscreen.

[pjay]

Ah! two types of JL season 2 master tapes (Widescreen and Pan & Scan) what waste of money to do a Pan & Scan master tape when the Widescreen version already exists.

[Temple Fugate]

Most DVD players have a zoom option to full-screen anamorphic DVDs. The kids can just use that if they don't like looking at those "nasty bars." "Starcrossed" was even released this way, so I can't see why WHV wouldn't be persuaded with this campaign. My letter is written and goes out tomorrow.

[Silly McGooses]

The thing is, really, the only people who care about whether or not it's widescreen or fullscreen is the people who want widescreen, because they're the people who have respect for the film or show. I have a theory that around 80% of the fullscreen DVDs sold (and they sell so much lower when a widescreen is available) are purchased by people who don't understand the difference, don't know what "widescreen" and "fullscreen" are, think that the "black bars" are put over the image, or just don't give a damn, picking up whatever they see first. I think there are very few people who understand the difference and will actually not buy a release because it is in widescreen, even if they don't like it, but there are many who will not buy a DVD because it's NOT in the OAR.
Also, if it's the non-rabid-fan masses they're trying to please with the fullscreen...how many of those people are actually going to read that little print on the back of the box at the bottom that says that it's widescreen? Really, it's almost unnoticable.
I guess my point, simply put is:
Average person-doesn't care about AR
People who actually seek these DVDs out: want widescreen.
It' doesn't make any sense to use fullscreen for season 2+. Why would they even consider it?

p.s. My six-year-old sister even likes widescreen more, darnit! If she can understand and appreciate the difference, I think a major entertainment corporation should be able to, especially if it's their own show!

[Dark Knight]

I wrote and sent my letter out today. I rarely do stuff like this so I'd like to think that means other people who usually don't are making their voices heard too.;)

[maxnugget]

Average person-doesn't care about AR
People who actually seek these DVDs out: want widescreen.
It' doesn't make any sense to use fullscreen for season 2+. Why would they even consider it?
Exactly. Even with movies, where the words "widescreen" or "fullscreen" are plastered across the top of the DVD's front ocver, people who don't understand the difference between widescreen/fullscreen just buy whichever one they happen to pick up.

It's a small percentage of consumers who know what "widescreen" means and DISLIKE it enough to not buy something they would have otherwise purchased.

On the flipside, many consumers would actively choose not to buy a fullscreen DVD of something they know is available in widescreen. Why "collect" a fatally-flawed version of the film?

In fact Justice League is (AFAIK) the first American animated TV series to broadcast in widescreen. The fact that it's in widescreen is even of historical significance!

And I'm sure there will be fans who don't buy the box set because it's fullscreen. Consumers who know the show aired in widescreen might just shrug and say "eh, I really want the widescreen version, I'll wait until they release it in widescreen," not realizing that they may never re-release this series again.

[Silly McGooses]

Exactly. Even with movies, where the words "widescreen" or "fullscreen" are plastered across the top of the DVD's front ocver, people who don't understand the difference between widescreen/fullscreen just buy whichever one they happen to pick up.

It's a small percentage of consumers who know what "widescreen" means and DISLIKE it enough to not buy something they would have otherwise purchased.

On the flipside, many consumers would actively choose not to buy a fullscreen DVD of something they know is available in widescreen. Why "collect" a fatally-flawed version of the film?

In fact Justice League is (AFAIK) the first American animated TV series to broadcast in widescreen. The fact that it's in widescreen is even of historical significance!

And I'm sure there will be fans who don't buy the box set because it's fullscreen. Consumers who know the show aired in widescreen might just shrug and say "eh, I really want the widescreen version, I'll wait until they release it in widescreen," not realizing that they may never re-release this series again.I'm not buying it in fullscreen for one-I'd rather see the maybe 50% of the season 2+ eps I recorded off CN over and over than pay a lot of money to see maimed episodes.
I didn't know that JL was the first American cartoon to use widescreen in its broadcasts; that's a cool little distinction. You're right that it's also important for historical significance.

[Batman Fan]

I'm an optimist, so even after the failure of our other letter writing campaign, I just have this intuition that this one will work. Count me in, I'll be writing my letter ASAP.

[Bizarro Batman]

Howdy. I rarely ever post here, but I feel that this is something everyone should get involved in if they at all care. I'm sending the following letter on Monday. I would have sent it today but the mail already went and I think my printer is out of ink anyway. If anybody sees any typos or anything that I should omit, let me know. I want to write the best, persuasive letter that I can. I know in this case it's more of quantity over quality, but the best quality can't hurt either. Thanks!

--------------------------------------------------

Dear Warner Home Video Representatives:

I am one of the many fans of the DVD series DC Comics Classic Collection that you have been releasing over the past few years. I currently own Batman: The Animated Series Volume 1-4, Superman: The Animated Series Volume 1 & 2, and Superfriends Volume 1 & 2. I have been very happy with these purchases and have enjoyed all of the episodes and special features provided on them.

I was naturally excited to learn that Justice League Season One and Batman Beyond Season One were announced for release on March 21st. I intend to pre-order these sets much like I did the latest releases on December 6th. Knowing the excellent treatment the DC Comics Classic Collection has been given thus far, I have no doubt the quality will continue with these sets.

My concern, and reason for this letter, has to do with subsequent releases of Justice League after the first season. After Season One, the show was animated in the widescreen format and this was also the version that was shown on the Cartoon Network. The latest season of Justice League Unlimited has been aired on Cartoon Network in widescreen exclusively. However, it has come to my attention that these seasons may not be released in their original, and intended, format.

I strongly hope and recommend that WHV choose to release these seasons in the widescreen format as it was originally made. There are many good reasons to do this;

The first is that from an artistic standpoint this preserves the vision that was originally intended to be shown for the fans of the show. The more cinematic approach gave each episode a more epic feel that helped the show make it that much better.

The second reason is that the widescreen format is increasingly becoming the norm for DVD and home video. Whenever I visit my local Wal-Mart or other retailer, I always notice an abundance of full screen editions of films while the widescreen edition can be difficult to come by. I also notice that the full screen version is usually the one that ends up being bundled into two-packs that are released months later in what appears to be an attempt to get rid of stock that didn’t sell well. The eventual crossover to HDTV and widescreen televisions will also mean that a widescreen release of Justice League will hold up well for years to come.

A third good reason, which goes hand-in-hand with the second, for choosing the widescreen format is the demographic that buys from the DC Comics Classic Collection. Most of those who buy the sets are those who grew up with the older series in the early to mid-90’s and are enjoying Justice League Unlimited as young adults now. This show is a unique in that it is enjoyed by both adult and children, but that most of its fan base is actually young adults. The late night timeslot that Cartoon Network has given it over the past couple of years on Saturdays is a strong indicator of that. If the show was aimed at a younger audience, it would not be shown at 9 or 10 PM on a Saturday night. As such most of the demographic that buys the DVD season sets is aware of the different screen formats and are also aware that Justice League has been broadcasted in widescreen. That is the format many will be expecting when Justice League Season Two is eventually released. To not do this would disappoint many and may hurt sales in the long run if fans decide not to buy what they may feel is in “incomplete” or “altered” version of the show they support. I myself am unsure if I will continue to buy future Justice League sets beyond the first season if they aren’t released in what I myself consider to be the proper format.

I have been watching Justice League and now Justice League Unlimited on Cartoon Network with the hope that they would eventually be incorporated into the DC Comics Classic Collection lineup. That hope has begun to be realized in the forthcoming release of Justice League. I am aware that most, if not all, of your animated shows released on DVD are in the full screen format. It’s because of that reason that I understand why you may choose that format for Justice League Season Two and beyond, but I strongly recommend that you release them in the widescreen format that they were originally made and aired in for reasons I hope this letter has adequately described.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

[James Harvey]

I’m very pleased with the turn out so far. I spent the past few days posting links to around 10 - 20 other forums and sites around the net and so far feedback on this venture has been positive. I know some may be pessimistic about this, given out past conflicts with the home video division of Warner Bros., but this is a unified single demand that will be hard for them to overlook - especially since even websites are getting in on this. Does anyone else have any comments or questions about this initiative?

[Crow]

Is there a danger that the widescreen they put on these DVDs won't be anamorphic?

[Silly McGooses]

Not at this point. It's the norm, and the menus on all their DVDs are anamorphic. Also, Starcrossed was anamorphic.

[Bird Boy]

Not at this point. It's the norm, and the menus on all their DVDs are anamorphic. Also, Starcrossed was anamorphic.

Yeah. It's just best to play it all out so we have our butts covered in case they decided to do something stupid...

This is lookin' good folks. Keep sending those letters...at the very least they'll have plenty of phone messages and letters to go over.

-BB

[Funkatron]

Can I get someone to proofread my letter before I send it out today?



Warner Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

December 12, 2005



Dear Warner Home Video Representatives:



I’ve been a fan of the various DC animated titles for a long time. So I would like to thank you for the DC Comics Classic Collection DVDs that you have produced. I also thank you for the recent announcement for Justice League – The Complete First Season. Seeing these episodes again will be a real joy for me.



On that note, I do have one concern. Starting with Season 2 of Justice League and continuing onto the sequel series Justice League Unlimited, the show was animated in widescreen format and was shown in that format during it’s run on Cartoon Network. I, as well as many other fans of the show, would appreciate if the future DVD release would respect that fact and be in anamorphic wide screen format. Many of the fans of this program would like to see it as the creators intended it, in widescreen. Widescreen is not a format that would deter sales; as a matter of fact, it would increase sales, as the fans (myself included) would only purchase these DVDs if they were released in the original aspect ratio.



Once again, please do consider releasing Justice League Season 2 and Justice League Unlimited in its original aspect ratio of widescreen. Thank you for your time and consideration



Sincerely yours,









My name

[Temple Fugate]

On that note, I do have one concern. Starting with Season 2 of Justice League and continuing onto the sequel series Justice League Unlimited, the show was animated in widescreen format and was shown in that format during it’s run on Cartoon Network. I, as well as many other fans of the show, would appreciate if the future DVD release would respect that fact and be in anamorphic wide screen format. Many of the fans of this program would like to see it as the creators intended it, in widescreen. Widescreen is not a format that would deter sales; as a matter of fact, it would increase sales, as the fans (myself included) would only purchase these DVDs if they were released in the original aspect ratio.That's the only paragraph I found problems with. (You've probably sent this letter by now, but I'm offering input anyway.)

"shown in that format during it's run" should not have an apostraphe, because there is no possessive function here. It's just plain "its."

"appreciate if the future" Add "it" between "appreciate" and "future." Not a huge concern, but a bit more formal.

"and be in anamorphic wide screen format." Watch out for consistency. This is the only sentence where you use the two-word form of "widescreen."

"it would increase sales, as the fans (myself included) would only purchase these DVDs" That sounds a bit of an ultimatum. Remember, you're representing a fanbase, but you don't speak for ALL of the fanbase. I would say "a significant portion of the fans" or "many fans."

Aw yeah, the good news is comin'. I can feel it!

[Funkatron]

That's the only paragraph I found problems with. (You've probably sent this letter by now, but I'm offering input anyway.)

"shown in that format during it's run" should not have an apostraphe, because there is no possessive function here. It's just plain "its."

"appreciate if the future" Add "it" between "appreciate" and "future." Not a huge concern, but a bit more formal.

"and be in anamorphic wide screen format." Watch out for consistency. This is the only sentence where you use the two-word form of "widescreen."

"it would increase sales, as the fans (myself included) would only purchase these DVDs" That sounds a bit of an ultimatum. Remember, you're representing a fanbase, but you don't speak for ALL of the fanbase. I would say "a significant portion of the fans" or "many fans."

Aw yeah, the good news is comin'. I can feel it!
Yeah, the last one was a slip. I tried not to sound I was saying "or else" or anything like that. I would have used "as many of the fans" but I felt I used it too many times already :p

Anywho, writing was never my strong suit. I'm actually surprised that I only had 3 mispellings, where most of my posting here is always filled with spelling errors

[Silly McGooses]

SEASONS 2+ WILL BE IN W I D E S C R E E N ! !
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4691
:D :D :D
I wonder if we had anything to do with it?

[A.J]

SEASONS 2+ WILL BE IN W I D E S C R E E N ! !
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4691
:D :D :D
I wonder if we had anything to do with it?Oh man! Thats is such great news! I am sure we all helped here with our letters, emails and phone calls! Way to go guys! This was faaaaast! :D

[James Harvey]

Upon reading the news posted at TV Shows on DVD (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4691) linked above, I contacted some sources to confirm. And? We did it! Beginning with the mid-2006 release of Justice League: Season Two, the series will be presented in the proper widescreen format! And yes, this includes Justice League Unlimited!

I’d like to thank everyone for helping out with this. We united as one fan-base for one specific cause and we accomplished it! To everyone who wrote a letter, to everyone who made a phone call, to everyone who talked to reps, to everyone who emailed, to all the websites that helped out in spreading the word! Special props to TV Shows on DVD (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/)'s Gord Lacey who really went to bat here and handled the phone calls, got in touch and convinced right people at WHV. TV Shows on DVD (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/)'s crew were big supporters and played a key role in this campaign. And thanks to anyone and everyone who helped us get the message out - Thank you!

I wonder if Bruce has any comments . . .

Post a Comment and read the thread! (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=156149)

[Divv]

Fantastic news! I'm assuming it's anamorphic right? It surely will be due to the fact the menus on the already released sets are in anamorphic widescreen (still those non-anamorphic House MD season 1 DVDs give me a worry about future sets for any show), so I'd love some kind of official confirmation.

Thumbs up to WHV for giving us this info so quickly too. I was afraid we'd have to wait til the next set was announced in March or something before we'd get word. I think we should all be giving ourselves pats on the back for a job well done. And thanks to b.t. too - if he hadn't made that post earlier I know I probably wouldn't have wrote a letter. That post made me think that we could make a difference by taking some kind of action. Great work everyone!

[James Harvey]

Fantastic news! I'm assuming it's anamorphic right? It surely will be due to the fact the menus on the already released sets are in anamorphic widescreen, so I'd love some kind of official confirmation. While it’s not 100% confirmed, you can bet it will be an anamorphic widescreen transfer. If the menus for Batman: The Animated Series - Volume Four (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=156062) and Superman: The Animated Series - Volume Two (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=156063) are anamorphic, and Justice League: Starcrossed - The Movie (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=116257) was anamorphic widescreen, you can bet this will be as well. However, I’ll make sure I get it confirmed once I stop celebrating!

[Sacbrain]

Wow, that's tremendous news!!!:D

-Mark

[Br'er Lappin]

While it’s not 100% confirmed, you can bet it will be an anamorphic widescreen transfer. If the menus for Batman: The Animated Series - Volume Four (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=156062) and Superman: The Animated Series - Volume Two (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=156063) are anamorphic, and Justice League: Starcrossed - The Movie (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=116257) was anamorphic widescreen, you can bet this will be as well. However, I’ll make sure I get it confirmed once I stop celebrating!
If I remember correctly, the uncut Batman Beyond Return of the Joker had anamorphic menus but the film itself wasn't. I would like to know for sure too.

[Silly McGooses]

I don't think so. I think I remember them being squished when I watched it last on a widescreen TV.

[pjay]

Damn that was fast responding time, heh I guess writing letters does make a difference. but what's this about a widescreen version about season 1 episodes? I never saw those.

[Temple Fugate]

You know what? I changed my mind. I'm gonna write another letter asking for fullscreen episodes. The picture is bigger, and I don't get irregular screen-burn from the black bars. Besides, HDTV is probably just a temporary fad.


Damn that was fast responding time, heh I guess writing letters does make a difference. but what's this about a widescreen version about season 1 episodes? I never saw those.When JL was airing its first season in '01-'02, CN rebroadcast them late at night in matted widescreen. They were never seen again until earlier this year when JL ran for a limited time at 2am Friday nights over the summer. If the season one widescreen lovers cared so much, they could just tape cardboard to their screens. Cheap, but effective.

[MacGyver]

Man that was fast. I just got back from mailing off a letter at the post office, that's what happens when I don't come to this site for about a month due to finals. Oh well, this is excellent news. Looks like I won't need those widescreen recordings once these shows get released.

[Karkull]

I'm speechless...I'm proud of all of you. You all did great.

[warmachine04]

The power of the people at work. :D

[b.t.]

I wonder if Bruce has any comments . . .

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.

[Bleu Unicorn]

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.
In this, I must wholeheartedly agree.

[Peter Paltridge]

Sch-WEEEET.

[James]

Wow. This forum has helped do something historical and relevant (beyond listen to my rants which contribute to both elements). Congrats guys, you will be able to sit back and enjoy those DVDs knowing that you had some input into the product. Great stuff.

[Trevor Balena]

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.We surely do. I bet you're feeling pretty good at the moment.

And b.t.? If you're looking to pay us back, promise me this: when you sit down to record the inevitable commentary for "Epilogue" -- be it a year from now, or whenever -- make sure Kevin Conroy is there too.

[maxnugget]

WOW!

I'm not sure what I'm happier about, the fact that we're going to get Season 2 (one of the best DCAU seasons ever) in widescreen *AND* JLU in widescreen, or the fact that our phone calls and letters helped make it happen.

Collective pat on the backs for us, and a big thank-you to b.t. for the initial tip-off.

With the aspect ratio now secured, I absolutely can't wait to get these boxed sets.

[A.J]

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.
OMG b.t, you have no idea how much I appreciate those words :crying:
I know most of the guys here would do anything to get the best JL-JLU dvd release ever and that we certainly love the show.

[Bird Boy]

If I remember correctly, the uncut Batman Beyond Return of the Joker had anamorphic menus but the film itself wasn't. I would like to know for sure too.

It wasn't. The menus for ROTJ were fullscreen formatted.

And kick ass news! That's incredibly awesome. Just...yeah, great way to cap off a great day.

-BB

[Tommunist]

Great news, and great effort for all!

[Squall]

Wow! This is awsome news. And it came quickly, very quickly! :)

Now, maybe I can ask my question again -- can we get an option on the DVDs where we can either (1) watch each part of the two-parters and three-parters seperately, like some fans like, OR (2) watch the two-parters and three-parters put together as single mini-movies, like I'm hoping we'll have the option to do.

:sweat:

BTW, what does "anamorphic" mean?

[Crow]

Congratulations fellas, great work.

Jim, would you mind showing us links to places where you mentioned this? This endeavour should be a reminder in the future to anybody who will have similar concerns to us - like the Muppet Movies widescreen succcess was to us - no matter what sort of DVD it is.

Now we can get back to fawning over the Season 1 Set - It's going to be great to see A Knight of Shadows on a DVD!

About the Season 2 Set - I hope there's a commentary track featuring the big seven, preferably on A Better World Part 2 or Hereafter Part 1.

[A.J]

:sweat:

BTW, what does "anamorphic" mean?
I have the same doubt! What is anamorphic!!!!? :sweat:

[A.J]

Beginning with the mid-2006 release of Justice League: Season Two, the series will be presented in the proper widescreen format! And yes, this includes Justice League Unlimited!
I dont understand this Jim Harvey, are you saying that we will get JL SEASON 2 in mid 2006?? :confused:

[90'sCartoonMan]

I sent out my letter over the weekend, so they probably haven't even gotten it yet. Oh well. We've got our widescreen, all is well in the world!

[Bird Boy]

I have the same doubt! What is anamorphic!!!!? :sweat:

To dumb it down, Anamorphic means it'll look good on both 4:3 and 16:9 TVs. That's seriously dumbing it down. I'm sure maxnugget will smack me if I'm wrong. :p


I dont understand this Jim Harvey, are you saying that we will get JL SEASON 2 in mid 2006?? :confused:

Yeah.


Now, maybe I can ask my question again -- can we get an option on the DVDs where we can either (1) watch each part of the two-parters and three-parters seperately, like some fans like, OR (2) watch the two-parters and three-parters put together as single mini-movies, like I'm hoping we'll have the option to do.

I think the closest you're gonna get is "Play All."

-BB

[ITDEFX]

arghh it was a bad choice to buy a rear projection tv 2 years ago :(. The only thing that looks good on it are things shot on digital video (AOTC/ROTS) or animated movies/cartoons (Batman/JL)..regular tv looks like crap and don't start with anything shot on film...colors are so washed out :=\ but it is 51 inches :)

[Azbatz]

And b.t.? If you're looking to pay us back, promise me this: when you sit down to record the inevitable commentary for "Epilogue" -- be it a year from now, or whenever -- make sure Kevin Conroy is there too.
I like that idea. :)

[maxnugget]

To dumb it down, Anamorphic means it'll look good on both 4:3 and 16:9 TVs. That's seriously dumbing it down. I'm sure maxnugget will smack me if I'm wrong. Hmm, tempting...:p

To modify what you said:

Anamorphic means it will look better than non-anamorphic on all 16:9 and some 4:3 TVs.

(the part I really wanted to add was the "anamorphic looks better than non-anamorphic," not the "some 4:3 TVs" part. :))

[klammed]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TBalena
And b.t.? If you're looking to pay us back, promise me this: when you sit down to record the inevitable commentary for "Epilogue" -- be it a year from now, or whenever -- make sure Kevin Conroy is there too.


I like that idea. :)
__________________

same here.

(even though I did absolutely nothing...)

To the rest of you guys who did send in all those letters: GREAT job!

*punches air* wo0t!

[Shadow_X]

Hi, well first of all I´m new here(you probably will notice by looking at my messeges... I only have one :D)I´m from Mexico and a I´m big fan of all DC Animated Series, so if my english is not very good, sorry about that, but I´m going to try to explain my self the best I can :anime:

And well all the news about the release of BB and JL on season boxsets was great, and of course the matter about FS and WS was kind of a headache but now with the announce of WHV that from season 2 we will have JL/JLU on WS we can relax and wait until their release date :D

I was going to send a letter to WHV but I think it´s not necessary anymore, although I would like to contact them but for another matter.

Anyway the 2006 will be the great year for all of us :D

-Shadow_X

[Bleu Unicorn]

Hi, well first of all I´m new here(you probably will notice by looking at my messeges... I only have one :D)I´m from Mexico and a I´m big fan of all DC Animated Series, so if my english is not very good, sorry about that, but I´m going to try to explain my self the best I can :anime:

And well all the news about the release of BB and JL on season boxsets was great, and of course the matter about FS and WS was kind of a headache but now with the announce of WHV that from season 2 we will have JL/JLU on WS we can relax and wait until their release date :D

I was going to send a letter to WHV but I think it´s not necessary anymore, although I would like to contact them but for another matter.

Anyway the 2006 will be the great year for all of us :D

-Shadow_X
Welcome to Toon Zone and the DCAF, Shadow_X! :D

[Jiggle-Bot]

Awesome!

I'm not from the states, but i started sendin out letters on Monday. Do they deliver letters faster around christmas time or are mine still en route?

Oh well it doesn't matter since we're getting widescreen!

Thanks all round everyone!

[adoptedBatpuppy]

Those are Great News! Thank yourselves, the letters must have gotten through to the producers of the show! :D

[otter]

Awesome news. I was thinking about writing a 3rd letter when I heard the update. Thanks to everyone else who wrote in. And thanks again to BT for giving us the heads up.

Maybe we should try a "Renew JLU for another Season" letter campaign too?

[Silly McGooses]

This was a very small decision that WB may have easily chosen on their own (and I have a feeling b.t. may have had a little talk with them). Another season of JLU, however, is a big, multimillion dollar deal that a couple of fand aren't goign to be able to sway a megacorporation to do, in my opinion.

[A.J]

Maybe we should try a "Renew JLU for another Season" letter campaign too?
If we actually get news about JLU cancellation for another season then Ill do anything to get a 4th & final season at the very least...

[Trevor Balena]

This was a very small decision that WB may have easily chosen on their own (and I have a feeling b.t. may have had a little talk with them). Another season of JLU, however, is a big, multimillion dollar deal that a couple of fand aren't goign to be able to sway a megacorporation to do, in my opinion.There's another difference between the two situations. With the widescreen thing, we were taking it upon ourselves to inform Warner Bros. of something they were previously unaware of -- namely, that a market exists for widescreen cartoons -- but with JLU, there's nothing we can tell them that they don't already know.

They have the ratings statistics in their hands... they know how many people watch the show... so all a bunch of letters would tell them is that they people they already knew watch the show really, really like it. If the ratings are low, the ratings are low, and no amount of letters can change that.

[DisneyBoy]

Wowie wow wow wow!

Nice job guys and gals! I'm STUNNED they listened to our pleas. After the whole "Extras on the B:TAS sets" letterwriting campaign failed to get WB's attention, I didn't think this issue would fare any better. I'm happy to be proved wrong. This is exactly what I was hoping for!!!

[Temple Fugate]

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.No, YOU guys rock for making it in widescreen in the first place.


And b.t.? If you're looking to pay us back, promise me this: when you sit down to record the inevitable commentary for "Epilogue" -- be it a year from now, or whenever -- make sure Kevin Conroy is there too.YES.

There's no way WHV is going to format the JL DVDs to have hour-long versions of the episode. Your best bet is to just chapter skip the Part I credits, previously, and Part II opening during Play All. Though I wish a format existed where the episode was indeed an hour, with even the part II title card removed. (Though in the cases where Part II had a different writer/director, they'd need to have extra credits at the beginning of Part I. A lot of work, but I think it's worth it.)

[Silly McGooses]

They have the ratings statistics in their hands... they know how many people watch the show... so all a bunch of letters would tell them is that they people they already knew watch the show really, really like it. If the ratings are low, the ratings are low, and no amount of letters can change that.That makes it all the more painful that the ratings are really good, especially considering that it's a virtually unpublicized cable cartoon that comes on late at night.

[Doomsday]

Wow this news makes my day. Now all we have to do is send out letters to Cartoon Network for a 4th season of JLU.:D

[maxnugget]

I know it'll never happen, but I'd love to see what kind of reception JLU would get if it were, say, broadcast in an hour-long prime time block on a major network, and marketed as a for-adults show (or a for-kids-and-adults show). In fact, the marketing doesn't need to go out of its way to pound home the "this show isn't just for little kids" message. Simply advertise the show in a prime time slot, and advertise it the same way you'd advertise Smallville, X-Files, or any other primetime drama. Oh, and use one of those deep, bass-voice, serious narrator voices for the "tonight, on Justice League" (heck, just use Kevin Conroy's voice). If there's no hint of cartoony kiddishness in the ads, people would automatically scratch their heads and go "hmm, well the ad doesn't sound childish, and it's a full-hour show on at 9:00pm on a Thursday night...I like superheroes and stuff, let me check this out."

In other words, despite the deep-rooted cultural bias that cartoons are for kids, if the show takes itself seriously and the marketing takes the show seriously and doesn't reinforce that stereotype, many people ARE open-minded enough to watch it. Animated comedy series have already broken through this barrier. It's only animated dramas that have yet to do so. And, like all cultural movements, there must be someone to lead the way, to break up the status quo. For modern animated comedy, it was the Simpsons (arguably the Flinstones did this a while back, but couldn't sustain its momentum and the Simpsons had to revitalize the idea of animated comedy for adults).

Why can't a show like JLU do the same for animated action/adventure/drama? (not to mention, there's plenty of humor in JLU, because, as in most good shows that take themselves seriously, there's usually plenty of things to riff on).

[Squall]

There's no way WHV is going to format the JL DVDs to have hour-long versions of the episode. Your best bet is to just chapter skip the Part I credits, previously, and Part II opening during Play All.
I could live with that, if they put an option on the DVDs to do that automatically for me. And what is all this talk about letter writing for a 4th season of JLU? Has any news come out about its renewal that I don't know about, or are you guys just assuming the show won't get renewed?
:confused:

[A.J]

After the whole "Extras on the B:TAS sets" letterwriting campaign failed to get WB's attention, I didn't think this issue would fare any better. I'm happy to be proved wrong. This is exactly what I was hoping for!!!
You know DisneyBoy, I have no idea if you already know that they DID included the Superman-Batman intro on the BTAS Vol. 4, some commentaries (video & audio), chapter stops, a litograph or cell and some featurettes about the new show...now I know they didnt included the Gotham Girls webisodes but maybe they didnt because they have plans with that series somehow...dont you think we actually got a lot of nice extras on the set...? just saying...


ps. I know STAS Vol. 2 has chapter stops but not sure about BTAS Vol. 4

[Bird Boy]

After the whole "Extras on the B:TAS sets" letterwriting campaign failed to get WB's attention, I didn't think this issue would fare any better.

The difference this time was we requested changes before the sets went into production. By the time the "Extras on the B:TAS sets" campaign started, they were already well into production on the set. Once a set is announced, there's little to change it.


ps. I know STAS Vol. 2 has chapter stops but not sure about BTAS Vol. 4

Both have chapter stops.

-BB

[BlueRocketBoy]

Waiting until the show is canceled is probably too late to do any good. If the fans believe that the end may be near, what is there to lose by letting WB/CN know that we want a 4th and final season? Now would seem to be the opportune time to take some kind of action. Then, whatever happens, we can't say we didn't try.

[Bleu Unicorn]

Wowie wow wow wow!

Nice job guys and gals! I'm STUNNED they listened to our pleas. After the whole "Extras on the B:TAS sets" letterwriting campaign failed to get WB's attention, I didn't think this issue would fare any better. I'm happy to be proved wrong. This is exactly what I was hoping for!!!
The letterwriting campaign didn't fail to get their attention. As quoted by me on page four of this thread:


By the way, I can't find the thread about BTAS volume 4 where we were writing letters about special features, so I'll say it here instead. WHV actually wrote me back regarding my letter. I got the letter a few weeks ago, to my very large surprise. It basically said the features were already locked, thanks for my interest, etc. I was genuinely shocked they even wrote me back at all. I don't know if anyone else received a reply, but I thought I'd just mention that they do take these kinds of things seriously, so be sure to be polite and respectful.
As Bird Boy said above, we were just too late and while they had considered many of the features I'd mentioned in my letter the fact remained that the features were locked.

[James Harvey]

Wow. This forum has helped do something historical and relevant (beyond listen to my rants which contribute to both elements). Congrats guys, you will be able to sit back and enjoy those DVDs knowing that you had some input into the product. Great stuff. Who knows . . . maybe we’ll get a thank you in one of the commentaries or extras for the Justice League: Season Two DVD set.

[Bird Boy]

Who knows . . . maybe we’ll get a thank you in one of the commentaries or extras for the Justice League: Season Two DVD set.

"We'd like to thank [Censored by WB Legal] for helping!"

:p

-BB

[Temple Fugate]

Do you think it would help or hurt sales if WHV put a sticker on the package saying "The world's FIRST and ONLY hour-long widescreen animated series!"

[Bleu Unicorn]

"We'd like to thank [Censored by WB Legal] for helping!"

:p

-BB
Aww, gee, and I was hoping for something a la the extended LOTR credits with the charter members of the fanclub. *snaps fingers*

[Jimmy 345]

Thanks to all the fans who made this possible. Personally I believe all animation should be presented in the aspect it was animated. The first season was animated in fullscreen so I am glad the first season is being presented that way but for season two and beyond pan scan would be unacceptable. I am glad the campain worked and season two and beyond will be in anamorphic widescreen.

[batmanbeyond13]

I'm glad the W B decided on the formats for the dvd collections. The shows will be done the way they were made. That's fine by me. It should be the way it originally was made. So, that's good.

[DisneyBoy]

The difference this time was we requested changes before the sets went into production. By the time the "Extras on the B:TAS sets" campaign started, they were already well into production on the set. Once a set is announced, there's little to change it.
So does this mean we can also put in requests for certain extras now, seeing as how the season two and beyond sets are still in the planning stages?

Cause I know there's a few things I'd like to see....

[Bird Boy]

So does this mean we can also put in requests for certain extras now, seeing as how the season two and beyond sets are still in the planning stages?

Cause I know there's a few things I'd like to see....

You and anyone else can do whatever they want, but I know we're not gonna be doing a whole campaign for it like we did for this. This one affected the entire DVD set itself and neither I or Jim are interested in making a big deal over some superfluous extras, however nice they may be.

But, again. You are all welcome to write letters to WHV saying whatever, that's all your effort and choice. However, I do not want to see a flood of random campaigns spring up on this board. The fact this one worked is awesome, yeah, but lets not overdo it.

-BB

[Robin]

This is great news! Even though I sent my letter out on Wednesday after the good news came in, I hope WHV still takes the time to read it. But even though we've had success with this we shouldn't start campaigning for every single little thing. Extras don't really matter, it's the shows themselves and it was great to see everyone come together to get the show released right. Extras are tricky and no doubt we'd never agree on a uniform decision, so we just shouldn't bother. Besides, a lot of our requests would probably be pretty idiotic so lets just wait to see what they have in store for us. We shouldn't overdo it and beg WHV for every little thing that comes to mind. That'd undo everything we campaigned for here. We've been shown that WHV isn't completely stupid, and they do listen.

[Squall]

When these Justice League DVD box sets are put together, will the three three-parters -- which originally aired as movies on TV -- still be put together as such, like they were on their original single-release DVDs? (I'm asking about "Secret Origins," "The Savage Time," and "Starcrossed" here.) :)

[Temple Fugate]

When these Justice League DVD box sets are put together, will the three three-parters -- which originally aired as movies on TV -- still be put together as such, like they were on their original single-release DVDs? (I'm asking about "Secret Origins," "The Savage Time," and "Starcrossed" here.) :)
Probably not. (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4655) If you look at how the episodes break down by disc, SO and ST are listed three times as Parts I, II, and III. I don't see why WHV would list them that way if they weren't going to be the half-hour formatted episodes. SO and SC have already gotten movie DVDs released, anyway. It's too bad ST hasn't. This issue might best be discussed in the original DVD thread.

[James Harvey]

Just to echo what Bird Boy said, just because we were successful in making our concerns heard regarding the proper aspect ratio of these episodes does not give us license to now ask for everything we desire, be it a surplus of bonus features, etc. The proper ratio was an important issue, one that even the creative team and other websites were behind. Extras, packaging, etc, is a whole other story. Let’s stick with what’s necessary instead of getting carried away.

And these episodes will always be presented in their episode broadcast format, as they were produced in that fashion for repeated television broadcast. Some episode may have aired together as a movie, but they were not produced for that sole purpose. According to the network they are produced to eventually be stripped out in regular timeslots. Don’t ever expect the DVD presentations to be edited together as “mini-movies,” which would negate the “complete” aspect of these collections. Now, unless you really have something to add to this discussion let's move any relevant DVD topics to the proper thread (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=155829).

[DarkLantern]

perhaps the fans can also rally around the TT season 1 DVD and get 16:9 transfers on that set as well.

nevertheless, the fans have opened WBHV's eyes. let hope they stay open.
I am with you there, nothing. I don't think the widescreen version of Titans ever aired anywhere, did it?

At least everybody will finally see "Tabula Rasa" that way it was meant to be seen.

DL
"Beware their power... the viewers write!"

[A.J]

I am with you there, nothing. I don't think the widescreen version of Titans ever aired anywhere, did it?

At least everybody will finally see "Tabula Rasa" that way it was meant to be seen.

DL
"Beware their power... the viewers write!"
DL, what is that 7 supposed to mean? What are all those numbers you always write down when you post? :confused:

[David64]

bruce has just one comment:

YOU GUYS ROCK.

just remember who to thank on the DVD's ;) :p

[Soir]

Extras extras extras!!! I find my self watching the interviews with the actors, creators and directors, on dvds more than I watch the actual films.


commentary for a few eps wouldnt hurt either, at any rate great news!

[Lord Sidious]

Wassup guys??


I had a hard time finding this thread and I only have a dial up for my computer so it kept freezing on me when I try to see what is happening.


So is it confirmed???

JL season 2 will be widescreen and future releases of JLU will also be widescreen???


The JLU DVDs they relased so far, were those widescreen??


Thanks.

[Nobuyuki sama]

So is it confirmed???

JL season 2 will be widescreen and future releases of JLU will also be widescreen???

The JLU DVDs they relased so far, were those widescreen??

Thanks.
Yes.
Yes & maybe.
No.
You're welcome.

[Silly McGooses]

No, JLU has been confirmed to be in widescreen as well. I think the actual quote was something like "The first season will be in fullscreen, the second season and BEYOND will be in widescreen."

[Nobuyuki sama]

I thought the "Beyond" was referring to Batman Beyond...

[Silly McGooses]

I don't think so, because Batman Beyond was never made in widescreen.

[Nobuyuki sama]

Well, you would be the one to know, since you're the one who broke the good news (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4691) to us a couple of months ago. :)

I've slept since then. :sweat: