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View Full Version : I'm tired of bitching, I'm speaking out.


ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael
11-27-2006, 10:16 PM
I'm tired of just sitting back complaining that 4Kids screwed us out of the Lost Season DVD, so, I'm speaking out.

I wrote this letter to 4 Kids, hope it might help. (I blocked my name out for privacy reasons)

4 Kids Entertainment,



My name is ####. I am an 18-year-old college student, and a dedicated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. Ever since I was 3-years-old, I have enjoyed watching the Turtle’s exploits on TV, and I was overjoyed when, back in 2003, you launched a brand new series. I have to say, that it was a very good, very well done program. It stayed true to the feel of the comics, and brought new life into the franchise. I must cut to the point, however. At the end of season four, we TMNT fans were left with a cliffhanger ending, all of us expected some resolution in the following season, but our hopes were dashed when instead you opted to air TMNT: Fast Forward instead. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. When we found out that Peter Laird was working to get the real season five put onto DVD format, we felt a much-needed sigh of relief. We Turtles fans were even happier when you began airing the Lost Season episodes on Comcast’s Video on Demand service. But once again, our hopes were decimated when you announced that not only would the Lost Season be pulled from VoD, but also from your DVD release schedule.

I’m writing this letter to ask you kindly, please reconsider your actions. What you have to realize is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeals not only to the 7-12-year-olds who love violence, but people from 17-28 and beyond. We grew up with these characters. We read the comics, we loved the original show, we own copies of the movies, we love this franchise. Sure, the 12-year-olds won’t care that this DVD won’t be hitting the States, after all, they’ll easily be drawn into another action cartoon. But us older viewers, the ones who appreciated the writing, the character development, and the animation, are crushed that we wont get to enjoy what looks to be a very deep and very involved season.

Try to look at it this way. Not only are you disappointing fans young and old, but you’re also missing out on a great marketing possibility. TMNT is scheduled to hit theaters in March 2007. You need to get the word out as many ways possible. New toys aren’t going to be enough, you’ll need more, and a really good way to help garner some hype, release the Lost Season DVD, and have a tagline that says something like “Too Action Packed For TV”. Naturally, all TMNT fans are going to be all over this thing, but it’s not enough just to have the episodes themselves, but it’s going to need extras. I’m picturing animatics, commentary by Peter Laird and Lloyd Goldfine on selected episodes, some behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast, and, what I think would really help increase sales, include one minute of footage from the TMNT movie. It makes perfect sense. Now, I’m definitely not saying this will be the biggest selling DVD of all time, but one thing I can promise you is that every TMNT fan will not hesitate to snatch this DVD up.

In conclusion, I would like to say once more, please release this DVD. To not release it would be unfair to every TMNT fan. Please don’t deny us the right to see what will perhaps be this show’s best season ever. So please, get Funmation on the phone, and put this DVD back on every TMNT fan’s must own list.


Sincerely
#####


It probably wont even reach the higher ups, but I had to say something.

Ra
11-27-2006, 11:43 PM
Even if it doesn't reach the higher ups, I think it should. You have done a great thing by speaking out about our disappointment to 4Kids, Raph. Very professional looking as well. And I definatly agree with the added extras. Interviews with the cast and commentaries are the way to go if you want some attention on this thing, not just added backgrounds and the such.

I was going to type up an e-mail (snail mail will just be to slow for one living overseas) in a few days with something similar in mind. Make the release of the Lost Season so big, that everyone knows, but not so big that everyone doesn't want it. Just give little snippet adds to leave everyone curious. Like "Woah! What was that? I'm sure it has something to do with the Ninja Turtles, but what?!"

You have definatly done well, Raph. Definatly done well :D

ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael
11-28-2006, 12:28 AM
Much appreciated. :D

Masked Ninja
11-28-2006, 12:26 PM
That is indeed a well-written and polite letter. The more of these they get, the better.

I'm planning on writing one myself, as soon as I get my hands on current stamps (the ones I have are 37-cent, blargh)

Drtooth
11-28-2006, 12:50 PM
I'm planning on writing one myself, as soon as I get my hands on current stamps (the ones I have are 37-cent, blargh)

Can't you use two of them?

I'll try to find the time to E-mail them my disappointment too. I was one of the ones that E-mailed Sesame Workshop about "Classic Sesame Street" DVD sets, and one came out a month ago.

Spike Spiegel
11-28-2006, 03:03 PM
Good job ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael. That is a great letter, clear, concise, and to the point. Hope it helps.

Laurael
11-28-2006, 11:23 PM
That is a wonderful, attention-getting letter. Hopefully if we all contact them they will reconsider putting that series out to us. I would like to complete my collection.

ZariusTwo
11-28-2006, 11:28 PM
Ah, gotta love being a realist...you get to watch this comedy unfold and love every minute of it. If I had a nickle for every letter that was clear, concise, and to the point delivered to a major company in the hopes it'll convince them that quality means more than what's fiscially superior to them, I'd be rich enough to renew the lost season and replace FF with it in canon.

gobo
11-29-2006, 12:57 AM
Si, señor Zarius. Most are failed attempts, but the couple that have an impact may never be written if everyone looks at it that way.

VaughnMichael
11-29-2006, 03:22 AM
Well I for one think what you guys are doing is great keep those letter coming into the company's.
We've seen it help other shows when the fans shouted out together and made their voices loud.
Family Guy came back to TV with the out cry and DVD sales.
Fraggle rock and sesame street came out on DVD because the fans wouldn't shut up about it and now we finally have what we want.
I'm telling you right now even with what negative people may say nor how real they think they may be your letter do help so seriously please keep them coming.

ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael
11-29-2006, 04:03 PM
Si, señor Zarius. Most are failed attempts, but the couple that have an impact may never be written if everyone looks at it that way.

Exactly, everyone thinks that its all pointless, so they don't bother to try, and thats why nothing ever gets done.

Ah, gotta love being a realist...you get to watch this comedy unfold and love every minute of it. If I had a nickle for every letter that was clear, concise, and to the point delivered to a major company in the hopes it'll convince them that quality means more than what's fiscially superior to them, I'd be rich enough to renew the lost season and replace FF with it in canon.

Dude, it's not like I'm asking them can FF and bring in TLS(although I would like that). I'm just asking them to release the DVD like they planned.

Sabacooza
11-29-2006, 04:59 PM
This might sound like a dumb idea but maybe someone should create a poll on this so we can get an idea on how many have sent letters already. I'm guessing not nearly enough.:-?

I sent mine 3 days ago.