Something interesting/disturbing...

[Buslady]

I hate to say, around here (SoCal) the FF figures are sitting on the pegs in stores unlike the 2K3 figs which were often empty. Every time I go to Target or Walmart, they're FULL of FF figs...

What kinda stinks, is there aren't any 2K3 figs anymore that I'd like to get my nephews. They're into PRs, I wanna convert them to TMNT!

[Vegita-San]

Originally Posted by Buslady

I hate to say, around here (SoCal) the FF figures are sitting on the pegs in stores unlike the 2K3 figs which were often empty. Every time I go to Target or Walmart, they're FULL of FF figs...

What kinda stinks, is there aren't any 2K3 figs anymore that I'd like to get my nephews. They're into PRs, I wanna convert them to TMNT!

Last time I went into the store to see the new figures, I saw what I believe was at least TWO sets of Turtle Variants. The only one I Really wanted to pick up was the Serling figure.

No one has yet to give me conclusive sales proof that Variants sell better than original figures. I think it's just laziness on Playmates part, even though I do realize that it's tough to design a figure.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Vegita-San

I'll probably edit this later, if it's been answered, but what's the general feel and relation towards 4Kids lately?

Same as always. Professional and friendly. Why would it be otherwise?

Originally Posted by Vegita-San

Maybe HBO would agree to funding that episode, and airing the Ninja Tribunal arc on it's video on demand services?

For now the Ninja Tribunal arc has been yanked from all US release schedules: airwave, DVD and VOD.

[sdp]

thanks for answering questions Murphy, a lot of fans don't mean to be rude (if thats how they come) that is just how it comes out, but we appreciate the time you've spent here and giving us some 'inside' info,

while FF is somewhat upsetting i can understand it, I bet it was "we move on a new FF direction or we stop backing the show" so the compromise had to be made and I prefer FF over no TMNT at all,

hopefully the new movie will make really reach a huge audience so we see more 2k3(preferably non FF) or better yet a new show.

I'm excited, when the teaser was released every forum i visited praised it, from, animation, metal, videogame, electronica forums...it has enough internet hype however marketing needs to get into advertising to the general audiences so kids know that its coming and also so older kids from the 80s get nostalgic.

I'm sure the movie will be great, but if it gets the right advertisement it won't just be ignored and could become the movie to get TMNT back in the mainstream eyes,

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by IveyAngelo

I'm going to have to disagree with this statement here. I know a lot of people from online, conventions and even just going around who are adult fans. I think a poll should be done on either 4Kids web site or the Official TMNT web site to get a real age of what is watching the series and buying the toys. Though the show may be written for that age group, a lot of the returning fans from the original series are watching, along with new fans who liked the dept of the first 4 seasons of the show.

Hi. This is Michelle, right?

While the "active fan base" may be older and number in the hundreds, the "passive viewer" is the age group I noted earlier and numbers in the millions. Hundreds vs millions. Think about that and how it plays into a corporation's decision making.

Originally Posted by IveyAngelo

Another thing I'd like to bring up is, the release of stuff like the "Lost Season" to DVD in other countries, is it also because the sales of stuff like DVDs are better in those countries than they have been here in the United States? I hear sales of the toys, dvds and such are being bought up more else where, which is why more is being made out of country than here. And if so, could that be, because there's more promotion for it else where?

Yes, sales dictate further sales. That is, if sales of DVDs are doing well in one country/market, then more DVDs will come out. Likewise, if sales aren't doing so well in another market it's a safe bet that additional DVDs would not come out. The old law of supply and demand.

Oh, and the effects of promotion (advertising) are a hard thing to measure...

[IveyAngelo]

Hehe, one l in Michele, though yup it's me

Originally Posted by Murphy

While the "active fan base" may be older and number in the hundreds, the "passive viewer" is the age group I noted earlier and numbers in the millions. Hundreds vs millions. Think about that and how it plays into a corporation's decision making.

I was just wondering if there is any number out there to show this, polls or anything. Just the general reactions is what I've gone by, online and at conventions where you're meeting the people behind not just the comics but the TV series and so on. There was millions upon millions of fans of the TMNT back in the 90's, and usually if you talk to those people to this day they still like TMNT, though some are not sure of the new stuff out there a lot have given it a try. Which is why I have a hard time saying that there would be that big of a difference in the fan bases.

Online I'm on many different forums, more active on some than others.. and there's always different people on the forums, I've even been active on the 4Kids forums in the past, where I found a lot of adults have signed up on to talk about the series as well, some of which I know off of the 4Kids forum in other areas. I guess this is one of the things I have often questioned about the marketing (esp all the contests which us adult fans can not enter, no matter how badly we want to).

Originally Posted by Murphy

Oh, and the effects of promotion (advertising) are a hard thing to measure...

I just wonder about this, though the Turtles do get some ad spots in the 4Kids block on Sundays here, I don't see ads for the show anywhere else. I see ads for the toys every now and than on the Cartoon Network.

A good example right now would have to be the movie. I went to the movies yesterday. Saw Cardboard stand ups for movies that don't come out till May. Saw every poster in the "Coming Soon" were coming out in May, June, and July... some of these movies I've never even heard of, nor has the friends I was with at the theater. Though they're pushing the movies months in advance to make sure the people know about it. Though with TMNT coming out in only a few months, we have little to nothing out there for it.

The times I have seen the Teaser for it, the crowd reactions were GREAT, cheers would wipe the theater. Two of the best Crowds for it, was going to see the "Fullmetal Alchemist Movie. People were talking after the movie how they didn't even know there was a new TMNT movie coming out. It's sad to think, that if I wasn't into the fandom online (if there was no online world)... how little any of us fans would even know about it. This really goes for those who can't get out to theaters too much for money sake, and those who never get to conventions to see the free posters and seek preview book.

This is why I question the promotions lately. I mean, the 4Kids show has been a great ride, even though I never see ads for it other than during the 4Kids block. The toys have been selling in my area to both kids and adults... I talk to people inline if I see the TMNT stuff in their carts... find out if the person next to me is a fan, or if it's for a child. It's always great to meet other fans. I just wonder, if the toys, show and DVDs would do better with some different promotion behind it?

Heh not meaning to get too deep into these subjects. Just been on my mind a lot lately, I felt bad not seeing one movie poster at the theater. And I do promote the stuff as a fan, all the time. So I try to help get the word out.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Murphy

Yes, sales dictate further sales. That is, if sales of DVDs are doing well in one country/market, then more DVDs will come out. Likewise, if sales aren't doing so well in another market it's a safe bet that additional DVDs would not come out. The old law of supply and demand.

I'll second that! In the UK DVD sales were so poor that we go combined Vols. 5+6 and 7+8 (each at the same price a 1 normal volume) just so they could finish off the first season on DVD. We haven't had a DVD since so I've had to import the US releases.

I'll probably wait for a US "Lost Season" release as the Region 4 set doesn't include "Ninja Tribunal". And speaking of that, Murphy could Mirage influence Magna Pacific now and ask them to include that episode? The Australian releases ended after Season 2 and "Ninja Tribunal" is key to understanding the "Lost Season" episodes!

[Ratchet]

Actually I think we may be getting season 3 in the form of another boxed set. It was a little odd - Magna Pacific took ages to release the individual DVD's, then all of a sudden shotgunned season sets of 1 and 2 in these neat little wallet things. If March is the release of the Lost Season, I'm assuming Magna Pacific will release season 3 and 4 in a similiar fashion...

[Chris]

Fair enough.

But from what I can tell looking at the Magna Pacific website (specifically the episode lists for the Season 2 sets) your box sets are straight repacks of the US DVDs. Hence Season 2 being out of order.

If this is the same for Seasons 3 and 4 then you'll be missing the "Ninja Tribunal" episode as that isn't on any of the US Season 3/4 DVDs and will be included in the (eventual) "Lost Season" collection.

The only way you could get "Ninja Tribunal" is if Magna Pacific makes its own Season 3 and 4 DVDs (which it would need to do if it wanted to seperate the seasons correctly). The same could also apply to "The Christmas Aliens" which was a special DVD and not included in the main volumes.

[Duke]

I've read throught this entire thread and want to say a special thanks to Murphy for answering everyone's questions and add one of my own. Is there any plans of re-releasing the 2K3 dvds as actually season sets in order? I've bought every dvd released but I'd definitely re-purchase them if they got released as Season Box Sets. Thanks in advance.

[Gary]

Originally Posted by Murphy

No, Playmates cannot "force" 4Kids to do anything.

I think everyone has to remember one basic fact about the Lost Season/Ninja Tribunal: it's pretty much a continuous story arc. A 13-episode (as originally planned) story arc in a children's cartoon series on a "network" with less-than-ubiquitous national market coverage as the Fox Box has (and one that is often pre-empted by sports events), translates into a business fear of "children losing interest due to missed episodes" or children simply having short attention spans. Plus the story arc is rather "heavy" for children. That's why the majority of FF episodes are stand alone and much "lighter."

Has anyone considered marketing the show to an older audience? Or does no one want to invest in or buy the show other than 4Kids? TMNT hardly seems to be a kids show anymore. They can't seem to follow it, and all of the ideas for episodes, and half of the episdoes are "too heavy" for children.

From what I've read, the change in the show hasn't changed the intrest of the children. The ratings are about the same. (Lightening up the show doesn't seem to have done much good for anyone.)

[Ratchet]

Still, darkening it probably would've made it worse... you know how parents are with these things nowadays. As cool as IITM was, doing that heavy an episode all the time would have parent groups up in arms.

[Raph'N'Roll]

I

Ivey Angelo: Though with TMNT coming out in only a few months, we have little to nothing out there for it.

I know what you mean, I haven't seen the teaser or a poster in a single cinema, yet I've seen Transformers posters, and that movie isn't due out until May.
Besides the individual character posters, there doesn't seem to be an official TMNT movie poster, except for the one with the image off Ubisofts TMNT game website, but that didn't look right because the turtles were just pasted into the backround, I hope that's not the official one.

[TerranigmaFreak]

Wooohooo, we finally get to talk to an insider here! I'm surprise I didn't notice this thread until now.

A late welcome to Mr. Murphy from me.

Anyway, I also have a few question regarding the TMNT and I hope you can answer them for me.

You know, one of my favorite hobbies used to be watching TMNT on TV, then go off to play the TMNT games. I can enjoy my TMNT on TV again, but I haven't been able to enjoy the games as much. I know Ubi Soft is handling the new game based on the movie, but how much control does Peter have over who makes the game based the TMNT? Konami used to be the company responsible for making those great TMNT games from my childhood, but the company is no longer what it used to be. The true strength of Konami left the company and formed Treasure. Is it possible to get Peter to consider giving this company another chance to bring back that magic? Treasure isn't a big name studio though, but their list of hits range from Contra, TMNT, Guardian Heroes, to Astro Boy. Making brawlers is their specialty, and I think it would benefit the TMNT to have kickass games being made by the masters of kicking ass. Ubi soft is a top notch company, but the brawler genre's not their specialty. To be honest, brawlers haven't had much success since games started going 3D. I honestly can't think of a half way decent brawler made between 1997-2006.

[Gary]

Originally Posted by TristJones

Still, darkening it probably would've made it worse... you know how parents are with these things nowadays. As cool as IITM was, doing that heavy an episode all the time would have parent groups up in arms.

I'm not asking for them to darken it from it's previous state. They could have simply left it alone as they transitioned into the future. I don't know what bothers me more, the bright colors, or the pointy character designs. (I really dislike the pentagonal heads.)

[Jo Dawn]

Originally Posted by Murphy

The Archie comic universe is closely tied into the original cartoon... and we're not allowed to use the original cartoon "universe" in the new cartoon. Nor, I suppose, would "the official we" want to. The old cartoon/Archie universe is not Pete's vision of the turtles....

Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition. I'm so putting this in a sig. That's great news,and it's nice to hear it from someone official. Some people really don't get that this is FACT. Really good to know.

Sure, it's possible... but it's not likely. But again this is one of those things that is just too impossible to predict at this point.

You were dangerously close to a Donnie quote, you realize.

Anyhow, glad to hear that FF gets, at least, a bit darker. I'll never be happy with it, as I was with the 2K3 Series, but hopefully that'll be an improvement. unless, of course, the get rid of Cody (never to be seen or heard from again) and get more back to their original personalities. Hopefully more character growth is in the cards, too.

Alas, I think the only way we are ever going to get another shot at a TMNT cartoon as good as 2K3 was (or even better) is to start over again. It's a shame, too, because it all started out so well... Almost a waste to see it go down this path, but... cest la vie, I suppose.

I hate to say, around here (SoCal) the FF figures are sitting on the pegs in stores unlike the 2K3 figs which were often empty. Every time I go to Target or Walmart, they're FULL of FF figs...

Same here. I had no idea that FF figures sold at all. TRY and find a 2K3 toy here. I see that they're restocked and then gone again the next time I'm there. FF ones, uh... um, they're... always there. Tons of 'em. Dusty.

[raphaelprime]

Originally Posted by Murphy

No, Playmates cannot "force" 4Kids to do anything.




Sure, it's possible... but it's not likely. But again this is one of those things that is just too impossible to predict at this point.

Ok, I'm sorry, I was thinking i had read somewhere it was more of Playmate's request to skip ahead, i must have misread, again I'm sorry. And I agree, it's hard to predict the future for Vol. 4 adaptaions, but it was a simple, sorta wild idea i had the other night.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Jo Dawn

Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition. I'm so putting this in a sig. That's great news,and it's nice to hear it from someone official. Some people really don't get that this is FACT. Really good to know.

I mean seriously do you always have to..can't just leave well enough alone..I mean I know your a mod and all but please have some couth some of us really do love the Archie comics allot. Theres a fine line between opinions and just down right being rude. And sure it's nice to know to put minds at rest it should have been left well enough at that. But do I seriously hate the fact that such good writting such as archie comics get slumped in with the old cartoon which was nothing more than slapstick at most. And Some of us DO get it. There is nothing wrong with wishing and asking questions.

[Jo Dawn]

Um... I like the Archie comics...


(With the exception of Ninjara) So, ya know... if you'd read the other threads about the Archie comics, you'd know that... I'm a fan of the Archie storyline. Please, next time you berate me, either ask me for sure, but please don't go off on me for something you don't know about. Because that wasn't really fair.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Jo Dawn

Um... I like the Archie comics...


(With the exception of Ninjara) So, ya know... if you'd read the other threads about the Archie comics, you'd know that... I'm a fan of the Archie storyline. Please, next time you berate me, either ask me for sure, but please don't go off on me for something you don't know about. Because that wasn't really fair.

Ah My Bad then but to come along with Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition seemed a bit much and sorry to say sent me over the edge with the turtle hate going around these days.
I wasn't referring the 80's toon I was referring to Archie and so was Murphy. The thing that's bothering me the most is the hate for a show (fast forward) that we've seen 5 or 6 episodes for and everyone bashes it to high heaven I say wait it will more than likely get better and I get bashed to high heaven and called a moron. Yet people are praising the new batman cartoon which I have yet to see but they say it didn't get good till the second season so why can't the same be said for this show...I mean shesh give the people who run the turtles a bit more credit than that when one thing goes wrong tuns of people act like it's the end of the world and blow everything way out of proportion.
I mean it's just really sad that nothing from Archie can ever see the light of day at least the hardcore mirage fans can have that. Those of us who love characters like Armagon and Verm-x will never get to see them animated it's just a bit sad and it seemed like you where happy about it.
Here's an example your best friends mom just passed away he or she are crying what do you do...I'd most certainly hope not laugh at them and grab guns lol.
I'm all a bit touchy about it because it's rather special to me and got me through allot of hard times. Not trying to pick a fight but just don't care for it being bashed when it went above and beyond the cartoon ever could which is sad even if that's not what you where doing. And Ninjara doesn't phase me either way I could do without her but I'm not gonna go down the road of why most people don't like her...but I know it's not the same reason as you because we've talked about that before. I don't know and I'm sorry but I guess I just like the turtles and any time anyone makes fun of them or belittles the characters in any way it does get under my skin. Call me a crazy fan I guess lol. I still don't like next mutation though haha.