I think I put it on the bottom but here it is for easy access...

https://timelife.com/products/the-best-of-the-bing-crosby-specials
 

Last edited by Lobosco (10/7/2018 11:31 pm)

Just tried to place an order. BUT TimeLife.com can only process service requests for and ship items to addresses in the United States and Canada. Due to copyright and licensing laws, not all products available at TimeLife.com are available for sale in other countries.
Will have to ask someone in the States to buy it for me.

Same problem.
Any US/ Canada volunteer to lodge some orders and repackage?





 

We'll no doubt get caught for import duty too so bear that in mind when ordering from a USA friend. Incidentally I understand that Robert Bader and Bing Crosby Enterprises deserve our sincere thanks for putting this wonderful set together.

I called Time/Life and after a long time on hold I talked to a representative. The representative told me that it was put on their website prematurely. The set will be available later in the year per this person.

She did not have details as to the completeness of each episode though. I know Time/Life has chopped up some episodes of their television shows they sell, but I have some great DVDs from them on the Carol Burnett shows and Dean Martin shows, and they are complete.

The representative took my name and email, and will send me information when it is going to be released. I will keep everyone posted.

I think they may well market it in conjunction with the publication of part 2 of Gary Giddins' biography of Bing.

Last edited by frans (12/7/2018 6:17 pm)

"Archiefit",

The promotional blurb from Time Life read - 
"From the 1950s through the ’70s Bing Crosby starred in 30 highly rated TV specials that featured a who’s who of guest stars. Bing’s groundbreaking broadcasts have never been available in one comprehensive collection—until now.The Best of the Bing Crosby Specials DVD collection features all of Bing’s iconic hits, including “Pennies from Heaven,” “Swinging on a Star,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” “It’s Easy to Remember,” “Dina,” and of course, “White Christmas.”You’ll get 26 Episodes on 11 DVDs, featuring the very best of Bing’s acclaimed specials, along with hours of bonus features. Highlights Include:

• Bing’s good friends Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Dean Martin appeared on multiple specials, and Bing’s shows also featured Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Pearl Bailey, Jack Benny, Carol Burnett, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Jackie Gleason, Robert Goulet, Peggy Lee, Patti Page, Bernadette Peters, Debbie Reynolds, Flip Wilson and many others!
• Bing’s first TV special from 1954, featuring good pal Jack Benny.
• Bing’s last TV special, featuring an unlikely guest, David Bowie. This is the 1977 program that yielded what may be the most popular Christmas duet ever—Bing and Bowie’s recording of “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.”
• Happy Holidays with Bing and Frank—a rare special with Frank Sinatra that features the two legends singing classics in an intimate setting.
• Bing’s 50th anniversary special, featuring Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, the Mills Brothers and others, and including a memorable Bette Midler.
• Episodes of The Carol Burnett Show and the Bob Hope TV specials with guest shots by Bing.
• Free bonus DVD—The Legendary Bing Crosby, a celebration of Bing’s life that includes rare performances, exclusive interviews with Bing’s family and friends, home movies and rare, behind-the-scenes material.
• Exclusive 36-page book: Bing Crosby: A Life in Pictures, featuring rare photos, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes snapshots from Bing’s 60+ year career."

Thank you for the updates, Richard. I have just sent a response to Time Life both encouraging them to proceed with the release and to also consider international shipping for Bing fans overseas.

Here is the reply just sent to me from Time Life, which corresponds to what Ron stated:

"Dear Zane Johnson,



Thank you for contacting Time Life Customer Service.



We apologize for the confusion, but the Best of Bing Crosby will begin takings orders for next week. It was being evaluated for enough customer interest, but that phase has passed and been approved. Please check our website periodically, once it is posted there again we will begin taking orders for it.


We appreciate your interest in our products and the opportunity to be of assistance.


Sincerely,

Time Life
Customer Service"

So, positive news, then!

Archiefit wrote:

Good job guys, I'd have been happy to make it easy on them and told them not to bother re-releasing all the stuff already released and stick to releasing the MANY Bing shows NOT released yet.   I'm extremely pleased though to see Bing's 50th Anniversery CBS special being released!   This alone is a reason to celebrate.  Now, I wonder will there be an ending of this show or will it just stop near the end as my home brewed copy does.   This is the show, so I've heard, where Bing fell off the stage, but I still can't imagine CBS would broadcast this with the end just abruptly cut off, at least they would have put a still of Bing with credits roling, my version just ends, no good bye closing. 

So many good Bing TV things that the Bing people COULD be doing instead of taking another decades long nap.  Maybe they're part bear and need to hibernate in between releases.  How about the Hollywood Palace Bing shows, & I'd love to see the COMPLETE Bing Sitcom show released, all episodes & COLORIZED would be a 1000 times better.  So many good choices so many reasons to be frustrated over the fact that NOTHING is being done about it.

I agree with you Lee. Unfortunately the market for Bing Crosby in 2018 is not what is was in 1977 or even 1989. Bing is just not a money maker anymore. Too much time has passed. I hate to sound negative but it's a Monday. LOL. I will always support Bing but there needs to be a lot of of an audience out there than just a few of us for them to reissue the good treasures at this point.
 

Just received an e-M from Time-Life saying they will be taking orders as from Friday 20th. July.
Seems as though there is not much internal communication.
Anyway, Friday is the day.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi8eJs0kEuM&feature=youtu.be