Episode Tournament: Result Declared Posted 30th August 2009
We've been running an Episode Tournament to try find the fans' favourite episode of the show. The final round has now closed. All the votes have been counted and we've declared a winner.
In the tremendously tight race, Secrets took first place against Goodbye with 52% of the vote.
We want to thank everybody who voted in the Episode Tournament.
Season 2 DVD Released Posted 19th May 2009
8 Simple Rules: Season 2 DVD went on sale today in the United States & Canada, almost two years since the first season of 8 Simple Rules debuted on DVD. The second DVD contains all 24 episodes of the show's second season, including the 3 final episodes of John Ritter, presented on 3 discs. No special features were included.
The reason for the long delay was the imminent deal between Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE), the distributor of the show and its first season DVD, and Lions Gate Home Entertainment, a smaller independent firm who now handle 8 Simple Rules' release on DVD. BVHE wished to focus its attention on its current & more popular series, the likes of Scrubs & Desperate Housewives, so licensed out older and less popular fare, such as 8 Simple Rules.
As we mentioned earlier in the post, there are no special features on this DVD. That will come as a great disappointment to fans hoping for a tribute to John Ritter to be included with his final episodes. The reason for the lack of special features remains a mystery. A feature was produced in 2007 for a DVD planned by BVHE, but its production by BVHE might have prevented it from being included on this release. Similarly, the ABC special 'John Ritter: A Life of Laughter' may not have been possible either. It is a shame that Lions Gate weren't able to produce any special features for this release.
It is crucial that we buy this release, even with its faults, to try ensure all episodes of 8 Simple Rules will one day be on DVD. We can only hope that it might get some special features next time around, for its third and final season. 8 Simple Rules: Season 2 can be ordered from Amazon.com for $19.99 (~£13.10).
SitcomsOnline.com reviews Season 2 DVD Posted 11th May 2009
8 Simple Rules: Season 2 is almost out on DVD, it comes out May 19th, and SitcomsOnline.com have posted their review.
Those of us hoping that the change of distributor, from Buena Vista to Lionsgate, might mean better special features, will be disappointed. As Pavan Badal, owner of Pavan's 8 Simple Rules site, reveals in the review, there are no special features. Not the ABC 'John Ritter: A Life of Laughter' special, not the feature Buena Vista produced for DVD back in 2007, nothing at all.
The DVDs have actually worsened. The sound goes from Dolby Digital 5.1 to 2.0 Surround Sound and introductions the cast made for John Ritter's final three episodes are missing.
I hope you'll still buy it, in the hope that all episodes will be released, but it is clearly a disappointing release. You can pre-order the DVD from Amazon.com.
Amazon posts Season 2 DVD details Posted 24th February 2009
Amazon.com have posted more details about 8 Simple Rules: Season 2. The DVD can now be pre-ordered for $19.99 (~£14.50). The DVD will be released May 19th in the United States & Canada.
The cover-art has also been revealed, although this has not been confirmed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The DVD background colour is yellow, with a picture of the family (sans Paul) around a chair and a picture of Paul (John Ritter) hanging in the background.
You can pre-order the DVD now at Amazon.com for just $19.99.
Season 2 DVD Confirmed Posted 3rd February 2009
TVShowsonDVD.com reports that Lionsgate Home Entertainment have confirmed the April 21st release of 8 Simple Rules: Season 2 in the U.S. & Canada.
The 3-disc set will cost $29.98 and there is no word on any extras.
Season 2 retail date leaked? Posted 27th January 2009
TVShowsonDVD.com reports that the retail date for "8 Simple Rules: The Complete Second Season" has been leaked. April 21st is rumoured to be day that the show's second season will hit DVD for the first time.
The show's first season was released back in August 2007 but from then Disney DVD (previously Buena Vista) made no progress in releasing future seasons. Disney licensed out the show, and many others, to Lionsgate Entertainment in August of last year. Lionsgate have not yet officially announced the DVD, but we expect word soon.
The second season features 24 episodes, including the 3 final episodes of John Ritter and the 2-episode special "Goodbye" in which the character of Paul dies.
It is unknown if there are any plans to release Season 2 on DVD in the United Kingdom and it's still unclear who owns the rights to do so here. We'll keep tracking the situation.
Ritter biography in works Posted 23rd October 2008
Chris Mann, author of the tell-all book "Come and Knock on Our Door" which went behind the scenes of "Three's Company" - Ritter's biggest TV show - revealing the full extent of the bitter feuds, anger & sorrow that affected the show, is writing a new book about John Ritter.
Speaking to SitcomsOnline.com, the bona fide Three's Company expert revealed he will be working on the book in 2009.
John Ritter's widow, actress Amy Yasbeck, is also working on a book about the late actor.
Disney strike deal on DVDs Posted 5th August 2008
Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Disney's DVD distributor, has struck a deal with Lionsgate Home Entertainment for the latter firm to release future DVDs of 8 Simple Rules.
Sources say the reason for the deal is that The Mouse House is busy releasing shows such as Desperate Housewives, and is thus unable to devote time to less popular shows in the Disney catalogue like 8 Simple Rules or Boy Meets World.
Lionsgate Home Entertainment has made numerous deals recently to release shows that belong to companies that aren't going to release them on DVD themselves.
Season 2 of 8 Simple Rules will hopefully be coming soon.
