Q: How are the discs stored?

A: In the Region 1 (North America) release of the first two seasons, the box contained a block of foam with some slits that the DVDs could slide into. Many fans were dissatisfied with how the unwieldy foam block left half the disc surface exposed, and used empty DVD slimcases or CD jewel cases as a substitute.

The Region 1 release of the third season, while omitting the foam, is unfortunately just as unpleasant in its own way. The four discs are stored in a single fold-out book, with two discs superimposed over the other two. It's difficult to describe, and even more difficult to use. Once again, the fans are resorting to creating their own replacements.

Both Region 2 (Europe) box sets sport a far superior design that uses thin books to store each disc.

As far as I can tell, the Region 4 (Australia) sets have the same design and disc content as Region 2, but I'd appreciate firsthand confirmation from someone who owns them.

Q: Don't those extras seem a little paltry?

A: Well, in an interview with the French website Le Minuteur, Weiss had discussed the possibility of including many additional items, including storyboards, cast auditions, complete versions of songs and music videos from the series, and even deleted scenes never before available to the public.

John Rhys-Davies was also heard saying that "he had just finished up commentary work on [Sliders DVDs]" at the GenCon convention in July 2003 (although the accuracy of this report is in doubt, as all JRD episodes have now been released with no sign of participation on his part).

Unfortunately, Universal has recently been cutting back on DVD features. Quantum Leap writer Deborah Pratt tried to get everything from network ads to blooper reels onto the DVDs, but that set's extras have been downgraded to some interviews and "cool holographic packaging." Similarly, the planned actor commentary for the Buck Rogers DVDs was cancelled by Universal for reasons unknown.

The good news is that Universal has said they're willing to listen to fan requests for more extras. If you want to see rare material included on future Sliders releases, now is the time to write or call Universal and politely request it. You can contact them through the following avenues:

Universal Studios Home Video
PO Box 224468
Dallas, TX 75222

E-mail: UniversalStudios&Dreamworks@LEEMarketing.com

Universal Home Video Customer Service Line: (972) 293-5903

Q: When are Seasons 4 and 5 coming to DVD?

A: On May 10, 2006, SliderFromMars called Universal Home Video at the number listed above, and finally got a status check. Apparently, Universal is too busy with current properties, and classic shows like Sliders are on the back burner. There is therefore no release date yet for Seasons 4 and 5, although they are still planned to come out eventually.

In the meantime, there are two ways to remind Universal of your interest in further Sliders sets: contacting them yourself, and keeping the sales of the existing discs going. Here are some buttons you can use to promote them on your web site (the code in the cut-and-paste boxes will link them to the respective Amazon.com order pages):

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00022FWEU"><img border="0" src="http://slidersweb.net/blinker/about/dvdb1.jpg" width="200" height="100"></a><br>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009JE6FC"><img border="0" src="http://slidersweb.net/blinker/about/dvdb3.jpg" width="200" height="100"></a><br>

Q: What about other formats? Is Sliders available on videotape or VCD?

A: Not very. A few first season episodes were released on VHS in certain foreign countries, either dubbed into other languages or recorded in PAL format (which is incompatible with North American VCRs). There were also two now-rare VCDs released, one featuring "Luck of the Draw" and "Into the Mystic" and the other containing both parts of "The Exodus." But that's it.

Q: Where on the European Region 2 DVDs is "The Exodus, Part 2"? The packaging says it's on Disc 5, but I can't find it.