Boob tube- 12:48am

From a ripple to a tidal wave...if you thought it was just a passing fad, think again. The studios are getting serious about releasing their top television properties on DVD, and 2002 will likely go down as the year when DVD-TV finally went primetime, with more new TV product released this year alone than the past four combined.

Now, add five more big titles to the list... Buena Vista has issued the full press release for the 11/5 debut of three series that only recently completed their Emmy-winning, acclaimed broadcast runs: Sport's Night, Felicity and Once & Again. Check out the release for the full specs, and although extras are limited (i.e., none) fans should be happy just to have these on DVD at long last. Now, where's Dawson's Creek and Charmed?

Leave it to Fox to break more barriers with the 9/17 debut of the Emmy-nominated 24: The Complete First Season, which will bypass the usual syndication channels and make its DVD debut mere months following the season finale. Although the original press release contained some spec errors, Fox has sent along the corrected details. The set includes all 24 episodes in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and English 2.0 Dolby surround (not 4:3 full frame and 5.1 as indicated in the original release), plus an alternate season ending with optional audio commentary only, and a short featurette with Kiefer Sutherland introducing season one and previewing season two, and promos. Retail is $59.95.

Last but not least, Fox has also announced a 10/28 debut for Malcolm in the Middle: The Complete First Season, presented in 4:3 full frame and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. A mid-season replacement, this set includes all of the first (half) season full of episodes, plus a host of extras including an extended pilot episode, audio commentary on select episodes, deleted footage and a blooper reel. Retail is $39.95.

Scooby-Doo and the case of the digital redux -12:48am

What better to prime the DVD pump until the arrival of the hit live-action remake of Scooby-Doo than another episode collection? Hitting DVD on 10/8 is another batch of Scooby snacks, Scooby-Doo! Winter Wonderdog, featuring four shorts in 4:3 full frame and 2.0 surround, plus promos and an interactive game. Retail is $19.95.

Also due on 10/8 are Richie Rich's Christmas Wish, Magic School Bus: The Holiday Special, Caillou's Holidays, and two volumes of 3-2-1 Penguins, The Cheating Scales Of Bullamanka and Trouble On Planet Wait-Your-Turn. All retail for $19.95 a pop.

Last but not least, Warner has updated the specs for the 10/8 debut of Stephen King's It, one of the better TV adaptations of the master of horror's novels. In addition to the entire 196-minute miniseries, the disc will also include a full-length audio commentary with director Tommy Lee Wallace, the cast and crew. Retail is $19.95.

On the prowl - 12:48am

Rounding out today's news, Image Entertainment has announced their next big batch of September titles, led by a number of cult horror faves, including new special editions of The Prowler, The Toolbox Murders and The Hills Have Eyes 2. Other highlights include more IMAX flicks, Fox: The Blockbuster Years, D.W. Griffith: Years of Discovery 1909-1913, and my vote for title of the month, Dracula, Dirty Old Man. Check out the official Image website for the full rundown of titles and specs.