Cast members battle over 'Seinfeld' DVD

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 at 11:36 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

In the latest TV-on-DVD trend, it's the most requested series by fans. Everyone wants to own the NBC sitcom Seinfeld on DVD. So much so that two of its stars are using it as leverage.

Jason Alexander (George) and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Elaine) have both refused participation in the DVD version of the series to protest their share of the profits. They want a percentage of the sales instead of a small paycheck to do interviews and/or audio commentary for the release.

Michael Richards (Kramer) was previously on Alexander and Louis-Dreyfuss' side until he spoke recently with Jerry Seinfeld himself, who calmed him. "I think everyone wants to get paid," Richards was quoted by The New York Times. "Is it honorable for those on the inside to make compensation? That's an ethical question they have to deal with," he said, referring to his former co-stars.

According to a Seinfeld spokesman, Jerry hopes to speak with Jason and Julia early in 2004 to ask for their reconsideration. Seinfeld and series co-creator Larry David still earn revenue on the series, mostly from its syndication.

Where does the studio stand? Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment exec Fritz Friedman told the New York Times, "Fans complain if we release bare-bones product." So perhaps they will cave to George and Elaine's demands just to get a DVD heavy on bonus features. And if they do, it may set a strong precedent as actors usually aren't paid residuals for DVD.