The downside to producing a DVD.

DVDs of the first season of Seinfeld are likely to be less interesting than they could have been, thanks to the inability of the DVD producers to make a deal with three of the four leading actors on the show. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, and Jason Alexander (Elaine, Kramer, and George) decided jointly not to give on-camera interviews for the DVD or to otherwise participate in it, presumably also ruling out commentary tracks by the actors. They appear to be unhappy with the financial deals they've had with the show over the years, and the small filming fees they were offered weren't enough of the action for them. While they're sitll getting annual residuals from the show at about $100,000 each, the show is generating millions in revenue through its syndication, and they're only receiving the residuals.

Kind of a shame, though, as the ones who would really be hurt by the stars' not taking part in the DVDs will be the fans of the show. But the producers of the DVD recognize that the DVDs will generate less interest if these three don't take part in it; and I'd imagine that there's enough wiggle room left that they'll eventually make a deal that makes these three happier.