Four signature camera shots -- why abandoned?

[LarryC]

These four specific camera shots were used for years on TPIR, then abandoned.  All of these shots really helped provide an intimacy and immediacy to the show, and I'm curious why they went away.

1.  The close-up on one audience member right before the first contestant is called down -- see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M_Ldii5RGI&feature=youtu.be&t=31

I think this disappeared as soon as Breslow left and Alter took over directing.  Maybe to diminish the spotlight on contestants and showcase Barker more?


2.  A stage camera used to show Barker and the contestants right before the first IUFB is presented -- https://youtu.be/3M_Ldii5RGI?t=129

3.  The zoom out/camera dolly when the bidding starts -- https://youtu.be/3M_Ldii5RGI?t=163

4.  The close-up on the contestant as IUFB #2 through 6 are presented -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M_Ldii5RGI&feature=youtu.be&t=499

Always used by Breslow, and kept for awhile by Alter -- then dropped.

[Sizeman]

I think you answered your own question. With Breslow's departure, Alter and subsequent directors decided to do different shots. There may have been logistical/staging reasons as well but personal preference largely played a role.

Personally, I liked the wide shot of the turntable spinning around -- with Bob & the contestant coming up/already up the steps (

or after the game was over, the turntable spun back and the contestant exited (

Also liked the contestant reaction shots between multiple game prize descriptions (such as in 'Danger Price') with or without the audience in the background (

These shots did use up a few extra seconds each so it worked when the show had a longer run time.

[GobGlom]

In a manner of speaking, they have been doing something similar to what you are referring to in your first question, but reversed.
Rather than zooming out from one audience member to a full shot of the audience prior to the first call-down, they start with a full shot of the audience and boom down the jib to a couple of people in the front row, stage left. It's usually timed to when George says "The Price is Right" just before the first name is called.