Season 31 Premiere Doors (September 23, 2002)

[Combs]

Was there ever a reason given why they waited to debut the new Starburst Doors and Hollywood Mural Turntable on the second episode (September 24, 2002) of the 31st season as opposed to the premiere one day earlier? Why repaint the doors to reflect "31 Years" only to use those doors for one episode? For the record, I loved the starburst doors (2002-2006) and the rainbow "35 Years" doors (2006-2007). Both were really beautiful designs.

[crinos43]

I am unsure how accurate what I'm about to say is, but I recall reading many years ago that the Season 31 premiere taped not too long after the season 30 finale.

[Trevor Tuominen]

That'd make sense. If they shot the season 31 premiere just after wrapping up season 30, they wouldn't have had the new doors and turntable designed (or probably even conceived) by then.

[PimpinJC]

I am unsure how accurate what I'm about to say is, but I recall reading many years ago that the Season 31 premiere taped not too long after the season 30 finale.

Correct.  Link here from previous discussion.

I’m surprised that it was only a 4 day turnaround on the doors (for some reason, I always thought it was longer).  They must’ve had a spare set of panels, as I can’t see a full set paint job being done over a weekend.

[Combs]

Correct.  Link here from previous discussion.

I’m surprised that it was only a 4 day turnaround on the doors (for some reason, I always thought it was longer).  They must’ve had a spare set of panels, as I can’t see a full set paint job being done over a weekend.

Plus the turntable. I'm amazed they got all of that done in four days. Maybe it was easier than we think?

[SteveGavazzi]

Plus the turntable. I'm amazed they got all of that done in four days. Maybe it was easier than we think?

If I'm not mistaken, the Hollywood mural was a set of panels that were placed over the Turntable walls.  They were probably ready well in advance.

[NickintheATL]

If I'm not mistaken, the Hollywood mural was a set of panels that were placed over the Turntable walls.  They were probably ready well in advance.

This tracks. Remember they had the night version of those for primetime specials, all they would have done is change the panels out.

[C8]

Gosh I had forgotten about how eye searingly awful the Hollywood mural was. Glad it was short lived.

[Trevor Tuominen]

I found the nighttime Hollywood mural much better than the daytime mural.

[SteveGavazzi]

I found the nighttime Hollywood mural much better than the daytime mural.

Pretty much everybody did.

[Trevor Tuominen]

Just proves that the mural's design wasn't that bad, but the tacky daytime color scheme completely ruined it. It would've been better off for a wall that went up to reveal a game anyway.

The doors' designs were pretty good though. A nice change of pace given the doors had been white since the beginning, as well as adding more color to the set.

[tpirfan28]

If I'm not mistaken, the Hollywood mural was a set of panels that were placed over the Turntable walls.  They were probably ready well in advance.

This tracks. Remember they had the night version of those for primetime specials, all they would have done is change the panels out.

Adding to both of these points is during the 2002 military specials there was an American themed mural on home base, predating the Hollywood ones.  Also later was the MDS dollar signed version as well.  I would assume Carey’s hypocycloids were painted and the squares were another panel set?

[Combs]

Gosh I had forgotten about how eye searingly awful the Hollywood mural was. Glad it was short lived.

Wasn’t the Hollywood mural done at the behest of Syd Vinnedge? I remember that a lot of people in 33 thought it was gaudy or too distracting and that when it was changed to the classic design in shades of glittery pink, purple, and blue in March 2003, Syd was none too happy. I think Roger Dobkowitz told that story.

And yes, the prime time Hollywood mural was much more pleasing to the eyes.

[CBSpromoman]

Just proves that the mural's design wasn't that bad, but the tacky daytime color scheme completely ruined it. It would've been better off for a wall that went up to reveal a game anyway.

Oh it was horrible, regardless of color scheme. The nighttime design was tolerable but still wasn't great.

The daytime design made it look like Barker was dropped in as a live-action character into an episode of "The Flintstones."

[Trevor Tuominen]

Either way, nothing beats the classic turntable wall pattern. The pink/purple/blue turntable with the blue carpet went much better with the doors anyway.