Columbo: The Complete Series (2012)

O-K, so the evidence would NEVER hold up in a real court; and real cops aren't as nice; intelligent; or as conscientious as Columbo - things that would normally turn me off of any other show....but Columbo is much more than any other show! Despite my opening criticisms, this is a show that one can become totally engrossed in. It keeps you engrossed from beginning to end- not with gimmicks, like action or gore, but with intrigue. Yes, I said intrigue- even though we know at the start who committed the crime; the intrigue enters when we try and fathom how Columbo will solve it! Truly a brilliant concept for a show, and so well executed in this series. In addition, there is always amusement/humor at Columbo's mannerisms; attire; car; dog, etc.

But wait- there's MORE! This series is a treasure trove of past acting greats whose names most generation-Xers such as myself may have heard of, but we have never really had the chance to see perform. These were actors and actresses who took the craft seriously and had some real talent- unlike most of the ilk that inhabits Hollywood today. Sheesh! I'll give you 18 actors of today for one Jack Cassidy!(Who is in three episodes!)

There's even more! Something about this show that I can't even put into words. It's the kind of show that you just want to sit and watch endlessly on a rainy night. It's pure entertainment, as it is so engrossing, and transports you to another world- as only the most well-made shows can. Not to mention the nostalgic aspect- as we get to see the cars and appliances and decor and fashion of the upper-middle-c lass-and-above world of the period (Which, in my case, brings back so many memories of how much better the world was then).

I am SO thankful to be able to have the entire series to watch whenever I want and without commercials! Some of these eps I haven't seen since they first aired (Yes, I was a fan of this show even when I was 10 !!)- If you're already a fan of this show, you wouldn't be reading these reviews; if you have never seen Columbo.....you are in for a rare treat. This show is totally unique. I don't like cop shows in general- but this is no mere cop show! And it is suitable for everyone and the entire family, as there is no real violence shown, nor profanity. Even in the few scenarios where the villains are involved in affairs, you never see anything that you'd have to censor. A true class-act. This one has truly stood the test of time: I enjoyed it when I was 10- and I enjoy it even more now that I'm 50 !

The legendary Peter Falk is back!! It's time to dust off the rumpled trenchcoat one last time of this landmark crime series in this special offering of COLUMBO THE COMPLETE SERIES. This 34 disc collection, of every season and mystery movie ever made, will once again allow fans and collectors alike, as well as latent newcomers a chance to (re)visit Columbo's unique investigative style of this memorable television classic. Here is a preview of what fans can look forward to with this October 16, 2012 release:

The notable guest stars will include:

Robert Culp, Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, Suzanne Pleshette, Don Ameche, Leslie Nielson, Roddy McDowell, Valerie Harper, Dean Stockwell, Leonard Nimoy, Martin Landau, Marc Singer, Johnny Cash, Steven Bocho, John Cassaveties, Vincent Price, Martin Sheen, Dana Elcar, George Gaynes, Jackie Cooper, Katey Segal, Ann Driscoll, Dierdre Hall, Vera Miles, Dick Van Dyke, Larry Storch, George Hamilton, Robert Conrad, Jack Cassidy, Janet Leigh, Sal Mineo, Robert Vaughn, Ricardo Montalban, Hector Elizondo, Robert Loggia, Patrick McGoohan, William Shatner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kim Catrall, Ed Begley Jr., Little Richard, Rue McClanahan, Rip Torn, Faye Dunaway, Anthony Andrews, Fisher Stevens, Lindsey Crouse, Richard Kiley, Gary Conway, Lee Grant, Leslie Ann Warren, Robert Foxworth, Ruth Gordon, Andrew Stevens, Ida Lupino, Honor Blackman, and many, many more!

The episode list for the (24) MYSTERY MOVIE COLLECTION is as follows:

(1968 and 1971 Pilots)
1. Prescription Murder
2. Ransom For A Dead Man

(1989 Collection)
3. Columbo Goes To The Guillotine
4. Murder, Smoke and Shadows
5. Sex And The Married Detective
6. Grand Deceptions
7. Murder, A Self Portrait

(1990 Collection)
8. Columbo Cries Wolf
9. Agenda For Murder
10. Uneasy Lies The Crown
11. Columbo Goes To College

(1991-1993 Collection)
12. Caution: Murder Can Be Hazardous To Your Health
13. Columbo And The Murder Of A Rock Star
14. Death Hits The Jackpot
15. No Time To Die
16. A Bird In The Hand
17. It's All In The Game

(1994-2003 Collection)
18. Butterfly In Shades Of Grey
19. Undercover
20. Strange Bedfellows
21. A Trace Of Murder
22. Ashes To Ashes
23. Murder With Too Many Notes
24. Columbo Likes The Nightlife

Smart, witty, and always entertaining, COLUMBO is on the beat after unlikely criminals who always think they can (and always try, without success) to outsmart TV's most probing and perceptive detective.

A unique, clever and unforgettable series that will remain a very memorable classic.

Definitely recommended!

*UPDATE 10/18/12* The picture quality is excellent!

This set of Columbo is wonderful I was really surprised at the Quality of the episodes we have viewed. Could not be happier and look forward to completing the entire series. We have seen all before but can never get enough of this outstanding program. I was going to order the individual seasons on DVD since the VHS we had was getting old and most had commercials. I was willing to wait for this truly complete package and am convinced I made the right decision.

If you are a Columbo Fan this is a Must Have. As I said the quality is outstanding!

We have been long time fans of Columbo and had most episodes on VHS from The Original Showing. We now have a complete set of this Great Show.

Thanks to Amazon for this Treasure.