In the midst of today’s television renaissance, with its array of swashbuckling pirates, cutthroat family dramas, and gritty superhero sagas, there’s a timeless charm that still draws viewers back to the unassuming brilliance of Columbo, isn’t there?
Peter Falk’s portrayal of the cigar-toting LAPD lieutenant remains a fixture of 1970s television, embodying a relentless yet affable homicide detective with an uncanny knack for unraveling the most perplexing of murder mysteries.
For many, Columbo holds a nostalgic place in their hearts, a sentiment that saw a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, fans old and new can rejoice as the beloved series receives a fresh lease on life with its recent Blu-ray release in December.
Whether you missed out on its initial launch or simply wish to relive the magic, Amazon and Walmart are offering the Columbo box set at its best price yet—$81 for the taking.
This comprehensive Blu-ray collection encapsulates the entirety of the original Columbo series, spanning from 1971 to 1978. A separate box set featuring the revival TV movies from 1989 to 2003 is slated for release at a later time.
Each episode of Columbo unfolds like a cinematic gem, with this release treating fans to commentary tracks for every installment, archival interviews, and insightful contributions from Columbo aficionados Mark Dawidziak and Amanda Reyes.
For the uninitiated, Columbo offers a refreshing twist on the classic whodunnit narrative, wherein each episode begins with the perpetrator executing their nefarious deed before Columbo, portrayed by the inimitable Peter Falk, enters the scene.
With his disheveled appearance and seemingly absent-minded demeanor, Columbo gradually extracts the truth from the guilty party, meticulously dismantling their alibis and uncovering crucial evidence—all while maintaining an air of congeniality that belies his razor-sharp wit.
A hallmark of the show lies in its stellar lineup of guest stars, with luminaries such as Dick Van Dyke, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Vera Miles, and Patrick McGoohan all taking turns attempting to outsmart Columbo, only to meet their match in the end.
Notably, this box set also includes the 1968 NBC TV movie, “Prescription: Murder,” adapted from the Columbo stage play, along with the 1971 pilot episode, “Ransom for a Dead Man,” instrumental in securing the series’ greenlight.
While select seasons and movies of Columbo have previously graced Blu-ray shelves, this marks the first time the entire series will be available in this format in North America.
Alternatively, for those content with DVD quality, a budget-friendly option presents itself with a box set priced at $32 (originally $55), encompassing all episodes of the show alongside the 24 made-for-TV Columbo movies.
