Columbo: Mystery Movie Collection 1991-1993 [DVD]

This was an excellent selection of the Columbo series. Glad I got it. It was a good deal.Two thumbs up for any Columbo fan.

I like the older movies great stories.

Just as expected--superb Columbo episodes. No problem with the DVD discs.

Anyone who has watched Columbo back in the day when it was a weekly regular on televisions knows that it was a superbly produced program that had excellent writers. I can think of no better actor to play the role of Columbo other that Peter Falk. Somehow, Peter Falk is the perfect fit for what seems like a bumbling detective when, indeed, he is far from the impression he makes. It takes great acting to pull off the role. "Columbo" as a mystery who-done-it television show truly maintains ones interest for each of the one and a half hours episodes. Columbo always allows the one suspected of a crime to ultimate incriminate themselves as they seek to weave a story of "innocence" that actually contains the elements needed to confirm gulit. I have many episodes and they are all equally good watching so I will not review each one individually. Enjoy.

Getting straight to the point, "No Time to Die" is the lesser installment in this six-episode compilation. "Columbo" rarely strayed from its formula. In most episodes during Act I, the murder and the murderer is revealed. For the rest of the show, it becomes a cat-and-mouse game between the detective and the culprit as the show reaches a satisfying conclusion, usually with Columbo solving the crime in a most unorthodox manner."No Time to Die" doesn't follow the pattern, with a kidnapping as the central focus of the plot. While this is different, the installment is rather slow-moving, with several questions left unanswered. However, it's still "Columbo" and any time a viewer gets to see Falk in his trademark role, it's worth a look.With that said, the remaining episodes feature great performances from guests Emmy-winner-for-the-show Faye Dunaway, Tyne Daly (deserving of one), Greg Evigan, Steve Forrest, George Hamilton (second time as a murderer), Dabney Coleman, and a deliciously-evil Rip Torn.The one with Daly, Evigan, and Forrest, by the way, features more than the usual single death, making it a landmark one in the long-running series' history.No extras on the disc but each episode is presented in widescreen format, something that no previous compilation had.

I have been waiting for this DVD set for some time. I have all the other Columbo DVD's. In a quick summary I can say this set is excellent - you wont be disappointed. Normally when a series gets this old it it can 'run out of steam'. The writting gets stale and the acting can be plodding. This is not the case here - in fact I enjoyed this set even more than some of the previous DVD's. The stories seemed 'fresh' and entertaining. Hopefully there is one more set to come. Please make it soon!

In this boxset, we can see Columbo being a master detective. In my personal view, killers in these episodes seem not as "educated" as 1990 boxset, instead they seem to get back to 70s tricks depending on newer technology. George Hamilton's character makes the same & old mistake, the broken watch trick, and the poisining through a bottle cork as you can see.In my personal opinion, as most "Columbo Mania" would agree, the cork poisoning trick done by the famous attorney is way too stupid compared to the same trick done by a food critique back in 70s and you know who. Why didn't he abondon poisoning cork and bottle somewhere else?All through these episodes, Columbo seems moving and acting quicker than before though he's getting older. We can estimate that must be based on his accumulated experience, which include all of his "tying up loose ends", "report to my boss", etc along with his signature dogged persistence and observation done by his own old style. All of these make new technology and gimicks no match at all to him."No Time to Die" is the very first episode that we are not told the criminal in the beginning instead Columbo and we chase who the criminal is. Also for the first time for us, we can see when Columbo really leads his fellow LAPDs and what he does in the headquater.Only one my personal disappointment in these episodes is that I don't see Columbo eating chili!! Yet, I amm compromised because he still cracks hardboiled eggs and also he invented peanuts butter & raisin sandwiches!!So it seems like really "just one more thing" in terms of DVD release. I will be one of many many many "Columbo mania" who will order it when released.

I'd been anticipating this latest installment of the Columbo series to add to my collection. I wasn't disappointed! "Murder Can Be Hazardous To Your Health" guest-starring George Hamilton, making his second appearance as a murderer in a Columbo episode, is very good. "Death Hits The Jackpot" is one of my favorites (a chimpanzee helps solve the case, what's not to like?) and Tyne Daly gives a great performance in "A Bird In The Hand".I was a little disappointed with "It's All In The Game" (although I know many would disagree with me). The murderer's method and alibi are nearly identical to a season one episode "Suitable For Framing". Also, the flirtation between Faye Dunaway's character and Columbo is a little off-putting for those who consider Columbo's adoration and dedication to the mysterious Mrs. Columbo a core part of his character. All in all this is a great collection. Already looking forward to the last installment including "Butterfly In Shades Of Grey" with William Shatner and "Ashes to Ashes" with frequent Columbo guest star Patrick McGoohan.