Columbo - The Complete Third Season

This is even after all these years still a great series to watch. Even after owning it and re-watching it multiple times it still plays clearly without skipping. The quality is good the price was great.

Because so many companies are catering to die-hard fans and collectors, purchaseres of DVDs have gotten spoiled. They expect all sorts of cool extras and are bitterly disappointed when there are none. While extras are very effective for new shows such as Smallville, they are not essential for the older shows. Producers of current TV shows are doing things from the beginning with the DVD in mind, so they have great things to add to a DVD. Not so with the old classics. Most likely there are no deleted sceens or alternate endings from Columbo lying around as such footage was most likely destroyed many years ago. So I can see why some TV shows are issued on DVD without the extras. That said, I agree Universal could have done a better job with the packaging, but it does not upset me to the point where I did not thoroughly enjoy watching all of the episodes of Season 3. I was very satisfied with the video and audio transfers and it was great having the complete unedited episodes. I rate this five stars based on the content from Season 3, which has some of my favorite episodes. In fact, there isn't a loser in the bunch. "Any Old Port in a Storm" and "Double Exposure" are classics with "Lovely But Lethal" and "Candidate for Crime" not far behind. My personal favorite is "Swan Song" with Johhny Cash. Seeing the Man in Black sing "I Saw The Light" sends chills down my spine. And what's really cool is that Columbo knows that the singer is guilty of the crime because of his musical arrangement of the song. So if you're upset about the lack of extras, complain to Universal, but don't give the DVD a low rating and don't hesitate to buy it. I loved these shows when I first saw them my Freshman year in college back in 1973-74, and I still love them. This is TV at its finest.

Recently, I enjoyed watching a few “Columbo” episodes and I believe I understand why the television series is still considered “good television viewing.” Although, Lt. Columbo (starring Peter Falk) deliberately practiced unhurried questioning, appeared in a crumpled raincoat and worn shoes, smoked a day old cigar, and consistently squinted his eyes (i.e. Peter Falk actually possessed one glass eye), which all of the noted facets attributed to his character, I contend many of us also cherished the noted series due to his non-coerced kindness. Despite investigating homicides cases, Lieutenant Columbo was consistently pleasant, personable, and respectful (i.e. “Thank you, ma’am,” “Sorry to bother you sir”, etc.) when questioning suspects. In the 70’s, prior to the age of heavily relying on computers, texting, folks demanding immediate gratification, and continuously advocating the right to live in a boundary less society, most of us actually enjoyed lowering the volume and demonstrating proper social etiquettes (as abovementioned). The described pleasantries predictably indicated an exchange of wellness, goodwill to everyone concern, and considered mutually beneficial for a myriad of reasons. Specifically, despite Lt. Columbo questioning a possible murder suspect or an accomplice, he routinely engaged in good natured chit chat, which undoubtedly made all of his suspects at least feel like a human being. Needless to say, besides the described politeness, the entire “Columbo” series comes across as smooth, cleverly acted, and relatively easy on the eyes and ears (you never see any of the victim’s blood, virtually no cursing, and he does not carry a weapon). Notably, if you are a Vincent Price, Vera Miles, Donald Pleasance or even a young Martin Sheen fan, you will enjoy viewing Season 3. Although, Price does not specifically play a villain, it was a pleasure watching his performance. My favorite “Columbo” episode is featured on Season 5, which is entitled, “Now You See Him.” Besides Peter Falk, the noted episode also features respectively Bob Dishy (Sgt. John J. Wilson) and Jack Cassidy (The Great Santini). Without giving away the plot, Cassidy plays an intriguing and devilish character. Admittedly, I have viewed the noted episode several times and it never disappoints. Lastly, throughout my life, when I would chit chat with my grandmother she would frequently conclude our discussion by stating, “Remember, it’s nice to be nice.” When developing the “Columbo” role, I am truly convinced that Peter Falk provided his input on what type of image he desired to project on television. Needless to say, in my opinion, he adopted the appropriate persona and attitude for his impressive and long lasting character. Moreover, after four decades, the “Columbo” television series continues to greatly entertain his fans. Thus, based on his decision to significantly attribute to the viewing public, the actor Peter Falk’s body of work is always welcomed into my abode.

My favourite TV detective returns for the third season, shambling around in his shabby raincoat,smoking cigars, consuming numerous bowls of chilli , and driving his cranky old car as he relentlessly tracks down his suspects. In this series he delves into the worlds of publishing,politics, the cosmetics industry, country and western (an episode featuring Johnny Cash),and science, and always gets his man (or woman). This series includes my all-time favourite episode 'any Old Port in a Storm' featuring wonderful Donald Pleasance as a wine producer who murders his half-brother to stop him selling off the family vinyards. His battle of wits with Columbo is a delight to watch, espeically the climax in the restaurant, when Pleasance goes ballistic when he's served a bottle of port that has been ruined by overheating. And it also features the best line in the whole series, when Pleasance realises that he is going to prison, but won't have to marry his blackmailing secretary "freedom is relative" he observes as Columbo pours him a glass of wine. There is a bonus episode of the spin-off series 'Mrs Columbo', which I had never seen before, and if you haven't seen it before either I'm here to tell you that you haven't missed much. I simply did not believe in this Mrs Columbo at all, she was nothing like I'd imagined her being, it's my belief she's an imposter. The mystery she investigates is pretty thin too, even the presence (again) of Donald Pleasance can't inject any real life into it.

We enjoy mysteries and our favorite videos feature Agatha Christie's stories ( mainly the series produced in the 80's and 90's with Joan Hickson as Miss Marple and David Suchet as Hercule Poirot.). We have not really found others we care for that meet our standards ( clean, no bad language, no nudity or scantily clad people) until we tried Columbo. I remember my Dad watching it, but I really had no idea what to expect when I bought the first season. We LOVE this show!! Partly because he is such a an endearing character. He is extremely humble, polite,& caring, but he can sniff out a murderer and one can sense, occasionally. his confidence in his ability. Highly respected, rich, and powerful people think they can outwit him, but when it comes to murder he has instinct and experience that give him the victory every time. Yeah, it is too good to be true, but it is so much fun watching him in his battered rain coat chomping or puffing on his stinky cigar while he looks at every crime scene in ways other investigators don't. I also like the way we find out from the start who did the crime. The fun is watching Columbo catch him. As I said, we want clean entertainment, so we have not heard bad language. There are a few episodes that have some scenes with women in bikinis or belly dancing ( I, being the wife, stand in front of the screen and fast forward), but not every episode.

The one thing that I always liked about the series is that the murderous culprits were always "uber-successful" and had much to lose by NOT committing the crime. Of course, the statement is not my endorsement of murder as a means to an end; it was just cool to see those people that we think "have it all" resort to doing away with their fellow man (or woman). This third season DVD compilation shares the same double-sided disc format of the previous second season's collection. Unfortunately, it includes an installment of Kate Mulgrew's lamentable "Mrs. Columbo." Though the show came after these "Columbo" episodes, it looks more dated, with the filming techniques, as well as the awful scoring and writing. Fortunately, for the actress, she would achieve greater success as "Captain Janeway" on "Star Trek: Voyager." The "Columbo" episodes, on the other hand, are some of the best of the show's entire run. Vera Miles, an actress that I have long admired, gets to glamorously chew scenery with the likes of Vincent Price and young Martin Sheen in the wickedly delicious "Lovely but Lethal". Film veteran Donald Pleasance hams it up marvelously as a snooty winemaker that "liquidates" his younger half-brother (Gary Conway of "Land of the Giants") in the cleverly titled "Any Old Port in a Storm". This episode also features Vito Scotti, a friend of star Peter Falk that has appeared in many "Columbo's" over the years, including "Swan Song", also among this compilation. In "Candidate for Crime" former child star Jackie Cooper plays a politician saddled with a less-than-desirable campaign manager that decides to put a permanent end to their political relationship. Robert Culp, one of television's best actors, returns for a THIRD time as a perpetrator in "Double Exposure," also featuring Robert Middleton and Louise Latham. Oscar winner Jose Ferrer stars in possibly the "weakest" of the episodes, "Mind Over Mayhem," though it features a sly tribute to Steven Spielberg, the director of the first episode of the show. Also, the guest star roster includes screen veteran Lew Ayres (the theatrical "Dr. Kildare" series) and a young Jessica Walter ("Arrested Development"). But the most ingenious use of guest stars and writing belong to "Publish or Perish," the previously mentioned "Swan Song," and "A Friend in Deed". Jack Cassidy, another fine actor that appeared in several episodes, is in the first, again playing someone in the publishing field, as he had in the Spielberg-directed "Murder by the Book." "Swan Song" stars the underrated ACTOR Johnny Cash as a COUNTRY gospel singer. Film star and television directing legend Ida Lupino plays his shrewish wife. Finally, Broadway veteran Richard Kiley gets the most inspired role of all, playing Columbo's police commissioner boss that murders his wife. And composer Billy Goldenberg would provide most of the brilliant scores for the third season. This is a stellar season, marred by Universal's decision to include "Mrs. Columbo" and failure to offer any other extras that DVD buyers have come to expect.

The third season of "Columbo" is my favorite of them all. The scripts and characterizations are well developed, yet not cliche, and the crimes are unique and thought-provoking. The guest stars this season are among the best and include such luminaries as Vincent Price, Jackie Cooper, Robert Culp, and in my favorite episode of all, Johnny Cash. The interaction between Falk and Cash in "Swan Song" is some of the most perfect cinema ever filmed. Columbo is amazing for its ability to show the audience the crime being committed and make the suspenseful element of the plot be how exactly he will figure out the homicide; I think this concept is exclusive to the series, and if it has been revisited elsewhere it could never rival Peter Falk as the bedraggled genius Lieutenant. I gave the set five stars for the content of the episodes. I agree with others that some extras would be most welcome, and hope that in the future new releases will have a modicum of interesting material for the true Columbophile.

I absolutely love Columbo. One of television's finest programs ever. I ordered Season 3, for my favorite episodes, "A Friend in Need" and "A Candidate for Crime". So enjoyable watching the oh so arrogant murderer brought down by detective Columbo. That's especially true in the former episode. Also in this Season is Swan Song with Johnny Cash. Does anyone but me sympathize with the murderer in this one? Lol. His wife was so horrible. I like to watch Columbo's expressions, to try and figure out just when it is that he begins to suspect the real culprit. So far, I'm not successful but who cares? I enjoy just watching him work. Plan to order more seasons, as I have already watched each episode 2wice and I just received this dvd!! Lol My pkg came on time as expected. Also, I ordered a "used" dvd, as the price was better and even tho the pkg showed a little wear, the dvd's were in excellent condition. A few fingerprints....no big deal. Very satisfied.

Mam już pełne wydanie "Columbo" ("pudełko cygar"), ale tam - nie wiedzieć czemu - sezon 3 pozbawiony jest jakichkolwiek napisów. Tutaj napisy są na szczęście po angielsku (również po niemiecku) i to był główny powód zakupu osobno tego właśnie wydania. Niestety, napisy są wyświetlane bardzo drobną czcionką (chyba tak małych napisów jeszcze nie widziałem). Tłumaczone są więc całe zdania (bo się zmieszczą...), do czego nie jest się przyzwyczajonym (odrywa to uwagę od samej akcji). Innym dronym minusem wydania jest spis treści odcinków, który znalazł się... pod płytami (więc aby zobaczyć, gdzie jest który odcinek trzeba wyjąć wszystkie cztery!). Dlatego jedną gwiazdkę odjąłem. Całość wydana jest bardzo elegancko, pudełko jest wysokiej jakości (a bywa z tym różnie nawet od renomowanych wydawców), jakość obrazu i dźwięku jest naprawdę bardzo dobra. Trzeci sezon jest jednym z najlepszych w całej kolekcji "Columbo", zbiera najlepsze noty od miłośników serii. Robert Culp nie zawodzi - jak zwykle w "Columbo" gra tak jak, jakby kij połknął :)

Fans of the original Columbo should love these DVDs. Peter Falk is excellent and with great cameo appearances by some (at that time anyway!) big names Columbo was and remains a groundbreaking crime drama in that the audience is aware of the perpetrator of the crime from the beginning. It is up to Columbo to unravel exactly how they did it! This season has one of my favourite episodes with the late Johnny Cash. Columbo still is a good ride after all these years.

I think all the other reviews have said it all really. This is prime period Columbo, and certainly one of the best, if the THE best series of them all. Peter Falk is marvelous as Columbo and I think because he played the part for such a long time he became underrated as an actor. Well as can be seen in this series, with some very good actors (Donald Pleasance for example) he was a superb actor, and easily matches and frequently over-shadows the other cast members. Columbo was not Peter Falk! All the mannerisms were created by the writers and his acting talent. I'm not going to describe the excellent episodes on this set, as its been done already many times. However like one other reviewer I will point out that there are no subtitles on this set. I don't need them yet, but one day I may...

Les fans comprendront que les commentaires sont obsolètes, la meilleure série policière au monde. Attention quand vous « déclipsez » le dvd, il est fortement tenu et il y a un risque de le casser.

Gute Qualität und schnelle Lieferung. Einfach zeitlos diese Filme.