Columbo is the landmark series that set the standard for the murder-mystery genre. The original run ended in 1978, but the series triumphantly returned in 1989 with an older and wiser Columbo. Remastered in 4K by NBC Universal, Columbo: The Final Years includes the final 24 episodes of this enduring classic. Starring Peter Falk in his award-winning role as the cigar-chomping, trenchcoat-wearing police lieutenant and a wealth of incredible guest stars including Little Richard, George Hamilton, George Wendt, Anthony Zerbe, Anthony Andrews, Ian McShane, Patrick McGoohan, Juliet Mills, Tyne Daly, Faye Dunaway, William Shatner, Rod Steiger, Billy Connolly and many more. Enjoy once again this classic series that won a staggering 13 primetime Emmys...

So far there hasn't been a release of the entire Columbo episodes in a single Blu-ray box set, and this collection features the final 24 episodes of the rebooted franchise from 1989 - 2003. A collection of the original '70s episodes was released separately (you can read our review here).

The episodes here see an older, more bumbling Columbo than the show's original run. He's still as smart as a tack, but he's noticeably older. The episodes, as you'd expect, are a little more polished and updated for a more modern audience. Although, don't for a second think that this means that the story's aren't just as well scripted, cast and acted as the original episodes. In fact, it's nice to see the producers, and Falk, keep all of the original's charm when revisiting the show nearly 20 years later.

Columbo has been a mainstay of several channels over the years and I have, for quite some time now, enjoyed watching them on Sunday's when it's back to back Columbo episodes all day on one particular channel. And whilst I know the majority of episodes inside out, I never fail to spot something new in the episodes when I rewatch them.

This series is as entertaining today is it was on its original release. This remastered collection is an essential purchase.

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Nick Smithson