For fans of classic TV mysteries with a touch of medical drama, the Diagnosis Murder Dvd Set complete collection has long been a sought-after item. Released by VEI, this comprehensive box set promises hours of engaging entertainment with Dr. Mark Sloan and his crime-solving adventures. But does this collection truly deliver, or are there hidden flaws waiting to be uncovered? Let’s delve into a detailed examination of the Diagnosis Murder Complete Collection DVD set to determine if it’s a worthy addition to your home media library.
Diagnosis Murder cast Season 3 promotional group shot including Dick Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke, Victoria Rowell, and Scott Baio
Inside the Case Files: What You Get
The Diagnosis Murder DVD set arrives in a robust box featuring a flip-top lid, housing all eight seasons of the beloved series alongside the five captivating TV movies. This extensive collection spans a total of 51 discs, offering an impressive approximate running time of 8,600 minutes. For dedicated fans, this set is a treasure trove, promising countless hours spent unraveling medical mysteries and enjoying the charismatic presence of Dick Van Dyke and his on-screen son, Barry Van Dyke.
Disc Quality: Examining the Evidence
Overall, the quality of the DVDs in this Diagnosis Murder DVD set is commendable. Playback is generally smooth, with only a few minor glitches encountered across the massive collection. While some viewers may experience brief pauses during certain episodes, these are typically fleeting and don’t significantly detract from the viewing experience.
However, it’s worth noting a known issue: Season five episodes “Obsession Part 1” and “Part 2” are missing their background soundtrack. This is undoubtedly a disappointment for purists, impacting the intended audio atmosphere of these episodes. Despite this audio oversight, this VEI release marks an improvement over their earlier, more flawed 2016 set. Minor pixelation may occasionally appear for a second in some episodes, but these instances are brief and largely unobtrusive. In isolated cases, a slight audio lag behind the video may occur, but this is typically subtle and easily overlooked. Crucially, reports indicate that the discs in this set generally arrive in good condition, free from breakage or scratches.
Playback Experience: Navigating the Menus
When you insert a disc from the Diagnosis Murder DVD set, be prepared for a potentially loud menu volume – you might want to keep your remote’s mute button handy! The menu system is straightforward. Most discs feature a primary menu offering “Play All” and “Episodes” options. Selecting “Episodes” leads to a secondary menu where you can choose individual episodes to watch. This simple navigation makes it easy to jump right into your favorite mysteries.
Packaging: Unboxing the Collection
The Outer Box: The Diagnosis Murder DVD set box itself is reasonably well-constructed, featuring a flip lid. While the box feels sturdy, the hinge mechanism might be a potential point of wear and tear over extended use. Reinforcing the box corners could be a proactive step for collectors concerned about longevity. The box artwork predominantly features repetitive images of Dr. Mark Sloan, Lt. Steve Sloan, and Dr. Amanda Bentley on all sides. The back of the box includes a synopsis, which some may find poorly written, but this is a minor aesthetic concern if the back of the box is typically facing away on a shelf.
DVD Cases and Inserts: The majority of the DVD cases within the Diagnosis Murder DVD set are standard pop-button cases and function as expected. However, some sets have been reported to have missing button pieces in a couple of season cases, requiring careful removal of the DVDs. For those with extensive DVD collections or concerns about case quality, transferring the discs to zip-up cases for storage is a viable option. The sleeve inserts included with the set are visually appealing, utilizing colorful promotional photos and “group shots.” The back of the inserts provide brief cast details, while the inside contains episode descriptions. However, be aware that some users have noted discrepancies between the episode descriptions on the inserts and the actual disc content, so cross-referencing episode titles might be advisable.
Bonus Content: Extra Cases to Crack
The Diagnosis Murder DVD set includes some intriguing bonus content for fans looking for more:
- “It Never Entered My Mind”: This Jake and The Fatman episode serves as the backdoor pilot that introduced the world to Dr. Mark Sloan.
- A Mannix Episode: An episode of Mannix is included due to its later connection to the Diagnosis Murder universe, offering a glimpse into the show’s expanded continuity.
Final Verdict: Is the Diagnosis Murder DVD Set a Healthy Purchase?
Overall, the Diagnosis Murder DVD set complete collection is a worthwhile purchase for devoted fans of the series. While minor issues such as the missing soundtrack on a couple of season five episodes and occasional minor glitches exist, the set largely delivers a positive viewing experience. The packaging is generally satisfactory, and the inclusion of bonus content adds extra value. If you’re eager to revisit the medical mystery world of Diagnosis Murder, this DVD set is a convenient and comprehensive way to own the entire series.
Recommendation:
If you are a fan of Diagnosis Murder, purchasing this Diagnosis Murder DVD set is highly recommended. Despite a few minor shortcomings, it represents a good quality collection that allows you to enjoy all the episodes and movies of this classic TV show. Just remember to check your discs upon arrival to ensure everything is in order.
