Magnum, P.I.: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review

THE MOVIE — 4½/5

Synopsis: This series makes the most of its Hawaiian setting by sending private eye Thomas Magnum (TOM SELLECK) all over Oahu righting wrongs — at least when he isn’t dealing with security at the posh estate (dubbed Robin’s Nest) of absentee owner, and celebrated-but-unseen author, Robin Masters and clashing with stuffy British butler Higgins (JOHN HILLERMAN). T.C. (ROGER E. MOSLEY) and Rick (LARRY MANETTI), buddies from Magnum’s days in the military, help him out with cases. Magnum is provided nearly unlimited use of many of Masters’ luxury items, including a Ferrari.

Review: Magnum P.I. was a show I watched early on since… well I born the year the show aired. However, it was a staple nightly show in my family so I did watch the last few seasons (probably 6-8) and did manage to catch the rest when the season sets were released on DVD. When it comes to 1980s television, at least shows made for adults, Magnum P.I. is a personal favorite of mine, more than The A-Team or Knight Rider, placing a close second only to Quantum Leap.

The biggest reason for the show’s success, and its staying power after all of these years, is the charisma and magnetism with star Tom Selleck, who has gone on to be a solid TV star (one wonders if not for this show, how his career would’ve gone playing Indiana Jones). Also the show features a good supporting cast led way by the stoically sarcastic John Hillerman as Higgins alongside Roger E. Mosley and Larry Manetti, all who have wonderful banter opposite Selleck. Each of their characters get their due throughout the eight seasons, in particular Magnum, T.C. and Rick’s time in the Vietnam War which, at the time the show aired, was still fresh in people’s minds.

The show also succeeds with some solid storytelling and mystery that is wonderfully done and often wrapped up in the 46-minute running time (save for the multi-part episodes sprinkled throughout the series). There are some average episodes here and there and the eighth season was an oddity though with season seven was meant to be the final with Magnum ending up killed, only to be brought back in the season eight premiere in a coma. Maybe they pulled a rabbit out of a hat trick, but the premiere episode was still well done. It was another great performance from Tom Selleck whose character had immensely grown over the course of the series.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3¾/5

This 30-disc set comes housed in three HD keep cases, separated by seasons (1-3, 3-5 and 6-8). Most of the extras from the DVD sets have been ported over save for a couple cross-over episodes from The A-Team and Murder She Wrote.

Season One, Disc One:

• The Rockford Files Tom Selleck — “White on White and Nearly Perfect”, “Nice Guys Finish Dead”. These are only included with Selleck making guest appearances but not as Magnum.

Season Seven, Disc Three:

• Interviews
  • Writer/Producer/Director Reuben Leder (11:34)
  • Writer/Producer Chris Abbott (12:49)
  • Actress/Writer Deborah Pratt (10:18)

Season Seven, Disc Four:

• The Great 80s TV Flashback (29:01) — This featurette from 2006 takes a nostalgic look back at some of the decade’s most beloved television shows, including Magnum, P.I. and features sound bites by series’ co-creator Glen A. Larson.
• Inside the Ultimate Crime Crossover (6:00) delves into the crossover episode with Murder She Wrote (which is not included in this set, of course). Has interviews with Angela Lansbury amongst others.
• America’s Top Sleuths (29:55) — Featurette that looks at the top 10 Sleuths from a poll by something called Sleuth Channel.

Season Eight, Discs One & Two:

• Interview with Composer Mike Post (12:40) discussing his work including the amazing theme.
• Director Virgil Vogel Featurette (6:31) which looks at Vogel’s extensive career which, along with Magnum, P.I., included Mission: Impossible and Knight Rider.
• Audio Commentaries:
  • ‘Pleasure Principle’ and ‘Legend of the Lost Art’ with Writer Jay Huguely
  • ‘Resolutions Pt 2’ with Co-Executive Producer Chas. Floyd Johnson

VIDEO – 4½/5

AUDIO – 3¾/5

OVERALL – 4¼/5

Magnum, P.I. was an iconic show from the 1980s and succeeded through its eight seasons thanks to the charm of Tom Selleck along with a fun core supporting cast, led by John Hillerman. While not every episode could be a homerun, the majority were still entertaining. This Blu-ray set released by Mill Creek Entertainment has a good selection of bonus features, including new interviews, along with good transfers.