For a generation of television viewers, the image of Jack Klugman peering intently over a body, a furrow in his brow, is instantly recognizable. Quincy M.E., the groundbreaking medical examiner drama that aired for seven seasons (from 1976 to 1983), remains a beloved series, tackling not only intriguing crimes but also important social issues. As other iconic shows from its era have made the leap to high-definition Blu-ray, a persistent question echoes among its devoted fan base: Will Quincy finally join them?

The desire for a “Quincy M.E.” Blu-ray release isn’t just nostalgic yearning; it’s a reflection of the appreciation for quality preservation and the enhanced viewing experience that high definition offers. Fans who grew up watching the show on standard definition televisions now have the opportunity to revisit their favorites with a level of clarity and detail they never thought possible. This sentiment fuels the very real movement within fan communities to advocate for these releases.

The longevity of “Quincy M.E.”‘s appeal is really quite remarkable if you stop to think about it. Long after the series concluded its original run, its dedicated fanbase ensured its continued presence. A prime example is The Quincy Examiner website (quincyexaminer.com), which launched in 1996. This online hub, emerging a full 13 years after the series aired its final episode, became a vital resource and gathering place for fans. Here we are today, nearly 30 years since that website’s inception, still talking about the show’s great story writing, meticulous detective work, and the crime-fighting coroner’s distinctive antics in the field of forensic pathology. Quincy M.E. achieved all of this without the explicit need for showing copious blood on a blue/green autopsy smock, proving that compelling narratives and intellectual engagement could drive a successful forensic-style TV show. It truly stands as the godfather of modern forensic television.

The landscape of home media has drastically changed. Once dominated by VHS and then DVD, the Blu-ray format has become the standard for physical media enthusiasts seeking superior picture and sound quality. For classic television, this often necessitates painstaking restoration processes, involving the meticulous cleaning, scanning, and color correction of original film negatives. The results, however, can be transformative, breathing new life into shows that might otherwise fade into the grainy memories of the past.

Restored Quincy M.E. Blu-ray packaging with improved visual quality

We’ve seen this transformation firsthand with numerous series from the same golden age of television. “Columbo”, the iconic detective series often cited by “Quincy” fans, has been released in stunning Blu-ray sets, showcasing the nuanced performances and the meticulously crafted details of each episode like never before.

Crucially, many other beloved series from the 70s and 80s have already made the jump to high definition. “The Rockford Files: The Complete Series” was released on Blu-ray by Mill Creek Entertainment on February 1, 2020, much to the delight of James Garner fans. Another fan favorite, “MacGyver: The Complete Collection”, starring Richard Dean Anderson, received a comprehensive Blu-ray release on November 2, 2021, showcasing the inventive hero’s exploits in vivid detail. Other examples include shows like “Miami Vice: The Complete Series” (released June 15, 2016, by Mill Creek Entertainment) and “Magnum, P.I.: The Complete Series” (released by Mill Creek Entertainment on September 28, 2021).

Perhaps most significantly for “Quincy M.E.” fans, Universal’s immensely popular “Murder, She Wrote” has now officially arrived on Blu-ray. As reported on April 26, 2025, by Blu-ray.com and thoroughly reviewed on June 20, 2025, by Matthew Hartman for High-Def Digest, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment released “Murder, She Wrote: The Complete Series” (1984-1996) as a thirty-two-disc box set this May (2025). Hartman’s review enthusiastically states, “Planning to kill someone? Best make sure the number one murder mystery writer in the country is nowhere near the crime scene.” The set covers all twelve seasons and four TV movies, with Hartman declaring it a “Highly Recommended” purchase for fans, even at a potentially “pricy” point, noting it’s about “$0.55 an episode!”

Murder, She Wrote The Complete Series Blu-ray box set cover

Regarding the technical quality, the review details that while the earliest seasons (One and Two) show some variability in their transfer, appearing perhaps a bit less sharp in places, the quality greatly improves from Season Three onwards. “Roughly speaking, 90% of the time, each episode features a terrific, clear, and clean image with great image detail.” Colors are described as generally warm, friendly, and depth is strong. All episodes are presented in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio, featuring English DTS-HD MA 2.0 tracks, is consistently “excellent,” with music, dialogue, and sound effects “all on point without any problem.” Special features include the “Magnum P.I.” crossover episode “Novel Connection” (which the reviewer calls an “essential addition”) and other archival featurettes, though overall “relatively sparse.” This robust and highly praised release of “Murder, She Wrote” from Universal serves as a compelling and very recent precedent, demonstrating the studio’s commitment to bringing its classic television library to high-definition.

It’s important to note that while progress is being made, many highly requested titles from this era, like “CHiPs” and “Quincy M.E.” themselves, remain trapped in a kind of home media limbo: readily available on DVD, but still awaiting the full high-definition migration to Blu-ray. This highlights that despite strong fan bases and the clear technical benefits, the leap to Blu-ray isn’t guaranteed for all beloved classics.

The recent operational synergies within large media conglomerates, such as the ownership of NBC by Comcast to form NBCUniversal, might theoretically suggest a certain favoritism for shows that originally aired on the NBC network. Indeed, “Quincy M.E.” was an NBC series and a Universal Television production, creating a direct lineage that could, in some cases, simplify rights management and prioritization for home video releases. However, it’s worth noting that successful Blu-ray releases like “Murder, She Wrote” and “Magnum, P.I.” were originally broadcast on CBS. This demonstrates that Universal’s home entertainment division operates with a broader scope than just its direct network affiliates, making the show’s enduring popularity and the financial viability of restoration the primary drivers, rather than strict network ties alone.

The driving force behind many of these restoration projects and Blu-ray releases is the unwavering passion of the fan base. In the digital age, these communities have found powerful platforms to organize, voice their desires, and demonstrate their collective purchasing power. Facebook groups dedicated to specific shows often become hubs for discussion, information sharing, and, crucially, advocacy. TV fan clubs, some with decades-long histories, continue to play a vital role, often engaging directly with studios and distributors through petitions, campaigns, and direct communication. Online forums and social media platforms amplify these efforts, creating a groundswell of demand that can be difficult for studios to ignore.

Murder, She Wrote Blu-ray Complete Series box set cover art

There are compelling examples of fan activism directly influencing Blu-ray releases. The campaign for a complete series Blu-ray release of “Batman: The Animated Series” is a notable success story. Years of fervent fan demand, coupled with consistent online campaigning and engagement, ultimately convinced Warner Bros. to undertake the extensive restoration required for a high-definition release that was met with immense enthusiasm. Similarly, the strong and vocal support for shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” led to a meticulous and expensive remastering process, proving that studios will invest when they see a dedicated and engaged audience willing to support the product.

The existence of robust DVD releases for “Quincy M.E.” suggests that the rights holders recognize the show’s enduring appeal. However, the leap to Blu-ray requires a further investment in restoration and mastering. This is where the collective voice of the “Quincy” fanbase becomes crucial. By actively engaging in online discussions, joining fan groups, and expressing their desire for a Blu-ray release through various channels, fans can demonstrate the demand and make a compelling case for the upgrade.

To make your voice heard, consider reaching out directly to the companies known for these types of releases. Shout! Factory is a prominent distributor of cult and classic television, and while they don’t accept unsolicited content proposals, general inquiries or expressions of interest can be sent via their “Contact Us” form on their website, often under a “General Inquiry” or “Customer Service” option. Mill Creek Entertainment, which has released many classic TV complete series sets on Blu-ray, is another key player.

For fans wishing to express their interest to these companies:

Relevant Blogs, Forums, and Fan Communities to Follow and Engage With:

  • The Quincy Examiner (quincyexaminer.com): As mentioned, this dedicated fan site is a prime example of enduring interest and a great place for discussion.
  • Blu-ray.com Forums (forums.blu-ray.com): This site has extensive forums dedicated to Blu-ray releases, including sections for TV shows. Fans frequently discuss desired releases, technical aspects, and news. Searching for “Quincy M.E. Blu-ray” or “Classic TV Blu-ray” within their TV forums can yield relevant threads.
  • DVD Talk Forums (forum.dvdtalk.com): Similar to Blu-ray.com, DVD Talk has a large and active community discussing home video releases, including classic TV. They often have specific threads for unreleased shows or fan campaigns.
  • Reddit Communities (e.g., r/Bluray, r/ClassicTV): Subreddits like r/Bluray and r/ClassicTV are great places to find discussions about physical media, desired releases, and restoration efforts for older shows. Searching for “Quincy M.E. Blu-ray” or “unreleased classic TV Blu-ray” will likely bring up relevant posts.
  • The Columbophile Blog (columbophile.com): While focused on “Columbo,” this blog often discusses the challenges and successes of classic TV getting Blu-ray releases, offering insights relevant to “Quincy M.E.” fans.
  • “Musings of a Middle-Aged Geek” (musingsofamiddleagedgeek.blog): This blog sometimes touches on the importance of physical media and the desire for classic TV releases, reflecting a common fan sentiment.

Imagine the crisp clarity with which the sunny Los Angeles locations could be presented, the intricate details of the autopsy room brought into sharper focus, and the subtle nuances of Klugman’s performance rendered with greater depth. For fans who have cherished “Quincy M.E.” for decades, a Blu-ray release would be more than just a visual upgrade; it would be a preservation of a significant piece of television history, allowing future generations to discover and appreciate the enduring quality of the series.

The question remains: will the persistent hope of “Quincy M.E.” fans be answered? The precedent set by other classic series like “The Rockford Files,” “MacGyver,” “Miami Vice,” “Magnum, P.I.,” and the exciting full Blu-ray release of “Murder, She Wrote,” combined with the proven power of organized fan advocacy, offer a strong reason for optimism. As technology continues to advance and the appreciation for well-crafted television endures, the possibility of seeing Dr. R. Quincy make the leap to Blu-ray remains a tantalizing prospect, one that dedicated viewers continue to champion with unwavering enthusiasm. The ball, it seems, is now in the court of the studios, and the collective voice of the fans, directed to the right channels, is the strongest argument for bringing this beloved medical examiner into the high-definition era.