By The Quincy Examiner

If you’re one of the many loyal fans who own the complete Quincy, M.E. DVD collection, you’re holding onto a vital piece of television history. But did you know your collection may be more fragile than you think?

First, let’s clear up a common point of confusion: While many box sets label Quincy, M.E. as “7 seasons plus The Final Season,” in truth, there are only seven seasons total. The confusion stems from the show’s early origins—Season 1 originally aired as part of the NBC Mystery Movie Wheel in the mid-1970s, making it more of a mini-season. Later, when the series was released on DVD in the early 2010s, the first two seasons appeared separately before the full series was packaged. So if your set lists “The Final Season” as an eighth, think again—it’s just a marketing quirk.

Now, let’s talk preservation. DVDs, especially those produced in the early 2010s like this collection, are prone to oxidation, layer separation, and disc rot—especially if stored improperly. To protect your collection of Quincy, M.E., here are a few simple archival tips:

1. Store Vertically, Not Horizontally

Stacking DVDs can cause pressure on the disc surfaces, accelerating warping or separation of the layers. Keep them upright like books.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat

Keep your DVDs out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Prolonged exposure can cause irreversible damage to the data layer.

3. Use Archival-Quality Sleeves

Consider transferring discs from their original plastic cases (which may degrade over time) into acid-free, archival-safe sleeves designed for optical media.

4. Make Digital Backups

While for personal use only, creating digital backups of your DVDs can be a smart way to preserve the content in case the physical media degrades.

5. Inspect Discs Annually

Once a year, play a sample from each disc to check for playback issues. Catching a problem early can help you take steps before full data loss occurs.

Quincy, M.E. isn’t just nostalgic comfort—it’s forensic drama at its finest. Taking the time to preserve your collection ensures it remains viewable for years to come. Dr. Quincy would want nothing less than a thorough, evidence-based approach.

Stay tuned, stay organized, and keep asking the tough questions—just like Quincy.
— The Quincy Examiner