Matlock: The Complete Series - Classic Legal Drama Collection

Our review of Matlock: The Complete Series looks at who will get the most from this boxed set and why it remains a worthwhile purchase for classic TV fans. For viewers who enjoy methodical, brain-teasing courtroom drama and character-driven episodes, this collection delivers the single biggest reason to buy: the full run of Ben Matlock stories across 178 episodes that let you follow recurring cast changes and long-running character arcs. The review highlights the set's breadth and the strength of the lead performance while acknowledging mixed feedback on disc and transfer quality from other customers.

Key Features

• Complete episode collection: Includes all 178 episodes across 52 discs so viewers can watch the series from start to finish without missing seasons or key cases.
• Extended runtime: With over 153 hours of content, the set provides months of viewing for fans who like to immerse themselves in long-running drama.
• Widescreen presentation: Episodes are presented in widescreen to match modern TVs and preserve the show's original framing.
• English audio options: Soundtracks include English Dolby Digital stereo and Dolby Digital stereo Surround for viewers with compatible systems.
• Notable cast runs: Features performances across changing supporting casts including Kene Holliday, Linda Purl, Nancy Stafford, and Julie Sommars that give the series variety over time.

Who It's For

This set is ideal for fans of classic procedural and legal drama who appreciate a steady, clever lead performance; Andy Griffith's Ben Matlock anchors a long run of cases that reward marathon viewing and repeat episodes. Collectors building a DVD library of television history will value the completeness and the inclusion of multiple seasons on physical discs.

Those who rely on flawless modern transfers or streaming convenience may want to consider alternatives; customers report mixed video and audio transfer quality and occasional disc playback issues, so viewers who demand pristine high-definition restorations should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive set that delivers every episode for thorough series completion and rewatching.
• Strong lead performance from the central character that keeps the series engaging across seasons.
• Good value for quantity: over 153 hours of content spreads entertainment across many viewings.
• Widescreen and Dolby Digital audio provide decent presentation on compatible TVs and systems.

Cons

• Video and DVD quality receive mixed feedback, and some buyers report playback or transfer issues on certain discs.

Specifications

Series	Matlock
Episodes	178 episodes
Discs	52 discs
Total runtime	153 1/4 hrs
Presentation	Widescreen
Audio	English Dolby Digital stereo; Dolby Digital stereo Surround
Original run	1986-1995 (CBS)

Our Verdict

Matlock: The Complete Series is a compelling pickup for classic TV fans and collectors who want the entire run of Ben Matlock cases in one box. Despite mixed reports on transfer and disc quality, the set represents strong value for viewers who prize complete physical collections and the steady entertainment of courtroom mysteries over many hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include every season?
Yes, the collection contains the full series run across all seasons, totaling 178 episodes.

What audio and video formats are included?
Episodes are presented in widescreen with English Dolby Digital stereo and Dolby Digital stereo Surround audio tracks.

Are there known playback problems?
Some customers have reported mixed DVD and transfer quality and occasional disc playback issues, so inspect discs carefully on arrival if playback reliability is critical.