I Spy - Season 3
by Arthur Marks, Christian Nyby, Earl Bellamy, Ralph Senensky, Richard C. Sarafian
(Click here)
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: Bill Cosby, Diana Muldaur, John Lupton, Richard Denning, Robert CulpDirector: Arthur Marks, Christian Nyby, Earl Bellamy, Ralph Senensky, Richard C. Sarafian
Brand: IMAGE ENT.
Writer: Barry Oringer
Writer: Berkely Mather
Writer: David Friedkin
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Original recording remastered
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 1332 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-04-29
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product features:
- Robert Culp and Bill Cosby star as international espionage agents Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott on highly dangerous missions in this ever-popular, award-winning series. Culp poses as a world-class playboy/tennis player, and Cosby goes undercover as his trainer. Together they travel the world, trading quips and fighting high-level crime with cool bravado and extraordinary savoir-faire. Combini
DVD Reviews of I Spy - Season 3
DVD Review: Excellent Seller
Summary: 5 Stars
Dvd set received in excellent condition as described. Fast delivery. Would buy again. Thank you.DVD Review: IOld Series
Summary: 5 Stars
I love these old TV series and am sad that I Spy only had three seasons. I liked it then and I like it even better now. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.DVD Review: The Spies Who Are Loved By Me
Summary: 4 Stars
As for the final season of I Spy, there were a few more close calls and dramatic endings than perhaps the previous two seasons. Like the first 8 episodes of The Fugitive's final season, I Spy turned out some weak episodes early in Season 3. The Beautiful Children, The Red Sash Of Courage, The Honorable Assassins, This Guy Smith, and Carmelita Is One Of Us come to mind. These episodes are either painfully slow or have too many cutaways scenes which bury the plot.
Robert Culp & Bill Cosby work overtime ad-libbing in an effort to redeem the scripts, which by now, have become tedious and redundant. Some of the ad-libbing did not relate to the scenes in which it was employed. It had to be disheartening to the stars of the show to reenact an episode with a plot from the preceding week. For this reason, I believe our dear homers "went for themselves" at times. As physically, emotionally, and mentally weary the stars were during Season 3 they did their best to turn in very spirited performances.
There were some great episodes in this Season 3 set. Several which come to mind are Let's Kill Karlovassi, Turnabout For Traitors, The Spy Business, The Lotus Eater, The Name Of The Game, Laya, Pinwheel, Anyplace I Hang Myself Is Home, A Few Miles West Of Nowhere. The Grandaddy of them all is Home To Judgment, which is THE best episode of the series. It was a Robert Culp script and featured top notch acting, writing, directing, and a KILLER climax. It is the companion episode to the 2 part WASTE episodes of The Rifleman TV series (another Robert Culp script). A Few Miles West Of Nowhere and Home To Judgment were the two episodes where upon first viewing them, I really thought both main characters COULD die.
I noticed that the episodes which most captured what I Spy was all about were written by men like Michael Zagor, Jerry Ludwig, Ernest Frankel, Steven Kandel, and of course, Robert Culp. Espionage, treason, mystery, murder, romance and humor. I Spy teems with each of these elements while not weighing itself down with a bevy of villains intent on ruling the world. The latter is an ingredient habitually (at times nauseatingly) entrenched in various comedic and dramatic spy formats. Of course, the parenthesis to I Spy's premise was the chemistry and banter of Robert Culp and Bill Cosby which kept the series from taking itself too seriously. From the outset, the two stars performed more like brothers than partners. Their mutual off camera respect and affection is evident to I Spy viewers.
All in all, the show was actually gaining its bearings at the time it left the air. With a greater emphasis on quality writing (including more scripts by Robert Culp), had I Spy kept its 10pm slot on Wednesdays, and had Sheldon Leonard not pulled the plug for a subsequent bomb, this series lasts five to seven years, guaranteed. I Spy was an NBC ratings winner and a TV Guide review favorite.
This DVD set features all 26 episodes from Season 3 on 5 discs, with commentary from Robert Culp on his Home To Judgment masterpiece. Culp's commentary is insightful, compelling, and sharp when reflecting on technical aspects of the series, as well as his reasons for I Spy's demise. Of course, Culp's commentary wouldn't be complete without a bow to his relationship with Bill Cosby, who certainly would've had some stories of his own to tell. Robert Culp's reflections are too brief (age & time?) while Cosby's absence of commentary is inexplicable and sorely missed.
The picture quality is sharp in Season 3, unlike some of the episodes in Seasons 1 & 2 which have more grain, fade, and darkness. The show is 44 years old and has earned some concessions to the aging process. These are minor issues to circumvent compared to music alterations (hint, hint Paramount)or not having the show available, period.
The 5 discs require care when removing as they are difficult to lift off of their respective stems. Improper removal of a disc could result in surface scratches or cracks to the disc stem or the disc itself. A little more attentiveness to this matter by Image Entertainment would have been in order.
I Spy was a revolutionary show which deserved a revisit by former viewers and an invitation to newer generations. The Culp Cosby duo is one which may never be eclipsed or seen again. The single commentary feature from Season 3 simply whet our appetite for more of "The Wonderfulness of Their Creativeness". A full season collection - not a best of compilation or infernal 1/2 season releases - was a move Image Entertainment should be applauded for. They did this show and they did it right. And the price of $12.49 for 26 episodes is absolutely astounding.
Now, if we could get Image to take on The Fugitive...
DVD Review: downshifting . . .
Summary: 3 Stars
The third and final season of I Spy, finds undercover US agents, tennis player Kelly Robinson (Robert Culp) and trainer Alexander Scott (Bill Cosby), back in exotic locations, engaged in intrigue and adventure. Though by now, the tennis player cover story is thinner than tissue paper. Producer Sheldon Leonard's method of shooting the series remains the same as in previous seasons, with his crew filming a block of episodes on location, and then returning to Hollywood to wrap them up.
Robert Culp's passion for I Spy was intense. In addition to acting, he also wrote seven of the eighty two episodes in the run of the series. In his commentary for `Home to Judgment', the last episode that he wrote, Culp expresses his frustration that for most part, the various writers for series, failed to capture the true sprit of the characters, in the same way that he did. Disappointed that his vision and writing style was not emulated, he and Bill Cosby were continually reworking scripts, in order to bring them more in line with their perceptions of their characters. These script modifications, Culp explains, were one reason why it was difficult to find writers to work on the show
Culp's expectation that his work would be used as a blueprint, by writers who did not share his vision, or understanding of the characters, was perhaps unrealistic. By year three, Kelly and Scotty are almost joined at the hip, living together in their own world, often detached to some degree, from the reality of the situation. Their freewheeling outrageousness and irreverent humor, is part of the program's appeal, but when things go too far, as they often do, credibility suffers. I Spy attempted to stay close to reality, and did not deal with grandiose schemes for world domination, or venture into fantasy as others in the spy genre did. Having credible stories was very important. With many new writers aboard, the uneven quality of the stories is not surprising. Overall in the final season, there is less violence, action, and romance than Season Two, but with still lots of issues with plotting.
Greece and Morocco are the settings for the first set of episodes, which feature a number of fabulous scenic and historical locations. In `The Lotus Eater', a disillusioned Kelly contemplates leaving the spy biz for a beautiful girl. Other solid episodes are `Philotimo', where a boy who is a musical prodigy, asks the agents to help him to defect, and `Now You See Her, Now You Don't', where they search for a missing mathematician. It seems that each season, Scotty becomes involved with a woman, who then meets with tragedy. `Laya', featuring Janet MacLachlan is that episode for Season Three. In a reoccurring role, Harold J. Stone guests as Zarkas, a Greek cop who after helping the Americans several times, turns into an enemy in a surreal adventure called `The Seventh Captain', where a group of island dwellers take revenge by dressing up in ancient Greek attire, and complete with dancing girls, ceremonially dispose of their enemies by placing them inside a hollow statue, and filling it with wet cement. Very wacky stuff.
Back in America, `Apollo' begins with a rare incident related to tennis, where after a tiff with Kelly, Scotty gets a job as a guide at a NASA facility, to bait a spy ring. Kelly saves the day with some high altitude heroics. On the trail of a drug ring, Kelly and Scott tackle a baffling mystery in `This Guy Smith'. An intriguing episode with several twists, that take a very heavy toll on Kelly's body. Diana Muldaur guest stars.
As detailed in the commentary track for Culp's `Home to Judgment', the episode blends a chase story, with treasured memories from Culp's childhood. In a situation stripped down to the basics, the danger seems more real, as the tension builds to a suspenseful and exciting conclusion. This kind of edginess is something that Season Three could have used more of. As in previous seasons, the commentary is full of information, nostalgia and passion, including covering the importance of composer Earle Hagen's contributions.
The series finishes quite strongly in Mexico, highlighted by several harder edged adventures. "Turnabout for Traitors', features a desperate Kelly on the run, trying to prove his innocence. Wounded, and in dire straits, he finds an unlikely ally in his quest to uncover the truth. Evil, ruthless, over the top nut jobs are rare on I Spy, but a notable exception can be found in `The Name of the Game', where Lloyd Nolan gives a delightful performance, as retired US General who has a bit of a temper. He cold bloodedly pushes a girl off a cliff, then in classic tradition, plans to hunt down and kill Robinson and Kelly safari style! The final episode of the series, `Pinwheel', is set in Acapulco, and features Arlene Golonka, as a spunky agent posing as Kelly's wife, to help the guys obtain information from an enemy agent.
After a rocky start in the Mediterranean, things improve, and the series finishes on an up note. In the final season, the violence is toned down, as are the instances of having beautiful women pop up practically everywhere. Season Two featured a multitude of fabulous female guest stars, including Cicely Tyson, Anna Karina, Rafaella Cara, Joey Heatherton, Barbara Steele, Carol Wayne, Diana Hyland, Anna Capri, Barbara McNair, Leticia Roman, and Marianna Hill, just to name a few. It is not even close in Season Three, as the guys spend most of their time with each other, rather than in the company of the fair sex.
Part of the 60's spy craze, the legacy of I Spy is that stars Robert Culp and Bill Cosby, broke the color barrier on television. It may not seem very significant now, but interracial leads in a prime time series was quite radical then. Bill Cosby, who began in stand up comedy, won an Emmy for his performances in all three seasons. Culp calls `Cos' his best friend, and apparently their relationship is still on good terms, so it is a complete disappointment that there is absolutely no contribution from Mr. Cosby, in any of the three season sets. His absence leaves a huge void, and regrettably so much of the story is left untold.
The I Spy season sets are quite affordable. Unfortunately besides Robert Culp's commentary tracks, there are no bonus features. Exercise care when removing the discs from the case, as they are sometimes held so securely that they can actually be cracked in the center when trying to remove them.
DVD Review: I Spy
Summary: 5 Stars
"I Spy" was my favorite TV show in the 60's. Purchasing this DVD complete my set of three seasons. I absolutely love it and am surprised about how many episodes and script I remember. "I Spy" was one of the first, if not the first, TV show that filmed on location. Some of the places filmed were Hong Kong, Morocco, Spain and many other places. Now that I'm older, I really do appreciate the scenery. This was a great buy.
Description of I Spy - Season 3
Robert Culp and Bill Cosby star as international espionage agents Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott on highly dangerous missions in this ever-popular, award-winning series. Culp poses as a world-class playboy/tennis player, and Cosby goes undercover as his trainer. Together they travel the world, trading quips and fighting high-level crime with cool bravado and extraordinary savoir-faire. Combining humor with action/intrigue, "I Spy" was the first adventure TV series to be shot in exotic international locales, establishing a new standard for television dramas.General DVDs
DVD Video
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics
- Comedy
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama
- Educational
- Fitness & Yoga
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror
- Kids & Family
- Military & War
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports
- Television
- Westerns
Bestsellers in General DVDs
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Full-Screen Edition)Release date: 2009-12-08; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
![Quantum of Solace [Blu-ray] Image](/images/Quantum-of-Solace-Blu-ray-B001PPLIFU-X.jpg)
Quantum of Solace [Blu-ray]MGM HOME VIDEO (UNDER FOX); Release date: 2009-03-24; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
Lost: The Complete Fifth SeasonRelease date: 2009-12-08; DVD
Best price: $36.99
Price in other shops:
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Single-Disc Edition)PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2009-10-20; DVD
Best price: $12.25
Price in other shops:
Terminator Salvation (Widescreen Edition)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2009-12-01; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
![G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Two-Disc Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] Image](/images/G-I-Joe-The-Rise-of-Cobra-Two-Disc-Edition-Digital-Copy-Blu-ray-B002NXSRX4-X.jpg)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Two-Disc Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2009-11-03; DVD
Best price: $18.90
Price in other shops:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Two-Disc Limited Special Edition + Digital Copy)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2009-12-08; DVD
Best price: $19.99
Price in other shops:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Widescreen Edition)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2009-12-08; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
![Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy & BD-Live) [Blu-ray] Image](/images/Harry-Potter-and-the-Half-Blood-Prince-Blu-ray-DVD-Combo-Digital-Copy-BD-Live-Blu-ray-B000ZELISO-X.jpg)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray/ DVD Combo + Digital Copy & BD-Live) [Blu-ray]Warner Brothers; Release date: 2009-12-08; DVD
Best price: $15.99
Price in other shops:
Star Trek (Single-Disc Edition)PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2009-11-17; DVD
Best price: $8.49
Price in other shops:
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
Mission Impossible - The Fourth TV SeasonGRAVES,PETER; Release date: 2008-05-13; DVD
Best price: $28.50
Price in other shops:
Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Fifteen Years Later AffairParamount; Release date: 2009-03-03; DVD
Best price: $11.99
Price in other shops:
Mannix - The First SeasonCAMPANELLA,JOSEPH; Release date: 2008-06-03; DVD
Best price: $29.68
Price in other shops:
Honey West: The Complete Series (4pc) (Full B&W)VCI ENTERTAINMENT; Release date: 2008-09-02; DVD
Best price: $19.84
Price in other shops:
Burke's Law: Season 1 - Volume 1 (First 16 Episodes)VCI ENTERTAINMENT; Release date: 2008-04-29; DVD
Best price: $20.57
Price in other shops:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - The Complete SeriesWARNER HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2008-10-21; DVD
Best price: $102.99
Price in other shops:
I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Seriesby Marc Cushman, Linda J. LaRosa
McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers; Published: 2007-01-25; Paperback; Book
Best price: $35.95
Price in other shops:
I Spy ReturnsSony; Release date: 2002-10-08; DVD
Best price: $23.44
I Spy - Season 1IMAGE ENT.; Release date: 2008-04-29; DVD
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
I Spy - Season 2I SPY; Release date: 2008-04-29; DVD
Best price: $9.70
Price in other shops: