I've never heard of this version of Etude in Black. What else can you tell about it?
Also, how did you get in touch with a producer of the set? That's pretty cool. Thank you for checking with him!
" Etude in Black" was scheduled as the first aired episode of season two.
All the first season episodes were ninety minutes.ETUDE was written, filmed, and completed as a ninety minute episode.At the last minute NBC decided - for financial reasons- that they wanted it to be a showcase, TWO-hour premiere. This necessitated shooting additional scenes to extend the running time. The most obvious being where Lt.visits Benedict at home and talks property values etc.
The original , shorter version was sent to the Canadian tv network and that version was broadcast there.
Many years ago I published an article about the MUSIC for COLUMBO so have been in contact with folks who produce books and DVDs about the show
Update:
Commentary tracks are being recorded by Scott Skelton and Mark Dawidziak.
I was asked to record a short segment discussing the music for RANSOM FOR A DEAD MAN.