The wonderful thing about all-purpose TV variety shows of the 1950s through 1970s was the showcasing of everything but the kitchen sink. These shows featured all music genres, and entertainment as silly as dog tricks and grandiose as drama reenactments. One of the granddaddies of this type was “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which ran from the late 1950s to early 1970s. As such, two of the biggest acts associated with Indiana: Elvis Presley (his final concert was in Indianapolis) and the Jackson 5 (from Gary, Ind.), appeared on his show.
“Ed Sullivan’s Rock & Roll Classics” (Time Life), a new 10-DVD set, includes performances by Presley and the Jackson 5.
Among the 128 live, uncut performances include those from the Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes. Several artists are featured more than once. For instance, Presley sings five songs, and the Jackson 5 perform two songs.
The collection also includes never-released full interviews from “The History of Rock ‘N’ Roll” documentary series, a 36-page collector’s book, and the bonus DVD “The All-Star Comedy Special,” which features “Ed Sullivan Show” performances by comedians Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Rodney Dangerfield, Flip Wilson, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and others.
Other Titles
“Melrose Place: The Complete Series” (Paramount Home Entertainment/CBS DVD) has been released 2½ months before Christmas, but those who are wise and future-looking would realize that this is the perfect stocking stuffer for those who loved the young-adult drama. This 54-disc collection includes every episode from all seven seasons starring Heather Locklear, Jack Wagner, and Alyssa Milano. Bonus features include more than two hours of audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.
“The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series” (Paramount Home Entertainment/CBS DVD) packages together the Jordan Peele-hosted version of the series. The seven-disc collection contains the episodes from the two seasons plus more than 2½ hours of bonus features.
“The Test” (Icarus Films), starring Alexandra Lamy and Philippe Katerine, is a funny, moving look at the emotional perils of parenthood.