David Foster's Christmas Album (1993) (TV)

This is one of the best if not THE BEST of the many, many Christmas offerings. Mr. Foster is still one of Hollywood's most prolific music men today and twenty years ago his muscle was just as apparent as can be discerned by this gathering of heavyweights. Of the ten guests there isn't a slack among them although there is a flack, Roberta Flack singing a fantastic version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with Peabo Bryson. But not before Tom Jones comes out and sings a traditional selection that will remind you of his greatness, what a voice. When you see the opening, a single ballerina against a full orchestra with DF front and center at the piano you gotta know something good is coming. It just rolls like that, Johnny Mathis is next with his standard, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" sung against a very frenetic background. A very, very beautiful Vanessa Williams steps up to show her many talents with an "old negro spiritual" performed with a ballet dancing accompaniment. Next we lament along with Wynonna as she laments not being available for those whom she is close with a lovely "Blue Christmas". One of my favorites follows, "The First Noel" sung by Peabo and Ms. Flack, whom is by the way, just absolutely beautiful on this formal evening. After a break, Michael Crawford performs a very traditional "O Holy Night" very traditionally, complete with a mob of altarboys. The television evening culminates with the standard group-sing of one of the most standard of all Christmas standards, "White Christmas" with each handpicked guest taking a turn. I think I've mentioned in other reviews something about "celebrity-driven glomfests" but that doesn't always have to be bad as this is evidence. A beautiful production, two thumbs up. Merry Christmas.
 

David Foster's Christmas Album (1993) (TV)

Cast: Peabo Bryson, Michael Crawford, Celine Dion, Roberta Flack, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Ben Vereen, Vanessa Williams, Bebe & Ce Ce Wyans, Wynonna, David Foster

Kathie Lee: Home For Christmas (1995) (TV)

This CBS Holiday Special starts with Kathie Lee  singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" as we watch the whole family take a sleigh ride home from the airport. Once there we're treated to some light homey banter as the whole family makes holiday plans and chooses (from what can only be a humangus rolodex) their holiday guests. Even Cody makes it known that he too wants to make some additions to the guest list, a list that will include as Kathie Lee's first choice, Kathy Mattea and as Frank's, Aaron Neville. Collectively they think Andy Williams would be a nice third choice and who disagrees? Andy Williams and Christmas go together like two great things that go great together.

Once the performances begin you see the difference between this and other Christmas specials. If the incidental writing is overlooked what is left is an excellent, reverential heartfelt document to home, family and faith. The songs are not easily recognized since they are of the non-jingley type, they may indeed be very recognizable, just not by me evidently. One downside is the time between performances as the players go through their paces but the songs are evenly spaced throughout the hour long special and they're all excellent. This is one of the lesser known of the KLG Christmas specials, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. Merry Christmas.

Kathie Lee: Home For Christmas (1995) (TV )

Cast: Kathie Lee Gifford, Frank Gifford, Kathy Mattea, Aaron Neville, Andy Williams

Neil Diamond: The Christmas Special (1993) (TV Special)

It starts a little slow (and cheesy) with a signature "Neil" version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" that gave me cause for pause. Continuing on to "Little Drummer Boy", Mr. Diamond settles in for a very pleasant, noticably diverse holiday evening of song. Next, "The Christmas Song" and then an unexpected Cat Stevens favorite, "Morning Has Broken", which segues nicely into a very solemn "Silent Night". Overall the performances may lack the energy of Neil's live shows but the compositions and arrangements and the very wide array of supporting acts, choirs and ensembles are excellent. Sometime before the hour is over you WILL see a barbershop quartet, for example. Next was the only song I could not identify (maybe you can) but "White Christmas" needs no introduction, although sadly this is the worst (IMHO) selection of the night. One of everyone's favorites but they cheese it up real good to nobody's benefit. From there another surprise, "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" one of John Lennon's many gifts, this one is sweet. The second half is better than the first and brings the production to a very satisfying finish. "God Rest Ye Merry Men", "Jingle Bell Rock", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" (a forgettable ND original), "O Holy Night" and wrapping with a reprise of "Silent Night". Other than the big man there is no other star power. Personally, I think it's great that a guy who's gotta know everybody (we're talking Neil Diamond!) doesn't go out of his way to make this a celebrity driven glomfest. Lots of great faces and voices, big and small. Merry Christmas.

Neil Diamond: The Christmas Special (1993) (TV Special)

Cast: Neil Diamond, Assorted Choirs and Ensembles

Opryland's Country Christmas (1996) (TV)

Christmas special featuring country music stars of the day celebrating Nashville's holiday traditions in an eclectic blend of Christmas songs performed in a variety of styles including country, blues, folk, pop, bluegrass, rock and gospel. Don't look for the classics, this is full of traditional and original with a definite focus on faith and family. It must be said that it is refreshing to hear a holiday themed show and not be burdened with amateurish arrangements of tired "classics" or insultingly childish retellings of that same tiredness. This is very satisfying as standard fare or holiday listening, it excels both ways.

Opryland's Country Christmas (1996) (TV)

Cast: Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Barbara Mandrell, Lorrie Morgan, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Rogers, Marty Stuart, Jerry Sullivan, Tammy Sullivan, Hank Williams Jr.

Opryland's Country Christmas (1994) (TV)

The only thing to not like about this is the one hour runtime. This could easily have been twice as long. Greatly appreciated effort from all the participants but with a little somethin' somethin' via the great Neil Diamond and his background singers, The Soul Children of Chicago.

All these Opryland productions are excellent, with wide ranging entertainment fit for the whole family, from upbeat toe-tappers to heartfelt blues. Good stuff all around and more the sentimental for the Christmas themes and imagery. Imagery such as Banjo Santa, for instance.

Opryland's Country Christmas (1994) (TV)

Cast: Clint Black, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Ronna Reeves, Mike Snider, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, Trisha Yearwood, Soul Children of Chicago

Life's Work (TV Series) 1996–1997

Standard story of a mom who goes back to work and the turmoil she leaves at home. Lisa Ann Walter was in the past an on-air personality for KFI-640 and now she's all personality for Abbott Elementary.

AVAILABLE EPISODES
Concert

Season 1, Episode 4
8 Oct 1996

Pregnancy

Season 1, Episode 8
12 Nov 1996

Life's Work (TV Series) 1996–1997

Cast: Lisa Ann Walter, Michael O'Keefe, Molly Hagan, Lightfield Lewis, Alexa Vega, Andrew Lowery, Larry Miller

Superstars & Their Moms (1987) (TV)

A Mother's Day special hosted by Carol Burnett and her late daughter Carrie Hamilton, featuring interviews with guest celebrities and their mothers. Fun time but rather nostalgic with the passing of Carrie and John.

Superstars & Their Moms (1987) (TV)

Cast: Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Cher, Bill Cosby, Whitney Houston, John Ritter, Tom Selleck, Cybill Sheppard, Robin Williams, Carol Burnett, Carrie Hamilton

Frasier: Signing Off (2004) (TV)

This is a Dateline special from May 11, 2004 hosted by Katie Couric with the cast and crew of the legendary show.

Frasier: Signing Off (2004) (TV)

Host: Katie Couric

Bob Newhart Show 19th Anniversary Special, The (1991) (TV)

As Bob explains in the opening monologue, the show had it's first broadcast in 1972 BUT the pilot was in 1971. Fun show especially for the fans. Bob Newhart is a long time hero, a man who can do no wrong. Always brings the funny.

The Bob Newhart Show 19th Anniversary Special (1991) (TV)

Cast: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, Peter Bonerz, Marcia Wallace, Jack Riley, Tony Papenfuss, William Sanderson, John Voldstad

Rocky 25 (2001) (TV)

On the anniversary of one of the greatest feature films ever the man himself, Sylvester Stallone hosts a viewing of the full length movie along with his personal comments and remembrances. The other major players are also along for the ride with their memories. This was a three hour NBC special broadcast over the 2001 Thanksgiving holiday and is a very good time with some fun irrelevancies.

Rocky 25 (2001) (TV)

Host: Sylvester Stallone

The News Is the News (1983) TV Series

This VERY short run show was a "funny" attempt at reading the news ala SNL Newsbreak but in a half-hour format. Covering the news of the previous week, including that very day, June 15, 1983 (verified by showing the actual newspaper front pages) the hosts get whimsical in their trademark left-leaning way. It's forgivable and almost endearing to hear the anti-Ronnie hatred as this was a faraway time in a more naive universe. The written comedy is one thing but the actual headlines are also quite ludicrous. But forgivable. The early 80s were very weird.

The News Is the News (1983) TV Series

Cast: Karen Dale, Michael Davis, Simon Jones, Charlotte Moore, Michael Palin, Lynne Thigpen, Trey Wilson

Cheaters (1980) (TV)

The parents of a young couple who want to be married are having affairs with each other's spouses. Stage production recorded in front of a live audience. SelecTV was the best!

Cheaters (1980) (TV)

Cast: Peggy Cass, Jack Kruschen, Patricia Barry, Jack Mascolo, John Lansing, Dawn Davis

Korea: The Unknown War (1988) TV mini-series

A documentary about the Korean War by Thames Television that aired in the Summer of 1988 and in the US in August 1990 through WGBH Boston. Including interviews with participants from both the United Nations (USA, UK), South Korea and North Korea.

Korea: The Unknown War (1988) TV mini-series
Cast: Assorted

Party for Richard Pryor, A (1991) (TV)

A CBS special honoring late comedian Richard Pryor. Includes scenes from Pryor's motion picture, television and stage performances and tributes from dozens of entertainers.

A Party for Richard Pryor (1991) (TV)

Cast: Loni Anderson, Elayne Boosler, James Brown, Ray Charles, Chevy Chase, Danny Glover, Bobcat Goldthwait, Louis Gossett Jr., Dick Gregory, Arsenio Hall, Patti LaBelle, Eddie Murphy, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Rain Pryor, Richard Pryor, Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, Lily Tomlin, Robert Townsend, Marsha Warfield, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Gene Wilder, Bobby Womack, Stevie Wonder

Frasier: Analyzing the Laughter (2004) (TV)

Frasier Crane visits his therapist and reminisces over the events of the past 11 years since his move from Boston to Seattle, in a clip show to commemorate the event of the last ever episode.

Frasier: Analyzing the Laughter (2004) (TV)

Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Fred Willard

Cosby Show, The: A Look Back (2002) (TV)

A retrospective of the phenomenally popular 1984-1992 situation comedy, "The Cosby Show," complete with memorable clips, bloopers and comments from series stars, producers and Bill Cosby himself.

The Cosby Show: A Look Back (2002) (TV)

Cast: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Sabrina Le Beauf, Geoffrey Owens, Lisa Bonet, Joseph C. Phillips, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Raven-Symoné, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Earle Hyman, Quincy Jones

Television's Comedy Classics (1996) (TV)

More of the same clip-mania, with 40 of the funniest comics of all-time performing their 40 funniest all-time routines. At least that's what is promised. What we get is another anthology show with some real tired sitcom footage interspersed with some mediocre, (or simply dated) stand-up comedy routines. Stand-up is best when given time to build a finish, clips taken out of context to hype the "funny" part are counter-productive. The best part of this show, you ask? The great, late Leslie Nielsen as your host. With many skits and goofy side-nonsense, he carries the show from the opening line, (... so the cowboy looks up at the proctologist and says,'Why not? Where else can you get 3 hamburgers for 99 cents?') and does all the narration. He was a genuinely funny guy, his mannerisms, his delivery, he had it all.

Television's Comedy Classics (1996) (TV)
Host: Leslie Nielsen

Impeachment of Bill Clinton (1999) (TV)

Bill Clinton, President of the United States, was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice on December 19, 1998, but acquitted by the Senate on February 12, 1999. Two other impeachment articles, a second perjury charge and a charge of abuse of power, failed in the House. The charges arose from the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the Paula Jones lawsuit. The trial proceedings were largely partisan, with only five Democratic Representatives voting to impeach and no Democratic Senators voting for conviction. With a two-thirds majority required for conviction, only 45 senators voted guilty on the perjury charge and 50 on the obstruction charge. It was only the second impeachment of a President in American history.

Impeachment of Bill Clinton (1999) (TV)
Host: Jim Lehrer

Guess Who's Coming for Christmas? (1990) TV Movie

A small-town eccentric is befriended by an extra-terrestrial in a pin-striped suit. He offers to build the alien a landing strip so he can visit the town more often, but his neighborly gesture creates havoc in the community. For those who loved Richard Mulligan this is a wonderful watch.

Guess Who's Coming for Christmas? (1990) TV Movie

Cast: Richard Mulligan, Beau Bridges, Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley, James McEachin, John Furey, Betsy Randle

College Bowl 30th Anniversary (1984) (TV)

From Wikipedia: College Bowl was a format of college-level quizbowl run and operated by College Bowl Company, Incorporated. It had a format similar to the current NAQT format. College Bowl first aired on US radio stations in 1953, and aired on US television from 1959 to 1970. After a seven-year hiatus following its cancellation on television, the game reappeared on college campuses in 1977 through an affiliation with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) that lasted for 31 years. In 2008, the College Bowl Company announced its suspension of the College Bowl program, citing increased costs and financial infeasibility of continuing to work with ACUI.

There have been two television appearances since then; the 1984 tournament semi-finals and finals aired on NBC, hosted by Pat Sajak (of Wheel of Fortune fame), and the entire 1987 tournament on Disney Channel, hosted by Dick Cavett. The Univ of Minn won both iterations.

This is the 1984 final mentioned above;

Princeton vs. University of Minnesota

College Bowl 30th Anniversary (1984) (TV)

Host: Pat Sajak