The Midnight Special (3-DVD Collection) series consists of two discs of a variety of musical performances, with the third being comedy acts. The show was performed on three stages and announced by the velvet voice of DJ Wolfman Jack and hosted by various stars. Enthusiastic audiences embraced these talents sitting cross-legged on the floor and with standing room only. Unexpected various artists would come and join with the performers on stage. These original performances were casual and spontaneous. Of course, these acts haven't been remastered, but the memories and excitement of your favorite songs is unmatched.
The Midnight Special (3-DVD Collection) also includes bonus material such as interviews and a featurette with Burt Sugarman, plus a booklet outlining all of the performances in the set. Since so many viewers are interested in knowing what performances are included in this set, they are listed below:
Disc One:
- Episode 357 with Barry Manilow "It's a Miracle" and "Mandy" and Jim Croce singing "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)"
- Episode 198 features Wild Cherry with "Play That Funky Music" and "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" with Elvin Bishop. The crazy Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots performs "Disco Duck" and the Bay City Rollers sing "Saturday Night"
- Episode 214 features an explosive rendition of "Moondance" performed by Van Morrison, George Benson, Carlos Santana, Etta James and Dr. John, followed by a steamy "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James and Dr. John. This episode concludes with Carlos Santana and George Benson's "Breezin"
- Episode 204 stars Linda Ronstadt singing "You're No Good" with Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" followed by Aretha Franklin and "Something He Can Feel"
- Bonus Songs were Michael Murphey's "Wildfire," Seals & Crofts with Carolyn Willis sing "Get Closer," REO Speedwagon does "Keep On Loving You" and the Charlie Daniels Band rocks "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"
- Bonus Features include a George Benson Interview and a Featurette with Burt Sugarman.
Disc Two:
- Episode 2 has Steely Dan playing "Do It Again" and "Reeling In the Years," The Spinners perform "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "I'll Be Around," while Albert Hammond sings "It Never Rains in Southern California"
- Episode 217 stars Glen Campbell singing "Southern Nights" and Natalie Cole's "I've Got Love on My Mind." Mary MacGregor sings "Torn Between Two Lovers," Stephen Bishop with "On and On," and concludes with Heart's "Crazy on You"
- Episode 288 stars Dolly Parton with "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," Frankie Vallie with "Grease" and Yvonne Elliman "If I Can't Have You"
- Bonus Songs include Donna Summer with "Love to Love You Baby," Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Christopher Cross' "Sailing"
Disc Three:
- Comedy acts by Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Freddie Prinze, David Steinberg joined by Flip Wilson, David Brenner, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Gabe Kaplan, Redd Foxx, Mac Davis with Joan Rivers, Jimmie "Dynomite" Walker, Robert Klein and Andy Kaufman.
- Bonus Features include an Interview with David Steinberg.
Regardless of which series you're considering of The Midnight Special, you'll enjoy watching these original performances of some of the memorable acts from the "good old days." My review covers only the 3-DVD Collection here, but you can see my previous review of the 6-DVD Collection in the link below. I'm certain you will enjoy this remarkable original entertainment presented by Star Vista and Time Life. The Midnight Special will be a great addition to anyone's musical library.
