THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUMES 1-6

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON:

THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUMES 1-6

Street Date: September 26, 2017

DVD SRP: $59.95

Across Six Discs, Carson Fans Will Find a Cornucopia of Comedy and Unforgettable Moments from 12 Complete Shows (with Commercials) -- Some of the Most Requested Shows Ever; Featured Guests Include Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, Billy Crystal, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball 

and Many More!

PROGRAM SYNOPSIS

For over 30 incredible years, Johnny Carson defined late-night television, paving the way for a TV revolution that will never be equaled.  And, this September, enjoy the very best of late night, any night, with THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUMES 1-6.    

Join Time Life to relive the magic of a night with Johnny, Ed, Doc, and the rest of the Tonight Show gang, just as the shows originally aired so many years ago - including commercials!  This 6-disc set of the acclaimed "Vault Collection" features 12 of the best, complete, unedited episodes selected from over three decades and 4,000 shows.  Among the shows featured are Carson's 10th and 11th anniversary shows, Johnny's birthday episodes with an incredible collection of guests, including Dean Martin, Jack Benny, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles, Bob Hope, Dom DeLuise, John Denver, Peter Fonda, Michael Caine, Charlton Heston, Michael Landon, Billy Crystal, Paul McCartney, Orson Welles, Muhammad Ali and many, many more! 

Giving Carson fans, TV historians and late night aficionados alike the chance to once again watch an amazing talent and true American icon at the height of his powers, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUMES 1-6 features the following episodes:

DISC 1

10th Anniversary Special

Original Air Date: October 2, 1972

Dean Martin, Jack Benny, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles

Original Air Date: September 19, 1972

Bob Hope, Dom DeLuise, John Denver, Peter Fonda

DISC 2

Johnny's Birthday Shows

Original Air Date: October 23, 1974
Buddy Hackett, Lana Cantrell, Mike Preminger

Original Air Date: October 23, 1984

Paul McCartney, Mary Gross, Jonathan Brown

DISC 3

Trip Back to December 1975

Original Air Date: December 5, 1975

Sean Connery, Michael Caine, David Brenner

Original Air Date: December 12, 1975

Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Charles Nelson Reilly

DISC 4

A Week in March 1976, Part 1

Original Air Date: March 2, 1976

Charlton Heston, Michael Landon, Larry Adler, Billy Crystal

Original Air Date: March 3, 1976

Orson Welles, John Byner, Susan Clark, Sam Blotner

DISC 5

A Week in March 1976, Part 2

Original Air Date: March 4, 1976

Robert Blake, Don Rickles, Bob Hope, Desi Arnaz Sr.

Original Air Date: March 5, 1976

Bing Crosby, Ray Bolger, Marvin Hamlisch, Burt Mustin 

DISC 6

11th Anniversary Show

Original Air Date: September 7, 1973

Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, Karen Valentine, Joel Grey

Original Air Date: October 2, 1973

Dean Martin, Burt Reynolds, Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett

BONUS PROGRAMMING 

• Interview with Peaches Jones and stunt demonstration (Disc 1, 1972)
• Interviews with David Letterman and Joe Piscopo (Disc 2, 1987)
• Interview with Lucille Ball (Disc 3, 1975)
• Show opening, monologue and desk with Johnny and Ed (Disc 4, 1976)
• A visit from Joan Embery and Rodney Dangerfield (Disc 5, 1976)
• Sketch and James Brown performance and interview (Disc 6, 1973)

My Thoughts

One of my earliest memories is of my grandparents watching Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. I used to sneak downstairs and watch from the stairway when I was supposed to be sleeping. When I saw they were releasing the show on DVD set, I knew I had to grab one because it brings back so many memories. 

This DVD includes 6 full DVDs of the shows from 1972-1976. One of the guests is Michael Landon who is one my favorite actors from Little House of the Prairie.  Some of the other guests include Bob Hope, Buddy Hackett, Desi Arnaz Sr., Orson Wells, and many more. So many of these stars have passed away, and it was wonderful seeing them again on the small screen. 

Another fun aspect of this DVD set is that it includes the commercials that originally aired with the show. While today I tend to fast-forward through commercials,  seeing these commercials from the 70s was a lot of fun and a real throwback. 

If you're looking for a blast from the past, this DVD set is the perfect choice. I watched it with my mom, and it was like taking a step back in time. Any fan of Johnny Carson is going to want this set in their collection. The Time Life TONIGHT SHOW sets are available nationally at outlets such as Costco, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart and For Your Entertainment.