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| Special Features: |
Full screen format.
Chapter selection.
All six episodes of one of the worst TV series ever produced.
Interview with Jeff Altman.
History of "Pink Lady."
Excerpts from newspaper reviews and memorabilia.
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| Video Format: |
Full Frame (1.33:1)
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| Languages: |
English (mono)
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| Captions: |
None.
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| Casing: |
3-Disc Keep Case
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Back in the late 70s two Japanese women, Mie and Kei, were selling out 100,000 person concerts in the Far East. The disco duo known as "Pink Lady" were eyed lustily by RCA and NBC as potential breakthrough artist in the American market. NBC contracted with Sid and Marty Krofft and the TV show "Pink Lady" was born. There were just a couple of problems with the concept. Neither Mie and Kei could speak a word of English. The other problem with the concept was that the time of the TV variety hour had passed its heyday.
The first problem was solved by bringing in a stand-up comedian, Jeff Altman to act as a go-between. The show aired in the spring of 1980. A TV variety show which relied on comic skits, musical numbers and a line-up of established guest stars. Mie and Kei learned to speak their lines phonetically. They were also prevented from singing their hits in their native tongue. The had to sing phonetically also.
Six episodes were filmed, but only five aired. In addition to host Jeff Altman the show also featured Jim Varney as a comedic spoil. The show's trademark was its ending with Jeff and the girls in a hot tub.
Rhino Home Video promotes the DVD boxed set as a tribute to TV at its worst. While this is true for the most part, there are some funny moments on the DVD. Many of Altman's routines are quite funny. The self-depreciating interview and introductions by Altman are also funny. "Pink Lady" was talented, but the TV show is not the place to discover the truth of that statement.
There are an eclectic group of guest stars on the shows. They run the gamut from such white bread performers as Sid Ceasar, Florence Henderson, Larry Hagman, Donny Osmond, Pernell Roberts, Jerry Lewis and Red Buttons to the likes of Alice Cooper, Blondie, Cheap Trick, Byron Allen and Teddy Pendergast.
For those who have a taste for the bizarre. Rhino is up-front about the boxed set. This is a tribute
to bad TV. At least it is done with great humor.
Picture Quality: 6/10
The DVD looks like what it is, an old TV show. While the new material looks fine, the TV shows them selves have that old "video" look about them.
Sound Quality: 8/10
The music of the guest stars sound pretty good. I was never a big disco fan.
Menu: 8/10
Flashy menu mocks the terrible TV show contained on the DVD. Easy to navigate.
Extra Features: 10/10
The interview with Jeff Altman is great. His take on the absurdity of the entire experience is very funny. There isn't much to the other extras, but this interview is great for setting up the experience of watching this disaster.
The Final Word:
Fans of bad TV and "Pink Lady" will enjoy this. It will probably be one of those DVDs
that you rent while in an altered state.
Rusty White
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