DVD Review: Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (6-DVD Collector’s Edition)

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Dolly Parton has been a fixture on TV for nearly 55 years. She first gained attention as the female singer on The Porter Wagoner Show that broadcast out of Nashville. She shined as brightly as her huge blond hair. She was not merely a background singer and took the lead on a few of her original songs. Eventually she struck on her own as both in both records and television. So much of this journey was on display in Dolly: The Ultimate Collection boxset that Time-Life put out last Fall. Dolly: The Ultimate Collection – 6-DVD Collector’s Edition brings together episodes of her variety show, a Christmas special, a live concert, a documentary and music videos.

Dolly was her variety show that started in 1987 when she was proving to be a sensation at record stores and movie theater. The show was more skits than performances so they could book plenty of guests that could bring in ratings without having vocal chops. The first episode featured Hulk Hogan, Dudley Moore and Pee Wee Herman which was ratings gold in 1987. Plus the opening to the episodes had Dolly in a bubble bath. People were eager to tune in. The debut had nearly 40 million viewers. Although outside of Dudley, not exactly known for their musical talent. The Pee Wee Herman segment has her show up at the Playhouse, the hottest address on TV. They duet on “Hey Good Lookin’” Pee Wee didn’t make her think of dumping Kenny, sadly. The boxset contains 16 of the 22 episodes. The second episode has Dolly hooking up with Burt Reynolds and singing with Alabama. The third episode reunites her with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, although by this time they had released the Trio record. The seven other episodes in the boxset include visits from Delta Burke, The Oakridge Boys, Kermit the Frog, Louie Nye, Willie Nelson, The Smothers Brothers, Patrick Duffy, Patti LaBelle, Jerry Reed, Miss Piggy, Juice Newton, Charles Durning, James Gregory, Bob Hope, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chet Atkins. Two of the biggest guests are her old duet partners. She reunites with Porter Wagoner and hooks up once more with Kenny Rogers.

There’s an entire disc dedicated to the Christmas episode of Dolly that has Mac Davis and Burl Ives. Then we get Dolly guesting on Bob Hope’s Jolly Christmas Show with The All-American Champs. Are you ready for Orel Hershiser? There’s also Don Johnson at the peak of his Miami Vice coolness. Plus you get the see a bunch of college football players.

The fifth disc gives us the complete Dolly concert experience with Dolly Parton: Live From London. She charms England from the stage. Dolly & Friends: The Making of A Soundtrack – Dumplin’ has her working in the studio with Macy Gray, Mavis Staples and Linda Perry. There’s also a batch of music videos for various songs she released during the 21st Century.

Dolly Parton: Here I Am might be the first thing you should watch on the collection since the documentary sets up her life and music. She talks about going from the backwoods to the big times. This is a fine way to enjoy the magic of Dolly Partin as the holiday seasons approach. This is also a fine gift for any relative that always keeps you updated on the fine things Dolly Partin has done in the last few years.

The video is 1.33:1 full frame for so many of the shows. The London Concert, Dolly Parton: Here I Am and the more recent features are 1.78:1 anamorphic. The audio is Dolby Digital mono for the older shows. The new shows are in stereo.

Time-Life presents Dolly: The Ultimate Collection – 6-DVD Collector’s Edition. Starring Dolly Parton. Boxset Contents: 6 DVDs. Running Time: 824 minutes. Release Date: September 21, 2021.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.