This disc is a showcase of talent starring the warm and charming Danny Kaye as Gepetto and the always energetic Sandy Duncan as the puppet yearning to be a real boy. This television musical special also starred Flip Wilson as the Fox, Liz Torres as the Cat, with Clive Revill as the Coachman. Any comparisons to the Disney classic are few, as this musical, with its lavish sets and makeup are in a class by themselves. It is a quality production and a real family treat.

The story of Gepetto, the lonely toymaker, who makes Pinocchio because he wants a son is a familiar one. Kaye and company add a beginning and end to the story by having Kaye and Duncan as father and daughter in a traveling stage company. Duncan yearns to leave the company and set out on her own, while Kaye, as the father, promises her that after their next production, she will be known throughout the world as Pinocchio. Costuming and makeup are real highlights of this video presentation. Flip Wilson, in full makeup as the Fox, is not recognizable at all, except for the occasional body movement he was famous for in his act. Kaye also plays the evil puppet master, Stroganoff, for a short scene, and the makeup makes him a totally different character. The musical numbers by Billy Barnes are joyful yet forgettable, as there are no known hits in the show. They are all well choreographed with the entire company of dancers. The sets, designed to be simple yet distinctive, are colorful and bring across the idea of each locale, whether it be the toy shop, the village courtyard, or Yum-Yum Isle, where the naughty boys go to party before they are turned into donkeys.

Picture-One of the first casualties of older videos is usually the color, as older video tape becomes brittle and the magnetic elements lose some information. However, not on this DVD. The fullscreen picture is just as sharp and full of color as it was originally in 1976. The video is in excellent shape, without any color banding or loss of signal or noise. Details in the production are vivid, such as the costume worn by Duncan for most of the video. It is one of the best older videotaped productions I have seen. Sound-Dolby digital once again comes to the rescue, making the sound full and rich. I did have to crank it up a bit, as the original soundtrack lacked a lot of power. The musical numbers stretch the sound to the limit, and I did hear a bit of distortion in one number that Duncan sings, as she is belting it out. This is probably a result of the original recording and Dolby does a good job of clearing up most of the distortion but still a little comes through at the high end of the number. Other than that one flaw, the soundtrack is clean and clear. Extras-The disc includes some biographical information slides on the leads, Danny Kaye, Sandy Duncan, Flip Wilson, and Clive Revill. Comments from Kaye about this video production are welcome and a treat. Filmographies are also included with the bios. VCI EntertainmentI, as usual, includes informative notes about the DVD involved, and also interesting facts about the stars and their careers. Unfortunately, this DVD lacks any other extra features other than chapter stops.

The disc includes some biographical information slides on the leads, Danny Kaye, Sandy Duncan, Flip Wilson, and Clive Revill. Comments from Kaye about this video production are welcome and a treat. Filmographies are also included with the bios. VCI EntertainmentI, as usual, includes informative notes about the DVD involved, and also interesting facts about the stars and their careers. Unfortunately, this DVD lacks any other extra features other than chapter stops.

Danny Kaye was such a wonderful entertainer and this showcases his later years' work with a high quality production of this Italian tale. The songs, makeup, acting, choreography, and sets are all of the highest quality; a signature of Kaye's entire career. Sandy Duncan brings her Broadway expertise to the show, singing and dancing in a memorable performance. The DVD brings this 1976 musical to us almost flawless and has preserved the show well for generations to enjoy. A perfect family entertainment treat for the holidays.