Sometimes I really have to question why a studio releases a disc during a certain time period (in this case, the holiday season). Call me crazy, but 70's and 80's Barry Manilow TV Specials don't exactly scream "Must Buy Gift." Regardless, the 5 disc "Barry Manilow- The First Television Specials" is here and it's not a pretty sight.

"Barry Manilow- The First Television Specials" contains 5 specials (one on each of the 5 discs). They are as follows: Disc 1- "The First Barry Manilow Special" (1977)- 51:53 This "Special" isn't special at all. In fact, it's rather typical. There's the usual concert performances, pre-show numbers, dancing, camera mugging, lame sketches, annoying dialogue by the singer, and yes...the frightening outfits that no one would wear today unless they had a death wish. This first special also has a guest appearance by Penny Marshall. In case you are wondering, she does sing. Penny winds up doing backup vocals on "Bandstand Boogie." It's as shudder-worthy as it sounds. Disc 2- "The 2nd Barry Manilow Special" (1978)- 48:29 Aside from a show stopping solo performance by Ray Charles, this special is arguably one of the most painful experiences this reviewer has ever had to endure. You probably think I'm exaggerating, but I can assure you I'm not. Seeing Manilow perform "Daybreak" with senior citizens, screaming kids on a jungle gym, and cartoon animals is the stuff nightmares are made of. How I bypassed a brain aneurysm is beyond me. Disc 3- "The 3rd Barry Manilow Special" (1979)- 48:45 In addition to corny sketches and musical numbers, Manilow manages to nauseate viewers more than usual with a Hollywood musical rendition of "I Write The Songs." If you're having trouble picturing that, you're lucky. No one need witness it. The only highlights here are John Denver singing "What's On Your Mind?" and Denver singing a duet with Manilow on the "Everly Brothers Medley." Disc 4- "One Voice" (1980)- 50:03 Barry Manilow may have had a number of hits, but none of them appear here. Instead, we are treated to Barry singing (out of tune I might add) forgettable numbers like "Rain" and "When I Wanted You." The special contains the usual stage performances, sketches, pre-show numbers, as well as a special guest (Dionne Warwick). Disc 5- "Barry Manilow: Big Fun On Swing Street" (1988)- 45:31 Manilow attempts something different with this 5th special by creating what resembles a bad low budget stage musical. Instead of performing the usual hits, Manilow decides to experiment by mixing Big Band sounds with that good ol' ear piercing sound of the 80's. It doesn't get much worse than this folks. Guests include King Creole and The Coconuts, Phyllis Hyman, Diane Schurr, and Carmen McRae.

After watching this 5 disc set, I'm just glad I kept my sanity. I would be perfectly content if I never heard a Barry Manilow song again (a tall order I know). Avoid at all costs