Review of Olivia Newton-John: Hollywood Nights

Where to start on this one? I adore this special and still watch it at least once a year. Virtually all of the music is performed live, so even the most familiar big hits are markedly different on this one. (This show was actually the last Special shown on ABC's Oscar Night before the Barbara Walters Interview Specials took over the spot for good in 1980.) The performances are uniformly excellent and include: Olivia and Andy Gibb singing live on stage at an Ice Skating Rink. It is cold there because you can see their breath when they exhale. To promote "Xanadu", Olivia teams up with legendary Gene Kelly for a song and dance number and then is joined by Cliff Richards for a breathtaking live version of "Suddenly" on a sound stage. She also is part of a one-time only female singer super group the "Heartaches" that includes Tina Turner and Karen Carpenter (They sing the Eagles "Heartache Tonight", hence their name). But the absolute highlight of the show features Elton John at the piano with a solo performance of his beautiful "Little Jeannie" before Olivia joins him to sing the vocal on his "Candle in the Wind" as he plays piano. What a show, from a consummate performer with some truly special guests! Don't know if there will ever be a DVD of this, but if there is, buy it immediately, you will not be disappointed...