Product Details

• Actors: Lola Falana, Bill Cosby, Dick Van Dyke, Muhammad Ali, Billy Dee Williams
• Directors: Allan Blye, Bob Einstein
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Video Service Corp
• DVD Release Date: October 6, 2009
• Run Time: 180 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002612S4W
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,050 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lola Falana possessed a unique blend of sexuality and sass. As an all around entertainer she had much in common with her mentor Sammy Davis Jr., while her flamboyance and athleticism make her a role model for Beyoncé. --Nelson George

Product Description

First time on any format! Talented triple threat Lola Falana exploded onto network television in 1976 with four legendary specials. The Lola Falana Show showcased Lola s powerful vocals, her incredible dance skills and a light touch of comedy with guest appearances by some of the biggest names in show biz. Among the many stars who grace these hour-long specials are Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Sonny and Cher, Billy Dee Williams, Redd Foxx and Dick Van Dyke. Lola enthralls viewers while performing timeless classics like Lady Marmalade, Ain t No Mountain High Enough, I Got You Babe, I Wanna be Where You Are, Stop in the Name of Love, and countless others. These shows, not seen since their original telecasts, are a time capsule of classic prime-time variety programming that will remind you why Lola was once the highest-paid female performer in Las Vegas.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Miss Falana is Sizzling-Hot and Sexy!, February 8, 2010

By 

Gerald L. Smith (South Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Lola Falana Show (DVD)

I have always loved and admired glamorous Lola Falana dating back to her small role in the 1970 movie, "The Liberation of L.B. Jones." During the early 1970s, if you saw a black woman on a television, it was probably Lola -- it seemed like she was a guest on all the top-rated talk and game shows, as well as various other popular television variety shows. Because of Miss Falana's extremely high popularity, ABC first signed her to do two variety show specials. I was very excited to see her television specials when they debuted in 1976 and enjoyed re-watching them again on this DVD. At the time, ABC already had hugely popular prime-time television shows like, "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Welcome Back Kotter," and "Starsky and Hutch." Miss Falana's first two specials were such a hit, ABC decided to re-sign her to do two more shows.

The DVDs contain all four variety show specials; the picture and sound are crystal clear. If there was anyone who could be epitomized as a triple-threat in the entertainment business, it would have to be Lola Falana. I particularly enjoyed the acting skits she did with her guest stars. Ventriloquist Willie Tyler and his dummy Lester, along with Pat Morita ("Happy Days" and "Karate Kid" fame) were regular cast members on the specials. Other celebrities shown during the shows are: Dinah Shore, Art Carney, Dennis Weaver, Gabe Kaplan, and Hal Linden.

I agree with a previous reviewer's comment concerning Diana Ross. I'm sure over the years, a lot of people have compared her to Miss Ross. I had thoughts of Miss Ross while watching this DVD; however, Miss Falana has always been my favorite between the two stars. Miss Falana really knew how to mesmerize audiences with her non-stop energy. She would routinely leave the stage and go out into her audience to give them an up-close look. The colorful wardrobe she performed in were absolutely stunning and very extravagant. Miss Falana is diminutive in stature; however, when you watched her perform, she was head and shoulders above her contemporaries. This was further validated when she went on to become the highest paid female entertainer in Las Vegas. If you are a fan of Miss Falana, this DVD two-disc set would be a great addition to your collection.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Lola Falana is a MUST SEE!!!!!, August 21, 2010

By 

Garby Gable "Jazz Enthusiast" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Lola Falana Show (DVD)

I remember Lola Falana from when I was a kid in the 70's, and knew she was a great dancer and singer, but I don't think I ever realized how fabulously fantastic this multi talented lady actually was. She is what I consider the ultimate triple threat. She can dance, sing, act, and her comedic timing is pretty good.

These DVDs captures her 4 legendary specials which exploded on network television in 1976. Among some of her guest stars are: Bill Cosby, Hal Linden, Billy Dee Williams, Sonny and Cher, Redd Foxx, Dick Van Dyke, and relatively new comedian at the time, Gabrial Kaplan.

The dance numbers are fantastic, most notable "I Am Love," and an African dance which appears on the second DVD, choreographed by the late Lester Wilson. Among the dancers, who are exceptionally strong and rhythmic, you will see the late Micahel Peters, who went on to later choreograph "Thriller" for Michael Jackson.

Miss Falana belts out timeless classics such as "Lady Marmalade," "I Wanna Be Where You Are," and "Stop In The Name of Love" to name a few. Although, Diana Ross had hits before Lola Falana and was a star in her own right, you can't help but see how much stronger Lola Falana was in comparison as an all around performer.

The Lola Falana show aired when prime-time varitey shows were all the rage. Once you check this DVD you will see why Lola, an eloquent but unpretentious consummate performer, was once the highest-paid female performer in Las Vegas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, "take you back", April 13, 2010

By 

C. Russell "Chucky" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Lola Falana Show (DVD)

This was a very nice venture back in time and to enjoy the youthful looks of such artful guest. We certainly have enjoyed the talents of Mr. Cosby and others throughout the years. Although Lola is into a different blessed world today, she helped set the bar for many to follow.