The Dean Martin Christmas Show will likely be a nice little stocking stuffer for the Dino fan in your life.

Hey pallies, likes dudes today we return to that vid review pad, "DVD VERDICT," that makes every review likes into a court case with "All Rise," "The Charge," "The Case," and "The Verdict." Today's reviewer is "Appellate Judge James A. Stewart," and the Dino-treasure bein' reviewed is that yet-to-be released 1968 Dean Martin Christmas Show" from the pallies at TIME-LIFE.

Likes this is the very first review that I have found of this newest addition to the Dean Martin Show releases. And Judge Stewart has mostly good thin's to report 'bout the Christmas show. Seems that there is a pack of celebrity cameos that all us pallies oughta grooves on, and from readin' this report, I am eager to see the "office party bit" and all the other "warm and fuzzy" parts as well. And, likes I can't wait to see our great man gets dressed up as the man in red.

So, ilovedinomartin sez our thanks to the pallies at "DVD VERDICT" and 'specially Judge James A. Stewart for this early report on the November 6 release of The Dean Martin Christmas Show. To view this in it's original format, simply clicks on the tag of this hear Dino-scriblin's. Likes can't never ever get's 'nough Dino...you to pallies o'mine?! Dino-anticipatin', DMP

The Dean Martin Christmas Show

TimeLife // 1968 // 48 Minutes // Not Rated

Reviewed by Appellate Judge James A. Stewart // October 13th, 2012

Note: This is a pre-release review. The Dean Martin Christmas Show will be available for purchase on November 6th, 2012

All Rise...

If you give Appellate Judge James A. Stewart a Christmas special before Halloween, put zombies in it next time!

The Charge

"Santa Claus is comin' to town."

The Case

As The Dean Martin Christmas Show opens, Santa is being assembled before viewers' eyes: his beard, mustache, eyebrows, hair, hat, and nose are being put on Dean Martin. That's what you get for coming to the set just in time for taping, Dino!

Soon, Martin (The Wrecking Crew) is surrounded by dancing Santas, one of whom is losing a hat as the cameras keep rolling. The musical number is interrupted by bits of comedy from Bob Newhart and Dom DeLuise, who also are playing Santa.

Except for the Christmas theme, The Dean Martin Christmas Show was business as usual for Martin in 1968. Each week, Martin helmed a variety show with singers, dancers, comedians, and celebrity cameos.

For Christmas, Martin's doing comedy sketches with Dom DeLuise and Bob Newhart. The best is a pantomime bit that finds DeLuise working late while everyone else is having an office party. Dennis Weaver, then of Gentle Ben, stops by to sing to the children of Martin's staffers, with intentionally hilarious effect. Cameos are abundant as stars shine their light on the show's toy drive; among them are holiday figures Jimmy Stewart (It's a Wonderful Life) and Bob Hope (The Lemon Drop Kid).

That office party bit gets risque, but most of The Dean Martin Christmas Show is warm and fuzzy. There's even a carol sing-along at the end.

Presented in standard definition 1.33:1 full frame, the picture quality is decent, but the 1968 videotape source material does exhibit occasional lines. The Dolby 2.0 Stereo track is serviceable for vintage television. If you just want to hear Martin sing, a Christmas album might be a better bet, since the emphasis here is on comedy and warming hearts. This time around, the usual booklet with song and guest list is missing; it could have helped with all those cameos, since it's not 1968 anymore.

While not an essential, The Dean Martin Christmas Show will likely be a nice little stocking stuffer for the Dino fan in your life. It could also be a nice surprise for some whippersnapper who listens to Diana Krall or Harry Connick Jr, but missed out the golden age of TV variety shows. Since it's only one episode, definitely look for a price under $10.

The Verdict

Not guilty.