R2 Entertainment, in association with Carson Entertainment Group, has released a massive, nicely packaged boxed set of previously released material from the King of Late Night, Johnny Carson: Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. As far as I can tell, there's no new material released here (nothing on the packaging indicates new bonuses or extras), so anyone already owning the titles included here shouldn't feel the need to double dip. However, if you only remember these classic moments of comedy from the numerous anniversary and clip shows that Johnny use to put on, the Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson set is a terrific way to revisit TV's greatest icon.

I was lucky enough to review a previous set of Johnny Carson material, The Johnny Carson Show, a collection of kinescopes from Carson's very first foray into prime TV, back in 1955 (please click here to read that review). Part of the appeal of that collection was watching the impossibly young Carson going about creating a recognizable persona, while working out the various techniques of comedic timing that would stand him in good stead during his thirty years on NBC's The Tonight Show.

You won't see any of that, however, in Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This is the Johnny most of us know: the polished, genial, almost-too-cool-for-words professional comedian and host who effortlessly combined his all-American mid-western appeal with a barely submerged, hipster swinger. Johnny knew exactly how far to go when titillating his audience with a naughty double entendre, and he always got away with it because he was smart enough to pull back, and disassociate himself from the "Hollywood crowd" that so obviously tickled him. There was always a discernable reserve to Johnny's act (no doubt learned in the gently rolling hills of his hometown, Norfolk, Nebraska), a feeling that Johnny, regardless of his ability to hang with the best (watch the classic 1969 episode - include in its entirety for this set - where Johnny holds his own with George Gobel, Dean Martin, and Bob Hope), knew that he had to maintain a distance from the people he was interviewing, to stay on our side - the viewers.

Growing up in the early 70s, before cable started to destroy the commonality of America's shared TV viewing experiences, I certainly was aware that Johnny Carson represented the absolute elite of TV personalities. Even though I wouldn't have been able to put it into words at that time, just watching Carson do his thing every night - unflappable, supremely confident, with laser-precision timing - was enough to get a sense that this guy owned his particular corner of the entertainment field. Others tried to match him (I remember Dick Cavett failing miserably), but nobody could touch Carson's unique combination of aw shucks posturing over a sleek, sophisticated, clear-eyed approach to his hosting duties. It's probable that no one will occupy the same place in the entertainment field that Carson held, simply because the media today is so fractured, so niche-oriented, that nobody could possibly reach the same number of people in so significant a manner. And when you factor in that Carson did it successfully for thirty years; well, that just won't happen again. Ever.

Which makes, then, a collection like Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson so valuable to historians. This isn't a definitive look at the popular culture of the 1960s through the 1990s, by any means. But it's a pretty hefty slice of who and what Carson and his production team felt were important enough, and interesting enough, to present to the American viewing public. And considering the unparalleled success of the show over a thirty year period, they must have been tapping into something that worked for the TV viewing audience. Of course, the point of the show was to allow Carson to react to his guests (if you want to be really honest, the point of the show was to make money for all concerned), but Carson was smart enough to vary his guests, breaking down a typical show to include perhaps a big-name celebrity plugging a new movie, an exotic animal brought to the show by either Jim Fowler or Joan Embery, a musical guest, perhaps a stand-up comedian, and if there was time, a visit with an ordinary "citizen," someone who had a weird or quirky hobby that the producers thought might tickle Johnny's funny bone.

Watching Johnny interact with these various guests revealed the genius in his method. When interacting with celebrities, Carson was adept at altering his style to suit the person: Jack Benny was treated with reverence; Charles Grodin with (staged) dismissiveness. Stand-up comedians were either given a polite round of applause from Johnny (the majority of them), or, if they were lucky, they received the coveted "wave over," where Johnny, much like a king maker, would bestow his personal approval on a young talent by inviting the incredulous comic over for an unscheduled chat on the couch. But with the "civilians," Johnny showed perhaps his most appealing side. Always respectful and warm with the various farmers, old schoolteachers and odd collectors that appeared over the years, Johnny could still seem like he was having a little harmless fun at their expense, but after close examination, it was just the opposite. Carson, the King of Late Night and power-player at NBC, momentarily dropped the sophisticated, distanced reserve necessary for his thirty-year ride at the top, and just had fun jawing with people who no doubt reminded him of the very people he grew up with in Nebraska. For me, that's the strongest appeal of a big boxed set like Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. You get a chance to really study Carson, and watch, frankly, with awe as he effortlessly negotiates his way through thirty years of some of the most memorable moments in TV history. Let's look at the individual DVDs included in the Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson boxed set.

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: VOLUMES 1 - 3

DISC ONE:

The Best of the 60s & 70s:
This collection of clips probably represents the period of The Tonight Show that people remember most fondly. This was The Tonight Show where, prior to the 80s and 90s when entertainment news coverage began to saturate the media, America got a glamorous party every night, seeing big stars - whose every move wasn't covered by the paparazzi - chatting casually with Johnny. This is the swinging Johnny phase, the smoking and drinking Johnny period where "good times" were heartily endorsed by Johnny and Ed and Doc. Highlights from this collection include the oft-repeated clip of Daniel Boone's Ed Ames' tomahawk circumcision, Jack Webb's hilarious Dragnet-style "copper clappers" bit with Johnny, Johnny and Ed's girly slap fight, the dog that wouldn't eat Ed's Alpo (so Johnny obliges), Johnny as an eager flasher, Johnny offering a year's pay to peek under Dolly Parton's blouse, and Ed McMahon, apparently totally blasted, talking about animals.

The Best of the 70s & 80s:
This collection of clips gives us a glimpse of the show running perfectly in-synch, year after year, with Johnny, settling in a bit but not losing his razor-sharp timing or delivery, hosting celebrities such as Eddie Murphy and Charles Grodin. Highlights from this collection include Johnny's classic "Gina Statutory" joke, the rooster who won't crow ("Let me point something out, Donna; we didn't bring him out 1800 miles to take a dump on my desk."), Doc Severinsen's Thanksgiving invitation from Johnny, Doc, the Celebese monkey taking a shot at Johnny ("Playing, my ass!"), and Johnny, in a blonde wig, walking off with a hunky cowboy ("Ah, screw it; let's go!").

DISC TWO:

The Best of the 80s & 90s:
This collection might be more familiar to younger viewers, with Johnny hosting celebrities like Bill Clinton and Drew Carey. Highlights include a bear cub drinking out of Ed's cup ("That bear will hibernate for a year!"), Johnny as Ronald Reagan, doing a variation of the classic A & C bit, "Who's on First," Jane Fonda's "pet my pussy (cat)" joke, Albert Brooks' hilarious Buddy, the Electronic Dummy routine, Shelley Winters, totally out of it, forgetting that she made a movie with Annie Potts, who's seated next to her, Jim Fowler's bat, who goes for Johnny, Charles Grodin getting no respect from Johnny ("I've got to do an hour a night. I'm looking for warm bodies."), Steve Martin as The Great Flydini, and Ted Koppel, hilariously telling Johnny he won't miss him one bit when he retires.

Johnny Goes Home
This is my favorite segment in the Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson set. Produced in 1982, this documentary hosted by Johnny Carson shows The Tonight Show host returning to his hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska. Seeing the sites (that don't look too much different than when he was a boy), Johnny revisits the places that helped shape him into a young man. Highlights included Johnny and a few of his old school pals getting a pen-and-ink refresher course from their old schoolteacher, Mrs. Gordon, Johnny's return to the neighborhood theatre (sadly, closed) where he ushered as a teen, Johnny settling up with Mr. Mauk for "borrowing" his car, and a crazy stunt, performed by Johnny, where he hangs off a train trestle while a train goes roaring above him. Certainly the most moving segment is Johnny's return to his old house. Now occupied by a growing family, Johnny makes friends with a kind, charming young boy who lives in Johnny's old room. As they explore the house together, shoot hoops, and drive Johnny's father's original car, the warmth, honesty, and openness of Carson and this young boy interacting together is incredibly touching. A moving, surprisingly resonant documentary.

DISC THREE:

5.21.92 Episode:
This is the second-to last episode of The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, with the only two guests featured: Robin Williams and Bette Midler. Why Johnny chose these two performers over everybody else to (almost) end his show is anybody's guess, but he's obviously moved throughout the program at the homage they pay him.

The Final Episode:
I distinctly remember watching this final episode of The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, and there's a moment in it that still strikes me. At the end, when Johnny is accepting the applause of the audience, he looks off to his right, overcome with emotion. He's obviously looking at something, or more probably remembering something. There's an indescribable look of searching or expectation on his face that we'll certainly never understand, but it's an incredibly powerful moment, when the traditional Carson guard is finally let down. No guests appear on this final tribute, just clips from other shows, and of course Doc and Ed.

THE BEST OF THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: STAND-UP COMEDIANS

DISC ONE:
Rosanne (8.23.85) God, that voice.
Rich Shydner (8.30.84) In a word: horrifying.
Steven Wright (8.8.82) I've never been a big fan; he's too studied and secretly pleased with himself. But he does get the coveted "wave over" from Johnny.
Brett Butler (5.14.87) Way smarter, faster and funnier than Roseanne. "Lamar, is the safety on?" has to be one of the funniest lines on this disc.
Bill Kirchenbauer (8.28.78) A personal favorite from his Make Me Laugh days, Kiirchenbauer manages to fly close to both bombing out and being hilarious at the same time. Overall, he just misses the mark here.
Jerry Seinfeld (5.6.81) You'll be astounded at how mediocre he is here.
Louie Anderson (11.20.84) Two words: He kills.
Ronnie Shakes (2.10.84) No connection with the audience, and poor delivery. But Johnny states, "You're going to hear a lot from that guy."
Kelly Monteith (11.21.74) His "Thank you!" bit is a classic.
Garry Shandling (3.18.81) Letter-perfect.

DISC TWO:
Drew Carey (11.8.91) Jumping out of his skin. Funny and fast, and he gets the "wave over" from Johnny.
Sean Morey (6.8.81) Lame.
George Carlin (11.26.86) Too tight and uncomfortable. Don Ho jokes? He says it best himself: "Not all of these things are intended to be funny."
David Brenner (10.13.81) Always thinks he's funnier than the audience actually does.
Gallagher (2.17.82) Almost as annoying as Roseanne's voice. And not funny in the slightest.
Daryl Sivad (2.24.88) Totally anonymous.
Rita Rudner (2.2.88) Slick, but funny.
Maureen Murphy (10.15.80) Think Phyllis Diller with an Aussie accent, and then not nearly as funny.
Rich Hall (4.21.81) The guy who everyone thought was going to be Seinfeld-big. He gets the "wave over."
Rodney Dangerfield (2.3.81) May have the greatest stand-up delivery ever. Has a talk with Johnny, and gets by with saying, "Sh*t" on the air and the censors missed it. Priceless.

CARSON COUNTRY

TIMELESS MOMENTS

Here are the ten "episodes" included on the Timeless Moments discs, as described on their hardcases:

DISC ONE:

Show 1
Start with one of Johnny's timeless and hilarious monologues, throw in a charming farmer who makes jewelry from quail droppings, add special guests Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and Garry Shandling along with several other surprises, and you've got a show that is guaranteed to amuse and delight you.

Show 2
Begin with one of Johnny's hilarious monologues, stir in one of Roseanne's first TV appearances, plus a visit by Carnac the Magnificent, add Vlasta the International Queen of Polka and top it off with Jim Fowler and a Celebese ape who's full of surprises and you've got more timeless moments from The Tonight Show.

DISC TWO:

Show 3
Following a classic Carson monologue, Johnny pays tribute to America's most trusted newsman. Next, enjoy jokes from kids cowboy poet laureate Baxter Black and the loveable Aunt Blabby. Legendary Las Vegas magician Lance Burton performs a classic illusion and finally, Super Dave Osbourne shows that it takes to be a master daredevil.

Show 4
Following another classic Carson monologue, guests include: "nose flute" player Abbe Jaye, actor Charles Grodin, commentator Floyd R. Turbo, comedian Mark Schiff in his Tonight Show debut, wood sculptor Jon Walter and finally, Johnny offers some female audience members a chance to "Shower with a Star."

DISC THREE:

Show 5
Johnny shares his observations on the recession of 1982, followed by Rene Hall, the accident prone musical entertainer, a visit from Carnac the Magnificent, Michael Landon looks back on Bonanza, comedian Richard Jeni, a performance by the Peking Acrobats and finally, Johnny gets "billions" of laughs with his impression of Carl Sagan.

Show 6
This compilation features Johnny's comments on President Reagan's Thanksgiving traditions. Rodney Dangerfield still gets no respect, actress Jennifer Richards, a hilarious State of the Union address with Johnny as President, Wild Kingdom's Jim Fowler, the unpredictable Don Rickles, and a visit from Carnac the Magnificent.

DISC FOUR:

Show 7
In this classic compilation, Johnny discusses Miss America's breast implant scandal. Hear a Roget Thesaurus employee's eulogy speech, see comedian Garry Shandling, smoke-ring blower Harry Garrison, bird trainer David Frank, magician Lance Burton's debut performance, actor Kevin Pollack and get answers to all your DMV questions.

Show 8
After Johnny's monologue, comedian A. Whitney Brown hits the stage, followed by Jim Fowler, Carnac the Magnificent and the Mighty Carson Art Players. Dom DeLuise attempts a stunt involving raw eggs, Art Fern and the Tea Time Movie, and finally, Johnny joins the Renaissance Fair!

DISC FIVE:

Show 9
The show begins with a classic Carson monologue, Buddy Hackett talks about his days as a Marine, followed by comedian Rich Hall, martial artist Hugh McDonald, the Might Carson Art Players, Joan Embery and Super Dave Osbourne.

Show 10
This hilarious monologue includes Johnny with his "twin," Tommy Newsom, a visit from Carnac the Magnificent, comedians Garry Shandling and Ellen DeGeneres, a Tonight Show public service announcement, child actress Kaleena Kiff, a rare stand-up routine from Bob Hope, and Don Rickles gets caught red handed.

DISC SIX:

Johnny's Animal Hijinks
Some of The Tonight Show's most unforgettable moments occurred when Joan Embery of the San Diego Zoo and Jim Fowler of Wild Kingdom introduced audiences and Johnny to the always unpredictable world of wild and exotic animals. These critters reminded us that the King of Late Night was no match for the animal kingdom.

Return to Studio One
This classic "Lost Episode" of The Tonight Show is regarded as one of the most hilarious in television history. On this particular night, Johnny and his guests had no idea what was in store for them when Bob Hope and Dean Martin decided to drop in unannounced. The spontaneous and unrehearsed antics that followed are now show business legend.

The DVD:

The Video:
The full frame, 1.33:1 transfers for Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson vary, from relatively sharp and clear, to soft with moderate to heavy video noise. Don't expect pure digital clarity, and enjoy the old timey feel of vintage video.

The Audio:
The Dolby Digital English 2.0 mono soundtrack accurately reflects the original television presentation. No subtitles and close-captions are available.

The Extras:
On the The Ultimate Collection Starring Johnny Carson: Volume 1 - 3, disc one, a backstage tour of Studio 1, Johnny's Burbank facilities where The Tonight Show was filmed, is available. The viewer gets to see exactly how the studio looks from behind the cameras (as with most sets and studios, surprisingly small). On disc two, several "Danger Johnny" filmed segments, sans audio, are included. Johnny filmed these segments back in the 1960s, to be shown to the audience prior to taping. We get to see Johnny skydive, race cars, and other macho 1960s activities. On disc three, three ISO camera feeds are provided of the final show, giving a terrific alternate view of that historic event. It's great to see feeds of Johnny, "off camera," still laughing his head off at clips he must have seen a hundred times before. As well, there's a text history of the show, a list of awards and honors, scripts and notes of final run downs for various shows, along with original interview questions for various stars, including Mel Brooks and Madonna. On Carson Country, you get expanded information on the John Cash kinescope, the "Barroom Brawl," Michael Landon's appearance and John Wayne's walk-on. All in all, that's not a lot of extras considering how big the box set is, and how much extra material there must be out there for this 30-year show.

Final Thoughts:
TV's truest, greatest icon, Johnny Carson, ruled over the late night airwaves for 30 years. If you grew up during his heyday, you understand the impact he had on the entertainment field, and his reach within pop culture. If not, the Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is the perfect, massive dose of Carson hilarity to get you up to speed on one of the seminal figures in 20th century entertainment. If you already own one or more of these titles, you don't need to double dip on Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson; all of the material here has been previously released. But if you're missing a few titles, or you're new to Carson and the one, true Tonight Show (that's right, Leno), you can't go wrong with this smartly packaged boxed set. I highly recommend Heeere's Johnny: The Definitive Collection from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.