'Omnibus' honors the arts

Back in the day — as in, more than 50 years ago — fledgling TV networks would dabble in the arts with no apologies. And the program that received the highest acclaim for doing so was "Omnibus," which leads off this look at TV shows newly released on DVD.

"Leonard Bernstein: Omnibus" (E1, 1954-57, four discs, b/w, $49.98). Like many anthology shows in the early days of television, "Omnibus" was often broadcast live, and it was a staple of the early Sunday evening lineup, hosted by Alistair Cook.

But this show wasn't merely rotating dramas, although there were some. "Omnibus" shifted from complete performances to collections of excerpts, from musical comedy to classic literature, from documentaries to treatises on ballet, opera and music in general. (Jacques Cousteau got his start with his underwater documentaries on this program.)

This first of a series of "Omnibus" DVDs collects seven of the most popular episodes, all presented and performed by Leonard Bernstein — programs that haven't been seen in their entirety since they aired live in the mid-1950s. The affable musician offers master classes on Beethoven, Bach, jazz, musical comedy, opera and the art of conducting. And as a bonus, there's a 1955 live performance of Handel's "Messiah."

Bernstein, who was comfortable with all of these musical forms, had already dabbled in stage musicals and would go on to compose what is arguably his most popular and populist work, "West Side Story." Some aspects of these kinescopes are dated, of course, but it doesn't really detract from the love of music that comes through.

And an unexpected gift is the presence of a very young Carol Burnett in the "Musical Comedy" program. She gets two upbeat solos, "Heat Wave" (from "As Thousands Cheer") and "Give Him the Ooh-La-La" (from "DuBarry Was a Lady"), which also demonstrate her comedy prowess.

Extras: full frame, seven programs, bonus "Messiah" program, trailers; 24-page booklet

"Country's Greatest Stars Live: Volume One" (Shout! 1978, two discs, $29.99)."Country's Greatest Stars Live: Volume Two" (Shout! 1978, two discs, $29.99). These two sets collect seven hourlong country-music programs that were performed live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville over five months in 1978.

"Volume One" has Glen Campbell hosting two shows and Dolly Parton hosting another, with guest performers including Crystal Gayle, the Statler Brothers, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Rodriguez, Ray Charles, Earl Scruggs, Larry Gatlin, Kitty Wells, Mel Tillis and more (with comedy from Roy Clark and Minnie Pearl).