DVD sets a great way to spend Christmas cash

Muppet master Jim Henson modeled his show after old-time vaudeville with comedy skits, song and dance numbers and guest stars. And this season boasts a roster of show biz greats — Liberace, Gilda Radner, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Harry Belafonte, Kris Kristofferson, Danny Kaye, Pearl Bailey, Loretta Lynn and more. Of course, the whole Muppet gang — Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fonzie, the Swedish chef, Statler and Waldorf (the old hecklers from the balcony) — shine in the episodes. Many memorable moments in these episodes and they're still funny after three decades later.

Bonus features include "Muppets on Puppets," an hour program from 1969, that shows the Muppets creators from the early days and is hosted by Jim Henson plus Muppets commercials for Purina Dog Chow.

"The Odd Couple: The Final Season" (Paramount/CBS Video, not rated, 3 discs, 9 hours and 22 minutes, $39.98): The legendary comedy team of Jack Klugman and Tony Randall bicker their way through 22 episodes of the series' fifth and final season. Based on the play "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon about two divorced roommates who drive each other crazy, the TV show offers standout performances by Randall as neat freak Felix Unger and Klugman as the slob/sportwriter.

Well-known names such as Howard Cosell, Roy Clark, Penny Marshall and Bob Hope are among performers who make guest appearances.

"The Ron Howard Spotlight Collection" (Universal, rated PG or PG-13, except "Backdraft" which is R, 8 discs, $39.98): If you're looking for inspiration and triumph, this collection of memorable Ron Howard films is great viewing on a snowy evening.

"Backdraft" (1991) stars Kurt Russell and William Baldwin as squabbling brothers who must work together to survive the fires set by an arsonist.

It has great special effects.

Among bonus features are filmmakers revealing how they made those spectacular special effects, deleted scenes, an introduction by Howard and insight from real firefighters.

"Apollo 13" (1995) keeps you on the edge of your seat even though you know how this-movie-based-on- history ends. Stars Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise and Ed Harris are a great ensemble in this riveting movie. Bonus features include commentary by Howard as well as from astronaut/Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell and his wife, Marilyn, a recounting of the actual space mission, the making of the movie and production notes, and theatrical trailers.