NBC music series ‘The Midnight Special’ boogies on to DVD

Before they wanted their MTV, rock and pop music fans grooved to NBC’s “The Midnight Special,” the 1972-81 music series created by Burt Sugarman that aired Fridays at 1 a.m. Wolfman Jack was the announcer and frequent guest host for the show that featured the hottest acts from the era, such as the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Electric Light Orchestra, Marvin Gaye, Jim Croce and the Village People. Each week heralded a new host — Helen Reddy made it a regular gig between July 1975 and March 1976 — who would also perform their latest tune. The series is now arriving on DVD as a single disc, as well as a six-disc set and an 11-hour Collector’s Edition. Not only is the music great, but so are the outlandish, colorful clothes and the remarkable hairstyles.