Released in time for the holidays Winter 2006, this is a really special DVD for vintage Elton collectors.  This is a copy of the working tape for a unique broadcast of The Old Grey Whistle Test BBC program from December 24, 1974.  A totally live broadcast outside the usual studio atmosphere we associate with the program.  The disc starts with the opener of "Grimsby" cut about half way through.  We are treated to a handful of hits before the actual TV Broadcast actually begins after "Grey Seal" when host Bob (can't think of his last name!) emerges from the wings in a Santa, or perhaps Father Christmas suit to welcome the viewers and introduce the show.

The video suffers from some pretty minor color saturation but overall is fine.  In fact the only problem with this video document is that the video counter burn-in is present and it resides in the bottom center of the screen - and it's unusually large compared to other like examples we have seen with these over the years, making it very hard to ignore.  The audio track on this tape is excellent and is presented on the disc in Dolby Digital Stereo. 

The performance and setlist is prime Elton John Band and supporting horn section from the Caribou Tour.  Although I think I prefer the stripped down version of the band without the horn section.  Anyway, the whole holiday atmosphere makes this a special evening along with the fact Elton hadn't done many shows in England during this period of time and the audience is quite exhuberant.  Gary Glitter gets dragged out for the second encore of "White Christmas" (and looking "in-drag" with a full-length fur coat on) but he lost the nerve or whatever and quickly disappears.  There is the bonus video of the 1976 circa holiday tune by the band, "Step Into Christmas", captured from what appears to be a VH-1 airing from the early 90's.  While the show can get a bit campy it's still 1974 Elton John before things took a more strange and reclusive-type turn for old Elton.  The mood, the circumstances and the high quality broadcast video along with the strong audio make it quite enjoyable.  Even if that damn counter is right in your face.  Look around, you may be able to pick this one up cheap and would be well worth it at a relatively budget price as it's a really nice package and solid video document.