This new DVD has been released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their win in the Eurovision Song Contest back in Brighton in 1974.

I defy anyone to say they haven't danced to or own a copy of any Abba hits that have been released since then.

Any deejay will tell you that, if they are having problems getting the crowd up to dance, then tracks like Dancing Queen will soon have every body up on the floor.

Practically every house owns an Abba song of some description most even own the Abba Gold album, which also happens to be re-released as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Every one knows that after the band split up Messrs Anderrson and Ulvaeus went on to write the hit musical Chess and currently the musical Mamma Mia which consists of many of the hits is still packing them in wherever it is showing.

This DVD shows what Abba’s appeal was all about, good looking ladies and brilliantly written songs.

Their live act was not the strongest and I think they’d be the first to admit it. Their time was spent crafting the songs in the studio and tours were a rarity and this DVD backs up these statements.

I can see this disc only being of special interest to Abba fans only.

This Dvd starts in America and finishes up in Wembley arena in London in 1979.

They needed a sizeable backing band on stage to help recreate that special sound they had but it only helps to making the show seem flat.

It has been proved on many occasions that great musicians and great performers are not necessarily the same thing.

It starts off well with a lively version of the Eurovision winner Waterloo then its a run through of all the classics including Chiquitita, Does your mother know and Gimme Gimme Gimme finishing with a forgettable album track.

Does anyone remember Hole in your Soul? No. Neither did I and so did the crowd looking by the looks on their faces at least they liked the rock and roll beat.

The extras consist of two interviews with management and promoters and two songs omitted from the main film.

These include the full version of I have a dream complete with local school kids and an unplugged version of The way old friends do.

No-one could ever doubt the quality of the songs or the stunning looking Agnetha and Frida on stage so let me give the following piece of advice to anyone interested in purchasing this disc.

I would suggest you purchase this disc if you are an Abba devotee or if you want to see what all the fuss was about way back then.

However if you want to see these songs performed on stage in a manner befitting their quality then go and see Mamma Mia (the musical) or go see Bjorn Again (the tribute group).

HOME