Though the DVD of the deluxe reissue of Abba’s 1981 album is being marketed as the bonus, it’s likely to be the part of the package that’ll have most fans reaching for their wallets, as opposed to the additional B-sides and Spanish language extras on the parent CD. The 70-minute running time includes original promo videos and unseen documentary footage.
Director Lasse Hallstrom, twice Oscar-nominated for My Life As A Dog and The Cider House Rules, skilfully interprets the group’s lyrics on the oftseen clips for the title track and The Winner Takes It All, creating thought-provoking storyboards to match the emotions and atmosphere of the songs. Meanwhile, muso Abba followers will get a kick out of the vintage documentary Words And Music, which largely focuses on Björn and Benny taking the viewer through the nuts and bolts of composition.
Just as much fun is Somewhere In The Crowd There’s You, a fly-on-the-wall account of the photo session for the album’s elaborate album art, the four principals surrounded by close friends and circus performers in a telling visual representation of the madness inherent in being a member of a globally-adored pop group. An insightful and intelligent package, far removed from the cheap cheese of the Mamma Mia! stage show and movie.
