ABBA The Movie

A product of a more innocent time, by a band that was far more innocent than most even then. Not a trace of cynicism or anger in this film, just a relaxing, highly enveloping experience that is a breeze to watch over and over again. Make no mistake, these were seriously talented and sophisticated musicians and songwriters. It becomes shockingly more apparent as time goes on just how GOOD this music was, feel free to compare it to any music, ever. Amazing. Like a breath of fresh air, my mood actually changes for the better when I hear their music or see this movie. And I can't say that about many things. Just think of most of the hollow, vapid, short-lived "entertainers" we have today. They are eons below ABBA. These people were absolutely enjoying life and their careers at this time, which wasn't the case to the same degree by the time they broke up only 5 years later. It's amazing to think how much they accomplished between 1974 and 1982. It's no wonder they continue to sell millions of albums per year even now, in spite of never being "cool", even in their own time.This movie is especially enjoyable to me as I was just becoming aware of the world as a youngster at this time and remember gazing at Agnetha and thinking "I don't know what it is I like about girls, but I like SOMETHING!". She was the most obvious immediate attraction when the band was being filmed or photographed, but all of the members were very charismatic and talented, even their speaking voices were fantastic. Just watch Benny bouncing around on his piano (shades of Rowlf the Dog on Sesame Street LOL). It's rare to find such worry free moments in life.The plot is pure silliness, but great stuff. I especially like the intrepid reporter's dream/fantasy sequence and the elevator sequence when the girls sing the hypnotic "Eagle". You cannot be an ABBA fan and not have this movie. Get it!!

I watched this DVD at a friend's house. As I entered the living room, ABBA was playing on the big screen home theater and... the kids were watching and dancing like it was a Hanna Montana concert :). It immediately brought back memories of those great late 70's days - was I in high school then? - and us kids watching this very concert movie in a theater and feeling happy and free. It was THAT good. And it still is.Needless to say, the first thing I did when I got home was to see if a Blu version was available. It was not or, rather not yet. November 25 is still 'the future' at the time I am writing this but the Blu version is already on order, waiting for the release date to ship out. By the way, I would not have hesitated to order the DVD if Blu was not upcoming because the DVD looks flawless too.Need I say what this is about? Okay, at the height of their glory, ABBA embarked on an Australian tour back in the late 70's. They toured all the big cities down-under and they wowed (is that a verb) everyone. And, while at it, someone made a movie of them wowing (is this REALLY a verb) everyone so that non-Australians could go to theaters and watch them performing in Australia. We get to see concert footage and some backstage takes, a couple of interviews but, at least to me, ABBA is ABBA - the characters on the stage, not the real people with their real problems, so I am happy that most of the movie is showing them performing on stage, not one minute older today than 30 years ago, happy, energetic, strong, harmonious in a loud way and making everyone around happy, then and now.I just can't wait to watch this, again, in Blu - counting down the days already. And, if anyone is thinking about getting the Mamma Mia! uninspired, tired, morally-dubious, untalented, ridiculous, tasteless cheap imitation - it's actually more expensive - don't bother (see my review).

Yes, I was blessed enough to grow up during a time when ABBA Ruled The World. I grew up listening to Mama Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo and SOS. I was so excited to see this film was finally released and, to top it off, remastered! The film looks incredible and the sound is equally amazing.I won't regurgitate what you already know from reading the other comments. The movie by Lasse Halstrom, is a Mockumentary. It follows the exploits of a fictitous reporter trying to collect an interview with ABBA. There sets in motion a story of one man trying to get an audience with the legendary band on the leg of an extraordinary tour through Australia. Yes, the movie is told from the "reporters" point of view but there is plenty of real concert footage of the band at the height of their success. Yes, the only band that outsold ABBA was the Beatles. Most folks in this country don't realize how extraordinary a pop band and phenomenon they were but just take a trip to Europe and ask anyone, and I mean anyone, over the age of 35 if they know who ABBA is and they will respond with "Oh, they're the greatest band that ever was". So, what are you wating for. Buy this dang video. It's mean't for those that "lived" the phenomenon and for those young folks that simply are discoving ABBA through the stage hit and soon to be successful movie, Mama Mia, then just get this dvd and you'll appreciate what we who lived through the phenomenon already know. ABBA once ruled the world and this dvd is testament to just how "big" they were.