Just like the stars of the video, a quartet of 18" puppets in the likenesses of ABBA, this is SHORT. Clocking in at just 6 minutes, it's hardly worth a full DVD. But hey, every minute is a pleasure. The DVD is augmented by 4 full ABBA videos of the songs featured on the soundtrack: "Take a Chance", "Dancing Queen", "The Winner Takes It All" and "Waterloo". Also there is a 5 minute mini-documentary "The Making Of" which is a real treat to watch because it shows you how much love & effort went into the production. The Making Of documentary wraps up with a funny puppet impromptu sketch with the Benny & Bjorn puppets. The feature itself has an all star cast & production team of the highest caliber, notably the puppeteers from Jim Henson's crew (The Muppets). And yes, there is at least 1 appearance by each of the members of ABBA.
Something else about the DVD which is totally awesome is a booklet that serves as a sort of roadmap. You see, almost the entire script was taken from ABBA lyrics. If you're a die-hard fan, you'll probably recognize the lyrics immediately, but if not, the booklet lists where each line was taken from, along with pictures of the corresponding scenes. It's like a trivia game in itself. Thus, this DVD, including bonus features & all, should provide ABBA fans with a solid hour of fun, not including repeat viewings which is a given.
The actual 6-minute video is really funny, with hilarious performances from well known UK comedians playing the roles of extravagant record company bozos and their bulging sidekicks, amateur musicians in the waiting room, and a few star-spotting cameos in the recording studio including Cher.
In the last 30 odd years since their final album "The Visitors" (their best in my opinion), the members of ABBA have been offered no less than 10 godzillian dollars to re-form for a farewell tour. But as Bjorn has quipped, amid a trend of old bands reuniting, ABBA distinguishes itself as being "the band that does not come back." If that is indeed the case and this is truly ABBA's Last Video, it's a fond & fitting farewell to a great bunch of musicians who made the world a slightly happier place. Don't miss the chance to experience this cute coda.
