Absolutely ABC - The DVD Collection

Overview

Was it really as long ago as 1982 that ABC released the theatrical, Julien Temple-directed video for "Poison Arrow" (in which the band members perform on stage while watching themselves from the audience)? Amazingly, yes, and Absolutely ABC: The DVD Collection covers the stylish British duo's videos from 1982 to 1989 (Absolutely is also the title of their 1990 greatest hits collection). It could be argued that ABC were at their best on video (as opposed to the album format). "How to be a Millionaire," for example, may not have charted as high as previous singles, but it represents a pinnacle in the group's visual career--the video is completely animated, with vocalist Martin Fry and guitarist Mark White (who were augmented primarily by session musicians) rendered in cartoon form. Although the Absolutely DVD doesn't boast any extras, such as interviews or live footage, the disc features 14 essential ABC videos, including two different versions of "Vanity Kills." --Kathleen C. Fennessy