5/5 For the ABBA fan
  by J. M. Gonzalez (Vineland N.J. USA)
For those of you that have seen or !gasp! purchased the bootleg version of this TV special, here's a chance to own not only a remastered version of that special, but all the little extras that come along with this (2) disc version. First off, a description of what this is...this is a TV special. They shot this for Japanese television in 1978 and what was customary then was that not all the songs are performed live. Some are lip sync. Note-this is not a live concert! They only perform for the television cameras and not a live audience. Some of the songs are clearly the recordings while others are performed with musicians behind them (Thank You For The Music) as an example.

The extras include a 'fly on the wall' documentary on the second disc, and on the first a behind the scenes of ABBA in Japan doing promotion and preparing for this TV special. It is in Japanese but english subtitles are available.

Picture quality and sound are great -the bonus track which is 'If it Wasn't For The Nights' is already in the special. The bonus is a remix of that same track
**Also note this is full screen not letterboxed. What more can I say? If you love ABBA and haven't seen this pick this up! If you have, take a look again, this remastered version plays beautifuly and worth having in your collection.

**UPDATE 11/6 - This review is for the 2 disc version, it is my understanding that there is also a 1 disc version that does not include the fly on the wall documentary which by the way is 'ABBA in Japan 1980.' That bonus documentary is a behind the scenes view of ABBA's tour of Japan in 1980. Sound quality on that is fair and includes snippets of there live performance but no complete songs. The second disc also contains a gallery of photographs set to music and a gallery of record sleeves for both LP's and 45's released in Japan.




5/5 ABBA Conquers Japan.
  by E. Valero (Woodbridge, Ontario Canada)
This hour long television special was made in Japan and originally broadcast in late 1978. It features the group performing many of their most well known songs as well as some album track (up until 1978). Most of the songs are mimed to playback and 3 are performed live and all are an absolute pleasure to watch. "Tiger" and "That's Me" for instance have several dancers dancing in the forefront and it works quite well. You even see Agnetha and Frida get close and personal with some of the dancers and the opening track, "Eagle" is lavishly done. What I loved about this program however, were the live renditions of their songs namely "Money Money Money", "SOS" and "Thank You for the Music". All are splendidly performed by the girls backed up by the boys, an orchestra and featuring some unique arrangement. Agnetha is specially delightful during her performance of "Thank You for the Music" and the confetti assault that ensues. I only wished they would have performed more live tracks. There was a certain edge in these performances in both the instrumental delivery and the girls solid vocals. It was surprising they didn't perform "Waterloo" live since this was a song that won them first place at The Eurovision Song Contest and as evidenced in "ABBA The Movie" and the excerpt that is shown in "ABBA- In Concert", this is a song they pretty much perfected singing. With all of that said, this is still a gem of a show that every ABBA fan will enjoy. It features the girls at their finest and their charming presence is a pleasure to watch.

This DVD does offer a few bonuses, one is a mimed performance of "If It Wasn't for the Nights" which features a different sound mix and an interesting documentary of ABBA's hectic schedule while in Japan and like in "ABBA-The Movie", Agnetha's famous bottom is brought up once again. There is a scene in which Agnetha, looking all glam'd up, walks in front of the television camera towards the stage and the camera man childishly (and unprofessionally) lowers his camera to take a few shots at Agnetha's curvaceous bottom. You can't really blame him considering the gorgeous blonde was a sight to behold but come on, let's be professional here. It did manage to get a few chuckles from us while watching this but I am sure Agnetha Fältskog was not amused. An interesting booklet is also included and I must say since I watched several of these performances on YouTube, it was refreshing to see these again, in full screen with great sound and picture quality. It took 30 years but it was worth the wait. I only hope they release the entire "Dick Cavett Meets ABBA Television Special" with extras sometime soon. Recommended.


5/5 Highest quality Abba DVD release to date
  by Dale E. Kronquist (Colorado)
Clearly, much care went into the production of this DVD release. The quality of the video from the original full frame (1:33 to 1) video tape masters from this 1978 TV special are very good. The re-mastered sound, both the monophonic audio from the original live numbers, as well as the stereo remasters of the official studio versions of these hit songs that are re-inserted to match these performances, is the best yet. The DVD audio alone serves as a new quality audio reference for these standards.
The lip-sync production numbers are enjoyable, moreover, Agnetha in particular does justice to these lip syncs. She seemed to really care about how these performances came across and really connected with the camera and it shows. I saw only one short lip sync error in the whole presentation. Original introductions by the four, Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anna-Frid are intact as intros to three numbers, as well as the tag-finale.
The live numbers, such as SOS, Thank you for the music and Money, Money, Money are an added treat. As a time capsule, the remastered Abba hits, and the rare look at these two talented ladies, who steal the show, this release is a must for new viewers as well as existing Abba fans. More insights to the band and those times are well showcased in the Documentary and slide show special features. They call it a "Fly on the Wall" documentary.

5/5 different dvd
  by alejandro (Valdivia, Chile)
i like this dvd from the begining. the music is clear and fresh. the shows are funny and like a new presentation. the pictures are like a new. excellente resolution. if you like abba you must buy it.

5/5 Abba in Japan
  by J. Benigno (USA)
One of the many TV Specials by the second greatest group ever. Haven't opened my copy yet, but glad to get an upgraded quality video of the show, with behind the scenes extras. Since Universal puts out every project that producers approach them with in an attempt to get cleared, as the other monopolies do, the fans should suggest other material in the corporate vaults, such as the numerous TV appearances in the US (such as "Don Kirshners' Rock Concert", "Wonderama", "American Bandstand", "Dinah", etc.) & all over the world. Most appearances are lip-sync, but the appealing interest is in seeing Agnetha appear on stage, at any opportunity.