Category: (DVD)
19 new, starting at $14.72
11 used, starting at $7.25
Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 09/30/2002
The Winner Takes It All: The Abba Story reflects the peaks and valleys of the Swedish supergroup's popularity over the decades, as well as the quartet's turbulent years together. The documentary successfully manages to piece together both the group's public and private sides through the use of interview excerpts and video footage, and it also contains exclusive interviews with all four members of Abba for the first time since their split. Reflecting on the intricate nature of their music, as well as the elevation of their compositions to the heady heights of pop classics, the documentary concludes with behind-the-scenes footage of preparations for the Abba-inspired stage show Mamma Mia! This is a must for all Abba fans, as well as those wishing to discover the heritage of one of the world's greatest pop groups. --John Galilee
Excellent tribute to the legendary ABBAReviewed by D. D. Forbort, 2009-09-23
Really enjoyed this documentary tribute to ABBA. Previous reviewers
have detailed much of the contents of The Winner Takes it all, but
I have to say that I really enjoyed hearing the comments of ABBA
along with the other music professionals who discussed the history
and multiple talents of the Swedish stars. Sir Tim Rice was
interviewed and it was interesting to discover that he chose Bjorn
and Benny to write the music for Chess, his 1980's musical. The
comments of U-2's Bono and others, including ABBA sound engineer
Michael Tretow, were enlightening as well.
ABBA is one of the all-time great music groups whose unique sound
remains wildly popular. This documentary does an excellent job of
filling us in on much of their background from the song writing
genius and methods of Bjorn and Benny to the stories of the very
talented and beautiful singers, Anni-Frid and Agnetha. This DVD is
a treasure for ABBA fans... worth far more than five stars.
ABBAReviewed by John Gordon, 2009-07-04
ABBA ; Abba is one of the best known groups in Europe. The United
States really missed out on this group, as I did .They had one
number 1 song here. The music from Mamma Mia is ABBA . That is how
I discovered them .
Do yourself a big favor and listen to ABBA,the Momma Mia movie
sound tract, and James Last plays ABBA. James Last is ANOTHER
secret well kept from the U.S.
The Winner Takes it AllReviewed by George E. Munger, 2009-05-11
I'm not a 'Pop Group Expert', but in my opinion this is the best group that ever was for its era. I'm not a fan of Bono, but I agree with him on this one.
Interesting and EnlighteningReviewed by D. Reed, 2009-04-30
I was very informed after watching this. Some things I did know, like an 18 month gap between "Waterloo" and "SOS" and how the divorces came about, but other things I didn't know. It's a shame to know what's happened to Agnetha. I can but yet I can't fully understand why she's become so reclusive. One thing I was kind of confused was that it was advertised on the cover that there would be "exclusive clips" from MAMMA MIA! and I didn't mind that there was barely a mention of it, but I would hardly call four clips anything to look forward to. The only thing I found exclusive was the rehersal clip. Everything else I've seen in other ABBA/MAMMA MIA! specials. Besides that though I did find it enjoyable, worth every penny.
ABBA, thank you for this storyReviewed by kevinpm, 2009-04-13
As a big fan of ABBA I can truly say that I was not disappointed at
all.
Many favorite songs live and studio takes were not only impressive
and enjoyable, but also emotional. The reason why I mentioned the
word "emotional" was when I realized that their later songs such as
"knowing me, knowing you", "the winner takes it all" and "The day
before you came" were performed during the divorces of both
marriages within the group. But I've come to understand that
despite the increase of problems, the group held on as long as it
did.
ABBA's music has never promoted drugs, violence, major profanity,
love for politics, scandals, etc. I feel the need to point this out
because many singers and other groups could learn something from
ABBA. I think that their songs on this DVD can be enjoyed by both
men and women, boys and girls, and parents and children with
ease.
It's a real shame that the mass leftist media didn't give them a
fair portrayal. I mean portraying Anni-Frid and Agnetha as hating
each other, or using the song "Dancing Queen" as some king of
pro-gay song. From my point of view, such depiction allows other
people who don't know ABBA's real inside story to take a dim
view.
I'll say this as a man: nothing against Agnetha, she's attractive
and she has a lovely voice, but I would say that Anni-Frid is more
of my favorite woman in the group. I was awed on the one part when
she said something about being envied that Agnetha was mostly
chosen to be lead singer of any song. Plus, I was touched to hear
her speak in general.
In conclusion, If you are someone who wants to learn more from
ABBA, or are a fan, or looking for pure music from a pure group,
then this DVD is a real timepiece.
Thank you for the music Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anni-Frid!
