The Collection [DVD] [2002]

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Over the course of more than two decades, Birmingham's UB40 have become global ambassadors for reggae, a journey captured perfectly on The Collection. This programme is split into two main sections: a 26-track video collection and a documentary detailing their 20th anniversary concert in September 2001. Forgoing chronology in favour of a more random approach, the video selection is slightly disjointed on a visual level, leaping from decade to decade within the space of a couple of tracks. While they have never made a truly great video (most feature the band lip-synching in various places around the world) UB40 have certainly been prolific over the years. "One In Ten" and "Food for Thought", their earliest work, represented the sound of young, multicultural Britain just as well as the more lauded Specials. And while there have perhaps been a few too many covers in recent times, it is hard to deny the effectiveness of "Red, Red Wine" and "Kingston Town". Much of the success of the documentary depends on how interesting you find infinite s of pony-tailed men wheeling flight cases, but it does provide an in into the background to such an event (which took place two days after the World Trade Centre attacks), if not the band themselves. There is also some excellent live footage, featuring guests such as Chrissie Hynde, Freddie McGregor and Sly & Robbie--proof that, despite the critical sneers, UB40 have taken their place amongst the reggae greats. On the DVD: UB40: The Collection has excellent digital sound, while the picture is unsurprisingly far better on the later tracks. The documentary and concert footage, too, are excellent, the latter benefiting from a multi-camera approach. Seemingly designed primarily for DVD rather than simply a VHS upgrade, this impressive package is polished and viewer friendly. There are several interactive elements, including a year-by-year look at the band's history. --Phil Udell