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  Specs
  • Full Frame
  Languages
  • English: Linear PCM Surround
  Subtitles
  • None
  Extras
  • Animated menus
  • Audio CD
How Good is That?
Sony Music Video/Sony BMG . R4 . COLOR . 66 mins . E . PAL

  Feature
Contract

More of today’s hottest Top 40 talent arrives in our living rooms with the creation of How Good is That? - another top 40 party companion.

Personally, this disc is suited much better to a party with bands of genres lining the DVD as opposed to a mishmash of waffle. First we have the R&B feel of artists like J-Lo and Destiny’s Child followed by some alternative music from Oasis, Something for Kate and Five For Fighting, then some dance tracks from X-Press 2 and DB Boulevard and finally a pop feel from Mandy Moore and Tina Arena. But just look out for Anastacia’s six pack – it's a bit scary and puts the muscle men to shame.

While this disc sounds much better than the simultaneously released Heaps Cool, the way that it is set up is annoying. Each video clip is in its own title, as opposed to a giant title with separate chapters on Heaps Cool. This means that at the end of each video clip there is a pause as the next title is accessed – a gap that shouldn’t be there at a party. Not only is there a title change, but also a copyright warning at the end of every single clip – another waste of party time. But some great music architecture is let down by some poor DVD design. But oh well, party on!

Track listing...

Jennifer Lopez - I’m Gonna Be Alright (Track Masters Remix)
Selwyn - Way Love’s Supposed to Be
Shakaya - Stop Callin’ Me
Destiny’s Child - Nasty Girl (Maurice’s Nu Soul Remix Radio Edit)
Anastacia - One Day in Your Life
Jamiroquai - You Give Me Something
Oasis - Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Something for Kate - Monsters
Five For Fighting - Superman (It’s Not Easy)
X-Press 2 feat. David Bryne - Lazy
DB Boulevard - Point of View
Roger Sanchez – Another Chance
Human Nature - Always Be With You
Charlton Hill – 2’s Company
Che-Fu - Fade Away
Tina Arena - Dare You to Be Happy
Mandy Moore - Crush (Remix)
Mr Jones - Better Days (Monday Mix – Radio Edit)

  Video
  Audio
  Extras
Contract

Like the Heaps Cool compilation, the video is presented in a variety of non-enhanced masked aspects including 1.33:1, 1.66:1, 1.78:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, 2.40:1, etc, etc and so forth.

Because the content is made up of music videos, allowances need to be made when looking at the transfer as many clips have artistic effects such as colour alterations, grain, artefacts, and bizarre things like, all of which could be removed for a clean transfer, but are there for the purpose of the clip. Things, however, do look good, with bright colours, solid blacks and only a little bit of feisty aliasing to whinge about. This single-layered disc lacks a layer change, and also lacks subtitles of any description. Not really necessary for the content, but may have been nice for karaoke.

The solo English 2.0 track, which is surround-encoded, has been included as Linear PCM audio. For once, no Dolby Digital in sight! Bass levels are brilliant throughout, with rich definition and bold depth. The centre, front left and right and rear left and right carry the music and lyrics with an enveloping effect, creating the perfect dance floor sound. There are no synch issues in any of the tracks, and audio clarity is superb – much nicer than that on Heaps Cool.

Song selections and menus don’t count as extra features. But wait, there’s more! Like an audio CD featuring the same track listing for those who don’t have a DVD player at a party. Heaps cool, and how good is that?! A DVD-ROM weblink has also been included, but wouldn’t it be easier just to type the weblink in?

Add this one to your party shopping list along with the Ministry of Sound 2003 DVD Annual and Heaps Cool for your next shindig. Discs like these are really bringing parties into the technology age.


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  •   And I quote...
    "Music videos from some of the hottest artists, the perfect companion to a party – how good is that?"
    - Martin Friedel
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Philips DVD 736K
    • TV:
          TEAC EU68-ST
    • Speakers:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Centre Speaker:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Surrounds:
          Teac PLS-60 Home Theatre System
    • Audio Cables:
          Standard RCA
    • Video Cables:
          standard s-video
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    "This Craic is as unfunny as a plumber’s butt crack, with a transfer that’s just as pretty too..."

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