Ah, The Corrs. Sometimes unflatteringly dubbed The Bores. A bit harsh I think, but I can see why some people might label them as such. Their music is hardly groundbreaking, adventurous or avante garde. In fact, it's probably safe to say that they owe a great deal of their popularity to their predictability, but you can say that about most artists. A band with catchy songs, the bog standard verse-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus song structure, competent musicians and three attractive women is unlikely to fail now, is it?

The Corrs hit the big time in 1995 arriving almost from nowhere. Their debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, had that definite Irish sound, blending traditional Irish instruments and rhythms with a mainstream pop sound. The three Corr sisters and their brother tasted international success, including Australia, with hit songs such as Runaway, Love to Love You and the title track of that first album.

A second album, Talk On Corners, followed their world tour (which included Australia), and contained hits such as Only When I Sleep, So Young, and I Never Loved You Anyway.

They then released an MTV Unplugged album that cemented their popularity. They followed that with a third studio album, In Blue (also available on DVD-A), and more hits flowed. Songs such as Irresistible, Breathless and Give Me a Reason had that same formula and sound, but as they say, if it ain't broke, why try to fix it?

After several live DVD releases comes this Best Of collection that includes 18 video clips, some presented in surround sound, but all in Linear PCM stereo as a minimum, and a newer song or two that can be found on the CD 'Best Of' equivalent.

Fans don't need any convincing. Detractors don't need to know anything more to put them off. The Corrs have become a less Irish, and more AOR (Adult Orientated Rock) sounding band over the last few years, but are unlikely to change musical direction anytime soon. It has been a while since they had a new album to flog, and as a touring band they've been a bit quiet too, which leads me to think this DVD video collection might be preparation for another assault. You have been warned!

Track listing

* Denotes videos in Linear PCM Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1

Despite the back cover claiming that these clips are 4:3 aspect ratio, they actually range from 2.35:1 to full frame, though none are 16:9 enhanced. With video collections you expect there to be wild variations in picture quality, and while there is some quality variance, it is minor and all 18 videos scrub up just fine. The general pattern of the videos is The Corrs performing and miming their hits in various locations, with very few instances of special effects and the like, and the general sharpness of the image is just fine.

All the clips are clean and mark free, with minimal grain, and only a few instances of shimmer. Colours vary a little but that's to be expected with a variety of directors, locations, equipment and lighting. There are no problems with bleeding or noise and the like, and The Corrs look as shiny and as glossy as they sound.

Speaking of sound, the videos in this collection all sound great. All are available in Linear PCM stereo with a handful also available in Dolby Digital 5.1. In Linear PCM 48/16, they all sound superb. There is a great and dynamic sound range with strong solid bass and clear trebles for those full and intricate harmonies. There is clear separation for all things such as guitars and the drums sit underneath the whole sound keeping the beat superbly. There are no problems with synchronisation and even though there are no subtitles, you won’t have a problem with lyrics in the crystal clear audio.

The 5.1 tracks are from their Unplugged DVD and their most recent In Blue CD (and DVD-A). Most make great use of the expanded format, with guitar and synthesiser sounds and vocals placed at various points in the sound spectrum. One or two of the tracks are a little subtle in their use of the surrounds, but still sound great. Most lead vocals are placed in the front speakers and again the dynamic range is great. Those who enjoy the feeling of sitting amongst the band that 5.1 can simulate will be pleased. Those that prefer the more traditional stereo sound can ignore the 5.1 tracks altogether and stick to the stereo option. Either way, everyone should be happy.

There are some limited extras (if you don’t count the surround tracks as extras) and they are an Image Gallery and Catalogue. The former is a four-minute, instrumentally accompanied, self-navigating photo gallery that includes pages from a 1997 Corrs calendar, some promo shots and various concert tickets and passes. The latter is four screens each showing you another Corrs DVD that you might like to purchase.

While some will roll their eyes at the prospect of yet another Corrs DVD, fans will probably be quite pleased. Gathered here are all their clips so far, some in Dolby 5.1 surround, but all in Linear PCM 48/16 as a minimum. The band are a good looking bunch, sound great, create well-crafted and catchy pop songs, and release safe and inoffensive videos to go with them. Totally predictable, and totally catchy. Damn them for making me like their sugary-sweet sound!