Review of Wu Tang Clan W, The: Volume 1

Introduction

The WuTang Clan aren`t the sort of group you`d take your Granny to see, which may be why this disk is enhanced with stuff that you won`t see on TV!

The Clan journey back in time in an elevator to different periods that happily coincide with their videos.

Handy that.

All the videos are from their latest album, The W. Sensible really seeing as this disc is meant to compliment the album. The videos are unedited, but more of that later.

Video

Very good picture quality as you would expect of a modern music video. Gone are the days of Queen`s Bohemian Rhapsody being the definitive standard, these videos are more like short feature films themselves in their presentation and effect.

The video is full screen, but this does not detract from the overall feeling. The lift scenes are dark and moody, whilst the videos, especially Gravel Pit, display a dramatic vibrancy and attention to colour detail.

Audio

Dolby 5.1 sound is used heartily here, make sure your sub is nailed to the floor!

The effects channels are not greatly stressed but the front sound stage certainly is, especially the sub.

The dubbing is possibly the worst I have ever experienced, and I used to own a Pioneer DV505, a machine notorious for bad lip, sound action.

Features

The list of extras on the back of the disk tempt the purchaser into buying, but be aware.

Playstation 2 compatible: Aren`t most DVDs?

Exclusive three video movie version: Errr, that`s the whole disk contents anyway.

Bonus videos you won`t see on TV: See above.

Interactive Menus: Not an extra.

Instant chapter access to songs: Not an extra.

Conclusion

First off let`s start by saying this is not unedited. The videos are certainly longer than normally shown on say Top of the Pops, but the language and content has been edited.

The disk has a 15 certificate, so how can it get away with saying it hasn`t been cut? The main problem with the cuts to language is that the dubbing has been wrecked.

Apart from these niggles, it is an enjoyable collection of music videos that has had a bit more thought directed at it than the normal bunch of videos collection. At least there is an attempt at a story.

Good picture, loud soundtrack, overall enjoyable.