U2 Album: “U218 Videos [DVD]”

The past year, there have been numerous hits records that really have delivered where they could've been with more, and others that just sadly missed the mark. That has also been said with music video DVD's. Although when there happens to really be a best of on DVD, it is just a lot easier to see more of what is available that fans just want. That can be said with U2 as well. They've been in the game for over 26 years, and the songs and the appeal they've continued to bring out has been so unreal, it just keeps coming. Also, with Bono recently adding honorary knighthood to his list, he has helped the group continue to be unstoppable. Now, the group has another music video DVD out that brings their essence.

U218 Videos, is a music video DVD consisting of U2's biggest videos. The collection is in regards to their third hits collection, U218 Singles. The DVD showcases the group and what has made them the entity of rock music today. The videos here have all been restored, and include a lot of great videos. The compilation includes great songs like One, With Or Without You, the Grammy-winning music video Vertigo, the somber Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own which won Song Of The Year at the 2006 Grammys, Pride (In The Name Of Love), Stuck In A Moment That You Can't Get Out Of, and many more videos. The disc also includes their latest video The Saints Are Coming with Green Day. There are also alternative editions of videos of One, Vertigo and many more. There is one disadvantage though with the DVD. I just wish that other great U2 videos could've been shown here like Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me from Batman Forever, the elequent Original Of The Species, and All Because Of You could've been highlighted here on the DVD too.

Despite some extra videos that could've been added, U218 Videos by U2 is a great re-introduction to a fantastic band that is still ticking today. I definitely recommend this for not just die hard fans of U2, but for anybody who doesn't own a music video DVD at all. This still shows that there is so much elevation that hasn't stopped, and keeps the band going up and up farther in the world, and that is one thing to keep in vertigo.

Videos: B 1/2+

Price: B 1/2-

Extras: B 1/2-

Remastering: A-

Overall: B

Whoever got the job of compiling this DVD should be shot at dawn because it is a poor representation of U2's history. There is no "Gloria", there is no "I will Follow", nor is there anything from Zooropa. Instead, the real focus is on the later years with the inclusion of two videos each for weak songs like "Walk on" and "Stuck in a moment" (both of which charted poorly internationally). There are three versions of "Vertigo". Why not just feature one version for each of these poor tracks which would then allow space for older videos like the first two I mentioned?

There are some positives, for example, an alternate version of "Pride" (on the special features") and "new years day" and "sunday bloody sunday" get an inclusion. You also get all three videos for "One" and the documentary for "One" is included (was also included on "Best of 1990-2000" DVD).

Die-hard fans will still want it, but overall it is a lost opportunity to present a comprehensive look at U2's history. How many versions of Vertigo on one DVD do we really want? None really.

If you've come to the realization of the depth in U2's music, adding videography to your interpretations will probably bring you one step closer to knowing. This DVD is not comprehensive of all of U2's music videos, but it's a good start and it's very nice to have their most popular works in such a handy disc.

Ok where do I start.Why does such a great band as U2 do this.Release after release of tunes we ALREADY own.And again,they do not include A Celebration.I Will Follow,Two Hearts Beat As One and Gloria as well.Those are but a few tracks/videos left off...why????.Just like the first BEST OF 1980-1990.This is already the 3rd best of,some great tunes are left out.Why cant someone over there get it right.You have a picture on the cover from the band when they were all not even 21.And we get vertigo,not once,not twice,but 3,three!!!! times.Why? Believe me..once is enough.The Saints isnt even on the video..its the live clip????..and Window In The Skies isnt on this either.The 2 new songs are not included.I guess they had to rush this out for the holidays in 06 like each year huh.We Have 2 versions of Stuck and Walk On..again.WHY????You can fit almost 3 hours of time on one dvd,so..why not include the tracks we did not get in the first 2 best of 80/90 and 91/2000???? Frustrating is what it is.Just like the fact that u2 DO NOT have NOT ONE live cd.For a band that is as great as u2 are they tend to drop the ball at times.But hey,at least we have the Vertigo lisbon version AND the hq versions to go with the reg. version right? and 3 versions of one?..I love the song but is the buffalo version really that important????.And not one version of Gloria.Whatever.Close to 30 videos could have been included.Maybe when u2 release the 4th best of next year, just in time for the holidays in 2008,again,we will get A Celebration?.Wishful thinking Im sure.

The videos are great! Included are International versions that I would have never otherwise seen. The extra bonus material on the making of specific videos is definitely worth watching.