ELO's charity concert at Wembley from 1978 gets a DVD release complete with full sound makeover - 5.1 surround sound. This was recorded with ELO's classic seven piece line-up of Jeff Lynne (vocals/guitar), Kelly Groucutt (bass/vocals), Bev Bvean (drums), Richard Tandy (keyboards), Mik Kaminski (violin) and cellists Hugh McDowell and Melvyn Gale.

Within a couple of years the string members had gone bar Kaminski who guested on the albums up to and including 1983's 'Secret Messages'.

The show is introduced by actor Tony Curtis and then we see the ELO spaceship stage set in all its glory. The whole show is packed full of lighting and laser effects which considering it was the late 70's would still look pretty damn good today. Sadly the same can't be said of Jeff Lynne's massive afro hairstyle!

The 'Out of the Blue' album is well represented including opener 'Standing In The Rain' along with an impressive run through 'Mr Blue Sky'. The slide guitar driven 'Do Ya' closes the set before we get the encores of 'Livin' Thing' and the extended jam session of 'Roll Over Beethoven'. On the latter Gale and McDowell really give their cellos some serious use!

Pretty damn essential for all ELO fans as it captures the classic seven piece line-up in full flight. Not quite a five star though as no extra bits - an interview with band members now would have been good. Although you do get a mini-replica of the original tour programme.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly