Music DVDs

The latest releases reviewed.

NIRVANA Unplugged In New York Universal ****

Fourteen years (almost to the day) that Nirvana played an MTV unplugged show in New York in 1993, there's finally a DVD release of the memorable event. The footage that went out was only 44 minutes long; here you get the unedited 66 minutes, including two songs that were never aired (Oh Me and Something in the Way).

But the big plus here is the use of 5.1 Surround Sound, at the time a bold move for Nirvana. The show exceeded their expectations and showed how much more there was to them than grunge. The cover versions here, whether by Bowie or Leadbelly, are beautifully executed, and their own material is given a total refurbishment. Also included are interviews with the band, unreleased rehearsal footage and even a clip of them doing Sweet Home Alabama. BRIAN BOYD

OTIS REDDING The Legacy of Otis Redding Universal ****

As the 50th anniversary of Stax - US soul's most potent and important record label - continues apace, so too do the relevant DVD releases. We've already reviewed the Stax Volt Revue concert series, but this one is the daddy: more than 15 complete performances from one of the greatest soul singers of all time. After his legendary appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, Redding was on the cusp of mainstream breakthrough success. But his life was cut cruelly short - he was 26 when he died, killed in a light aircraft crash . All the hits and accompanying perspiration are here: Mr Pitiful, Try a Little Tenderness, I've Been Loving You Too Long and (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay (recorded three days before his death). Peerless and inspirational. Extras include interviews with Redding's wife, Zelma, and friends/musicians Steve Cropper and Wayne Jackson. TONY CLAYTON-LEA