‘On the Day’ Collector’s Set Director: John MacDonald
of the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band and their remarkable story from the 2008 World Pipe Band Champion- ships, they might not be aware that Director John McDonald has released a Collector’s Set with a plethora of additional material for the avid pipe band follower. In addition to the original
W
HILE most people in the piping community are probably aware of the film
director’s cut DVD, it features a bonus DVD about three hours long, an audio CD of various members of the band playing individually, and a mini poster, CD inlay, and booklet complete with in- depth backgrounds of all the players and all very professionally done with that high quality paper you would expect from a DVD box set from a major motion picture company.While the main disc is still of the coverage of the band during the 2008 Worlds Week, with some select interviews from the band members, it’s both the Special Features DVD and CD that has the most interesting stuff in my book. For me there were two particular chapters worth watching: first the collection of band members playing a very moving rendition of the Lament for the Viscount of Dundee with harmonies and drum accompaniment. It makes an already
and Drummer’s DVD Shelf lovely piobaireachd something different entirely and not unlike what the 78th Frasers did with the Flame of Wrath a few years ago. My second favourite part of the bonus DVD was learning how to tie a necktie in a moment of candour with the late Alasdair Gillies.Very poignant . . . a great piper and a great character . . . and now I know where I’ve been going wrong with my tie knot all these years. The DVD could have done with more candid moments like this but then again perhaps band members didn’t want their antics caught on camera? Nevertheless, it
really would have been nice to have seen extended interviews of the players from the main DVD and I wanted more of those moments when the stars ‘let their hair down’. But that’s a minor point and don’t
let it stop you buying this box set, because there is much more content of real value.An entire additional CD of recordings from various members of the band, not on any other recording, is well worth a listen.All in all, if you haven’t purchased On the Day yet, then I would certainly suggest taking a look at the back of the Collector’s Set to see if all the extra goodies are for you. I can say, without fear of contradiction, that it should occupy a place in every piper or drummer’s DVD library.