Sleeve: Great deal of care is always afforded to making Robbie look good. A windswept Williams looks every inch the action hero on the iconic artwork.

Sleevenotes: Singles’ artwork, full lyrics and comprehensive musician and video credits ensure that this is a comprehensive career overview.

Content: Take your pick of the standard 40-track CD, the CD & DVD set or the super deluxe 3CD and 3DVD package, including rare concert footage from Berlin and all of those marvellous Robbie mini-films. Everything is here, from Shame to the rather collectible Freedom and Take That’s Everything Changes, chronologically in reverse.

High point: Too many to list, but No Regrets, Rock DJ, Let Me Entertain You and Angels are pop tracks of legend.

Low point: Shame, the new duet with Gary Barlow, fails to live up to its pedigree. However, the Brokeback Mountain homage video more than redeems matters.

Any glaring omissions? None, although bonus CD of rare B sides and soundtrack contributions is not fully complete. Many were hoping for Robbie’s covers of Ant Music and We Are The Champions.

Anything new? Heart & I is a new Gary Barlow co-write, produced by Trevor Horn. So far, exclusive to this collection.

Cheerful or tearful excuse for release? Most definitely, cheerful. OK, Robbie had a very successful Greatest Hits a few years ago but this set is far more comprehensive.

Where might this end up at Christmas? Everybody who has ever loved pop music has a soft spot for Robbie. Between this and Take That’s Progress, fans are well served this Yuletide.