A Technicolor Dream (DVD)
One of the latest DVDs to focus on Pink Floyd is A Technicolor Dream, which examines the British Underground movement from 1966-1967 and the integral role the legendary band played in it. Much more than a concert-based documentary, this film features revealing interviews with Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and Nick Mason, as well as political activist John "Hoppy" Hopkins and Floyd biographer Barry Miles, who discuss the movement that led up to the 14-hour Technicolor Dream concert at Alexander Palace in 1967, which featured Pink Floyd, John Lennon, Yoko Ono and several others.
The DVD is worthwhile viewing for Pink Floyd fans and those interested in the musical history of 1960s London. Not only do original band members discuss their involvement in the 1960s underground scene, but they also reveal their feelings about frontman Syd Barrett's departure from the band and his descent into madness.
Two complaints, though -- unless viewers are already familiar with the history of the 1960s Underground movement, they may find the beginning of the film frustrating because it takes quite a while to figure out what's going on. Also, you may have visions of using a cane to yank some of the duller speakers off camera (or you could just hit fast-forward).
The package includes a decent amount of noteworthy bonus footage. First up are three Pink Floyd videos: "Arnold Layne," "The Scarecrow" and "Astronomy Domine." They're billed on the DVD cover as "full-length Pink Floyd performances," which is a bit baffling because technically they're two short music videos and one brief snippet from a live show. Also included are extended interviews with five of the key players: Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Pete Jenner, Joe Boyd and Barry Miles, who go into even greater depth here than they do in the film.
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