A TECHNICOLOR DREAM

[Note: This item is not an actual release of "Pink Floyd" but rather a documentary film directed by Stephen Gammond. After discussing with Admin, it has been placed under Pink Floyd since they are a prime focus and because the film will be of most interest to PF fans.]

On a distant Saturday evening, in April 1967, a special benefit took place at the Alexandria Palace in London. Pink Floyd were large on the bill of course, but also present were Pretty Things, Townshend, Lennon, Soft Machine, Ron Geesin, Yoko, and many other trippin' guests and artists. The mission was to raise funds for the International Times and other underground pursuits of the community that ruled Swingin' London in that brief period. Stephen Gammond's documentary covers London's summer of love with affection but also with realism. It digs pretty deep talking with many of the players who were on the scene. All of the interviews are new and not just regurgitation of past film. The Pink Floyd are a prime focus but they are covered as they relate to this underground scene, for what they meant to it. It is not solely focused on the Floyd. Pretty Things and Soft Machine are also discussed but not in nearly as much detail. "Hoppy" Hopkins, sort of the guru of the scene is interviewed extensively. It's a very watchable DVD that will interest anyone and not just Floydians.

The bonus features are of major interest to Pink Floyd fans. You get two promo videos, one for Arnold Layne and also Scarecrow. You also get the live performance of Astronomy Domine from the Queen Elizabeth Hall on May 14th 1967. Sadly they do not include the Keller interview afterward where Roger and Syd talk for several minutes. The quality is not exceptional but given the rarity it might still be worth having on DVD. But you also get brand new interviews with Roger Waters and Nick Mason discussing the London underground scene. They are somewhat dismissive of course which is sad, but Roger in particular is as jolly and animated as I've ever seen him. He really seems to be enjoying talking this time, smiling and laughing as he recalls the old days. Floyd manager Pete Jenner and early producer Joe Boyd are also given extra time in the bonus section. A very decent though not essential document of a special time in history. Like the Haight in '66 and '67, these were Renaissance times that we will not see again. The idea of a small youth underground scene based on such optimism, steeped in such creative exploration, and free from mass commercialization is something I'd have to see to believe.