The Doors: Live at the Hollywood Bowl

One of the greatest concert films - a mesmerizing performance.

A truly brilliant concert, expertly captured on film. The Doors' performances were notorious for Jim Morrison being drunk and/or stoned, and behaving in erratic, even provocative, fashion. Here he absolutely captivates the audience with a blend of theatrics, lyrics and cool calm menace. He is in control of everything and everyone throughout.

Backing the incredible stage presence of Morrison is some musicianship of the highest order. The camera and microphones capture well the sheer brilliance of Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and John Densmore. While Morrison supplies the darkness and thought, the other three provide the light, craft and rock.

There's a sense of something big, magnificent and important in progress all the way through. This is as much a visual experience as an audio one - you can't look away.

You would think that a guy has famous as Jim Morrison was in the history of the rock 'n roll would be a little more dynamic.

When I saw this on VHS way back when I was expecting something exciting. I grew up with all these bands (and a lot earlier rock in the '50s). I knew the songs and I had heard about Morrison making obscene gestures, etc., in concerts. I didn't expect, or want, that but I wanted SOME visuals worth watching, otherwise why not just stick with the CDs?

Morrison might have well have been in a coma for all the animation he exhibited. What you get on this tape (or DVD) is seeing a singer grabbing on the to microphone with two hands and singing into it - nothing else. I saw more life in zombie movies.

Hey, I usually liked music of The Doors. Their songs and lyrics were dramatic and bold and exciting....everything this concert is not.

This is a concert that is sure to get any Doors fan going. It is a pleasure to watch... the film and sound quality of the DVD is stupendous. The entire band is in peak performance mode - Jim Morrison does let his fans down here. He does not appear overly messed up on anything instead he seems fairly sober so he gives a great performance.

If you want see any Doors concert then this is the film to see. It's been called their best live performance by many and when you watch it you'll see why.

List: When the Music's Over, Alabama Song (Whisky Bar), Back Door Man, Five to One, The WASP, Hello I Love You, Moonlight Drive, Horse Latitudes, A Little Game, The Hill Dwellers, Spanish Caravan, Light My Fire, The Unknown Soldier, The End.

My DVD includes the bonus features: Echoes From The Bowl, You Had To Be There, Reworking The Doors, Wild Child (Smothers Brothers Show), Light My Fire (Jonathan Winters Show), Gloria (Music Video).

10/10

The Doors' concert at the Hollywood Bowl was very easily one of their finest moments. This performance was once thought to have been lost but I for one am very grateful that it was discovered and released on video for all their fans to see because it's an awesome showcase of the Doors captivating their audience as only they knew how. Most definitely a must have for any fan.

You cannot find a more incredible performance than this one from The Doors... the band pushes all barriers and breaks them down piece by piece, song by song. The energy of the band can be felt though your speakers as it creeps into your soul. Simply outstanding!

10/10