The Doors When You’re Strange
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Eagle Rock Entertainment latest Blu-ray release revisits the rise and fall of the America’s definitive alternative-psychedelic-rock band, The Doors. When You’re Strange is a documentary directed by award-winning writer/director Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp. Pulling from never-before-seen rare archival film, the movie follows the band’s beginnings in 1966 up to the death of the legendary Jim Morrison in 1971.
DiCillo tells wraps the narrative of the bands rise and fall around video footage of Morrison driving in the desert towards a wreck. This footage is from Morrison’s unreleased film ‘69 HWY: An American Pastoral. Deep’s casual telling of the story adjusts the focus on the band; Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore. The backdrop for this ultimately sad tale spans America’s cultural shift from the hippy, free-loving ‘60s to the politically charged 1970s. It’s an often-told story. So detailing it here in a review certainly is not necessary. What’s really important to rock and roll history and die-hard fans are the band’s various unseen archived footage compiled into a complete film.
As an adult, moving from adolescent and teenage angst, it’s difficult to identify with Morrison now. We all grow up with whatever responsibilities befall us. Seeing Morrison crash and burn to the detriment of his band and family seems selfish. But his acts of defiance and misaligned rebellion put The Doors on the map. How horrified would fans be to see Morrison on reality TV, exposing his demons to the world?
Genre: Classic Rock
Blu-ray Details:
Format: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertaiment
DVD Release Date: June 29, 2010
Run Time: 86 minutes
Note: An Exclusive Interview with Jim’s Father, Admiral George C. Morrison, USN (Ret), who until this Interview, never publically discussed his son’s life.
Hardrock Haven rating: n/a