The Doors: Live at the Hollywood Bowl

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.

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

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.

Morrison is some force in himself and there are some nice moments, but mainly this just comes across as boring, massively self absorbed and pretentious. Like a bad university poetry slam with noodly muso accompaniment.

I've said all I have to say but apparently a short and concise review is against the rules so I have to write this meaningless extra verbiage oh god still over 200 more characters to go. What a total waste of time to force people to write so much when so little will actually encapsulate one's actual feelings. When I run out of characters I'm just going to stop, but until then I.

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.