“California’s Monterey Pop made rock festivals a genuine happening in the 'Summer of Love' of 1967, two years before muddy upstart Woodstock electrified Max Yasgur’s field.
“The two fests shared many of the same acts — including The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane — but Monterey Pop arguably got the better performances, captured by director/cinematographer D.A. Pennebaker and his fellow camera aces (Albert Maysles among them).
“They were pushing the limits of technology, using 16mm film and 8-track tape, as you can see in Simon and Garfunkel’s opening-night rendition of “Feelin’ Groovy,” which nearly dissolves in red stage light.
“Mostly, though, there’s a lot of groovy images and great music in this 50th-anniversary 4K-resolution restoration, including Otis Redding’s breakthrough gig, mere months before his untimely death, and a Hendrix performance of 'Wild Thing' that literally blazes. The three-day fest also featured swan songs by The Mamas & the Papas and the original lineup of the Byrds. It really was a special moment.” - Toronto Star
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