Search - The Doors - The Doors Are Open on DVD

A Special, Not a Concert

Steven Moore | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 07/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Previous reviewers haven't made the point that isn't exact a concert film but a British television special, which means an overly creative director often interrupts a song to show period footage of riots, fighting in Vietnam, etc. Sometimes this is effective, sometimes annoying, but it does provide a historical setting perhaps useful to younger Doors fans. And the picture/sound quality isn't as bad as some reviewers indicate; this is like watching TV back in the 1960s, no better, no worse. The Doors play well, the newsreel stuff provides a context for this political band, and I don't regret buying this at all."

This video shows the Doors at their peak

Steven Moore | 01/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Doors are Open is a documentary of the Doors performance at the Roundhouse Theatre in September '68. Filmed in black and white, this video has the Doors performing their best songs at the top of their game. Morrison's grunts and spews his poetry throughout. Originally this documentary was filmed for English television, interspersed with the music are scenes from Vietnam and riots back in the states. Although the Doors were not a politically motivated band, this video really puts into context the tumultuous times they were living in. Anyone interested in Morrison or the Doors would serve themselves well to own this video. There are only a few filmed Doors concerts out there, and this is about as good as it gets."

Rock N ROll

Chetley Weise | Alabama UsA | 06/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone has heard about the intensity the Doors brought to the live music stage. In this film, the blend of chaos, theatre, blues, and jazz successfully resulted in a great rock n roll concert. Finally, one can see what Morrison could do on stage. And, hear the band at it's raucous best. THankfully, the film is black and white and the sound goes snap, crackle, and pop. Everything to be desired in a 1968 road film. Best of all, There is no post-Morrison death tribute syndrome here from Manzarek and company. Only a look at what should be remembered about the Doors, and why they should be considered along with VU as one of the great American rock bands rather than Oliver Stone's Hollywood fluff or a "greatest hits collection" only hype band."

All in all, it's ok

Camilo Montenegro | Mexico, D.F. Mexico | 06/19/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Well, i love the Doors and unfortunatly i havn't seen a whole lot of visual footage of them doing their thing, so i bought this dvd. I have to say that visually, the impression i had of the Doors was based on the Oliver Stone movie. After watching this dvd i realized that the Olvier Stone movie was the worst thing that could happen to the Doors. The Doors it seems, were nothing like the way they were depicted in that movie. So this dvd succeeds on the visual history/real personality front. The interview footage is short but revealing. However, musically, this dvd leaves much to be desired. The sound isn't terrible, but it's not great. The instruments are somewhat muddled together, it's a two-track recording. 4 instruments, but only two tracks...how good could that sound? Also, the "director" really screws the best song up. "When the Music's Over" is the main reason i bought this dvd being as how i've never heard it live, much less seen concert footage of it. Turns out the "director" tried to get "artsy" with someone elses art; he cuts the song in a few points, one of them being the most climatic, taking a great deal of energy AWAY from the song. "Spanish Caravan", on the other hand, is a real treat. Then again, "Hello, I Love You" is just a rehearsal/soundcheck without Jim."