Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I begrudgingly give this DVD boxed set five stars because this is a fantastic, albeit incomplete, document of the most important rock event in history. Everyone who considers themselves to be a rock fan should own this set. Having said that, the filmmaker's idea of "complete" is questionable in terms of the long-awaited outtakes disc, especially when you consider that he devoted five, count 'em five, outtake songs to Tiny Tim, and only one (??!!!) to Janis Joplin, who was considered "the star" of the festival as stated by Mama Cass in her commentary included in the package. (Not to mention Big Brother guitarist James Gurley, who received equal praise at Monterey as did Janis.) This sad state of affairs is beyond explanation. Why wasn't Big Brother and the Holding Company accorded their entire set instead of one token song, which is "Combination of the Two?" There is very little footage of the singer that exists at all, anywhere. Knowing that there is an entire set of her landmark performance stored somewhere in a vault is maddening. The Grateful Dead are also missing in action. Sadly, the liner notes in the package proclaim them to be one of the outstanding acts of the festival. Even if there was scant little footage captured, it could have been included. I'd much rather watch them than suffer through five ditties of Tiny Tim in the green room. Despite the peace and love vibe, you can imagine yourself if you were there, slapping him upside the head for being an annoying idiot. Laura Nyro, who supposedly bombed at Monterey, is given two outtake songs, but it's interesting to discover that she was quite captivating. (The festival review included in the booklet states that Nyro and the Byrds were the low point, which again makes one wonder why the filmmaker chose to highlight three Byrds songs on the outtakes disc, rather than BBHC/Janis.) The Mamas and the Papas are bestowed with their entire set on the outtakes disc; no surprise since they were the ones who founded the festival. In the commentary by John Phillips, he states his group turned in the worst performance of the festival. Not true; they were excellent, as highlighted on this disc. Hats off to the Association, who proved that they were a progressive, musical force to be reckoned with. I would have reveled in being able to witness more than just one Association song ("Along Came Mary") in lieu of five, I must repeat, five pathetic Tiny Tim songs. URRGGGGH. And if you also own the Monterey Pop complete CD boxed set, you will know that the Electric Flag was introduced as the greatest band in the world, considered a top act at the time. Give me five of their songs featuring the great Michael Bloomfield instead of five of Tiny Tim's, pleeze. I hate to keep being a cranky head, but another incredibly annoying addition is the "expert" commentary about the Jimi Hendrix performance. This guy, with his pedestrian music reviewers' pomposity, sets forth the lamest comments imaginable. (Such as: "And I might add that you have to be very confident in your masculinity to wear a pink feather boa.." or "nice flairs, Jimi." etc.. GROAN.) Well, don't let my grumblings keep you from purchasing this set. You'll find yourself wondering why more wasn't included too, but the complete Jimi and Otis performances are worth the entire price, plus you have the original film, which was incredible, and some great, if incomplete outtakes, and tons of info and features to sink your teeth into. Plus the fantastic, candid shots of the many hip and beautiful people in attendance. Buy it.