The Complete Monterey Pop Festival immerses viewers in the electrifying energy of the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival—an event that launched the Summer of Love and ushered in a new era of rock and roll. With his signature vérité style, legendary documentarian D. A. Pennebaker captures iconic performances from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Simon and Garfunkel, the Who, Ravi Shankar, the Mamas and the Papas, and many more.
From Pete Townshend smashing his guitar to Jimi Hendrix setting his aflame, Pennebaker and his remarkable camera team—including Albert Maysles and Richard Leacock—recorded moments that have become essential chapters in music history. This Criterion Collection three-disc box set is the most comprehensive document ever assembled on the Monterey Pop Festival, featuring Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, Shake! Otis at Monterey, hours of additional performances, and rare archival materials.
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: D. A. Pennebaker
Actors: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Simon and Garfunkel, The Mamas and the Papas
Studio: Criterion Collection
Number of Discs: 3
ASIN: B075MYR48S
Item Model Number: complete-monterey-pop-festival
Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 4 ounces
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New 16-bit 4K Digital Restoration | Supervised by D. A. Pennebaker, with uncompressed stereo soundtrack. |
| Restored HD Transfers | New high-definition digital transfers of Jimi Plays Monterey and Shake! Otis at Monterey. |
| 5.1 Surround Sound Mixes | Alternate soundtracks for all three films by legendary engineer Eddie Kramer (DTS-HD Master Audio). |
| Two Hours of Additional Performances | Includes acts such as Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Grateful Dead, Simon and Garfunkel, and more. |
| Audio Commentaries (2002) | Featuring Pennebaker, festival producer Lou Adler, and critics Charles Shaar Murray and Peter Guralnick. |
| New Interviews | Includes conversations with Pennebaker and Adler. |
| Chiefs (1968) | A short film by Richard Leacock originally screened alongside Monterey Pop. |
| Archival Interviews | Includes 2002 interviews with Adler and Pennebaker, plus interviews with Phil Walden, Cass Elliot, David Crosby, and more. |
| 1987 Pete Townshend Interview | Discussing the festival and Jimi Hendrix. |
| Audio Interviews | Featuring festival producer John Phillips, publicist Derek Taylor, and additional performers. |
| Photo-Essay by Elaine Mayes | A visual documentation of the festival’s atmosphere and performers. |
| Festival Scrapbook | A collection of archival materials, photographs, and memorabilia. |
| Trailers & Radio Spots | Includes promotional materials from the original release. |
| Booklet Essays | Featuring essays by Michael Chaiken, Armond White, David Fricke, Barney Hoskyns, and Michael Lydon. |