THE SYD BARRETT STORY

As has already be clarified earlier: this DVD is actually a re-issue of an earlier release called The Pink Floyd and Syd Barret Story. The problem with that title, of course, is that this documentary has very little to do with Pink Floyd after their brief brush with Syd, and is much more focused primarily on Barret himself. While I am admittedly not the man's biggest fan (I tend to think his 'genius' is overstated), I must admit the story behind the Syd Barret we all know is quite an interesting and compelling one. I find it very sad and tragic that his life took the dark, crazy turn that it did, and at so young an age, as well.

So when I knew a documentary was out telling this man's story (as the title clearly suggests), I felt that I just had to go out and buy it. So I did. Wow, what a disappointment. With such powerful subject matter, and many first-hand accounts still obtainable, I would have expected this thing to be so much more in-depth and personal than it was. Not only is the chance to tell a really stirring tale completely missed, here . . . the entire length of this thing is under fifty minutes. What? But this is the founder of Pink Floyd we're talking about, here! You can't just dish out a half-baked, jumpy narrative with massive holes and continuity issues, then on top of that cram it into under an hour!

Oh, but they can. And they did.

The reason why I am giving this a three star rating still is because:

1) It's currently (as of this writing) the only thing close to a proper Syd Barret documentary available to us.

2) It's still fairly informative despite the horrible editing and jumping forward in Barret's career.

This isn't perfect; not by a long shot, but if you are intrigued by the story behind Syd Barret, and wish to own a documentary about him, this is your best bet. For now.

Semi-happy viewing.

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