The Doors: R-Evolution

A proverbial odds ‘n ends collection, The Doors: R-Evolution compiles “music films” and TV appearances featuring one of the quintessential West Coast bands of the late ‘60s. Ranging in date from 1967 to 1995 (some pieces were made long after the 1971 death of lead singer Jim Morrison), the 19-song collection kicks off with a moody “Break on Through,” with band members lit against a dark background (shot on 16mm in 1967, this is arguably one of the first “music videos”), followed by a lip-synced version of the same song filmed on the TV show Shebang (the difference is dramatic: the Doors rarely look at the camera, and Morrison's face is almost deadpan as the soundtrack screams “break on through, break on through!”). Other selections—all featuring late keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore—include the Doors lip-syncing “The Crystal Ship” and “Light My Fire” on American Bandstand; performing a wacky “Light My Fire” on a fire truck for the Ricky Nelson-hosted show Malibu U (Morrison was a no show, so his footage was later cut in—other shots of the singer seen from the back are actually of Krieger's brother, Ron); delivering a surreal “People Are Strange,” introduced by Murray the K in New York (the band “performs” sans instruments while Morrison lip-syncs; cutaway shots capture people wearing pantyhose on their heads); and serving up their hit “Hello, I Love You” (filmed outside for German TV in front of a bored-looking audience, most of whom are likely unfamiliar with the Doors). Highlights include a wonderful rendition of “Touch Me” on the Smothers Brothers show (with Morrison actually singing); in-studio films of the band performing “Wild Child” and “Crawling King Snake”; and the 1970 music film “Roadhouse Blues,” featuring footage of Morrison being arrested and other onstage mayhem. The newer pieces, such as Manzarek's 1985 music video for “L.A. Woman” (starring Krista Errickson and X's John Doe, and featuring brief nudity), are mostly forgettable, with the exception of 1995's “Ghost Dance,” a song beautifully built around a Morrison poetry recording). Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include video commentary, a Ford car sales training film (with Doors music on the soundtrack), a bonus performance of “Break on Through,” and an insightful behind-the-scenes documentary with band members. Sure to be appreciated by hardcore Doors fans, this is otherwise an optional purchase. (R. Pitman)