Festival Express Blu-ray Review

"Festival Express" is presented on Blu-ray by Shout! Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, primarily in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Some split-screen segments incorporating interviews vary in ratio, such as 2.46:1. The video elements were compiled from a variety of sources, not all of which were well-preserved. Consequently, viewers will note significant variation in the visual quality of different segments. Filmed originally in 16mm, the concert and train sequences exhibit a notable graininess and softness, typical of the format and age. Close-ups maintain a decent level of sharpness, though other footage can appear rough, with some noticeable deterioration in certain scenes.

The presence of grain is more apparent during low-light conditions, particularly when the train moves under gray skies or during nighttime performances. This grain, while discernible, remains non-distracting. In lower light scenes, the video does reveal limitations in depth and clarity, as exemplified during The Band's "Slippin' and Slidin'" performance where Robbie Robertson's head merges into the dark backdrop. Colors perform relatively well, exhibiting accurate brightness with the colorful attire of the attendees standing out, although diminished external light reduces vibrancy. Black levels are adequate but can crush occasionally. There are some instances of white specks, scratches, and a few focus issues inherent to the source material. A visual artifact appears as banding during the sunset-lit train opening credits. These variances provide a visual experience that aligns with reasonable expectations given the historical context and the condition of the original materials. No significant efforts at degraining or sharpening were detected, which maintains film purity and satisfies film purists.

The "Festival Express" Blu-Ray audio presentation features both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, addressing the legacy sound elements from a disordered state. Despite some inherent limitations, the audio work is notably commendable. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track particularly emphasizes the complexity and range of the musical performances, highlighted by Phil Lesh’s bass in "Casey Jones," which resonates deeply with the subwoofer’s support. Tracks like "New Speedway Boogie" maintain a robust bass presence without veering into distortion, while the tinkling piano keys in "Slippin' and Slidin'" by The Band exhibit impressive dynamic range.

Although some midrange frequencies present a slight tinniness and narrowness upon close listening, the high end remains free of clipping, and the low frequencies provide an acceptably full body. Vocals are well-mixed with instrumentals, maintaining clarity and balance. Surround sound ambience enhances the live concert feel, with audience noise subtly integrated. Interview segments are distinctly rendered with clear dialogue, balanced in the front center speaker according to their frame positions, contributing to the immersive experience.

Overall, considering the significant effort required to synchronize and remix these historical audio tracks, both DTS-HD Master Audio options deliver performances that hold up well. Despite minor midrange discrepancies, the audio presentation is clean and devoid of age-related wear, making it a comprehensive auditory experience reflective of its era and production challenges.

The Blu-ray extras for "Festival Express" offer a treasure trove of historical content and additional performances, albeit with some annoyances attributed to the disc's authoring errors. "Additional Interviews" provide further insights with deleted responses from key figures, enriching the film's narrative. "The Making of Festival Express" recounts the arduous journey over 30 years to bring this documentary to light. "Train Hopping" offers viewers the flexibility to jump to specific performances, though a Play-All option would have been beneficial. The "Bonus Performances" section is a highlight, delivering ten extra songs from notable musicians like Janis Joplin and Seatrain. However, users may encounter issues with menu navigation, requiring occasional reboots to restore functionality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Additional Interviews: Deleted responses from interviews offer more of the story.
• The Making of Festival Express: Detailed account of the film's challenging release.
• Train Hopping: Allows direct access to individual performances.
• Bonus Performances: Ten additional songs with a Play-All option.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"Festival Express" stands as a compelling and essential document of an unprecedented 1970 Canadian concert tour that saw legendary rock artists like The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and The Band perform across three cities. Originally filmed in 1970, this cinematic venture faced numerous challenges and remained unreleased for over thirty years. The film finally emerged in the early 2000s, meticulously pieced together from long-forgotten footage. The Blu-ray includes a fascinating behind-the-scenes featurette detailing the arduous journey of the film's resurrection. This is not just a concert film but a socio-cultural time capsule, capturing the spirit of a unique musical era marred by financial turmoil and socio-political unrest.

While the film is celebrated for its stellar performances, its contextual layers reveal much more. This grand mobile festival—where musicians traveled between cities on a private train—aimed to replicate the Woodstock phenomenon but encountered widespread dissent due to ticket pricing. Scenes of protests and confrontations with police are juxtaposed against backstage camaraderie and impromptu jam sessions, presenting an unexpectedly balanced view. The highlight on the train is an unforgettable jam session featuring Rick Danko, Jerry Garcia, and Janis Joplin. On stage, Janis Joplin delivers a heart-wrenching rendition of "Tell Mama," capturing her raw yet powerful presence shortly before her untimely death. Equally memorable are the electrifying performances by Buddy Guy and immensely entertaining Sha Na Na, further showcasing the eclectic spirit of the tour.

"Festival Express" succeeds not only as a musical journey but also as an engaging narrative about an experimental era in rock history. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this experience with excellent video and sound quality, making it indispensable for classic rock aficionados. It's a vivid portrayal of musicians attempting to navigate the evolving cultural landscape of the '70s, achieving a rare, compelling blend of on-stage magic and off-stage realism.

"Festival Express" on Blu-ray stands as an incredible testament to a legendary musical journey that captured some of the most iconic rock artists of the 1970s. The Blu-ray excels in providing an intimate look at this unique adventure, offering high-quality audio that immerses the viewer in the era's vibrant sounds. Visually, despite the understandable limitations of footage from 1970, the presentation is commendable with respectable clarity and authentic preservation of the film's historical texture. The candid, off-stage moments on the train, filled with camaraderie and creative collaboration, are captured with a poignancy that retains their rawness and appeal.

One of the focal points of "Festival Express" is its depiction of the countercultural dynamics during the tour, notably the scenes featuring youth protests demanding free concerts. These moments are juxtaposed seamlessly with engaging performances, highlighting the contrasting ethos of the time. The bonus material included in the Blu-ray package significantly enhances its value, particularly for aficionados of classic rock. These supplementary features provide extended performances and interviews that are both enlightening and entertaining.

In conclusion, "Festival Express" is an absolutely fascinating document of a once-in-a-lifetime aggregation of iconic musicians taking an unusual trip by train, with a few concerts thrown in for good measure. Some of the most compelling footage here is of frankly entitled youth insisting they're owed free concerts. The musical performances are quite winning, but it's the candid footage of these legendary folks just hanging out on the train that will probably be most memorable to fans. Despite some niggling (but understandable) issues with both the video and audio, "Festival Express" comes highly recommended.