The Doors to release once-shelved 'Feast of Friends' documentary after 45 years



“Feast of Friends,” a documentary self-produced by The Doors from the late '60s and only available up to now on poor quality bootlegs, will finally get its first legitimate release on DVD on Nov. 11, Eagle Rock Entertainment announced Sept. 15. The film, which was shelved due to lead singer Jim Morrison’s legal issues, was shown at a few film festivals and was never completed. The new release will feature remastered audio and video plus bonus footage, the company said.

Filming began for the film in April, 1968. The footage used in the film would be used later in future documentaries and music videos. It has only existed up to this time as a poor quality bootleg. By many accounts, the original source of the bootleg is thought to have been Morrison’s own copy, which he took with him to Paris in 1971.

The film follows the group on the road during their summer ’68 tour. It is comprised of concert performances which are intercut with fly-on-the-wall footage of the group. The production funding was abruptly cut due to the band’s problems after Morrison's arrest in Miami. Other than a few appearances in film festivals in 1968, this will be its first official release. The new version has been completely restored from the original negative, color-corrected and mastered in high definition with the soundtrack totally remixed and remastered by long-time Doors co-producer/engineer Bruce Botnick.

The DVD will also include several bonus features. “Feast of Friends: Encore,” a newly produced feature uses footage shot for “Feast of Friends.” “Encore” shows the band in the studio as they record “Wild Child.” Also on the disc is “The Doors Are Open,” a previously released British TV documentary originally aired on Dec. 17, 1968, that shows the band at London’s Roundhouse days after the completion of filming for “Feast of Friends.” Scenes from the Vietnam War, political leaders and riots in the States are shown with the soundtrack of the band's music. Previously released, the film's quality and sound has been upgraded.

Also included is “The End,” a feature filmed in Toronto, Canada in August, 1967. This performance of ‘The End’ was for “The O’Keefe Centre Presents: The Rock Scene – Like It Is.” It was originally broadcast on Oct. 16, 1967 in Canada, and August 1, 1970 in the U.S. as part of a musical program called The Now Explosion. Noel Harrison introduces the film, which includes interviews by John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Doors collaborator Danny Sugerman.




Released: 10th November 2014