Jimi Hendrix - Rainbow Bridge

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Hippy-dippy at its hippy-dippiest, Rainbow Bridge is a piece of counterculture slag that capitalizes on its footage of Jimi Hendrix (who died not long after filming). Actually, Hendrix only shows up at the very end of this long, bizarre film, bringing the same luster that Sean Connery did to the dreadful Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Prior to that, however, are the slight and stupid trials of Pat Hartley, a woman sent to Hawaii to check out a commune. She finds a utopia for Philosophy 101 dropouts and the kinds of freethinkers Joe Friday used to deflate so easily on Dragnet. Not a frame of this film is interesting--not thematically, not cinematically, not any-atically. Hendrix fans will probably find Rainbow Bridge worth it for those lingering moments of the master and his guitar, but fast-forward to get there. Better yet, track down the late guitar master's incendiary (literally) performance from Monterey Pop, bracketed by equally astonishing turns by other '60s greats. --Keith Simanton

Description

This is "Rainbow Bridge" completely restored to its original, uncut 125-minute length from the only remaining 16mm print in existence. Nothing is missing! See Jimi Hendrix in concert backed by drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox playing such mind-blowing musical milestones as "Purple Haze," "Foxy Lady," "Voodoo Chile," and others atop Hawaii's Haleakala Volcano. A mix of mysticism and music shot mostly at the Rainbow Bridge Occult Meditation Center on Maui, the 1971 film also includes interviews with Hendrix, who, through a psychedelic haze, talks about his life, beliefs, and, in what now seems prophetic, his death, which would occur only three months after the film was shot. 125 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Appreciate the Film For Its Own Merits -- A Historical Gem!.......2007-08-25

To begin, it would be a mistake to approach viewing this film as a
"Jimi Hendrix film." As I understand it it began as a documentary about
the Rainbow Bridge meditation center. When it was filmed nobody knew
Jimi's death was but two months down the road. The film was supposedly
bankrolled by the Brotherhood of Eternal Love (qv) -- the loosely knit
communal family that first delivered mass quantities of high-quality
LSD and Afghan hashish to the western world.

That said, the film could have benefited from some better writing and
editing. Still, we are provided a window upon a moment in time and
space when a positive vision of what might have been was still alive
and progressing. Take the film and appreciate it. There will be no more
like it. As strange as it appears at first glance it is valuable
historical footage that is like none other. The Hendrix footage is just
a bonus -- the icing on the sunshine-frosted cake.

"Waving the Freak Flag High".......2007-01-22

Apparently most people who acquired this film expected a glorious tribute to the mythical Jimi Hendrix. Their disappointment is understandable. Although Hendrix is present in many ways throughout the film (his music forms the main soundtrack, plus there's some nice footage of his famous "volcano-concert", and finally he is shown speaking to two other characters for a few minutes about... whatever), he is not at all the protagonist/hero nor even the main topic. To use the words of one of the characters in the film, Hendrix is just another "vehicle" to spread "the message".
That this slight confusion makes people so upset in the end is rather surprising. Especially because Rainbow Bridge is actually a very valuable and even entertaining document of its time, in particular the subculture that turned Hendrix into an idol to begin with. Perhaps instead of expecting another "movie", with cliché plots and superficial characters, viewers should be prepared to watch a kind of documentary (you can't even tell where facts stop and fiction begins, just like when you listen to the president) following a group of well-intentioned hippies who try to deal with the contradictory and very disappointing reality around them by taking refuge in an incongruous but protective reality of their own. Why not? The late 60s and 70s were, after all, an excellent time in Western history for a few young people to freak out by ridiculing and rejecting the so-called rational society around them, that was (just like today) mainly concerned with (over)producing commodities, waging wars and sending funny objects (sometimes with a few hominids in them) into outer space. All in order to fight poverty and ensure that everybody could be free and happy, of course.
In opposition to such noble aims, the hippie commune portrayed in Rainbow Bridge makes a radical turn towards mysticism and occultism (with psychedelic drugs and music thrown into it). On the whole, this actually provides for some endearingly hilarious opinions about the world. Especially when the characters talk in all seriousness of the "Space Brothers" who have come to planet Earth to teach humans to use infinite resources of energy, thus freeing them from the dictatorship of big corporations that control electricity, food and oil production, medicine, etc. Or when they imagine what they might have done in their previous lives (as if one life weren't bad enough!). Plus, if you ever wondered what Jimi Hendrix's astrological sign was and what (if anything at all) that might mean, Rainbow Bridge may just provide you with some answers. And if you never wondered - well, it won't hurt you to know, either.
Another complaint viewers have is about the lack of plot. Just like in real life, actually. Things happen, you are affected by them, you react to them, then something else happens, and it all goes on and on until you die. You'll be lucky if you understand anything in the process! To claim, though, that there is no order or idea behind Rainbow Bridge is totally exaggerated. Actually, the main character (Pat Hartley) moves from one situation/issue to another, in the end providing a general picture of the commune's attitudes, beliefs and even difficulties in finding out how to "do their thing". There is the impression that the world/government has gone crazy, the discomfort with the Vietnam conflict, the threat of a nuclear war, the effects of urbanization and industrial pollution on the environment, the question of how to spread their message to the rest of the world, the dilemmas of combining sex and drugs with meditation and prayer, and in the end their desire to be together "as one" in a spiritual way - culminating it the concert of Jimi Hendrix.

So you see, however wacky some of the ideas in this film may be, at least you will be exposed to oodles of interesting and unusual information. Which is more than most "movies" can do for you! On top of that there's the great music, the impressive images of late industrial civilization vs nature, and even (if that's your thing) the chance to hear your idol Hendrix rambling under the effect of some drug. It truly is as close to the musical genius as you'll probably ever get.
Whatever regrets he might have had about participating in Rainbow Bridge afterwards, a final misconception some viewers have concerns the idea that Hendrix does not belong in such an insultingly bizarre film. Actually, if you consider his music and lyrics, he couldn't have fit better into it. Listen:

"'Cause I've got my own world to live through
And I ain't gonna copy you.
White collar conservative flashin' down the street
Pointin' their plastic finger at me, ha !
They're hopin' soon my kind will drop and die but uh
I'm gonna wave my freak flag high, high !"

Yes, Rainbow Bridge is, after all, a great EXPERIENCE in the Hendrix sense. What else could you want? Enjoy the trip - and may the "Space Brothers" save us all before it is too late!

Great time on DVD.......2007-01-12

I was very interesting to look inside 60th with drugs, sex and music. It was the time when was born geniuses of rock-music. Amazing time. And Jimi Hendrix was the main core of this time I mean.

More concert, less filler.......2006-12-27

The Rainbow Bridge DVD/VHS is enjoyable as a laughable time capsule. However, being billed as a concert movie, this was anything but. If you purchased the "Soundtrack" album to the same movie you will be woefully disappointed since the LP contains great tracks from Hendrix but no performances from Rainbow Bridge (aka Rainbow Ridge) These performances weren't released on CD and Vinyl until about 30 plus years after the fact (and in limited pressings) The same can be said of this bait-and-switch movie. There are some great performances from Hendrix but a lot of it is still missing. Collectors have synced together segments of film and audio and produced some great footage which makes the rounds on the internet (YouTube, etc) but there is still no definitive release of the whole concert on DVD. If you enjoy Hendrix, purchase this and index the portions with his performances, the rest is insipid drivel thinly disguised as a movie.

RAINBOW BRIDGE WAS REALLY A DISASTEROUS MESS!.......2006-09-28

I will be doing a review on the now classic DVD movie / documentary mini concert entitled "Rainbow Bridge" by the late great guitar legend, Jimi Hendrix. As always, I will be editing this review from time to time so that you the consumer will get the best and most accurate review possible. Before I begin, I would highly suggest that you read my other reviews on Jimi's historic landmark concerts at the "Monterey Pop Festival" on 18 June 1967, the "Woodstock Festival" on 18 August 1969, "Jimi Plays Berkeley" on 30 May 1970 and the "Isle of Wight Festival" on 30 August 1970. They are long reviews and I do apologize for that, but they do contain a lot of valuable information on Jimi that you might find very interesting. I do hope that you will read and enjoy all four reviews when time permits. It would also help me greatly in shortening this long review and not have to add all that information from my previous four reviews in this review.

I am going to do something a little different this time. I am going to stray away from what I originally was going to say concerning the main topic of this review for a few brief moments and instead, add some of my own personal notes, opinions and true thoughts concerning the main topic which is the "Rainbow Bridge" saga. Of all the material I have researched in full detail on Jimi's concerts or any other subjects whether on CD or DVD, the "Rainbow Bridge" disaster saga was proven to be by far the MOST EXHAUSTING. After reading and researching further deep into this disaster saga, I've concluded that it had to have left a long lasting TRAUMATIC IMPACT and a long lasting EFFECT on Jimi MENTALLY as well as PHYSICALLY. Please forgive me for knocking this project saga, I do not mean to upset or offend anyone, especially the ones that do like this film. In reality, I am going to tell it the way it is! In reality, this film should have NEVER been made! This film was destined to be DOOMED from the start. When I think of the "Rainbow Bridge" film and concert performance, it reminds me of a REAL LIFE HORROR FILM FROM HELL! It also reminds me of the classic film "The Exorcist" in comparison to the unexplained accidents and many numerous problems that were happening during the filming and behind the scenes and cameras of the film "Rainbow Bridge." Problems such as faulty film equipment as well as faulty sound recording equipment were breaking down repeatedly. You would never think that things could go so wrong and then keep on going wrong more and more and over and over again. One of the Hendrix biographies was quoted as saying, "everything that you can possibly imagine or think of, and more, went wrong during the filming of the "Rainbow Bridge" film and concert performance. NOTHING went right for this DISASTEROUS PROJECT SAGA." Another Hendrix biography was quoted as saying, "its as if there were EVIL FORCES putting a FATAL CURSE on the whole "Rainbow Bridge" film project IN GENERAL." In fact, the ONLY good thing that went right for this project was the instant lying surrounding this film such as FALSE ADVERTISING AND BAD MARKETING after its release in 1972. (two years after Jimi's death) As a result of these false tactics, the film would mislead its paying audience viewers into believing that Jimi was the main star and would be starring in the whole movie. Anticipating that, the viewers would eventually end up becoming disappointed at the results. Enough of that, now back to the pre-review.

For me personally, this marks the fifth review I have written on Jimi Hendrix's legendary concert series which focus's on some of his most memorable and unforgettable concert performances in Rock n' Roll history. "Rainbow Bridge" was one of at least four concerts that were either fully or partially filmed during Jimi's final 1970 U.S. tour. These four films are as follows: "Jimi Plays Berkeley" 30 May 1970, "Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival" 4 July 1970, "Rainbow Bridge" 30 July 1970 and the "Isle of Wight Festival" 30 August 1970. In my opinion, the "Rainbow Bridge" film was the SECOND WORSED (it definitely qualified to be the FIRST WORSED) of the four in the sense that there were unknown actors that couldn't act, let alone starring in a movie with a plot that didn't even make any sense which resulted in dragging the BORED audience viewers through this BORING 125 minute film all the way to the best part of the film. This, of course, is near the ending of the film, the last 20 minutes of the film to be exact. The last 20 minutes of Jimi's "Rainbow Bridge" concert performance held at the Haleakala Crater, Maui, Hawaii on 30 July 1970 was NOT one of Jimi's most inspiring performances. The reason for this is because of the bad sound recording due to faulty sound recording equipment breaking down constantly. This bad recording did not do any justice for Jimi's Maui performance. With the recent 2-CD 2002 British release (simply entitled "The Rainbow Bridge concert")of Jimi's BOTH fully complete concert performances at Maui, Hawaii recorded on 30 July 1970, and remixed and Digitally Remastered using today's state of the art technology, this new improved suitable sound recording now sheds new light on this performance and brings this Maui performance to life. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT KNOCKING JIMI IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM! Jimi's performance, of course, and despite the bad sound recording, was the highlight of "Rainbow Bridge." According to many Hendrix biographies, "Jimi's "Rainbow Bridge" concert performance had very bad sound quality due to the extremely high winds and some serious technical hitches to contend with. Aside from logistical problems posed by the location of both gigs, it would seem that there were strong magnetic fields in the vicinity, which caused many numerous problems constantly with the film equipment and the sound recording equipment as well." It was a four-camera, 35 mm shoot for the film "Rainbow Bridge." The film's young Director Chuck Wein would yell, "ROLL ALL CAMERAS!" But each shooter only had one 1,000 foot magazine (roughly eleven minutes) of film. To make matters worse, Wein then got on stage to address the audience of around and about 400. At that very moment, the sound crew started having trouble with the multi-track tape machine. It is extremely hard to believe that during these many frequent and constant problems that continually surfaced, that thousands and thousands of dollars were rolling away at a rapid rate.

On the back cover of this DVD released version of "Rainbow Bridge," it says the following: "Available on DVD for the first time anywhere, this is "Rainbow Bridge" completely restored to its original, uncut 125-minute length from the only remaining 16 mm print in existence. Nothing is missing! See Jimi Hendrix along-side drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox, playing such musical milestones as "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady" and other mind-blowing hits atop Hawaii's Haleakala Volcano. A mix of mysticism and music, "Rainbow Bridge" also includes interviews with Jimi where, through a haze of drugs and alcohol, he talks about his life, beliefs and in what now seems prophetic, his death, which would occur only three months later."

With Jimi's manager Mike Jeffery blowing thousands and thousands of dollars on his friends and drugs, and growing more increasingly aware that the film "Rainbow Bridge" was nothing more than a cash sinkhole, it was decided that the film needed a live featured performance from the Experience since the film did not contain any well known stars in the film. "In the end," remembers John Jansen, "when all of the money had been spent and they realized that this movie WASN'T a movie, Jeffery had to desperately talk Hendrix into performing in Maui." To save the worthless feature film, the Experience reluctantly agreed to perform in front of the cameras to be shot atop one of the highest points in Maui. In reality, Jimi DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS GIG! Jimi NEVER liked the weird strange atmosphere and bad vibes that the Rainbow Bridge Occult Center had. However, Mike Jeffrey loved the atmosphere and was a frequent visitor to the center in Maui. Mike Jeffery had become so entranced with the islands, that he would fly out there at any given opportunity. Mike at one time even wanted to build a musician's retreat / studio on Maui and spent extremely large sums of money having plans drawn up by an American Architect. With Jeffery's excessive abusive spending habits, Funds that were reserved in the bank accounts for the film project were getting lower and lower in the TOTAL balance. On 30 July 1970, before a small crowded audience of between 300 to 400 people, Jimi would perform two sets of concert performances, the EARLY show and the LATE show. Of the 16 songs Jimi performed live during both sets of concerts combined; only 5 songs were filmed for the "Rainbow Bridge" film release. These 5 songs are as follows: (it seems that the 5 songs in the film were put together like a medley) (1.) "Hey Baby" (New Rising Sun) (Not a bad performance), (2.) "In From The Storm" (Good performance. Not the best sound quality.), (3.) "Foxey Lady" (Great version! Sound was not too bad for this one.), (4.) "Hear My Train A Comin'" (Not a bad performance. Sound was not the best quality.) and (5.) "Purple Haze" (EXCELLENT! Great version considering the flaws and bad circumstances.) As "Purple Haze" is coming to an end, the song quickly switches back to (4.) "Hear My Train A Comin'" (Not a bad performance considering the bad circumstances.) As "Hear My Train A Comin'" is coming to an end, the song quickly switches back to (1.) "Hey Baby" (New Rising Sun) (Again, not a bad performance considering the bad circumstances.)

In the end, the whole "Rainbow Bridge" project was an unmitigated disaster and certainly not much of a show to be desired. NO ONE, neither the band nor crew, were happy with the final results. As a result of these negative opinions and Warner Brothers TOTAL dissatisfaction with the UNFINISHED product, the film "Rainbow Bridge" was shelved indefinitely. Miraculously, this film was badly patched and spliced together and saw its day of release in 1972 (two years after Jimi's death) at the request of Jimi's manager, Mike Jeffery. If you would like to research more information on Jimi's "Rainbow Bridge concert," please refer to and read my other review on this concert in the CD or music section under the subject of Jimi Hendrix and listed under the album simply entitled, "The Rainbow Bridge concert." I feel confident that you will get all of the information and answers that you will need from that review.

In closing, Jimi Hendrix will ALWAYS be the true guitar's GUITARIST'S ONLY premiere ultimate KING AND MASTER. Jimi RULED his guitars in his music world with craft fully skilled ease and expertise for limitless knowledge and brilliance. Jimi's naturally gifted talents made playing his guitar look so simple when it really wasn't. Jimi was actually the first REAL guitarist to present the guitars (as a more valuable multi-talented instrument) REAL talent and full potential. When Jimi played his unbelievable sounds of music which flowed explosively through his electric guitar, he actually exposed all of the guitars most hidden secrets and many unknown qualities that it REALLY had that WE will NEVER know. When Jimi died, he would eventually take all of its most hidden secrets and unknown qualities with him to his grave. As long as guitars and Rock n' Roll music blend beautifully, harmonically and exist perfectly together, Jimi Hendrix's name will live on in music history in general, FOREVER. Thanks for your time in reading my long and lengthly review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for all of you. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. JIMI LIVES! LONG LIVE ROCK N' ROLL! Rock out always. Take care, J.L.

Average customer rating:

Appreciate the Film For Its Own Merits -- A Historical Gem!
"Waving the Freak Flag High"
Great time on DVD
More concert, less filler
RAINBOW BRIDGE WAS REALLY A DISASTEROUS MESS!

Rainbow Bridge
Starring: Bob Amacker , Charlotte Blob , Jimmy Cameron , Yella Cameron , and Billy Cox
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305199310
Release Date: 1998-12-01

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Customer Reviews:

Appreciate the Film For Its Own Merits -- A Historical Gem!.......2007-08-25

"Waving the Freak Flag High".......2007-01-22

Great time on DVD.......2007-01-12

I was very interesting to look inside 60th with drugs, sex and music. It was the time when was born geniuses of rock-music. Amazing time. And Jimi Hendrix was the main core of this time I mean.

More concert, less filler.......2006-12-27

RAINBOW BRIDGE WAS REALLY A DISASTEROUS MESS!.......2006-09-28

Jimi Hendrix "The Rainbow Bridge Concert" Maui, Hawaii July 30th, 1970

Average customer rating:

Jimi Hendrix "The Rainbow Bridge Concert" Maui, Hawaii July 30th, 1970

Manufacturer: Sirius/Rhino Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Audio CD

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0009HGQES

Product Description

CD-ROM version, on 3 CD-ROMs, playable on computers.

DVD:

DVD

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