Review of Festival Express (2003) by Walter M — 08 Jul 2005

[font=Century Gothic]"Fesitval Express" is a documentary about a series of music festivals that took place across Canada in the summer of 1970. In order to get from one end of the country(Toronto) to the other(Calgary), the musicians involved took a rented train that had been chartered by a promoter. The musicians included the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band and others. The various musicians came together on the train which allowed them to spend time together, party and jam pretty much for 24 hours straight.[/font].

[font=Century Gothic]"Festival Express" is a rollicking tale of music which balanced idealism vs commerce - protesters saying all music was free and not wishing to pay(did this also happen at the Isle of Wight festival?) vs the right of the musicians to make a living. In Toronto, at least they found a compromise. Overall, the movie was very enjoyable with lots of great performance footage and music. Plus, it does really capture the joy of cross-country train travel. Further proof this really is the only way to go.[/font].