I saw, several times, Celebration at Big Sur at the movie theater when
it was first run. I can prove it: Joni is highlighted with gold
cinematography/special effects as she sings Woodstock at the piano.
Neil Young gives Stehpen Stills an "oh, gow up" look when Stills starts
bouncing around too much while jamming. Joan Baez is transfixed by the
wonderful close of "Oh, Happy Day" by the Edward Hawkins Singers.
These tidbits are in my mind, but I want them on tape. (Actually, I
want them on DVD but I will settle for videotape.)
The movie is NOT, repeat, NOT available commercially; I have been
looking for it since 1985 when I got my first VCR and it HAS NOT BEEN
EVER available commerically in ANY format at least since then.
If it were, I would buy it, as my shelf of things like "Janis" from 1976
and "Monterey Pop" and "Shadows and Lght" (Japanese version), Rocky Hoor
in two formats, 3 copies, Woodstock in 2 formats, 2 copies, and other
purchases would attest.
I CANNOT tape it off the cable tv as the cable outfit that services
rural Western Michigan does not carry a cable company that has ever
played "Celebration at Big Sur" Believe me, I have looked and look to
this day.
In that THERE IS NO OTHER WAY for me to ever see Celebration at Big Sur
again except if some one tapes it/copies it for me, I am begging someone
to take pity on me.
I have gone to such length with my dilemma because I asked someone once
before to do it and they refused, implying I denying the copyright
holders their food money and stealing their very souls. Hey, I ain't
Napster (never even been to Napster). If I could get it commerically, I
would happily buy it just like I paid for movie tickets to see it many
times over back in 1970 or 71, whenever it was released. If I could
tape it off cable tv for my own private enjoyment, I surely would. I am
denied those options. I need someone else to do it for me.
Please someone?
(the Rev) Vince
