I'm a massive fan of psychedelic legend Syd Barrett, the founding guitarist/singer/songwriter of Pink Floyd, so once I saw that this legendary home movie footage was available on DVD I HAD to watch it. But boy, am I so glad I didn't actually BUY it! What we have here is five minutes of shaky home movie footage of what purports to be Barrett's first trip (mushrooms, not acid) in 1966 padded out with another six minutes or so of Pink Floyd outside Abbey Road studios the following year. Altogether we are talking about roughly ELEVEN MINUTES of footage, something I note the DVD kept pretty quiet about! Plus the footage is silent so an absolutely awful New Age-y synth soundtrack has been added. Now at least you can turn the volume down and put on 'Interstellar Overdrive', but no matter what you do there's nothing that is gonna make this film more than a curiosity at best. I watched it five times in a row, but I have an obsessive personality, and even I will admit there are no great revelations on offer here. So even if you are a Barrett fan proceed with caution, you have been warned! For Pink Floyd completists only. Otherwise, don't waste your time.
8 Reviews
A Moment In Time
jhclues20 February 2002
If the names Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Dave Mason elicit a response of `Who?' from you, chances are you should pass on this film, which, quite frankly, is for die-hard Pink Floyd fans only. If you do fall within that category, however, you will probably view `Syd Barrett's First Trip' as a chronicle of minor historical significance, as it is a brief visual documentary of the day that changed Barrett's world forever, and consequently the future of Pink Floyd.
The entire film runs a total of (approximately) 15 minutes, and is presented in two segments, the first of which takes place in the late summer of 1966, at a place called Gog Magog Hills. It was (according to all accounts) the very first time Syd `tripped out' on mushrooms, and friend/film student Nigel Gordon was on hand, recording it all on silent, 8MM film. Gordon was also there in April of 1967, outside Abbey Road Studios, on the day the Floyd signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, which comprises the second segment of the film. There are glimpses of Waters, Wright and Mason, but Gordon's camera was mainly focused on Barrett, whose state of mind at the time certainly seems open to conjecture. Very soon, of course, his situation would be beyond conjecture, as even before their first album was released a steady diet of LSD would take him to a place from which he would never return.
A soundtrack recorded by the Hypnotic Records group `Dilate' has been added to this film, effectively creating an appropriately ethereal atmosphere that evokes a surreal sense of timelessness as the seemingly innocent events captured here by Gordon unfold.
Some may argue that, in light of the fact that this was the beginning of the end for Barrett, this film is too personal to share with the world. There's no denying it has something of a `tabloid' feel to it, and without question, the significance of it is, historically, in an entirely different context than, say, the Zapruder film. But in the final analysis, `Syd Barrett's First Trip' is neither invasive, nor is it in any way an inditement, or-- at the other end of the spectrum-- an affirmation of his life. In it's brevity, it's merely a glimpse; a quick look at a moment-- now frozen in time-- that marked the point of no return in a young man's life. Syd Barrett was an artist, who very soon after this film was made, would be unable to create anything ever again. One could say that the moment captured here was, in effect, the very instant that the music-- so alive within Syd Barrett-- died. To their credit, Waters, Wright and Mason-- Pink Floyd-- endured and, thankfully, continued on; tragically, Syd Barrett did not. And watching this film one can but reflect upon how truly fragile life is, and how quickly time moves on. After all, what you see in this film really happened; and moreover, it was only yesterday that it did. Cinematically, I rate this one 1/10 (It is, after all, a very poor home movie), but for the significance of the content, I rate this one 10/10.
The entire film runs a total of (approximately) 15 minutes, and is presented in two segments, the first of which takes place in the late summer of 1966, at a place called Gog Magog Hills. It was (according to all accounts) the very first time Syd `tripped out' on mushrooms, and friend/film student Nigel Gordon was on hand, recording it all on silent, 8MM film. Gordon was also there in April of 1967, outside Abbey Road Studios, on the day the Floyd signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, which comprises the second segment of the film. There are glimpses of Waters, Wright and Mason, but Gordon's camera was mainly focused on Barrett, whose state of mind at the time certainly seems open to conjecture. Very soon, of course, his situation would be beyond conjecture, as even before their first album was released a steady diet of LSD would take him to a place from which he would never return.
A soundtrack recorded by the Hypnotic Records group `Dilate' has been added to this film, effectively creating an appropriately ethereal atmosphere that evokes a surreal sense of timelessness as the seemingly innocent events captured here by Gordon unfold.
Some may argue that, in light of the fact that this was the beginning of the end for Barrett, this film is too personal to share with the world. There's no denying it has something of a `tabloid' feel to it, and without question, the significance of it is, historically, in an entirely different context than, say, the Zapruder film. But in the final analysis, `Syd Barrett's First Trip' is neither invasive, nor is it in any way an inditement, or-- at the other end of the spectrum-- an affirmation of his life. In it's brevity, it's merely a glimpse; a quick look at a moment-- now frozen in time-- that marked the point of no return in a young man's life. Syd Barrett was an artist, who very soon after this film was made, would be unable to create anything ever again. One could say that the moment captured here was, in effect, the very instant that the music-- so alive within Syd Barrett-- died. To their credit, Waters, Wright and Mason-- Pink Floyd-- endured and, thankfully, continued on; tragically, Syd Barrett did not. And watching this film one can but reflect upon how truly fragile life is, and how quickly time moves on. After all, what you see in this film really happened; and moreover, it was only yesterday that it did. Cinematically, I rate this one 1/10 (It is, after all, a very poor home movie), but for the significance of the content, I rate this one 10/10.
Total disappointment. I've been cheated!
Grimble-27 August 2003
This "movie" was surely only released to capitalize on the name of Syd Barret and milk the fan base for a few bucks. When I saw this title being released I, like a few other die hard fans, jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on it, as it surely won't be printed and reprinted for decades to come. Grave was my disappointment when I watched this attempt. The sound is awful, the person holding the camera was surely self-medicating and the few images you get to see don't tell us more about Syd, his life, his music or his time with the Floyd. I can only describe it as a rip-off. I have been cheated and I recommend to all fans out there to give this one a miss. In fact, forget you even heard about it.
This film is a brief playful hoax, purporting to be archival footage.
matt-19317 April 2006
I rented this and it seemed to merely be a contemporary student film from Germany with young actors pretending to be Syd Barrett and his friends. The actors, their costumes and the frantic camera-work clearly betray this as not some rare archival footage of rock and roll history, but simply some German kids having fun making a "trip" movie. Anyone who believes it is authentic, check out the actors names listed in the Amazon page for it and search for pictures of them on the web.
In some ways, the appeal of this movie would have to be the same appeal as something like Gus Van Sant's "Last Days" in which the audience gets to fathom the devolving psyche of their rock and roll heroes through non-linear re-enactments. "First Trip" lacks the production values and hints of artistry that "Last Days" has, but at least it is mercifully brief.
In some ways, the appeal of this movie would have to be the same appeal as something like Gus Van Sant's "Last Days" in which the audience gets to fathom the devolving psyche of their rock and roll heroes through non-linear re-enactments. "First Trip" lacks the production values and hints of artistry that "Last Days" has, but at least it is mercifully brief.
Pretty Weak
JasonIK7531 December 2011
I watched this out of curiosity, since I am a big fan of Pink Floyd. Unfortunately, even if you are one too, I still can't recommend this. There are scenes of Syd running around and he and the other members of Pink Floyd mugging for the camera and not too much else. The best thing I can say about this is that it tends to go by rather quickly, but that really is the one positive thing. If Pink Floyd's music was featured or there was some kind of insight added from the other members, maybe it might be worth watching. Because that is not the case, you should watch the 2003 documentary "The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story" and the movie "Pink Floyd: The Wall" instead. I have never used LSD or anything like it and never will. At the same time, it was at least shorter than "Tell Your Children."
Rare piece of Pink Floyd history
wwe36 June 2001
This is one of those films that people claim to have seen, but usually can't recall where, or what it was about. People who follow Pink Floyd will enjoy this rare short. Non fans should stay away because it will have no meaning.
The band members of Pink Floyd don't usually stand out. Unless they bring each other to court (Waters/Gilmore), most people don't know who is in the band. But Syd was different. You can read many false stories about Syd, his leaving the band, and strange tales of madness and wrongly reported deaths. He was Floyd's first front man, and the genius behind "Piper at the Gates of Dawn". The subject of "Wish You Were Here", and combined with Waters into Pink for "The Wall".
"Syd's First Trip" is made up of two parts. You get to see Syd Barrett trip on mushrooms while being filmed, and then Pink Floyd after they signed their first contract at Abbey Roads Studios. It is a very short strange film, and was silent. However, the DVD added a sound track (by another artist).
The band members of Pink Floyd don't usually stand out. Unless they bring each other to court (Waters/Gilmore), most people don't know who is in the band. But Syd was different. You can read many false stories about Syd, his leaving the band, and strange tales of madness and wrongly reported deaths. He was Floyd's first front man, and the genius behind "Piper at the Gates of Dawn". The subject of "Wish You Were Here", and combined with Waters into Pink for "The Wall".
"Syd's First Trip" is made up of two parts. You get to see Syd Barrett trip on mushrooms while being filmed, and then Pink Floyd after they signed their first contract at Abbey Roads Studios. It is a very short strange film, and was silent. However, the DVD added a sound track (by another artist).
Fun Film
galaxy20697 May 2004
Syd Barrett's First Trip (1966) offers a fascinating glimpse into the early psychedelic world of Roger "Syd" Barrett (Pink Floyd's genius founder). It's a short, silent film (11 minutes) so feel free to play whatever Barrett masterpieces you wish. Dominoes (on repeat) is my personal favorite. Enjoy!
"It's an idea, someday...in my tears, my dreams...don't you want to see her proof? Life that comes of no harm...you and I, you and I and dominoes...the day goes by..."
-- from Dominoes by Syd Barrett
"It's an idea, someday...in my tears, my dreams...don't you want to see her proof? Life that comes of no harm...you and I, you and I and dominoes...the day goes by..."
-- from Dominoes by Syd Barrett
rare Pink Floyd films from 1966-1968
tim-29710 June 2001
As others have commented, this is a rare glimpse into the early days of Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett; basically a silent home movie.
Since it's silent, you can add your own soundtrack, such as the first album (from that time) "Piper at the Gates of Dawn."
If you like this, be sure and look for "San Francisco", which features a sped-up version of "Interstellar Overdrive." Other Pink Floyd film clips from 1967-1968 that have surfaced recently include "Apples and Oranges" performed on American Bandstand, clips from the British TV program "Look of the Week" featuring "Pow R Toc H", "Astronomy Domine", and a rare interview with Syd Barrett -- this was shown on a British cable TV special; promo clips for "It Would Be So Nice", "Scarecrow", "See Emily Play", "Arnold Layne", and "Point Me At The Sky." Also look for the rare 1968 film "The Committee" with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and soundtrack by Pink Floyd. Maybe one day we'll see high quality versions of these clips all in one package. One can only hope.
Since it's silent, you can add your own soundtrack, such as the first album (from that time) "Piper at the Gates of Dawn."
If you like this, be sure and look for "San Francisco", which features a sped-up version of "Interstellar Overdrive." Other Pink Floyd film clips from 1967-1968 that have surfaced recently include "Apples and Oranges" performed on American Bandstand, clips from the British TV program "Look of the Week" featuring "Pow R Toc H", "Astronomy Domine", and a rare interview with Syd Barrett -- this was shown on a British cable TV special; promo clips for "It Would Be So Nice", "Scarecrow", "See Emily Play", "Arnold Layne", and "Point Me At The Sky." Also look for the rare 1968 film "The Committee" with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and soundtrack by Pink Floyd. Maybe one day we'll see high quality versions of these clips all in one package. One can only hope.
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