This DVD combines brilliant, previously unseen performance footage from Miami Pop ’68 and other magnificent footage and photos with an unlimited supply of Hendrix’s music, as well as significant interviews with Paul McCartney and Hendrix girlfriends Fayne Pridgeon, Linda Keith and Colette Harron.

Yet with unlimited access to this vast archive, still the Hendrix estate falls short on information, and accuracy. At times, it seems almost like a very long music video, examining his life through rose-colored glasses, all the negativity that eventually overwhelmed his life left unaddressed. Sister Janie Hendrix, who was related to Jimi through marriage, meeting him briefly as a child, but also the CEO of Experience Hendrix, has her name displayed prominently, while Jimi’s blood brother, Leon, with whom he grew up, is not even mentioned. Nor is anything else that may be perceived as controversial. Hendrix manager Michael Jeffrey, widely considered to be a shady character, is only mentioned as being “very clever.” Touted as the definitive documentary, it’s disappointing to those who want the real story.

– David Kramer