Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett Story Comes to DVD

Any kid that's ever done bong hits in the basement while listening to 'Dark Side of the Moon' -- or that's watched 'The Wall' in a dorm room filled with tapestries and black lights -- has logged some serious discussion time about Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett. Stories passed down from earlier generations (much like those involving Ozzy Osbourne and bat heads) fuse fact with fiction to create one of the greatest cult figures in rock history. Even when the myths are separated from the truth, Barrett's legend remains larger-than-life. Enter 'The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story,' a comprehensive documentary detailing the life and times -- including the ultimate drug-induced breakdown -- of the late Barrett as retold by his bandmates and by others who lived the tale. Rare footage, live performances and almost three hours of "bonus" material will accompany the DVD.

Given all the Pink Floyd hoopla thrown at fans over the years, Spinner recently asked the director and producer, John Edginton, why this one actually matters. "All four Pink Floyd members speak movingly and emotionally about what Syd meant to them and why his loss was such a powerful influence in their later work," Edginton tells Spinner of the documentary. "What surprised me was how deeply felt Roger Waters' and David Gilmour's interviews were, and Rick Wright gives his most articulate contribution ever when describing Syd's breakdown and effect on the band. Nick Mason too is refreshingly honest and witty, admitting that they didn't treat Syd too well when he started exhibiting bizarre behavior -- not knowing whether 'to laugh or to strangle him.'"

"And then you have a set of extras which includes Roger Waters uncut at his most revealing and unguarded," he continues. "He even talks about having a breakdown himself. And David Gilmour at his most intimate, wandering through his guitar collection, showing us how he wrote 'Wish You Were Here.'"

Screenings of the film will take place in Brooklyn (Southpaw; Sept. 18), Philadelphia (The Khyber; Sept. 24), Houston (Studio Movie Grill; Sept. 17), and San Francisco (Roxie New College Film Center; Sept. 17).

Two versions of the DVD, including a limited-edition package, will hit the streets on September 18.