When You're Strange

“I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star. Everyone stops, points up and gasps "Oh look at that!" Then –whoosh, and I'm gone...and they'll never see anything like it ever again... and they won't be able to forget me- ever.” - Jim Morrison

Tom DiCillo's 90-minute feature-length documentary about The Doors is comprised entirely of never-before-seen archival b&w footage from 1966 to 1971 premiered at the Sundance Festival January 17, 2009. The film includes live footage from rehearsals, concerts, television appearances, as well as HWY - a 35mm student film made by and starring Jim Morrison.

When You’re Strange is not just the story of Jim Morrison. It is the story of The Doors–all four of them. Ray Manzarek once said The Doors in concert were like 4 sides of a diamond with Jim at the forward point, Ray and Robby on either side and John forming the point in the rear. Each side was equal to and supporting the other.

Watch the trailer here. Hopefully Varsity or Cumberland will pick it up soon. Till then, Manzarek and Krieger continue to perform as a Doors-styled group called Riders on the Storm, titled after one of the band's hits. They might hit Toronto this summer, but this time backed by an orchestra. They are also planning to re-release the band's six studio albums in vinyl.