This documentary chronicles the birth of one of the most influential groups of all time, Pink Floyd. The film deals with only the very early years of the band and shows how original guitarist Syd Barrett shaped its psychedelic sound.

Barrett would quickly secure his place in rock ’n’ roll history; not with musical accomplishments but with perhaps the most infamous drug flame-out ever. Barrett overdosed on LSD and lost his band, his friends and most important, his mind.

The tragedy happened in 1967 and at that point David Gilmour took over the guitar chores, and the band moved on to mega fame. Gilmour and the other members of Pink Floyd – Richard Wright, Nick Mason and Roger Waters – appear in interview segments recalling the last days of sanity for Barrett and how they finally had to kick him out of the band by simply leaving to go on tour without him.

Their friendship with Barrett inspired the songs “Wish You Were Here” and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond;” the main character in The Wall was also based on Barrett. This sad film has actually been released on DVD before; this version has a second disc that features the full interview segments with Gilmour, Wright, Mason and Rogers. Barrett lived as an invalid until 2006 when he died at age 60.

Grade: B

The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story is currently available.