Monterey Pop is D. A. Pennebaker’s 79-minute documentary portrait of the Monterey International Pop Festival, held in California from June 16 to 18, 1967. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding are among its standout performers, but the film’s reach is broader: it captures a varied bill and the charged atmosphere of a festival that helped define the era’s popular music. The feature is a carefully shaped selection, not a record of every performance filmed at Monterey.
What is Monterey Pop?
Released in 1968, Monterey Pop is a U.S. color documentary directed by D. A. Pennebaker. Criterion lists its runtime as 79 minutes, its aspect ratio as 1.33:1, and its language as English. John Phillips and Lou Adler are credited as producers. The documentary records the three-day Monterey International Pop Festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, California.
Pennebaker’s vérité approach favors observation over explanatory narration. The camera crew included documentary filmmakers Albert Maysles and Richard Leacock. The result is not simply a sequence of songs: close views of musicians, audience reactions and activity around the stage make the festival itself part of the story. Criterion’s film listing provides the film’s credits and format details.
Who performs in the film?
Hendrix, Joplin and Redding are among the best-known names, but the festival’s range is a large part of the film’s appeal. Criterion also lists Simon and Garfunkel, the Mamas and the Papas, the Who, the Byrds, Hugh Masekela and Ravi Shankar among the performers.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The lineup brings together different sounds and performance styles rather than presenting one narrow definition of “pop.” That breadth gives the film more than a handful of famous career moments: it offers a glimpse of an event where established acts and performers with very different musical traditions shared a stage.
Which moments define the film?
Several images have become shorthand for Monterey. Criterion highlights Pete Townshend smashing his guitar, Hendrix setting his guitar on fire, and Mama Cass watching Joplin perform. These are not interchangeable spectacles: together they suggest the film’s attention to both theatrical performance and the people watching it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Hendrix’s burning guitar is an especially vivid stage image, while the cut to Cass watching Joplin shifts attention from performer to audience. That kind of reaction shot helps make the film a record of a shared event, not only a collection of songs. Criterion’s description of the film identifies these signature moments.
Does the feature film include every Monterey performance?
No. The 79-minute feature is an edited film, not a complete archive of the festival. Criterion says its special edition includes two hours of performances omitted from the feature. Its broader The Complete Monterey Pop Festival collection adds the companion films Jimi Plays Monterey and Shake! Otis at Monterey, alongside every available complete performance filmed by Pennebaker and crew and rare outtakes.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
“Every available” matters: the collection’s scope is the complete filmed performances that are available, not a claim that every festival set was filmed or survives. The feature is the concise choice for Pennebaker’s assembled portrait; the expanded set is better suited to viewers who want substantially more filmed music and the companion films.
Which edition should you choose?
| Option | What it includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Pop special edition | Two Blu-rays; a director-approved 16-bit 4K restoration supervised by Pennebaker; uncompressed stereo and an alternate 5.1 mix by recording engineer Eddie Kramer; two hours of performances not in the feature, interviews, a festival program and other extras. | Viewers who want the feature film with substantial supplements and alternate sound formats. |
| Monterey Pop DVD | One-disc DVD edition listed by Criterion; the listing does not specify comparable restoration or sound-format details. | Viewers seeking the standalone film on DVD. |
| The Complete Monterey Pop Festival | Three-disc Blu-ray collection: Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey and Shake! Otis at Monterey, plus every available complete performance filmed by Pennebaker and crew and rare outtakes. | Viewers who want the broadest collection of the filmed Monterey performances and companion films. |
Criterion also lists a digital “Watch Now” option through Criterion Channel. Product listings, streaming catalogs and territory availability can change, so check Criterion’s film page and the collection listing for current details.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How large was the Monterey festival?
Published estimates differ. Janus Films and Criterion’s 2017 press notes describe more than thirty musical acts and around 100,000 attendees. In a 2021 Library of Congress interview, Michelle Phillips recalled an audience of some 200,000. These are attributed estimates, not a settled attendance count; the sources do not establish one definitive figure.
Pennebaker’s 2017 account also places the festival in a wider California counterculture. He described the state as “everybody’s idea of a new kind of place to find yourself,” adding that the music and lifestyle mattered alongside drugs. The remark appears in the 2017 Janus Films / Criterion press notes.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Why is Monterey Pop historically significant?
The Library of Congress says Monterey Pop entered the National Film Registry in 2018 for its cultural, historical and aesthetic significance. The recognition reflects the film’s value not only as a record of notable performances, but also as a document of a particular musical gathering and the filmmaking that preserved it.
In the same Library of Congress interview, Phillips recalls the festival as a charitable event and says proceeds from festival music, merchandise and the film continued to support charitable programs in performers’ names. That is Phillips’s retrospective account; it should not be read as an independently verified financial breakdown. The interview is available as a Library of Congress PDF.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
