**Becoming Led Zeppelin: A Rockumentary That Hits the Right Notes—But Misses a Few Chords**
After years of anticipation, *Becoming Led Zeppelin* has finally arrived, offering fans an intimate look into the early days of one of rock’s most legendary bands. Directed by Bernard MacMahon, this documentary traces the formation of Led Zeppelin from the 1960s through to 1970, culminating in their rise to global stardom. With contributions from surviving members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, along with archival audio from the late John Bonham, the film provides a rare glimpse into the band’s origins and musical journey.
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### 🎸 A Sonic Journey Through Time
From the opening notes, it’s clear that *Becoming Led Zeppelin* is a treat for the ears. The documentary is rich with high-fidelity concert footage and studio recordings, showcasing the band’s musical evolution. The IMAX screenings, in particular, offer an immersive experience, enveloping viewers in the raw energy of Led Zeppelin’s performances. As one Reddit user aptly put it:
> “I just got back home from the theater too. I was blown away. Loved every minute of it.” 
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### 🎤 The Band Speaks—But Only So Much
The film’s greatest strength lies in its access to the band members themselves. Their interviews provide personal insights into their musical influences, the formation of the band, and their early experiences. However, this also becomes a limitation. The documentary is authorized, meaning it lacks external perspectives that could offer a more balanced view of the band’s history. As noted by one viewer:
> “The documentary’s intended audience feels like people that know Led Zeppelin = god and that they can do no wrong.” 
This approach results in a polished narrative that may not satisfy viewers seeking a deeper, more critical exploration of the band’s story.
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### 📚 A Story Half-Told
While the film excels in depicting the band’s formation and early success, it stops short of delving into their later years. The documentary concludes around 1970, leaving out significant events such as their rise to superstardom, internal conflicts, and the excesses that marked their peak years. This omission has led to speculation about a potential sequel:
> “Part 1: *Becoming Led Zeppelin*
> Part 2: *Being Led Zeppelin: the 70s*
> Part 3: *Beyond Led Zeppelin: the 80s and more*” 
While a sequel remains unconfirmed, the idea reflects the desire for a more comprehensive look at the band’s entire journey.
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### 🎬 Final Thoughts
*Becoming Led Zeppelin* is a visually and sonically captivating documentary that offers fans a rare look into the band’s formative years. Its authorized nature provides authenticity but also limits the depth of its exploration. For those interested in the origins of Led Zeppelin and their early musical influences, the film is a must-watch. However, for a more complete understanding of their legacy, one might hope for a future documentary that covers the entirety of their career.
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### 🔗 Where to Watch
As of now, *Becoming Led Zeppelin* is available for streaming on Netflix. For those who prefer physical copies, the documentary can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video. Chec
k your local listings for availability.
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