4K Ultra HD Review – Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025)

      **Becoming Led Zeppelin, 2025.**

      Directed by Bernard MacMahon.

      Starring Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      This documentary chronicles the paths of the four members of the iconic rock band as they navigated the music scene of the 1960s, culminating in their formation during the summer of 1968 and reaching a peak in 1970. When it comes to rock legends, Led Zeppelin stands out as a colossal and extravagant force, created by guitarist Jimmy Page following the dissolution of his previous band, The Yardbirds, in the late 1960s. While The Beatles held the title of the most impactful band and The Rolling Stones were dubbed the 'bad boys' of rock (despite not fully embodying that image), it was Led Zeppelin who truly personified the essence of rock and roll excess, taking the blues rock foundation established by artists like the Stones, Cream, and Hendrix, but adding their distinct touch, pushing the envelope of sonic innovation, and unknowingly reshaping heavy music—although they vehemently reject the label of heavy metal, unlike Deep Purple (who also decline the term) and Black Sabbath (who accept it).

      With the perspective of today, Led Zeppelin may seem somewhat like a caricature to those who weren't there, featuring a flamboyant lead singer with a powerful voice, a suave lead guitarist, a laid-back bassist holding it all together, and a drummer known for his wild behavior both onstage and off. However, Zeppelin was the genuine article before caricatures like The Muppet Show, Spinal Tap, and Bad News emerged. This film, the first authorized documentary that the band has consented to—albeit independently produced—follows the evolution of their music amidst a shifting landscape, transitioning from the mainstream bubblegum pop of the early 1960s to the darker, heavier, and more progressive underground sounds.

      What resonates from the three surviving band members—frontman Robert Plant, guitarist/producer Jimmy Page, and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones—is their enduring passion for music. Page and Jones were esteemed session musicians in London throughout the 1960s, often collaborating on notable recordings, including Shirley Bassey’s renowned ‘Goldfinger’ theme. Witnessing Page sift through his diary to recall the albums he contributed to during that era provides a delightful detail for fans (notably, he does mention that he did not play on any Beatles sessions, a rarity among prominent UK artists).

      Drummer John Bonham, who passed away in 1980, effectively concluded the band's journey, yet he is represented in this documentary through a previously unheard interview. His voice is played alongside footage of the remaining members being interviewed, adding a poignant touch to their narrative as they react to their late colleague's words. The quality of the assembled footage is remarkable, reviving the youthful Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham with striking clarity, both visually and audibly.

      The interviews with Page, Plant, and Jones are conducted separately. While capturing their collective reflections could have been intriguing, it underscores that the narrative of Led Zeppelin is not just one of triumph but also filled with controversies and tragedies. Given this is an authorized biography, it's likely that each member had to carefully consider their words. Nonetheless, a key takeaway is that none of them mention fame, wealth, or celebrity; instead, Jimmy Page stresses the music’s primacy and their pursuit of sounds yet unheard. He and their infamous manager Peter Grant—who merits a documentary of his own—insisted that Atlantic Records refrain from releasing singles, and his explanation makes perfect sense, reflecting a refreshing attitude for a band in today’s media-obsessed climate.

      As we find ourselves in 2026, it is likely that the surviving members of Led Zeppelin will never perform together again—not due to any animosity, but because that chapter has closed and the music scene that birthed them cannot be replicated. Hence, this documentary serves as a fitting epilogue to their career, concluding in 1970 with the release of their iconic second album, ‘Led Zeppelin II’. A follow-up covering the later stages of their career, their subsequent groundbreaking albums, luxurious lifestyles, and other aspects would be thrilling, but, similar to a reunion concert, is improbable due to the controversial nature of their experiences and the salacious tales surrounding their peak success, leaving a sense of unfinished business despite this film's focus on their beginnings.

      Music documentaries typically require an appreciation for the band to resonate, but *Becoming Led Zeppelin* offers more than just the reminiscences of three elderly men recounting their musical triumphs. It provides a glimpse into a transformative era, starting in post-WWII Britain and illustrating how the nation reinvented itself with fresh ideas, politics, fashion, and, undoubtedly, music. Notably, Led Zeppelin's formation as a band doesn't fully materialize until approximately an