Umphrey’s McGee To Release ‘Reel To Real’ Documentary Online

On New Year’s Day Umphrey’s McGee held a special “Reel To Real” event at The Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, during which they premiered their self-produced archival documentary film Reel To Real. Umphreaks who couldn’t attend the premiere in Denver or premieres in cities like Chicago and New York City that followed have been asking when they could view the film and the answer is starting on June 1.

Umphrey’s McGee will make Reel To Real available online via Vimeo on an on-demand basis beginning June 1 at 10 a.m. A pre-order period is currently underway here. There’s both options to “rent” the documentary for a 48-hour streaming period for $6.99 or to purchase Reel To Real for $14.99 which includes the ability to stream anytime and download DRM-free SD, HD and mobile files. Both options come with a bonus feature.

Reel To Real tells the story of Umphrey’s McGee’s 18-year-career using home movies, interview and live performance footage. I’ve seen the band nearly a hundred times over the years, have written tons of articles on them and still learned so much from viewing the film. Director Jefferson Waful did a stellar job tracing the history of the band from its roots in South Bend, Indiana through the current era. Members of Umphrey’s don’t hold back as they address such emotional moments as founding drummer Mike Mirro telling them his intention to leave the band in 2002 as well as his tragic death in 2014 and how the band found its current drummer Kris Myers. We also learn about the origins of UM original “Miss Tinkle’s Overture” plus how the group uses sections of past performances as “legos” to put together to create new songs. It’s a riveting watch you don’t have to be an Umphrey’s fan to enjoy, though it certainly helps.

Watch the trailer for Umphrey’s McGee’s Reel To Real: