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57 of 58 found the following review helpful:
 Note to Deadheads: Nov 22, 1999
By Marco D Bruno
This is not a concert video, nor does it contain any complete songs. It is a documentary of the studio process of creating these albums and interviews with the band on the inpiration for these songs. For me, this was wonderful (especially the interviews with Hunter and Lesh), just dont expect any playin'.
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
Documentary of a band evolving May 23, 2001
By Scott Davis
This video details the Grateful Dead's evolution in the studio from experimenting and learning (at Warner Brother's expense) about the recording process to applying that knowledge to American Beauty, in my opinion their best studio album ever. Phil Lesh takes the viewer on a tour through 16-track cuts of both the albums. David Grisman demonstrates mandolin parts he would have liked to played on the rest of Ripple. Robert Hunter talks about writing the lyrics for the songs on American Beauty. Video include rare footage from Hugh Hefner1s television show of Jerry and T.C. playing Mountains of the Moon and the band performing Saint Stephen. The down side is the songs are not complete. I like documentaries and the Dead so I loved this video. If you are looking for Concert footage better choices would by Downhill From Here or View From The Vault.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 Terrific overview of Early Dead Dec 21, 1998
This tape combines archival stills and film footage of the early years of the Dead (1967-1971) and great video soundbites from most of the members of the Dead, as well as Dennis McNally. Best scene is with Phil Lesh sitting at the console with the original 16-track tapes of "Anthem of the Sun" and "American Beauty" playing individual tracks, and commenting on the experiences during the recordings. Deadhead GOLD!
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
A profile of two classic Dead albums Sep 04, 2003
By Paul S. Remington
This DVD profiles two of the Dead's early studio releases. Both releases differ greatly in approach. This documentary captures these differences while showing the creative growth of the band as a whole.Anthem of the Sun is an explorative work that attempts to emulate the essence of a live Dead show. The studio sessions were somewhat chaotic and offered the Dead more of an education on how to make an album than a relaxed setting in which to focus on songwriting. American Beauty is centered on the art of songwriting, lyricism, solid vocals and harmonies. Less emphasis is given to soloing. They abandon the psychedelic explorations of the studio in favor of returning to their roots and drawing upon the country and bluegrass influences that run so deep. A beautiful picture is drawn of the band's creative process through old footage shot in the studio during the recording of both albums, on the road while on tour, and rare footage from their early days in San Francisco. Interviews with Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Robert Hunter and others fill-in the gaps of a unique period in the band's history. Produced after Garcia's death, some interviews become emotional. Jerry does appear many times through earlier interview footage. This is a must have for any Dead fan and a wonderful introduction for budding fans.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
From an old Dead Fan Jan 28, 2005
By Richard Federici
I laughed out loud quite a few times while watching this superb DVD; nearly cried once or twice. The music, of course, is excellent, and my foot was tapping throughout. Great footage & storytelling of the Grateful Dead's earlier years.
I was pleasantly surpised by this disc!
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