Customer Reviews

Classic Albums: Grateful Dead - Anthem to Beauty

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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'.

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.

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!

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.

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!

I think I originally saw this when it aired on PBS. I may have missed the beginning, but it was so good, that I had to track down my own copy. What makes this documentary so good is that it really gives you an insider's look at what went into making these early albums. It also has some moving personal moments, such as when Phil Lesh desribes his father's illness in relation to the song, "Box of Rain". This is a must-have for any fans of early Dead.

I bought this knowing what I was getting and I enjoyed what it does have. Probably not for the grizzled dead head that toured with them and lived the lifestyle. For the fans that really like the music and don't know a lot of the behind the scene stuff, this is a good DVD with some good information and home videos. Rhino should have packaged and labeled it different. That is why I deduct one star.

I was spellbound by this when I got it. Great archvial footage, interviews with the band, and just a great look at their transformation from Anthem of the Sun to American Beauty (hence the title). Includes live footage, studio footage, and them talking about track layers, and how a lot of the songs came together (including Robert Hunter talking about his inspiration with a lot of classic songs). I especially loved when Robert Hunter talked about going to London for the first time and the songs that came from his first few hours there (hint: Ripple is one of them!) Pick this up, light up and kick back. Heartwarming.

great classic footage with some cool interviews.
didnt like the liberal use of "the grateful dead movie"
footage mixed with music that was not from that era of the dead.

I was disappointed that there was more talking than playing, that the songs that were included were edited, and with the overall sound quality.