The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack [BOX SET] [LIVE] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [SOUNDTRACK]

Grateful Dead

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: March 15, 2005
• Number of Discs: 5
• Format: Box set, Live, Original recording remastered, Soundtrack
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Grateful Dead / Wea
• ASIN: B0007PAMN8
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,416 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
More than just a significantly expanded soundtrack to the new DVD edition of the band's 1974 documentary, the five discs here (taken from a five-night stand at San Francisco's fabled Winterland in October) also document the end of an early Dead era, capturing extensive highlights from the band's final gigs before beginning a performance hiatus that would last until 1976. Typically expansive in scope, yet tightly focused in the interplay of its performances, the anthology kicks off with a brisk slate of upbeat early favorites and then settles back as the band wends its way through spacious, jazzy jams ("Eyes of the World," "Playing in the Band," "Weather Report Suite"), roots-conscious workouts, and the fervent mysticism of Deadhead touchstones like "Dark Star." The recordings also capture the return to action of drummer Mickey Hart after a three-plus-year layoff, and showcase separate percussion solo interludes from both Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. Containing a considerable number of rich live takes that failed to make the DVD set's bonus outtake disc, this is a an expansive, riveting evocation of the band's early '70s prime--a must for any dedicated Deadhead. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description
In October 1974 -- at the peak of their global fame -- the Grateful Dead played five consecutive shows at San Francisco's legendary Winterland. Those dates were recorded and filmed for the 1977 motion picture release The Grateful Dead Movie. This five-disc soundtrack presents all of the music from the movie, plus 32 bonus tracks, including 20 songs exclusive to this set.

Many historic jams that were edited down for the film are restored in their entirety, including the 60-minute blockbuster jam featuring "Sugar Magnolia," "He's Gone," "Jam," "Caution Jam," "Drums," "Space," "Truckin'," "Black Peter," and "Sunshine Daydream." Also included is the now-complete 32-minute "Playing In The Band," cut to half that length on screen.

A 24-page booklet contains rare photos and memorabilia from the film.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Second the motion, March 17, 2005

By	Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

To second Mr. Sherwin's motion, this is an unusually fine vintage Dead release, better perhaps than the movie on which the recording is based.
Those who love the band know all the songs and so many permutations. What they haven't heard is how very polished the band could be in extended performance: tight and musical and inventive and lovable.

As for the engineers who produced this release, words are insufficient. There is wide dynamic range here, solid definition of all pieces and voices. As for value, five superb discs at this price is almost ridiculous.

Just as Bach taught the world counterpoint, the Dead taught rock the way of improvisation, and they teach it more effectively here than on any other concert reccording, Dick's Picks or compilation I've heard in years.

A release that makes you feel glad you're alive, and that reminds you quietly and with dignity, that the world was aactually a little better once.

A fabulous live release. Easily one of my top-10 live releases -- period.
Buy it, or wonder what you missed.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DEADHEAD'S DELIGHT! I CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! , March 15, 2005

By	Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Some people won't believe me, but I swear, I swear it's true! Just two days ago I watched The Grateful Dead Movie I rented (from an online movie rental company) and I really wanted to get the CD soundtrack from the movie! Imagine my surprise when I just found out this remastered five CD set/soundtrack is actually a BRAND NEW release! I ran out, bought the set and after a listen I felt compelled to write this review from sheer enthusiasm! GRIN! Ecstasy, man!

First of all, if you've ever been to a Dead concert or heard your friends talk about the group you know they were first and foremost a live performance band. (But yes, they put out many albums, too.) They were also well known for their generous many hours' long concerts-and you know what? This five CD set of live performances reflects again the group's generosity! Just as they gave us so much more than the standard two hour concert length many groups after them began to give, there are FIVE CDs here with not only the movie soundtrack but with 32 bonus songs! Making this set even more valuable to fans and collectors is that these songs were recorded in 1974 at San Francisco's legendary Winterland when The Grateful Dead were far more than just kinetic and mesmerizing! All in all everything here makes for a "DeadHead's Delight" and this set is a must for any serious rock fan.

The film is just over two hours so there wasn't time to show the band performing the full length versions of these songs during the movie. But on this set you get it ALL! This CD set more than makes up for that with a 32 minute awesome "Playing In The Band!" and the entire 60-minute blockbuster jam featuring "Sugar Magnolia," "He's Gone," "Jam," "Caution Jam," "Drums," "Space," "Truckin'," "Black Peter," and "Sunshine Daydream." "Not Fade Away," and "Dark Star" are both here, as well as classics many people know even if they aren't serious fans of The Grateful Dead: "Casey Jones," "Uncle John's Band," "Truckin'" and an electric performance of "Johnny B. Goode!"

The set includes some great photos and memorabilia from the movie presented in a 24 page booklet. A good plus!

Simply put, if you're a rock fan and especially if you're a Dead fan you just can't go wrong with this five CD set. It is very reasonably priced for five CDs-you're gonna be thrilled to say the least! A grand slam home run by the best! POW!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb collection, March 27, 2005

By	Adam Jensen (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack is an excellent collection for both long time Deadheads and those new to the boys. It is taken from a period in time (Oct. '74, just before they took a touring break) when the Dead were really smokin'. Those familiar with the Grateful Dead will know how great the songs are from the movie, and the extra tracks are just as good. There are the familiar crowd pleasers (Truckin', Casey Jones, etc.) as well as the long jams (Dark Star, Playing in the Band, etc.) and everything in between in this huge collection. Some of my personal favourites include Eyes of the World (the same version as on the So Many Roads box set, but shortened from 18 to 13 minutes due to tape damage), a 31 minute Playing in the Band, a great The Other One > Spanish Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > The Other One segue, and Weather Report Suite. In all, a great set and a great price considering it's 5 discs, all packed with tunes. My only complaint is that the booklet has pictures but no text, but that is very minor. Check this out; you won't regret it!