Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26947 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-10-12
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 150 minutes

Amazon.com
Made for hard-core Deadheads only, this two-and-a-half-hour-long concert video (released after the death of leader Jerry Garcia) captures an entire live show by the psychedelic pioneers. Shot in the summer of 1989 at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin, the Dead are caught during one of their latter-day musical peaks. Appearing jovial (Garcia actually moves during several tunes!), the band provides numerous patented extended jams during a two-set, 23-song performance. Lively highlights include Garcia's blistering solos during "Deal" and "China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider"; the spacey pairing of "Uncle John's Band" with "Playing in the Band"; and the tender ballad "Standing on the Moon." The motionless Dead were never a visually compelling live act, so viewers shouldn't expect anything more than close-ups of the sextet's faces and hands. However, such a conventional approach is preferred over the cheesy kaleidoscope of video effects that mar numerous songs here. --Dave McCoy

From the Back Cover
First Set
1. Let the Good Times Roll
2. Feel Like a Stranger
3. Built to Last
4. Me and My Uncle
5. Cumberland Blues
6. It's All Over Now
7. West. L.A. Fadeaway
8. Desolation Row
9. Deal

Second Set
1. China Cat Sunflower
2. I Know You Rider
3. Playing in the Band
4. Uncle John's Band
5. Standing on the Moon
6. Drums
7. The Wheel
8. Gimme Some Loving
9. Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
10. Not Fade Away
11. We Bid You Goodnight
12. Johnny B. Goode

Customer Reviews

Best Live Video Available
This is by far the best Grateful Dead I've ever seen - for many reasons: sound and video quality, performance, selections. . . But the most important aspect that puts this particular video above every other is the fact that it is pure performance video. Little or none of that dreamy, colorful overlay stuff that distorts the performances and, in IMHO, is overused on all other live GD recordings. This can be watched over and over. It's the Greatest!

Gotta get down to the Cumberland Mine....
Well, whats to say of an amazing concert--recorded on video for future prosperity... and then digitally re-mastered and released on DVD. Aside from being mastered on video tape, the visual aspect is captivating. The audio is of extremely high quality, and the caliber of the show is top notch for that time period. The band is having fun, the crowd is having fun... and with the right preparation, you too can "be there!". I highly recommend anyone interested in an amazing band displaying its playing prowess to order this DVD. Oh, the only difference I noticed from my VHS to my DVD is that in the first set when they splice in the footage from the follwing night, they fade it down and make it absolutely clear that it is a different show--whereas in the VHS version, it is seamless and aside from Bob Weir's shirt change, one may well have not even noticed. Whoa, oh oh it's Magic!

Great, considering.
This film has many intriguing qualities. Jerry Garcia played his razor sharp leads like he usually does. The band, even after 20+ years, continue to play their relaxed jam style music.

The first set has it's good and not so good qualities. Songs like "Cumberland Blues" and "Me and My Uncle" were played almost as well as they were played 20 years ago. During "Desolation Row," Bob Weir sang solo (until the end)- with a catchy rhythm on his guitar. Though many other musicians tend to lose their voice over the years, Weir proves that this is not always the case. Brent Mydland, a brilliant keyboardist that he is, played his heart out throughout the film- but he showed his stance best during "West LA Fadeaway."

Though a great set, I was troubled by how Jerry (Garcia) was getting along. He had obviously gained a substancial amount of weight. Furthermore, his voice vas hoarce and raspy- as if he had laryngytis. I am sad to say that I have seen Garcia in better circumstances in live performances in the past. Yet, he maintained his BRILLIANT guitar leads- razor sharp and binding.

Now, the second set has a more positive atmosphere. Classics like "China Cat Sunflower" and "I Know You Rider" were played with melodies by Mydland and Garcia. The band's improvisory skills are still sharp and clearly apparent during the playing of "Playing in the Band" and "Uncle John's Band." This version of "Playin" was streatched out a good 13 minutes- where "UJB" was easily intertwined afterwards.

One of the highlights of the show was the drum instrumental. As a fan of the Grateful Dead for many years now, I continue to ask myself: How many different types of percussion is Mickey and Bill playing? To this day, that question continues to amaze me. As a former student of tabla master Alla Rahnka, Mickey Hart adds flavor and facination to his work- clearly apparent here.

After the drumming solo, Garcia played his Fender guitar (not his usual Pegasus guitar)to sound like a saxophone. Then, Weir and Lesh join in 2 minutes or so apart and-
g r a d u a l l y played raw notes that resulted in the formation of "The Wheel." Weir and Mydland were on lead vocals- playing strong and hard vocals. Then- after the song was over, the drummers played a 6 beat cycle which lead to the formation of "Gimme Some Lovin" with Phil Lesh on backing vocals. The show progressed through "Going Down the...." and a powerful "Not Fade Away." Unfortunately, The closing credits played thru "Johnny B. Goode," a great song all of in itself being disrupted.

Like I said, despite seeing Garcia's harsh,"drier than usual" vocals and his signs of deteriating health, this film is an exceptionally good film.