Dead Ahead (1981)

Running Time 164 MinSystem Requirements:October of 1980 the Grateful Dead plays the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in a week long marathon of sell-out shows that were beloved by fans and captured on film. Now in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead the original 1 master tapes from the show have been lovingly transformed onto DVD The Grateful Dead s best loved songs performed live onstage by Jerry Garcia Bill Kreutzmann Phil Lesh Bob Weir Mickey Hart and Brent Mydland this DVD is a celebration of America s most loved touring band and features both acoustic and electric performances. DVD Special Features First time ever on DVD The entire 114 minute original Dead Ahead recorded October 1980 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City Transferred from the original master 1" video in full color Audio features the original stereo mix produced by Dan Healy and Betty cantor-Jackson PLUS a brand new 5.1 mix of the concert MC'd by Al Franken and Tom Davis Visible Lyrics Option on entire DVD Bonus songs more than 50 minutes of never-before-released footage from October 30 1980 at RCMH All bonus songs feature Visible Lyrics Option and a NEW stereo AND 5.1 audio mix Collectors Booklet featuring a new essay by Dead Head scholar and author Steve Silberman and rare and previously unseen photos by Peter Simon and Bob MinkinFormat: DVD AUDIO Genre: MUSIC DVD/CONCERTS Rating: NR UPC: 012233113129 Manufacturer No: 311312 Product Description

Grate

This is the best Dead video I've seen. Jerry is really alive on this one. 1980 was a great year for them. June 29, 2007

Buy it - you won't be sorry

I've owned this one for a looong time. Dang good concert and the Dead are in top form throughout. Having gone to Dead shows, I can say that sitting back in the comfort of your favorite chair and enjoying the Dead in great audio and video is waay better than it was trying to see them live because 1970's Deadheads were the rudest most inconsiderate people I ever had to STAND through a concert with. The so-called COMEDY team of Frankin and Davis that is incorporated into the video is an insult to the show and just makes me sick but if you live through that you will be treated to an awesome concert. Bear in mind, this is mostly an accoustic show, but as that goes it is the best I've ever seen. Jerry has the best guitar-ripping fingers in history. Its a 70's show and many fave Dead tunes are missing but what is performed is a rare treat that I highly recommend if you like the Dead. Plenty of long guitar jams if you like those - which I do. March 18, 2007

Great Dead

If you like early Brent-era Grateful Dead, you'll love this DVD which finds Jerry and the band in great form. Bobby sports an Izod polo shirt, marking him as the godfather of prep school hippies nationwide. January 7, 2007

Not enough bonus material

The only problem I have with this DVD is that they cheesed out with the bonus material. This is a compilation of two shows that were both aired on cable way back when and unfortunatly some of the best music AND comedy skits are missing. What is here is nice however when you realize that they cut songs like Jack Straw in favor of Me And My Uncle. Most of the acoustic sets from both evenings is missing and when you realize how infrequently they performed that way it REALLY seems unfortunate. Missing also is the great drums->The Other One with Billy Cobham. This would definately get five if it had all that or even some. Still what is here is quite good. December 26, 2006

Grew on me (let it grow)

Original title: Just OK, but enjoyable once or twice
Man, I remember those days so well...evrybody was excited about the acoustic sets, and when Reckoning came out, hoo! I still love that record.
These visuals, frankly, don't add much to the experience, IMO. It still bugs me to see Weir in the Izod shirt.

ps added later: Still enjoyable after 4-5 times. Musically, the Closing of Winterland DVD is far superior IMO. But here you've got Brent and the acoustic tunes.
I just had to laugh at the reviewer who is still miffed 25 years later about those rude Deadheads STANDING during the show! Strikes me as a little unclear on the concept. December 8, 2006

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