Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead

Following a hilarious introduction by Saturday Night Live alumni Al Franken and Tom Davis, the Grateful Dead—guitarists Bob Weir and the late Jerry Garcia, bassist Phil Lesh, drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, and late keyboard player Brent Mydland (who would later become the third dead Dead keyboardist)—launch into a sweet acoustic set at New York City's Radio City Music Hall in this October 1980 concert. Leading off with a delicate and mysterious "Bird Song," followed by a folk-bluesy "On the Road Again" (with just the right hint of swing), a plaintive "To Lay Me Down," the lovely "Ripple," and the country-flavored "Ramble on Rose," the later electric set is highlighted by a brilliant "Little Red Rooster," “Saint of Circumstance,” and "Fire on the Mountain" in this generous 17-song performance. Presented in solid Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo (with a visible lyrics option on all songs), the DVD features nearly an hour's worth of bonus songs, including the indispensable "Truckin'." Although not quite up to the level of The Grateful Dead Movie (1977), this follow-up concert film is sure to appeal to Deadheads and most other classic rock fans. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)