The US Festival: 1982 The US Generation

Glenn Aveni's documentary recounts the steps that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak took to put together the US Festival, a three-day "Woodstock of the '80s." Woz remembers growing up on Americana music, but felt that major festivals never gave the form its due (although he also incorporated punk and new wave). Inexperienced in concert promotion, Woz hired people he trusted, gave them $2 million, and formed Unuson, short for Unite Us in Song. As the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart puts it, "He had the vision and the money." Unuson President Dr. Peter Ellis adds that Steve Jobs wasn't happy about it, but Woz had no interest in making US an Apple event. When he selected a San Bernardino location that lacked a natural amphitheater, Woz spent $10 million to carve one out of a hill. He also hired veteran concert promoter Bill Graham, who clashed with the Unuson people, but proved invaluable. Marky Ramone (the Ramones), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), and other artists add to the commentary alongside full-length performances, including the B-52's with "Strobe Light" and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers playing "Refugee," as well as songs by The Cars, The Police, and Santana. Despite the oppressive heat, staffers kept concertgoers hydrated with water bottles and sprinklers. Woz hoped for a peaceful weekend, and that appears to be how things played out. If Woz lost several million dollars, he expresses no regrets in Aveni's upbeat film. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, extras include audio commentary by Aveni, and interview outtakes. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)