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Grateful Dawg
Columbia/Tri-Star // PG-13 // February 5, 2002
List Price: $24.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
Gillian Grisman's documentary "Grateful Dawg" is not really a documentary as much as it is a tribute and a pleasant, if not particularly memorable, 81 minute tour through this musical alliance - specifically, Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia and mandolin virtuoso David Grisman. The two met in the 60's and were impressed by each other's skills, enough to join together to form a bluegrass band called Old and In the Way. As such, most of the music profiled in the film is of the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" variety; in fact, there were a couple of songs that sounded strikingly similar to the songs on that soundtrack.
Interestingly enough, the documentary also does what many similar documentaries don't - it actually lets the songs (including the nearly 20-minute "Arabia") play out in their entirity, which is something that David Grisman wanted his daughter to do in her documentary if she was going to use the footage. As a whole, the documentary is a very nice tribute to two friends who were kindred spirits and great musicians who connected well musically.
But, it's really not that much more than that. During the film's 81 minutes, we are mainly shown performances (from a reunion concert) and interviews that provide a rather praise-heavy discussion of the two and also give us a general idea about their history. There's not a lot of insight at all, but those who are interested in the artists will be pleased with the performance clips and footage - as well as the fact that someone has done a really terrific job into mixing these songs into Dolby Digital 5.1.
"Grateful Dawg" does lack depth, but for what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in charm and its relaxed nature. It's certainly not a perfect documentary, but it's an enjoyable one.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Grateful Dawg" is listed on the back of the DVD's box as being a full-frame presentation, but the actual film itself is presented in 1.66:1 non-anamorphic widescreen. Given the fact that archive footage and other elements were put together for this film, it's understandable that the image quality varies throughout; some older footage appears softer, but the newer performance and interview footage generally looks pleasantly crisp. A little wear and edge enhancement is visible now and then, but overall, this is a very good presentation of the material.
SOUND: "Grateful Dawg" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, which was a suprise given the fact that this is a pretty small documentary and even the concert footage that was shown doesn't look like that big of a production. That said, I was quite suprised that the film's soundtrack was as good as it is; the music fills the listening space superbly, sounding exceptionally crisp, detailed and natural. Surrounds come in very nicely to provide some musical reinforcement, but their use is subtle and appropriate. Dialogue in the interviews come through clearly and cleanly. Overall, this is really a great presentation, considering the material.
MENUS: Basic main and sub-menus with little animation or other "touches".
EXTRAS: The unreleased music video for the bluesy "The Thrill Is On" as well as a commentary from musician David Grisman and director Gillian Grisman. The two don't sound as if they're recorded together, but both provide interesting insights about both the production of the documentary and pulling the footage together, as well as what it was like to experience the music of the time. Director Gillian does most of the talking and does a very enjoyable job discussing her thoughts about how she wanted the documentary to be structured and how she wanted it to portray the people involved. Uninterrupted bonus performances of "I'm Troubled" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" are also included, as well as outtakes, discographies and web-links.
Final Thoughts: "Grateful Dawg" gives us more music than insight about the music, but with the music presented so well in Dolby Digital 5.1, I found the documentary/concert film to be an enjoyable viewing experience. Tristar's DVD edition of the film provides respectable video quality, along with great audio quality and fine supplements. Recommended for fans of the musicians.
Gillian Grisman's documentary "Grateful Dawg" is not really a documentary as much as it is a tribute and a pleasant, if not particularly memorable, 81 minute tour through this musical alliance - specifically, Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia and mandolin virtuoso David Grisman. The two met in the 60's and were impressed by each other's skills, enough to join together to form a bluegrass band called Old and In the Way. As such, most of the music profiled in the film is of the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" variety; in fact, there were a couple of songs that sounded strikingly similar to the songs on that soundtrack.
Interestingly enough, the documentary also does what many similar documentaries don't - it actually lets the songs (including the nearly 20-minute "Arabia") play out in their entirity, which is something that David Grisman wanted his daughter to do in her documentary if she was going to use the footage. As a whole, the documentary is a very nice tribute to two friends who were kindred spirits and great musicians who connected well musically.
But, it's really not that much more than that. During the film's 81 minutes, we are mainly shown performances (from a reunion concert) and interviews that provide a rather praise-heavy discussion of the two and also give us a general idea about their history. There's not a lot of insight at all, but those who are interested in the artists will be pleased with the performance clips and footage - as well as the fact that someone has done a really terrific job into mixing these songs into Dolby Digital 5.1.
"Grateful Dawg" does lack depth, but for what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in charm and its relaxed nature. It's certainly not a perfect documentary, but it's an enjoyable one.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Grateful Dawg" is listed on the back of the DVD's box as being a full-frame presentation, but the actual film itself is presented in 1.66:1 non-anamorphic widescreen. Given the fact that archive footage and other elements were put together for this film, it's understandable that the image quality varies throughout; some older footage appears softer, but the newer performance and interview footage generally looks pleasantly crisp. A little wear and edge enhancement is visible now and then, but overall, this is a very good presentation of the material.
SOUND: "Grateful Dawg" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, which was a suprise given the fact that this is a pretty small documentary and even the concert footage that was shown doesn't look like that big of a production. That said, I was quite suprised that the film's soundtrack was as good as it is; the music fills the listening space superbly, sounding exceptionally crisp, detailed and natural. Surrounds come in very nicely to provide some musical reinforcement, but their use is subtle and appropriate. Dialogue in the interviews come through clearly and cleanly. Overall, this is really a great presentation, considering the material.
MENUS: Basic main and sub-menus with little animation or other "touches".
EXTRAS: The unreleased music video for the bluesy "The Thrill Is On" as well as a commentary from musician David Grisman and director Gillian Grisman. The two don't sound as if they're recorded together, but both provide interesting insights about both the production of the documentary and pulling the footage together, as well as what it was like to experience the music of the time. Director Gillian does most of the talking and does a very enjoyable job discussing her thoughts about how she wanted the documentary to be structured and how she wanted it to portray the people involved. Uninterrupted bonus performances of "I'm Troubled" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" are also included, as well as outtakes, discographies and web-links.
Final Thoughts: "Grateful Dawg" gives us more music than insight about the music, but with the music presented so well in Dolby Digital 5.1, I found the documentary/concert film to be an enjoyable viewing experience. Tristar's DVD edition of the film provides respectable video quality, along with great audio quality and fine supplements. Recommended for fans of the musicians.
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