There are a few surprises in this series. None are really startling, but they make you understand more why you like this band in the first place. If you don't, hear them more. The Grateful Dead have all the goods: Joy, bravery, humanity, and musicianship. They're not without fault - see "humanity".This an excellent series for fans and, I hope, soon-to-be-fans. Advice: don't skip the credits. Their soundtracks are worth it.

I saw this at the Realto Elmwood Cinema in Berkeley. From the beginning, it was like going to a show. I couldn't even find the movie, listed on the website for the theater. Finally, I found it, buried, after a few clicks, but not displayed with the other movie showtimes. Then a glitch happened in the website and I was out before I could finish paying for tickets. Then I found it, listed with the other movies and was able to get tickets. When I arrived, over an hour early, there was already a line, waiting to get in (as expected). The take-home I had was that Gerry was always very careful about not becoming the leader. Probably that's not a spoiler to true Deadheads. It was sad to see the progression of Gerry, toward the end, particularly as told from his wife, who seemed to have a selective memory of the final turning point in their relationship. But the movie really captures the essence of what it was like, in the band and even with the roadies and followers, who felt it was imperative to attend every show they could. They discussed the origins of the Dead, the progression of the Wall of Sound that they carried around with them and much of the psychedelic, idiosyncratic and iconoclastic culture, enshrouded in mystery, which some might consider occult. But really, it was just a guy having fun with his friends of a similar mindset. And still is, as I see continued shows at various venues around the San Francisco Bay Area, with former members of the band, which are often not officially announced, with bands that have obfuscated or obscure names, so as to attract the curious wayward wanderers but not the average pop culture seekers.

I watched this masterpiece at the SF Film festival at the Castro Theater. It is now the "Holy Grail" of Rockumentaries. Amir has created a thoughtful, hilarious, heart-wrenching, amusing, entertaining, and thorough portrait of America's BEST rock and roll band. I was intimidated by the 4-hour length, but the time flew by. The way Bar Lev mixes and intertwines interviews, music, and tales of the band was incredible. The themes introduced at the beginning of the movie continue to reappear throughout and the entire story in connected anecdotes, sights, and sounds. In turn, we are connected. Not only with the band, but with their family and friends. We feel the emotion, music, joy, and sorrow. It was such an amazing experience. Thank you so much for making this movie and for premiering it in San Francisco. I can't wait to see it again and talk about it with other Dead Heads and fans of music. Whether or not you are a fan of the band, you need to see this movie. It is an American story as much as it is a tale of the Grateful Dead.

This is a must for any Dead Head. But, I would love to believe it is also a brilliant way to initiate someone on the Dead, if they can allocate the time! It's a wonderful journey through the 50 years of the Dead, with a truly masterful soundtrack (make sure to get a good sound system for your listening enjoyment). The editing is great. Lots of great interviews of the group, crew, friends and family. To be seen again!