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From: dsl@lzwi.UUCP (D.S.LERNER)
Newsgroups: net.music.gdead
Subject: Re: VIDEO DEAD
Message-ID: <206@lzwi.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 24-Jul-85 19:15:51 EDT
Article-I.D.: lzwi.206
Posted: Wed Jul 24 19:15:51 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Jul-85 20:21:55 EDT
References: <434@sri-arpa.ARPA>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems, Lincroft
Lines: 79

Wilkins, your reasoning is not good enough to make me forget
that video exists. First of all, you complain that video
recorders requires lots of space and are bulky. These days
portable video recorders come in camcorder size smaller than
you average NACH or no bigger than your average D5. Second,
you complain that video will never capture the Grateful Dead
experience. It isn't intended to that buddy. It is to bring
back memories and good music you once saw and heard. Every
time I see the Dark Star from the NYE Winterland, the thought
"this isn't like the real thing" never arises in my brain.
I thank GOD I can show my kids, if I ever have any, what the
Dead looked like when they played. I can show them what
a Dark Star was all about between all of my audio copies
and this video copy. Third, you mention that there isn't
enough space to dance with all of the tapers now. Wilkins,
don't you think that some of the audio tapers would leave
their D5s home now and then to video record it. Thus solving
the space problem. Fourth, people wouldn't have to
record from the ground level but could record from a good
loge area spot with the proper zoom lens. Thus valuable
floor space for dancing would be left to you dancers.

Besides, why do you think Dan Healy video records every
show anyhow? When the Dead are dead, he will probably
market each film to the general public. We are just beating
him to the punch. Why do you think the Dead released their
movie? It was released to show people the old Dead Monster
MAC system, the Dead history and what a Dead concert was
like. I don't know if you ever saw the Monster MAC system
live, but it was a sight and sound I will never forget.
I thank GOD that they filmed that system. The wall of
sound have been captured on my audio tapes from those years,
but without film the next generation would never really
know what it was like. Three stories of amps can only be
captured on film.

You dancers like to dance in the back of the halls and
rinks anyhow. Nobody would record from there or from
the floor unless they could get a clear angle. Thus,
allowing video taping sections in the loge if there is
a loge. Prediction: Thirty years from now, you will be
ordering your video Dead from Healy's vault and thanking
the Lord that they made those damn videos. You will probably
exclaim to all "I was there". But in reality, you will
be thinking "Wow, I almost forgot how hot that show really
was". Don't tell me that when you are listening to a really
great audio tape you aren't visualizing the show in your mind.
A good video tape will recapture those great moments you saw.
Due to periodic chemical ingestions, we somtimes forget
what songs were played or how hot that jam really was.
Wouldn't it be great to replay that "Lovelight or Dancing"
in your living room in a clearer frame of mind? The first
thing on most people's mind after a really hot show is
"Where and when can I get an audio tape of that show". It
is on my mind also. However, the second thing on my mind
is "I would love to get a video recording of the show. Did
anybody video record it? ". 

I have gotten people who hate the Dead and have opinions
on them from secondhand reviews, to see my videos and
exclaim "Jerry is great guitarist". I inform them that
if they liked it on TV, they will love it live. Video
can capture the visuals that audio cannot capture.
If you ever get the chance to see the NYE Winterland
Dark Star on a VCR, don't tell me you won't get a lump
in your throat from the nostalgia. It happens every time
to me. Video will never replace a live show nor will it
replace a soundboard audio tape. It will however compliment
those board tapes as well as return you to that great
moment in Dead history. Thank God that Dan Healy has been
video recording each show for the past five years. I don't
know about you but I would love to see the "Dark Star" from
last years' Berkeley show on my 26 inch stero monitor.
It would add to my good audio tape I currently have. Video
is here to stay my friend and if you don't hop aboard or
get with it, it will mow you down like a tidal wave.
Welcome to the 20th century ! Go ahead, live in the past.
Others like myself will take the next step.