AllMovie

Expanded from VH1's original broadcast of the Classic Album series spot, this documentary explores the crags and crevices of one of rock & roll's most revered and enduring bands, The Grateful Dead. With their studio albums often overlooked in the fervor of the live show, this film is a wonderful introduction to the real everyday workman-like attitude of the Dead. Filmed after the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, Anthem to Beauty is an endearing retrospective of the band. Mixing clips of live performances, home movies, and modern interviews and commentary from Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Phil Lesh the viewer becomes privy to the genuine emotion that was invested into being The Grateful Dead. At several points, members and collaborators of the band are drawn to tears. Even though this documentary revolves mostly around the making of the Dead's fifth album American Beauty, the insight and raw emotion that jump from the screen is enough to touch the most hardened critic of the band and blow away the most dedicated fan.