Screamers: Live in San Francisco, Sept 2nd 1978 [DVD] [1978]

The Screamers were in the midst of their first American tour when the San Francisco-based Target Video produced this recording of the band in concert in the Bay Area. Screamers: Live in San Francisco, Sept 2nd 1978 has been transferred to disc in its original full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1, and the audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo. The image quality is frankly substandard; shot in black-and-white, the picture is streaky and full of murk much of the time (the occasional neo-psychedelic color overlays don't help much), and the camerawork is only a few steps up from amateur level. The audio isn't particularly better, boasting a dodgy mix that recalls the glory days of '70s bootleg audio (though this is indeed an authorized release). And while the package claims 30 minutes of music from the group, actually the running time is just a bit over 20 minutes, including the audio-only version of "(Get a) Grip (On Yourself)" that plays over the final credits. The only bonus item is a Target promotional reel that has appeared on other releases from the company. Given the wealth of material Joe Rees and company have in their vaults, Screamers: Live in San Francisco, Sept 2nd 1978 was a strange choice for DVD upgrade, and this disc is recommended only for the most hardcore fans of the group.