Grateful Dead Movie Printer's Proof Poster (1977)
Uncut Test Print | Rare Pre-Production Artifact | 23.25 x 29 Inches
This rare uncut printer’s proof poster was produced in 1977 as a pre-production test for the theatrical release of The Grateful Dead Movie, a psychedelic concert documentary directed by Jerry Garcia and Leon Gast. Measuring 23.25 x 29 inches, this unique piece represents a critical step in the printing process, used to test color alignment, clarity, and layout before the final posters were mass-produced for distribution to theaters.
The Grateful Dead Movie documents the band’s legendary October 1974 farewell run at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, just before their two-year hiatus from touring. The film was designed not only to capture the band’s final shows of the era but also to preserve the Grateful Dead concert experience for fans everywhere. Complete with animated sequences and immersive camera work, it remains a cornerstone of psychedelic rock cinema.
Unlike standard posters, printer’s proofs were never intended for public sale or display, and only a small number were created, typically one or two per production run. As a result, surviving proofs are extremely rare, particularly in uncut form and in good condition. Their value lies not only in the art and subject matter but in their direct connection to the production process behind the scenes.
The artwork features the same iconic design used in the final release poster, blending bold psychedelic fonts with surreal visual elements that reflect the band's countercultural ethos. While the specific artist is uncredited, the imagery fits the era’s visual tradition, reminiscent of Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley’s work.
For collectors of vintage Grateful Dead memorabilia or film poster history, this 1977 printer’s proof offers a unique and authentic piece of Dead lore, bridging the worlds of music, cinema, and visual art.
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Domestic (US): $75.00
International: $225.00