(MVD, 50 Minutes)

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Though they officially split up in 1979, New York (by way of Cleveland) punk legends the Dead Boys had more than a few reunion shows (indeed, they’ve even done a few since the 1990 death of lead singer Stiv Bators). This 1986 show at the Ritz isn’t quite like being back at CBGB’s, as there are higher production values — namely, a bigger stage and plenty of lighting — but you still get a good sense of what this scrappy band must’ve been like back in their heyday.

After an introduction by Joey Ramone, Bators hits the stage prancing around in a shiny black PVC get-up that brings to mind Freddie Mercury’s outfits in Queen’s Jazz/The Game period (the look becoming even more surreal when Bators dons a wolf’s head at one point). The first song is their trademark anthem, “Sonic Reducer,” which they evidently like so much they perform it twice. Ironically, the highlight isn’t one of their own songs, but a sizzling cover of the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy,” a clear testament to their allegiance to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Unfortunately, the camera work is very basic, filmed from the back of the hall, with occasional zooms. Though it’s still preferable to the frantic-manic quick-cutting style of current live performance films.

Special features: 1980 TV interview, “Sonic Reducer” video. GILLIAN G. GAAR