Rating: Summary: THE GREATEST CONCERT EVER Review: On Thanksgiving 1976 I went to see The Band at Winterland in San Francisco. While I was standing in line outside the theatre a guy came up to me and asked if I had any spare change. When I told him that I did not he gave me fifteen cents. Thus began a most memorable night. After a full Thankgiving dinner and some waltzing,the concert began. The Band took the stage for the final concert of their long career in music. Looking back now, the members all seem way too young to be calling it quits even though The Band had always appeared to be from another century, always photographed in grainy black and white. After a full and wonderful set by The Band, special guests from throughout their career took the stage with The Band, culminating with an amazing performance from Bob Dylan. A jam ensued that included more guest stars. Almost every major band or musical icon of the sixtes was represented. Hours after the concert began, The Band returned for one last song, Don't Do It. it is this performance which opens the film version of the concert. Two years later a two record set was released with only some of the songs from the concert. Now a more comprehensive record of the event has been made available! Sorry you weren't there for the turkey, but at least you can enjoy the recordings made at one of the greatest musical events of the 20th century.
Rating: Summary: The M-16 of Music Movies Review: There's been nothing before or since to equal this film. It is the definitive music documentary, with emphasis on the music. Panned by many when released in the late 70s, there is a synergy to the various featured artists that, like wine, only sweetens with each viewing. I was never particularly a Band afficiando before this movie nor have I developed much of a taste for them sense. But on this particular stage on this particular occasion, something clicked to make this an essential addition to any serious rock/blues/folk collection.
Rating: Summary: Great Music, too much Robbie Review: The Last Waltz shoud NOT be Robbie Robertson. It should be The Band, one of the three or four best acts in rock (or country or ... whatever you want to call their great music.)In fact, the one reason I took a star off my rating is there's far too much Robbie, who used this as audition for an acting careeer that never took off _ Levon Helm turned out to be more successful if less ambitious. About 80 percent of the interview time involved Robertson. I would have liked to see a lot more of Richard Manuel, whose short interviews were the best of the bunch and more of the painfully shy Garth Hudson. Still, the music is great (although I've never been able to figure out what attracted Robertson to Neil Diamond.) In his autobiography, Levon says much of it was overdubbed in the editing because many of the performers were under the influence during the filming to the point that one guest had to have white powder brushed off his nose. OK, that was common and the end product is wonderful. But it should be a tribute to the entire group, not just Robertson's ego.
Rating: Summary: GREAT MUSIC ON GREAT FILM Review: Finally someone there decided to bring this music on DVD. Really can't wait to issueing day. Every single note is a masterpiece. REMINDER: It's time to think about issueing the concert of Bangla Desh with George Harrison and company, then we have a complete music history to show one day to our grandchildren.
Rating: Summary: Life changing experience Review: Having not yet seen the DVD, but having memorized the VHS, I know that this latest format will bring tears of joy to all who know and appreciate this film. I was only 3 years old when this was filmed, but the beauty of it is that it transcends time and finds a place in anyone's soul who takes the time to watch and listen. To my friends and I this film has become a bonding experience. Every get together requires a "concert" as does Thanksgiving Day. This film cannot be merely watched, it must be studied, down to every detail. Something new jumps out at you every time you see it. The music and performers are better than anything I've seen. I was 16 the first time I saw The Last Waltz, I'm 29 now and I can honestly say that this film has made a lasting impression on me. Every word from every interview and every note from every song is burned indelibly upon my soul. Some of the greatest parties that I've attended have revolved around this film. "They got it now, Robbie"
Rating: Summary: best of the best Review: by far nothing in rock history has or will ever come close to the greatness of this concert. to have this on dvd now is a dream of mine that has been answered. the greatest musicians and song-writers of all times come together to bid farwell to one of the most inflencial bands in rock and roll. if you enjoy listining to rock then this is the dvd for you.
Rating: Summary: Good Stuff Review: A great compendium of a large matrix of inter-mixing musics and American cultures, brought to a head by this grouping of musicians. In the mid-60's through the mid-70's, it was common for concert bills to include musicians/groups/bands which at first glance may seem unnatural, but in reality they would slide in together during the evening and show everyone how their different styles and seeming niches really don't seperate them. Thus we had jazz, hard blues, and free-ranging rock on the same bills, across the country...and that was *normal*! In this film, the interviews do get in the way, but the music's great. And of course when Dylan comes out, everything takes off to the Cosmos. Baby Let Me Follow You Down!
Rating: Summary: The Band Leaves An Unforgettable Memory Review: I had the good fortune to see the Band three times in concert by itself and once in concert with Bob Dylan. I live near a video store that rented the vhs three times to me and then sold it to me for 25 bucks, since no one else was renting it. The Band's performances are rough, compared with their albums. I prefer the music on the albums. The concert is great when interviews are going and Band is playing by itself. Other artists simply spoil the concert--neil young's is okay, but still doesn't belong on the Band's final concert. Footage of Robbie R. leading the other members of the band through the songs, like a conductor with an orchestra is phenomenal. The sweat on the musicians matched the intensity of the performance. But the Band never bombards you with sound. The audience empathizes with the music, absorbs it and The Band is genuinely in touch with the rythmic pulse of life. I WILL BUYING THE CD AS SOON AS IT COMES OUT.
Rating: Summary: Phenominal Movie Review: I love this movie o Death. THe band SI my Favorite Group. It is such a Shame That Robbie and Martin have and will make money from his and the other members never saw a diem frome the movie. Y just show robbie's Name there R other member alot more talanted. I will buy thi smovie and watch it rembering the lives of Rick Danko, and Richard Manual (who has the best inerview parts of the movie) THis is A great movie and it celebrates a Great Band
Rating: Summary: It will be five stars!! Review: I have waited for the Last Waltz DVD to come out for a long time. I can't wait! The video is wonderful, but the sound quality and extra stuff to be included in the DVD should make it a treasure. The Band, Muddy, Clapton, Dylan, Neil Young - one of the best concerts and concert films ever....long before MTV. It is real, unlike most of what you hear today. May Richard, Rick, Muddy and Paul rest in peace. Buy this DVD to own an important piece of music history. Thanks Amazon! TB Portland, OR
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