Rating: Summary: A great sendoff for the Band Review: Quite possibly the greatest concert film ever made. Scorcese does a wonderful job of digging into the lives of the Band, with some wonderfully candid comments backstage between the glorious songs of this concert. The Band was in full flight, with memorable guest appearances in what was ostensibly their swan song. Take your pick of favorites. Mine were "Who Do You Love" with Ronnie Hawkins, "The Weight" with the Staple Singers, "Mystery Train" with Paul Butterfield, and "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" with Bob Dylan. Some of the guest performers looked a little out of place like Emmylou Harris, who didn't seem to find her voice on "Evangeline." But, then there is Joni Mitchell singing a lovely rendition of "Coyote." The concert builds to its closing crescendo on "I Shall be Released" with everybody joining in for this rousing rendition of the classic gospel song. You will not be disappointed!
Rating: Summary: Awesome Jam Sessions Review: This has got to be the best jam session ever recorded. Everyone looked as though they were having a great time. I wish I was old enough to have been there. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" "Caravan" "Weight" and "Ophelia" oooowee!!!!!!!!!!!! The sound is spectacular and the various inputs by the Band members were insightful and a little bitter sweet. Go for it!!!
Rating: Summary: The perfect ending Review: I don't know how this concert film could rate anything but five stars; I don't know what more one could expect. One of the greatest bands, period, with an incredible array of guests "stars" that all shine brightly without ever outshining The Band. All beautifully captured on 35 mm film by the brilliant Martin Scorsese. The off-stage interviews capture the slyness, charisma and chemistry of the individual members, particularly Robbie Robertson, and are edited between the concert songs in such a way as to provide marvelous, illuminating segues. I don't know which is more brilliant, the concert or the direction and editing. It just all melds into one fantastic experience.If you want to become an instant Band afficiando, just put this DVD into your surround sound system, and you'll be hooked, I guarantee. You'll also sharpen your appreciation for a host of artists at least as influencial (and just plain good) as The Band. What a way for the Band to go out! The Last Waltz, indeed.
Rating: Summary: The Epitome of a Music Era Review: I have already worn out the VHS version of The Last Waltz. I wonder how long the DVD will last? The Band retires with a great send-off with cameos from a wide assortment of artists. Any true fan of American music from the 60s and 70s know who The Band are and the great music they've shared with us. This DVD puts it all into perspective. Dr. John, Dylan, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Van Morrison, The Staples and many others join The Band in their 1976 send off. Even though I can't stand Joni Mitchell, at least she paid homage to artists whom she knew to be her betters. It is truly a great concert and history of a great band. Thank you Robbie, Garth, Rick, Levon and Richard, American music is better because of you.
Rating: Summary: Mixed Mix Review: I guess they spent all their remastering money on the surround sound because the standard stereo mix is about the worst I've ever heard from a modern movie. It's ragged and uneven in volume and the EQ often gets muddy. If you don't have surround, don't expect too much.
Rating: Summary: Can it Get Much Better Then This?? Review: With The Band along with guests such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Ringo Star, and Neil Diamond, to name a few, how the hell can you go wrong? Just add on director Martin Scorsese and you get the best damn rock adn roll movie, ever, anywhere!!
Rating: Summary: The Best Music Movie You'll Ever See Review: The artists, the filmimg, the sound quality are all the best you will ever see!
Rating: Summary: Truly a great event Review: Where else can you find Mannish Boy and the Neil Diamond tune 'Dry Your Eyes' on the same DVD? So many great artists that its overwhelming. Van Morrison looks a little pudgey, but his performance of 'Caravan' is perhaps the best moment of the whole show. Truly a great survey of musical styles, just check out Emmylou Harris, she woke me up after my nap during the Joni Mitchell song.
Rating: Summary: Last Waltz Theatrical Release~robbie robertson Review: A TRULY orgasmic experience. the prototype and essenceof what rock and roll should be. without the artists in this concert, there was no evelution of rock past the days of Elvis Pressly. When one considers what it must have been like to be in the invitation-only audience for this concert, and expect to see "only" The Band, and to have artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and SO MANY more show up and play with The Band... I cannot imagine what that must have been like.
Rating: Summary: See it again-It¿s worth the trip back Review: Yes put on all your old hippy clothes (if they still fit and can be found) and watch this film again! Or if you just liked the music back then or if you're just interested in that time period watch this film! You see what the reverence for music and groups was for back in those days. That is not to say that artists are no less capable today or are much less worthy of attention but back then there was a sort of envy we all had for those folks who made and put their lives into the music and the music did effect the world around us. That is to say they not only put their lives on show but they seemed to put everything they had on the line for that music. And the music back then had something to say, albeit different to everyone who heard it. Although in later days we've come to see this as a mutual admiration society between Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese the direction from Scorsese doesn't hurt at all and the musical inspiration provided by The Band and their guests is what it's all about here. The Band is very tight on songs of their own but with guests stars, who are right up there in the firmament, they are especially tight sounding. Yes it does stand the test of time (short as it might be) yes it doesn't always throw the best light on certain people up on the stage but it does seriously show what was going on at the time.
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