Rating: 
Summary: The Last Waltz
Review: Since I have worn out my VHS copy of this film, I was attempting to get a hold of a DVD copy, only to find that it is not available yet. Obviously, since the film was shot in 1976, the sound quality is not up to the pristine standards of the 21st century (hopefully some digital re-mastering will add some enhanced stereo spread). I was amazed at The Band's ability to seamlessly adapt to each new guest artist's style, while still adhering to their own sound (witness Robbie's lightning takeover of Eric Clapton's solo in "Further On Up The Road" when his guitar strap breaks on stage!) The breadth of talent of the artists presented for this concert has yet to be duplicated on ANY concert film, as far as I'm concerned. Neil Young was obviously having the musical time of his life! (pharmaceuticals notwithstanding) All in all, a thoroughly mesmerising film, with the music always taking priority. We miss you, Danko!
Rating: 
Summary: An Amazing Film Despite The In-Fighting
Review: "The Last Waltz" was one of the very first films I ever purchased new on VHS, and I have enjoyed it consistently for the last 12 years. This movie captures one of the most symbiotic relationships between music and film I have ever seen. Martin Scorsese only had one chance to get this movie right, and he did a great job.Watch the closeup footage of Levon Helm engulfed in a cool blue light while belting out an amazing version of "Ophelia". Watch Joni Mitchell filmed in a silouhette backstage as she secretly sings backup to Neil Young's "Helpless". Watch Dr. John's hands float effortlessly over the piano keyboard while performing a rousing version of "Such A Night". Watch Rick Danko as he curiously peers over at Bob Dylan, completely unsure of what song they are about to launch into next. Filled with countless moments like these, "The Last Waltz" is pure enjoyment to the very end. Since falling in love with this movie, I have learned that drummer Levon Helm was a very uncooperative participant in the production of the movie. He was not ready for The Band to quit, he believed that Robbie Robertson wanted to make this movie only to further his "rock star" persona, he did not like the fact that Neil Diamond was involved in this project only because Robbie Robertson had just produced a record for him, and from Day 1, he did not like Martin Scorsese. Knowing that, it is interesting to note how removed Levon seems to be during the interviews, and how much Robbie playes the "Rock Star" role, professing exhaustion from the road, and not knowing how he can go on with this lifestyle. I am not saying that Levon or Robbie is right or wrong, I am just saying that it is interesting to watch this movie knowing how at least one of the members of the group felt about the project. If you care about music and quality filmaking, "The Last Waltz" should be part of your permanent collection.
Rating:
Summary: Just simply the best rock movie of all time!
Review: Although I didn't know it at the time, one of the biggest mistakes of my life was on Thaksgiving Day 1976 when I passed up a ticket to the Last Waltz concert at Winterland to have dinner with my girlfriend. The girlfriend is long gone but the movie is a part of my life. My wife thinks I'm crazy but every year I hold at least one "Last Waltz party" for many of my good friends. It's amazing how those who have never seen this movie are blown away! I've given copies of the video as well as the CD to many friends and I must have purchased the last VHS copy on the planet earlier this year. I have been frantically trying to purchase a copy and have met with no luck. The video is out of print and a DVD version is planned. Check out the Last Waltz web site.....it's great! The Last Waltz never tires and you find something new each time you watch it. As Dr.John says prior to 'Such a Night'...."this one's for the Band and all the fellas". You better believe it...it was 'Such a Night'!
Rating:
Summary: The Original Roots Rockers' Last Hurrah...
Review: ...and it doesn't matter that they came crawling back later, as all the legends seem to do, in ill-conceived, poorly-received reunions. This was an absolutely deserved celebration/sendoff of the world's greatest backup band. Much bigger stars than them came onstage to pay them homage, and were rewarded with wonderful accompaniment. "I just wanna say, before I start, that it's one of the pleasures of my life to be onstage with these people," said Neil Young. The highest of the many high points in the film is the concert footage of Van Morrison. The Band coaxed this notoriously nervous performer into delivering a wild, joyous, smokin' rendition of "Caravan". Robbie Robertson wrung the last bit of soul out of this very soulful number with his guitar, so much so, that Van nearly blew his lines, he was grooving to it so much. There's much more: Ronnie Hawkins delivers an uproarious version of "Who Do You Love"; Levon Helm matches Paul Butterfield yelp for yelp in "Mystery Train"; Robertson holds his own with Eric Clapton on "Farther On Up The Road", much more so than the faceless sidemen Clapton usually uses. The interview segments are unintentionally funny sometimes, as the laconic Band members field questions and give reminisces to the overcaffeinated Martin Scorcese. Ironically, the less effective parts of the concert are the supposedly climatic numbers with Bob Dylan. "I Don't Believe You", in particular, sounds stiff when compared to the full-on, fur-flying versions from the Royal Albert Hall days a decade earlier. The Band's own songs pale just a little in comparison with their own earlier live recordings, too (though the footage of the late Rick Danko and Richard Manuel singing is now quite poignant). All in all, this is a wonderful, revelatory film, a perfect introduction to a band that was influential beyond all proportion to their own popularity. Tell your children! Rock wasn't always "just noise". It had heart, soul, and people who truly loved to play it.
Rating:
Summary: The Most Excellent example of what the Band Stands for
Review: The Last Walz is a captivating Rockumentary of the Band Memebers, and their rumored last performance in San Fransisco California. Martin Scorcesse did an excellent job of capturing the mood as well as that un-mistakeable sound we have come to love. The clips from several concerts are increadible, and if that is not enough, they are commented on by the origional members of one of the greatest rock groups of our time.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie about the best rock concert in history
Review: For me, The Band Last Waltz is the best rock concert ever. Just look at the list of "The Band" friends at the stage: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Ron Wood, Ringo Starr and more... One of the best directors, Martin Scorsese, made movie about that unforgettable night on Thanksgiving 1976. How I wish I was there, but I was only few months old than. Really looking forward to get this video on DVD, now I have it only in VHS. Anyway - this is must have, as well as the movie soundtrack.
Rating:
Summary: DVD Please
Review: Simply the best concert movie ever made. The soundtrack is beautiful. This film must come out on DVD to appreciate the sonic complexity that is The Band
Rating:
Summary: Never bettered
Review: I watched this for the first time in '97 at about 2 O'clock in the morning on Channel 4 (UK). I had just bought the Band's album (The Band) and Loved Bob Dylan. This film blew me away. The Last Waltz should be put on primetime and have children forced to watch cos this is real music. So many awesome performances, so beautifully put togethor in a collage of sound and vision. There never has been a Music video that is better. The Last Waltz is a benchmark for todays music (video's).
Rating:
Summary: The Last Waltz, The Band
Review: I first saw The Last Waltz on cable TV in Virginia in 1977. I saw it again in the summer of 1999 and absolutely had to have it. It IS still available. I ordered it from a local video rental shop and it bears the MGM copyright date 1999. But enough commercial trivea. This is rock history at its finest by a group that was a key part of rock and roll's transition from country flavored rockabilly to the sound we know today. Viewed on a hi fi vcr and a stero TV it still comes across crystal clear. The logo "Play this Movie Loud!" says it all. Milestone performances by all involved. Would love to see it re-released with the edited portions described by Levon Helm in his book, "This Wheel's On Fire, to include the preceding farewell solo performance of the band that appears on the album. Richard Manuel's rich Ray Charles-like baritone on the closing "I shall be Released" is one of the highlights of this film. This is a lasting tribute to the voices and memory of Rick Danko and Richard Manuel. A true masterpiece that everyone who loves classic rock will enjoy and treasure forever.
Rating:
Summary: Seminal
Review: When you are young, the things you do and the art you encounter leaves it's mark on you. I look back on my youth and can't believe the summer of 1978. I saw Bob Dylan in London at Earls Court, and that set me off. The next year, I watched 'Renaldo and Clara' in a small movie house in Camden Town, hitched across to Paris, and on a rainy afternoon , I stopped into a small cinema to see 'The Last Waltz.' Nothing you've ever seen in musical film-making makes you understand, believe, hope and wish, and just feel. 'The Last Waltz' makes the difference, it changes the way you think and feel about yourself when you are young and encounter it for the first time. Having gone through two vinyl copies and two cassettes of the soundtrack, I lost my one and only VHS. I got three separate poeple to tape it for me last time round on Terrestrial TV. I can only think that Scorsese and Robertson had a hard time deciding what to cut and what to leave. Is there a director's cut , Martin ? Love and peace, Fred Hessler. Scotland.
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