Rating: 
Summary: buy it and PLAY IT LOUD!!
Review: S.F., Thanksgiving Day 1976, The Band's last concert/waltz is the finest rock movie ever. Scorsese did a great work deidicating his cameras to the musicians - instead of the public as it was usual in the great rock concert of the Sixties and Seventies - and so doing captures with The Band a little encyclopedia of the american popular music featuring such distant musicians as Neil Young and Dr. John, Joni Mitchell and Ronnie Hawkins. This blend works because The Band was an incredibly eclectic group of musicians.
This DVD edition is perfect: the video has no flaws and the 5.1 DD audio is involving and crystal clear: PLAY IT LOUD!!
Rating:
Summary: proud to be a jew
Review: After watching "THE LAST WALTZ" FOR PROBABLY 50+ TIMES, IT MAKES ME REAL PROUD TO CLAIM BOB DYLAN AND ROBBIE ROBERTSON AS MEMBERS OF THE TRIBE. CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF "FOREVER YOUNG" OR " STAGE FRIGHT". BEST CONCERT dvd { HOT TUNA'S LIVE FROM THE FILLMORE A CLOSE SECOND! )
Rating: 
Summary: Robbie Robertson
Review: To read the publicity surrounding the DVD release of "The Last Waltz," you'd think Robbie Robertson rose to fame as a solo act. Certainly director Martin Scorcese has helped create this impression: Throughout the movie, the lighting is always brighter on Robertson than on anyone else on screen -- even though Robertson doesn't sing a word. I guess it's his pretty red scarf that catches the camera's eye. Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson? Oh yeah, those guys. They're in the movie, not that Robertson or Scorcese seemed to notice. But this film is not a documentary about The Band; it's more like Robbie Robertson's application for movie stardom. Needless to say, Robbie's name never became a household word with the Photoplay crowd. As for the interviews: Robertson sounds like one of those tedious oldtimers at the VFW trying to impress you with stories about how rough it was in the old days. What a bore!
Rating:
Summary: The Most Cookin .
Review: I can't believe it took me so long to watch this, but now i'm hooked, i've always been a fan of the band & in the past i heard of the film the last waltz but put it off my reason was i'll get it or rent it later . i wish i would have seen it soon, don't deprive yourself of greatest rock show ever put on film rent or buy it today . the stars featured are neil young , joni mitchell, eric clapton, muddy waters, dr. john , van morrison etc . Turn It Up Baby!
Rating:
Summary: A Keeper!
Review: The Last Waltz is Martin Scorsese's film of the last concert by the Band. The audio and video have been redone in fine fashion. There are plenty of extras including two full length commentaries (one by Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese, the other by fans, friends and Band members.) But the key is the music. The Band and their special guests (Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and on and on) are in top form. It is clear that they are enjoying their music not just putting on a concert. I rented this DVD and it isn't going back until the copy I purchased arrives!
Rating: 
Summary: Moving Performance
Review: I own theThe Last Waltz vhs, bought years ago and just bought the dvd. I also saw the film in the theater recently-3 times. When the Band was still performing, I saw them live five times, including a rocking concert with Bob Dylan in L.A. and soul-thumping carthatic performance in Santa Barbara Calif in the legendary Santa Barbara Bowl. As you can tell by now, I am a big fan. Although I left rock n roll behind many years ago (classical fain now), I still play Band cd's regularly.
When I first saw film (years ago)I enjoyed the experience.But I felt something was missing. That something was the "feeling" of being at a concert. Scorsese and Robertson would surely say they were making a moview, not a filmed concert. OK. But at least end with bang, not the whimper. The ending was sentimental. Also, a couple more songs by the Band in ratio to guests was needed. Still very enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing, Breathtaking, Classy, Dynamic ... Embarrassing!
Review: A LONG time ago, when I first saw The Last Waltz (or, more accurately, some of The Last Waltz), I remember thinking it was OK, but nothing much to write home about. Well, recently, after becoming more familiar with this group and their music over the years, I felt the urge to see this film again. I did, and was absolutely bowled over. It is fantastic. I can fully see why The Band are revered as highly as they are in the music world. However, it seems to me that some current musicians (are you listening, Hootie?) might do well to study this film, since they seem to have spent their entire careers aping The Band, with usually poor results. Highlights of The Last Waltz are too numerous to mention, but they include ... An absolutely barn-burning rendition of the Motown classic "Don't Do It", with Levon Helm and Rick Danko sharing vital, earthy harmonies. An uplifting, intensely moving version of "The Weight", with added gravity from Mavis and Pops Staples. Van Morrison belting his heart out during "Caravan" (singing with so much emotion, in fact, that I thought he was going to pass out on stage). Muddy Waters swaggering through "Mannish Boy" (and, by the way, does anyone recognise that rhythm guitarist who also joins them on stage for this number? Y'know, the one that sort of looks like a cross between Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne? He looks familiar, but I can't put my finger on it). Paul Butterfield's hollering and harping on "Mystery Train". The swirling, pulsing "Genetic Method", helmed by Garth Hudson. The richly rustic "Evangeline", with Emmylou Harris providing an excellent vocal counterpoint. And, of course, "Who Do You Love?", a taste of how it all began, with Ronnie Hawkins fully Diddly-ing his heart out. Of course, all the Band classics are fantastic too, especially "Up On Cripple Creek" (Wowee!) and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (Yow!). I also enjoyed the interview and discussion segments too, particularly Richard Manuel's vibrant explanation of the origins of the group's name, and the impromptu performance of "Old-Time Religion". However, the film does have its less-than-swell points too. "Helpless" is certainly not bad, but I'm not sure Neil Young knew where he was. Similarly, I understand why Neil Diamond's "Dry Your Eyes" was included, but it does stick out a bit from the rest of the film. Eric Clapton's "Further On Up The Road" is so low-key it isn't funny. And the final all-inclusive performance of "I Shall Be Released" reminded me too much of "We Are The World". In fact, it took me two viewings before I even realised who was singing the second verse! But I must admit to being particularly underwhelmed by the segment with Bob Dylan. Now, I respect his abilities as much as the next person, and I totally see why he should be included in this film. But "Forever Young" goes on too long. And my opinions of "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" inadvertently led to an all-time embarrassing moment for me recently ... As previously noted, I was less than enthused by this song. And, I guess I wasn't paying too close attention to the lyrics because ... well ... Recently, I was talking to a few friends, and when they found out that I had seen The Last Waltz, they asked me what I thought of it. "Oh, I really liked it! It's great!", I gushed. "Except for that disgusting bit near the end". This caused some surprised and quizzical looks. "What bit?" "Oh, that song Bob Dylan did". By this point, my friends were very puzzled. "What song are you talking about?" "Oh, you know ... 'Baby, Let Me Go Down On You'. That was just crass. I'm surprised they got away with putting that in the film". Needless to say, the entire room promptly fell about laughing for what seemed like hours about that one. I guess I should have paid more attention. Anyway, I've rambled on for long enough. Let's just say ... buy this, and you won't be sorry!
Rating:
Summary: It's All About Robbie...
Review: Although I'm a big fan of just about everyone who had anything to do with making this film (on both sides of the lens), I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. Actually more irritated than anything else. Too much Robbie Robertson. His face is in every shot and he hogs the commentary footage. The Last Waltz is by and about THE BAND (amazon.com can't even get it right in their listing of the DVD). Robbie Robertson was just one member of The Band. Indeed, one only has to watch the film to realize that on the "heart and soul" scale (and that's what this band was about) Robertson (as cool and articulate as he is) brings up the rear. It's obvious that Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese were tight on a movie producer level and it's a drag that they were led by their egos into the editing room. If you can get past all that, there are some tear-jerkingly awesome performances.
Rating:
Summary: Simply awesome
Review: This has got to be the best filmed concert ever. From the underlying tensions within The Band itself during the interviews, to the "it's live - anything can happen" feel, it's a fantastic way to while away a couple of hours.
The sound and quality of the new transfer is excellent. A must have for any collection...
Rating:
Summary: At the crossroads
Review: Back in 70's, I was wandering around in life. I had been a child of the 60's, a boomer, raised on rock and roll and folk. Then I went in the Jehovah's Witness sect in my late teens and bottled up all the important things in a bad marriage and bad religion (Don't get me started!). I was trapped without a way out. One Friday night in the fall of 1978, I saw a movie marque that said "The Last Waltz: The Band". So I paid my money and let the 60's come over me again in a wave of nostalgia. The relief was palpable - I cried with emotion. I exulted with joy. Yes this is my life - not some foolish religious hoax. I was riding high and went back on Sunday afternoon to see it again. This time it was like a party with a full theatre of fellow 60's types yelling "Turn it Up!". The rest is history: left the JW's, got divorced and remarried, started made my life again and never looked back. Oh, I've owned this movie in VHS, Laserdisc and now DVD ever since. I love the performances and learned to play along with each one, except Neil Diamond - are they kidding!!! (Turns out Robbie Robertson produced something for Mr. Shmaltz so we have to suffer through it.) The Band is in great form and so are all the visiting players. There are dozens of cool moments like Joni Mitchell signing high backup on Neil Young's "Restless"; all of the Bob Dylan pieces and the segue after "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" (where did he get that great cream hat?); the Staples Singers on "The Weight" (I feel conflicted over foxy gospel singers.); Muddy Waters who has one of the best groove's on the disk; Eric Clapton who re-tells Dylan's "Love Minus Zero"; and the ever lovely Emmylou Harris singing of my native Acadian ancestors. After reading Levon Helm's "Wheels on Fire" I understand why Robbie Robertson gets all the spot lights - even when other Band members are singing the lead. Guess he and Marty Scorsese had this thing where Robbie thought he was the Band. Sad we don't get to see Richard Manual while he sings "I Shall Be Released", his signature song. Oh well, ego is nothing new to the music biz. That's a little anoyance but doesn't detract from one of the greatest video's of all time. We had friends over for supper two weeks ago and found out they had been watching a vhs copy of this over and over for years. We spent the rest of the night in the TV room for another playing of "The Last Waltz". Too bad they didn't want to hear me play along on the Les Paul. Yeah! Play it Loud.
| 
