Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2650 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-10-14
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 112 minutes

Special Features
English
Region 2

Synopsis
In what just might be the finest rock & roll concert film ever, THE LAST WALTZ celebrates the final performance by the Band (Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, and Garth Hudson). The show took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, at San Francisco's Winterland Arena--where the group had played their very first show more than 16 years before. In order to make their farewell even more unforgettable, they recruited numerous guests to join them onstage. They include Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Paul Butterfield, Ronnie Hawkins, and the Staples. Martin Scorsese, a former roommate of Robbie Robertson's, employs some of the world's greatest cinematographers--including Michael Chapman, Vilmos Zsigmond, and Laszlo Kovacs--to film the set in a way that captures the show's sweat and energy with a powerful intimacy. Interspersed into the songs are a series of interviews with the Band's members, who recall their early days playing for empty bars and their emergence as major players in the rock & roll game. THE LAST WALTZ is a thrilling concert film, mandatory viewing even for those unfamiliar with the Band or rock music in general.

Customer Reviews

What a Show!
What can I say really. Mix together the most talented musicians of their time along with the most talented film maker of the time and you get The Last Waltz.
The Band are at their best here and the special guests only enhance the spectacular talent of these guys. Everywhere the guests are outshone by Robbie and the boys, however Van Morrison's performance is amazing by any standard and even the Band themselves look at him in awe.
The special features are interesting. Interviews with Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson are a good insight into how a farewell concert became a piece of musical history. There is also a well stocked photo gallery, commentary by the film maker and musician and a short jamming session by some of the guests. This is a must have for every DVD collection. Buy it, keep it, show it to your kids and make sure you follow the instructions: THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD.

Rock N Roll heaven
No other concert film is as well made as this one. But this is no surprise, the film is directed by Martin Scorsese.
The DVD is a considerable improvement on VHS. The sound is better, there are a moderate amount of extras and of course its shown in its original cinema aspect ratio.
However, the main reason to buy this film is the music. Quite simply The Band were one of the greatest Rock N Roll bands ever. This is a film of their farewell concert (at least in the classic line-up with Robbie Robertson on guitar). The Bands music on its own would merit purchase of this disc. They run through a 'best of' set, that as a concert film would be hard to beat.
Add to this the guest list, and you have the best concert film ever. Van Morrison in his hey day belting out Caravan. Joni Mitchell singing Coyote. Dylan with Robbie Robertson burning incendiary guitar licks behind him. Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Dr John... The list goes on and on.
To flesh the film out a bit they filmed a few numbers on a sound stage. One of these is a version of The Weight. This version of The Weight features The Band with The Staples singers. If you haven't heard Mavis Staples, and you like gospel influenced music this takes what was already a great song to a new level.

Please note that Van Morrison's performance of Caravan is on this version of the DVD!

The same year this was filmed (1976) Punk came on the scene and changed music for ever. But it doesn't matter whether you were brought up on Elvis Presley, The Sex Pistols, Nirvana or Coldplay, this music is as essential now as it was 30 years ago

The definitive rock concert film
One of the great rock concerts of all time.... The Band at their best with an extraordinary list of guest musicians including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins, Van Morrison, etc..... and, strangely, Neil Diamond (the first time I have enjoyed his music).
All arranged and played superbly, not the usual chaos of some many "great" concerts. (Or did Scorcese spare us the chaotic bits?!)
The songs are interspersed with interviews etc. which for me enhanced the concert, though I guess they would be a nuisance if you sometimes want to use the DVD as a CD and just listen to the music.
Very well filmed by Martin Scorcese who manages to bring out the best in the music without getting in its way. The interview with him on the making of the film is good stuff.
Highly recommended.
(PS I have a USA version, but I assume the British one will be the same)