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| Special Features: |
Widescreen anamorphic format.
Chapter selections.
Commentary by Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese.
Commentary track by film critic Jay Cocks, rock historian Greil Marcus, executive producer Jonathan Taplin, associate producer Stephen Prince, film producer Irwin Winkler, The Band drummer Levon Helm, musical director John Simon, performer Ronnie Hawkins, Band keyboardist Garth Hudson, performer Dr. John, Director of Photography Michael Chapman, performer Mavis Staples and documentary filmmaker Mardik Martin!
Theatrical trailers.
New 5.1 audio remix and new transfer.
Featurette: "Revisiting The Last Waltz."
Archival out takes: Jam 2.
Photo gallery.
8-page collector's booklet written by Robbie Robertson.
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| Video Format: |
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
[SS-DL]
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| Languages: |
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
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| Subtitles: |
English, Spanish, French.
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| Captions: |
Yes
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| Casing: |
1-Disc Keep Case
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"The Last Waltz" is the perfect fusion of music and film. This is the greatest rock film ever made. I said that when I first saw the movie on the big-screen back in 78, and I say it today. Never before has such a convergence of talent descended on one place as did on the Winterland Ballroom Thanksgiving night 1976. This DVD is a must have for music and film lovers of all generations.
After 20 years of living on the road, members of The Band (Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson) decided to call it quits. They also decided to go out in style. They planned a little concert with themselves, musicians who had befriended and influenced them over the years and 5,000 lucky fans. A month or so before the concert, Robbie Robertson got the idea to film the event. Martin Scorsese, then in the middle of production of "New York, New York" was contacted and agreed to do the film. Scorsese had been the assistant director of "Woodstock" and he edited most of that film. He decided this concert would be done different. He decided to use 35mm cameras instead of the 16mm ones used on "Woodstock." He also decided to hire 7 of the best director's of photography to act as his cameramen. With Scorsese directing and people like Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond acting as cameramen, the concert took place.
The few friends that The Band invited to play with them that magical night included Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Van Morrison, Neil Young Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr, John the Night Tripper and Muddy Waters. Scorsese and Robertson decided to add two studio shot musical numbers to include Emmylou Harris and the incomparable Staple Singers in the fun.
This movie has to be experience to be believed. Beautiful photography which focuses on the musicians. It is as if you are onstage with them. A lot of conversations and banter that the audience wouldn't usually be privy to is there. The facial expressions of these artists as they celebrate a history of music are wonderful to behold. The Ronnie Hawkins scene and Neil Young's number are standouts in this respect.
I urge you to add this DVD to your library. I get no kickback for a rave review. My mouth has been watering for this one ever since it was first announced. The product matches the hype.
I have always said that "Fight Club" was the best DVD ever produced. This one is as good or better.
Picture Quality: 10/10
Some of the most lush photography of the 70s. The world's best living director in command of the world's best cameramen, recording the world's best musicians. Wow!
Sound Quality: 10/10
The first frames of this movie informed theater projectionists that "This Film Should Be Played Loud!" The same hold true for this DVD. Outstanding remix of the original musical track. I almost blew up my sound system trying to crank it up louder and louder. Great sound. No distortion. Excellent balance.
Menu: 10/10
Simple but impressive design. Easy to navigate. Even the menu music sounds great loud!
Extra Features: 10/10
The commentary tracks are awesome. The first track is with Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese is heavy on Robertson and light on Scorsese. This is the one flaw of the DVD. I would have loved to get more of Mr. Scorsese's input. Robertson was the driving force behind the movie, but being more of a movie fan than a music fan, I would have preferred more Marty!
The second commentary track is incredible. That track is almost as complicated as the movie itself. The track includes comments from the surviving members of The Band minus Robbie Robertson, several filmmakers and performers. It is a wealth of information about the film, the history of The Band, and an era that is long gone.
There is a 12 minute Jam Session which took place before The Band's last number of the nbight. It is a funky, get-down blues driven lovefest. Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Ringo, Ron Wood, Dr. John and The Band get at each other with a driving rage. The film ran out before the set was over, but the music continued.
The Final Word:
I guess you may have guessed that I really love this DVD. You will too!
Rusty White
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