The Last Waltz (Special Edition)
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Movie Reviews of The Last Waltz (Special Edition)
Movie Review: First Taste for Me
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, not "very first taste," but very close to it. This film was one of my first exposures to what a "rock-umentary" is all about. It combines live footage from the legendary Thanksgiving 1976 concert at Winterland in San Francisco (after which The Band resolved to stop touring) with post-concert footage at their studio-cum-clubhouse, Shangri-La and on a Los Angeles sound stage. In between the snippets of live footage, there are interview segments with all five Band members, providing history and exposition for all the live songs included in the film. Plus, there is explanation as to the impact that the motley guest stars (Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Dr. John, Bobby Charles, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Paul Butterfield,Van Morrison, Ronnie Hawkins, Emmylou Harris, the Staples) had on popular music up to that point.
Also of note on this DVD is the inclusion of both commentary tracks, one with The Band's Robbie Robertson & Director Martin Scorsese, the other with other surviving Band members Levon Helm & Garth Hudson, plus Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Mavis Staples and various members of the production crew. The film is in itself a treat, but the inclusion of these tracks makes it extra special.
On a personal note, two of my favorite things to watch & listen for during this movie are Robbie Robertson's distinctive guitar solos and all the points when Garth Hudson is spotlighted (from his breathtaking Lowrey organ/synthesizer solos to his accordion on "Evangeline" to his soprano saxophone playing during "It Makes No Difference").
Movie Review: Real musicians at work
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a musician, as I am, you will watch this film in awe as the cast of brilliant people outdo themselves on one gem after another. If you are just a music fan, this all may look different to you. Musicians will appreciate the seat of the pants vibe on many tunes where members of the Band look for cues from guest stars as to where things may be going next, especially with Bob Dylan. Rick Danko's stunning singing on many of the Band's classic songs, especially "Stagefright," is a standout. Of course, Levon Helm was a genius drummer whose singing was amazing on "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." Could a song like that, romanticizing the Rebel South, get out today? Hhmmm. Garth and Richard have great moments, too. Much has been made of Robbie Robertson's hogging of the spotlight. But honestly, there seems a hard reason for that: clearly, he was the smartest, most articulate one of the bunch. And, he set up the whole film, which grew from a smaller idea into the stunning 32mm film that it became. Musicians aren't often great talkers, but he was. He makes the others look like rubes. Van Morrison's turn here is eye-opening. You gaze slack jawed at Neil Young in his prime. And Muddy Waters, Dr. John and Ronnie Hawkins all shine. Neil Diamond, who seems out of place with his one less than stellar song, was there because he represented Tin Pan Ally songwriters, of which he was a great one, as the band was trying to show where all its influences came from: blues, country, folk, show etc. These guys had played for 16 years on the road when they made this, and their fine-tuning really showed.Movie Review: Rock N Roll Heaven
Summary: 5 Stars
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 some of the numbers on a sound stage. One of these is a version of The Weight. This version 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.
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
Movie Review: Celebration of Traditions in Music and Cinema
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a documentary of how a group of musicians celebrated their contributions to preserving American musical traditions, and a story that showcases the gifts of an important American filmmaker. The Band were and are unique in the history of popular music, for many reasons I can't explain adequately here (or anywhere). As a team, they were the vehicle for traditions and values that were larger than each member, but still part of their everyday lives and work. There is a maturity, wisdom, and authenticity in their sound I haven't found elsewhere. This movie captures all that beautifully in images that glow with the energy of Martin Scorsese's vision. The DVD would be indispensable even without the extras, but they embroider an already luxurious experience. My favorites are the audio commentaries from Robbie Robertson, Martin Scorsese, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and others. The least effective extra is the archival "jam footage," a classic case of "you had to be there." The graceful but forceful editing that makes the Band's performances in the rest of the film so involving is missing here. It is difficult to narrow down the best performances, but the ones I return to most are: "Cripple Creek," "It Makes No Difference," "Stage Fright," "Dixie," and "Ophelia" by The Band, and "Caravan" and "Mannish Boy" by guests Van Morrison and Muddy Waters.Movie Review: The Greatest Concert Film Of All!
Summary: 5 Stars
The music here is absolutely spectacular. Not only do you have The Band playing some of their greatest songs such as "Stage Fright", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek". But they are joined by such incredible artists as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison. I especially loved Muddy Waters' stirring rendition of "Mannish Boy" and Neil Young's "Helpless". The soulful, gospel inspired vocals of the Staples Singers on "The Weight" was also a highlight.
But what really takes this to an even higher level of artistry is the talent of director Martin Scorsese and his production crew. The editing, lighting and camera work are all light years beyond the typical concert film. Also the interviews with The Band are done in such a way that it's not just a bunch of guys talking. But rather is intended to be a commentary about the joys and sorrows of life on the road as well as the history of American music and how rock and roll arose as a hybrid form of blues, country, gospel, jazz and myriad other styles of music and entertainment.
The DVD also includes some excellent special features such as audio commentaries from Scorsese and Robbie Robertson, an archival jam session and a short documentary, called "Revisiting The Late Waltz", with an older Robertson and Scorsese discussing the making of the movie. For concert films it just doesn't get any better than this!