JayPatton88 For a fan not only of "The Band" , "The Band's final show coinciding with the closing of the famous "Winterland" music hall. A must see not only for fan's of "The Band" but music fans in general. Amongst members of "The Band" (Levon Helm,Rick Danko,Garth Hudson,Richard Samuel and the reason for the groups final show,Robbie Robertson) "The Kast Waltz" has a packed show of other all star musicians of the era. From Ronnie Hawkins who gave "The Band" their first job; "The Waltz" ( "The Band's" final show and closing of Winterland) Eric Clapton,Paul Butterfield,Joni Mitchell,"The Staple Singers",Muddy Waters, Dr.John and Neil Diamond ( the most criticized choice for this film/show ) director Martin Scorcese combines "The Band's" final show ( with all members Robbie Robertson! ) the closing of the famous "Winterland" and some history behind one of the longest touring bands of all time, save "The Grateful Dead", as a Rockumentary, A ten star film, a must see!

freekvw Martin Scorsese makes one of the most interesting concert-films of all time. He doesn't only show a band onstage, he shows their stories surrounding their break-up and gives a unique insight in the musical talents and the passion that drives them. It also has some wonderful guest performances from artists like Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Without a doubt this is one of the most important documents in music history.

Robyn Nesbitt (nesfilmreviews) "We wanted it to be more than a final concert. We wanted it to be a celebration."-Robbie RobertsonIn the fall of 1976, the band known simply as The Band (Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel) had been touring for almost 16 years. They had started out backing Ronnie Hawkins, ended up backing Bob Dylan, and in between had several hit records of their own. Their farewell performance at the Winterland Theatre in San Francisco included a star-studded line up of guest performers, and is filmed in accordance with a 300-page shooting script compiled by director Martin Scorsese, which includes revealing interviews with the members as well. The film is a technical breakthrough; it went far beyond the boundaries Woodstock had set for live-action footage. The film is a legendary benchmark for rock documentaries. Scorsese ensures that the music speaks for itself."The Last Waltz" is a passionate, symbolic toast to the glories of American rock & roll. Especially for those artists in the 1960s who took rock from its primitive foundations to a sturdier, more flexible form of music and expression. Although the quintet wrote many songs that helped define the era (e.g., The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down), several of the most inspirational songs in "The Last Waltz" are by other artists. The Band wraps itself around the style and talents of each guest artist, but never strays too far from its folk and blues roots. A wide range of musical guests: Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Dr. John, Emmylou Harris among many others. Martin Scorsese masterfully captures their interactions on stage, while off stage he interviews each member sharing their experiences from sixteen years on the road. While it certainly helps to be a fan of The Band, it's not essential in order to appreciate the film's eloquent accomplishments. From a technical perspective, it's undoubtedly one of the most impressive and authentic concert films ever made.

Mikey C I won't drag this on long; too many other people have summed it up with sufficient style and meaning for it to require another lengthy contribution. What I will say is that it's the little moments Scorcese captures that make this film for me; Robertson and Danko coming in too early on 'Helpless' much to the amusement of a coked-out-his-mind Neil Young; the little kiss Robbie gets from Joni as she comes onstage; the wide smile of Danko, watching from his drums as Hawkins does a masterful vocal turn on 'Who Do You Love'; the pathos of the second to last scene, talking about those those who the road has taken.Another stand out feature of this film is how great everyone looks. The drugs slim the band down, Robertson especially, and that emphasizes their features, magnifies emotion. The clothes are simple but fantastic; Dylan looks like the coolest man alive, Ronnie Wood's flamboyant jacket fits like a glove etc, the 70s were great for a lot of fashion and it shows here. Only Van Morrison, fat, drunk and balding in a tatty outfit is immune to the forgiving and flattering camera-work.Other than that everything people says about this is true; the music is amazing, its beautifully shot, the interludes are cool, it evokes the period, it has sadness and euphoria, its paced perfectly. One of the best films of all time.