The Last Waltz [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray] [1978]

The Criterion Collection of The Band's "The Last Waltz" is a new 4K restoration which was created from a scan of the 35 mm original camera negative under the supervision of Director Martin Scorsese. It is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, 4K UHD with Dolby Vision. The 5.1 DTS-HD surround soundtrack was remixed from the original 24 track masters in 2001 under the supervision of musician/producer Robbie Robertson and the audio includes two stereo soundtracks as alternatives (the original 1978 mix in 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio and a uncompressed stereo mix from 2001). There are two commentary tracks featuring Scorsese, members of The Band, crew, and performers (including Dr. John, Ronnie Hawkins, and Mavis Staples), outtake and interviews. There is a fold-out essay by critic Amanda Petrusich. Okay, now that I've got the technical stuff out of the way... To those that have never seen "The Last Waltz" you've missed the most glorious concert/documentaries of the greatest musical groups to come out of North America in the 1960's... with a bunch of their friends joining in to celebrate their final performance. Having seen The Band play live several times in their original iteration, with Robbie Robertson, including at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, CA, on Jan 24, 1970, there has always been a soft spot in my heart for The Band and this their final performance. Along with the Winterland live performances intercut with interviews, are several 'set' pieces including "Up On Cripple Creek" accompanied by the Staple Singers and "Evangeline" with Emmylou Harris. It seems that with each passing year, the emotions seem to well-up in me a bit more watching the late Rick Danko's wistful take on "It Makes No Difference" a song that epitomizes the greatness of the music of The Band. Other moments to treasure are Richard Manuel, who sadly took his own life in 1986, telling of just how broke they all were in the early days that he would resort to shoplifting bologna so that they could eat and the virtuoso work of Garth Hudson in the unfortunately edited version of "The Genetic Method / Chest Fever." Then there's the priceless "Mannish Boy" sung by Muddy Waters, who was nearly cut from the night's lineup of guests until Levon Helm threatened to walk off. So many terrific performances from Van Morrison, Eric Clapton (who always makes it look so easy), Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Doctor John, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Ronnie Hawkins, etc. But I must admit I usually tend to the cat or make a cuppa when Neil Diamond takes to the stage. I have recordings of "The Last Waltz" on every possible medium including LP, video and audio tape, laserdisc, CD, dvd, etc., and this Criterion Collection 4K blu-ray is the best by far.

I have the earlier Blu Ray release of this and I much prefer the new menu structure and the better HDR video quality. A great concert film with great sound and now a great picture.

It's the Last Waltz. Kind of says it all. Can't watch in 4k but it was only 8 dollars more to get both. The blu-ray is awesome though.

Yes friends there was a time before swillfests such as American Idol, The Voice, etc, blighted the musical landscape, where we had true MUSICIANS who ACTUALLY had talent and a passion for their craft, played live and well without lipsyncing, and really cared about doing music well...............this is a beautiful testimonial to this truth! I've seen this film several times throughout my life, and each viewing is a treat, from my original copy, to a well worn DVD, to (finally!) a Blu ray, this thing just ROCKS from start to finish. Reads like a Who's Who of great musicians, an absolute must for any fan of timeless music! This Blu is a generation back, as the 40th Anniversary was issued late in 2016, but still very clean sound and video and a bargain to boot...................I highly recommend this disc

I had the blu ray from the previous release (dvd before that) and I hesitate to just keep buying the same titles over and over but glad I decided to pull the trigger, Great sound and be sure to take the opening scene advice and play this movie loud!

This is one of the greatest music documentaries of all time. Excellent performances with several other musical guests. Love the interviews throughout.

Crystal clear picture and the sound is great. This movie documents one of the greatest moments in rock history. I cannot recommend enough

One of the best musical concerts ever. Thankfully it was captured and now fully enhanced.