Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
Sell Us Your Item
For up to a $2.15 Gift Card
Trade in
More Buying Choices
RareFlix-N-... Add to Cart
$10.49  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Amazon.com Add to Cart
$10.57  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Have one to sell? Sell yours here

The Last Waltz (Special Edition) (1978)

Robbie Robertson , Mavis Staples  |  PG |  DVD
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (436 customer reviews)

List Price: $14.98
Price: $10.22 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $4.76 (32%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Sold by 40K ITEMS ON SALE and Fulfilled by Amazon.
Want it tomorrow, June 20? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Other Formats & Versions

Amazon Price New from Used from
Blu-ray 1-Disc Version $10.99  
DVD Widescreen Edition $10.22  

Frequently Bought Together

The Last Waltz (Special Edition) + The Last Waltz + Greatest Hits
Price for all three: $32.75

Buy the selected items together
  • The Last Waltz $14.04
  • Greatest Hits $8.49

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Product Details

  • Actors: Robbie Robertson, Mavis Staples
  • Format: Dolby, NTSC, Color
  • Language: English (Dolby TrueHD)
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
  • Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Studio: MGM
  • DVD Release Date: May 7, 2002
  • Run Time: 117 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (436 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00003CXB1
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,713 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Learn more about "The Last Waltz (Special Edition)" on IMDb

Special Features

  • New 5.1 audio remix and new transfer
  • Featurette: "Revisiting The Last Waltz"
  • Archival outtakes: Jam 2
  • Photo gallery

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Martin Scorsese's 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the group's allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the film's real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars asthey celebrate The Band's historic 1976 farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas), The Last Waltz is not only "the most beautiful rock film evermade" (New York Times) it's "one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades" (Rolling Stone)!

Customer Reviews

In all, this is one of the best documentary/concert movies ever made. Mo  |  87 reviewers made a similar statement
I have been watching this movie for years and can never see it enough. Susan Phillips  |  68 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
510 of 534 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Rumor has it that at the debut screening of The Last Waltz in 1977, Ronnie Hawkins stood up at the end of the film and remarked sarcastically, "That was all right, but it sure could've used a few more shots of Robbie!" By now, any serious fan of the Band will be familiar with the antipathy between Robbie Robertson and some of his former comrades. A quarter-century later, this classic movie's disproportionate concentration on Robertson at the others' expense not only remains palpable, it's even more lopsided in the updated version. But for better or worse, that is a key part of the story of the Band; and in retrospect, the Last Waltz is surely an even more accurate documentary than Robertson had aimed for. More importantly, it captures one of the greatest concerts of the rock era.

As Levon Helm relates in his rather bitter memoir "This Wheel's on Fire," the decision to disBand was Robertson's alone and the Last Waltz was a somewhat reluctant exercise on the part of the other four. This shows to varying degrees in the interviews which are dispersed throughout the concert footage: Robertson, who appears far more often than the others, looks animated and a bit rehearsed (although it's hard not to feel some animosity towards him if you've read Helm's book) while the others look tired or worse. (Helm's description of Richard Manuel as "looking like Che Guevara after the Bolivians got done with him" is all too close to the mark!) While unflattering to a degree, the interview scenes do speak volumes about what the music industry did to one of rock's all time greatest bands and the truth about the then-impending breakup. The Band did, after all, reunite sans Robertson as soon as they were legally able to use the name again without his blessing....

But the music itself is still the most important part of the show by far. However uncomfortable things had become behind the scenes, these guys could still play like no other band before or since, and it's almost magical to watch them do so for the very last time. Given Helm's well-documented distaste for the whole project, it's remarkable how happy he looks during most of the performances, almost as if the bad blood disappeared during those last few hours while they were doing what they did best together. The late Rick Danko's showstopping solo performance of "Stage Fright" just might be the concert's most intense moment, which is perhaps just as it should be given the subject matter of that song and the reality behind the scenes.

If there is any complaint to be made about the concert footage itself, it is that the guest performances by Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters and Van Morrison featured here don't necessarily do justice to the full brilliance of that night. The complete soundtrack (which was only recently released legitimately, after years of bootlegging) reveals stunning performances that didn't make it into the movie, although Martin Scorcese claims in the retrospective documentary that this is only because he simply wasn't able to shoot satisfactory footage of some of them. Nonetheless, the performances that did make the cut are superb across the board. Even the wildly out of place Neil Diamond does a decent job with his one song of the evening, even if I was left grateful that it was only one song. Best of all, we're treated to dozens of unintentionally hilarious shots of Robertson singing with such emotion that the veins stand out on his neck - into a microphone which, as Helm gleefully recounted in his book, wasn't plugged in. (This was no accident; guitar genius though he was and is, Robertson's vocal abilities always paled in comparison to those of Helm, Danko and Manuel, who also delievers a number of touching performances here.)

The new footage consists mostly of Scorcese and Robertson reminiscing about the making of the film; it's predictably self-congratulatory, but fairly informative. More interesting to me, though, are recollections spread throughout the show from a wide variety of people who were involved with the project in various ways, playable as voice-overs with any given part of the concert. After 25 years, these provide a perspective on the event and its meaning through the eyes of someone - or really, many someones - other than Robbie Robertson. Perhaps this was the original intent behind the movie. In any case, it should have been. The new perspectives and footage are an undeniably nice touch, but the music still stands alone, and it sounds better than ever. It all makes for a new and improved look at one of rock's all time great events. Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
104 of 107 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Film Despite The In-Fighting September 22, 2000
Format:DVD
"The Last Waltz" was one of the very first films I ever purchased new on VHS, and I have enjoyed it consistently for the last 12 years. This movie captures one of the most symbiotic relationships between music and film I have ever seen. Martin Scorsese only had one chance to get this movie right, and he did a great job.

Watch the closeup footage of Levon Helm engulfed in a cool blue light while belting out an amazing version of "Ophelia". Watch Joni Mitchell filmed in a silouhette backstage as she secretly sings backup to Neil Young's "Helpless". Watch Dr. John's hands float effortlessly over the piano keyboard while performing a rousing version of "Such A Night". Watch Rick Danko as he curiously peers over at Bob Dylan, completely unsure of what song they are about to launch into next. Filled with countless moments like these, "The Last Waltz" is pure enjoyment to the very end.

Since falling in love with this movie, I have learned that drummer Levon Helm was a very uncooperative participant in the production of the movie. He was not ready for The Band to quit, he believed that Robbie Robertson wanted to make this movie only to further his "rock star" persona, he did not like the fact that Neil Diamond was involved in this project only because Robbie Robertson had just produced a record for him, and from Day 1, he did not like Martin Scorsese.

Knowing that, it is interesting to note how removed Levon seems to be during the interviews, and how much Robbie playes the "Rock Star" role, professing exhaustion from the road, and not knowing how he can go on with this lifestyle....

I am not saying that Levon or Robbie is right or wrong, I am just saying that it is interesting to watch this movie knowing how at least one of the members of the group felt about the project.

If you care about music and quality filmaking, "The Last Waltz" should be part of your permanent collection. Read more ›

Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
131 of 137 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to imagine a better DVD of this film February 4, 2003
Format:DVD
MGM really did an outstanding job with this release. The movie itself is justly celebrated as one of the greatest concert documentaries of all time. The Band is brimming with energy and they play their farewell concert, and the music sounds fantastic in the 5.1 mix. You don't even have to be a huge fan of The Band to enjoy this movie, as long as you like classic rock. There are so many guest stars that join The Band, including Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Staples Singers, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and many others.

There are two outstanding commentary tracks on this dvd. One of them features director Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson (of The Band). Over the course of the film, they provide a great deal of insight into the making of the documentary. Equally valuable is the second audio commentary, which features many participants (the other surviving Band members, a few of the guest performers such as Dr. John and Mavis Staples, and several crew members, among others). Although the many participants were recorded separately, the track tightly edited with nary a dull moment. A nice touch: you can select a subtitle feature which will bring up the name of the person who is speaking while the commentary plays.

If all that weren't enough, the 20 minute featurette contains good recent interview footage with Scorsese and Robertson. And there is a 12 minute outtake which is an all-star jam session (the instrumental jam itself isn't all that exciting, but with that kind of line-up it's well worth watching). Even the Still Photo gallery had more care put into it than most dvds, with the photos divided into three sections, many featuring captions to identify what we're looking at.

The movie itself looks and sounds so good, it justifies the purchase.... Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The Band!!!!
This is how I got to know The Band. I had heard many of their songs growing up and loved them. This introduced me to the grat musicians that they all were and will always be.
Published 4 days ago by Jane Sprinkle
3.0 out of 5 stars Just ok.
I purchased on a wim as it was the highest rated blu-ray music video available and I was itching to see this type of performance on my new system. I got bored.
Published 17 days ago by Huckleberry
5.0 out of 5 stars Best late night movie ever!
I've always know that I love The Last Waltz, it was just a matter of adding it to my collection!
Published 17 days ago by Sam
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Concert DVD Ever Made
Hands-down the best concert DVD available. Easily my favorite. Soon after watching this I bought the CD version so I could listen in my car. Supurb.
Published 23 days ago by Ben
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very intense experience!
The Band is one of the great rock bands of all time. This is a professionally produced movie of the last concert. It is intense. Worth the money and then some.
Published 24 days ago by Bill Heckler
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the top three concert films of all times
I can't remember if I managed to see The Band back in the day. However, I know I listened; and nowadays, I don't turn off the radio if one of their songs happens to come on. Read more
Published 25 days ago by John T. Oberwetter
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic classic rock!
Great sound and some interesting interviews. It was fun when Eric Clapton joined them for a song because he was so young! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Charlene
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any fan of the Band and on Bluray ....superb!
This is a great entertainment and history to boot!
if you love the Band or are just learning about them , you must have The Last Waltz in your collection
Published 1 month ago by jason adams
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Concert Ever
If you grew up in the late 60s and early 70s, these guys were THE BAND...no pun intended; having all their mates play w/ them is a spectacle to behold...
Published 1 month ago by COL Kenneth Madden, Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic and Better on Blu-Ray
I've had the VHS tape for years which was good. The blu-ray is really well done and sounds even better. Read more
Published 1 month ago by James
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews


Forums

Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions

Topic From this Discussion
Extras on Blu-Ray edition?
The blu-ray only has one commentary track - the Robertson / Scorsese one. It also includes the "'Revisiting The Last Waltz" documentary.

So, it omits the 12 minute "Jam" footage, the second commentary track, photo gallery, trailer and TV spot. Also, it only has 5.1 audio... Read more
Nov 9, 2008 by Charlie Chaplin |  See all 2 posts
THE BAND are probably Canada's greatest band!
To even mention Rush in the same breath as The Band is just silly. I can tell by your signature that you won't like my response, but the truth is the truth. I mean, how many other bands have covered any Rush songs, compared to the hundred or so that have done "The Weight." Geez, I... Read more
Jun 22, 2010 by D. R. Hardin Jr. |  See all 6 posts
concert or concert mixed with interviews
This version is pretty much exactly the same as when I saw it in the theater when it was first released in 1978. The only difference is in the usual DVD extras--voice-over commentaries. The interviews were part of the original film.
Jun 22, 2010 by D. R. Hardin Jr. |  See all 2 posts
Have returned 4 copies of The Band on blu-ray disc because of false...
Just to clarify, this disk comes with PCM 5.1 - this is uncompressed 5.1 audio i.e. what DTS Tru-HD becomes when it is 'unzipped' by your Blu-Ray player or amp. DTS Tru-HD is just a lossless compression format for fitting the uncompressed 5.1 audio into a smaller space. There is zero difference... Read more
Dec 21, 2009 by Robert Younger |  See all 3 posts
Bly ray "The last watlz' actually multi region?
I have the same question. Blu-ray.com says it is all regions. If we want to buy through the blu-ray site it leads us to Amazon.com where the technical information says it is region 1. I thing that Amazon.com could clarify this.
Nov 19, 2009 by Francisco Bandeira |  See all 5 posts
What is P&S? Be the first to reply
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 




Look for Similar Items by Category

40K ITEMS ON SALE Privacy Statement 40K ITEMS ON SALE Shipping Information 40K ITEMS ON SALE Returns & Exchanges