The Last Waltz [Rhino Box Set] [Box] by The Band

I am going to save the monster view as one was already done on this title.

This is a great film. But to be honest the main fire power of this film does not come from The Band. The Band writes and performs some great song, make no mistake. However when compared to the likes of Dylan, Clapton, Young, Waters, etc they hollow.

The Band's music which is usually energetic and solid is great. But the film often focusses on (and understandably so as they are the subject of the film) The Band members often sitting around what looks like the kitchen of a Mississippi trailer park home. Complete with confederate flag, etc. Not that this is necessarily bad or anything. What is bad is that the band members while spinning their little tales are clearly stoned out of their mind. I am trying hard to remind myself there are other great performers to play, but this filler material of the band members telling tales is really draining on me.

I recommend the FF button if your only buying/renting this one for the fine performances by the other artists. Because the 45 or so minutes of filler in the form of Robbie Robertson and Co talking and acting like they just shot up/snorted/toked up gets Very draining.

The music is first rate for the most part. Key moments are definitely Van the Man, Neil Young (classic, looks like he just rolled out of bed, and probably did), Clapton and the great Bob Dylan (even though he clearly looks like a pimp in his apperance. very funny stuff. Thats not a knock., Bob is the man who deserves complete respect, but after the 60s he never could dress if his life depended on it.)

This is a great work to be sure. Check out the other great review for the fine detail as I believe it gets annoying when reviewers cover the basic facts over and over. I think this part is for each particular reviewer's opinion and this is mine. Worth the money. Great tunes! Enjoy!