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The Last Waltz (1978)


Commentaries on this disc:

Commentary 1: Director Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson Rating:7.7/10 (9 votes) [graph]Login to vote or review
Reviewed by The Cubist on February 17th, 2005:Find all reviews by The Cubist
Robertson’s comments are screen-specific as he offers fantastic observations about the music and the musicians in a conversational tone that is very engaging as if you are sitting in his living room watching it with him over drinks.
Reviewed by sedna on August 1st, 2013:Find all reviews by sedna
There are actually two commentaries for this film, one with both Robertson and Scorsese and then there's one with journalist Jay Cocks, rock critic Greil Marcus, tour manager Jonathan Taplan, musician’s Levon Helm and Ronnie Hawkins, and producer Irwin Winkler. I only listened to the Scorsese/Robertson one and I have to say I was illuminated about the making of this concert film. Scorsese talks about the technical and philosophical side of the image, while Robertson recalls the night and talks about Scorsese's process as well. It's a nice mixture, nicely edited and informative.
Reviewed by musíl65 on December 14th, 2015:Find all reviews by musíl65
The track is recorded separately. It’s full of fantastic information. Scorsese talks about the style of the movie, the pacing, the work of his DPs, the decoration of the stage, working with The Band, the small budget, his connection to the music, the legacy of the movie etc.

Robertson is a perfect addition. He talks as a musician about the music, the other band members, the guests, the songs, the history of The Band, working with Bob, his feelings about this last concert etc.

Both are very proud of the movie. The track is without gaps and it is fantastic. Don’t miss it. 10 out of 10.
Reviewed by Station51 on June 10th, 2016:Find all reviews by Station51
What an awesome commentary. Much of what needed to be said about it has already been said so I won't add much to it other than say it is extremely well edited for information and flow. Scorses and Robertson complement each other really well, have a lot to say and are both very interesting to listen to. Almost perfect. I haven't heard the second commentary yet but I will.
Reviewed by Hellfrick on June 11th, 2016:Find all reviews by Hellfrick
Hi. I produced and edited this commentary back in 2002, and I'm thrilled that you guys enjoy this so much! It was a blast to make. An honor.
Reviewed by Station51 on June 12th, 2016:Find all reviews by Station51
Hey Hellfrick, feel free to add lots more info about the commentaries.This is the place to do it.Awesome job!

I just listened to the second commentary and it's every good as good as commentary 1, if not better. There are so many great characters telling stories, sharing perspectives, adding technical information and being funny that I could listen to this all day. Again the editing is masterfully done. The only one tiny drawback is that its not always clear who's talking. You can figure it out with a bit of attention and effort and to be honest I don't always like a voiced over introduction for each person. I can easily tell when it's Dr.John when I hear a N'awlins accent that's making up words all over the place. I can tell Levon's raspy voice as he'd been recovering from throat cancer. Apparently his voice actually came back a little while later.

I'd highly, highly recommend listening to both of these commentaries.
Reviewed by Station51 on June 12th, 2016:Find all reviews by Station51
Every *BIT as good. Damn tablet. Bring in the editing feature.
Reviewed by musíl65 on August 31st, 2020:Find all reviews by musíl65
The second track with Levon Helm and the crew is also great. Fantastic stories about the concert. Don’t miss it. 10 out of 10.