The Last Waltz

In 1976, after 16 years on the road, the original incarnation of the Band bid farewell with a now-legendary concert at San Francisco's Winterland. "We wanted it to be more than a final concert," Robbie Robertson, the Band's principal songwriter and guitarist, states. "We wanted it to be a celebration." Mission accomplished. Joining the Band onstage was a staggering, Hall of Fame roster of musical influences and iconic peers, including Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond (back off, he's earned it), Bob Dylan, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young. Making its DVD premiere in a newly remastered edition that played to rapturous reviews when released theatrically, The Last Waltz ranks with such essential concert films as Jazz on a Summer's Day, Woodstock, Gimme Shelter, and Stop Making Sense. Director Martin Scorsese mapped out a 200-page "shooting script" that allowed him to shoot and cut in time with the music. Linking the musical performances are candid interviews with Band members, who reflect on, to quote the Grateful Dead, the "long strange trip its been." Musical highlights abound, but nothing beats an animated Van Morrison's exuberant "Caravan." Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (K. Lee Benson)