The Last Waltz on DVD

On Thanksgiving evening, 1975, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko decided to grace their fans to something special. It was a lavishly hosted turkey dinner for 5,000 and one of the greatest rock concerts ever caught on film, by Martin Scorcese.

It was the Band's farewell concert. The Last Waltz has become known as the standard by which all other rock movies are judged. None has surpassed the movie yet.

Oddly enough, the concert footage begins with a cover song of "Don't do it," by Marvin Gaye. The legendary group of several classic albums always prided itself on being a great backing band for other great artists. This becomes evident as we watch the likes of Neil Young, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, and Eric Clapton play their own greatest hits in the Band's honor.

It is a very graceful gesture and an admission of their musical indebtedness.

The Band aren't so humble that they won't dip from their own coffers. Songs like "The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down," "Tears of Rage," "Stage Fright," and "The Weight" all lend testimony to the unique greatness.

Eric Clapton even admitted to being humbled, musically, by the album, Music from the Pink. They are indeed a versatile band who shares vocal duties between the bassist, the guitar player, and the drummer. On "The Weight" they are shown playing switched instruments.

The keyboardist, Garth Hudson is classically trained. During an interview, the Band reveal that Garth justified his musical education by demanding payment for lessons from the band members.

The interviews in the movie are precious and revealing. Scorcese proves himself to be as interesting an interrogator as he is a filmmaker. Robbie Robertson tends to dominate throughout but Levon Helm has his fair share as well.

In one vignette, Levon quietly explains the history of country and bluegrass and gospel and how they all come together, geographically and musically. "What do you call that?" asks Scorcese. "Rock and Roll," replies a grinning Levon Helm.

Richard Manuel is of particular interest since he committed suicide in 1985. HIs grizzly look and haunting voice make him fascinating character. He sings "Irish Lullaby" with Van Morrison who then kicks into the song "Caravan."

But there are many stars in this, whos who of rock music. The Band's musical tastes are on full display. The blues is represented by none other than Muddy Waters who does an incredible rendition of "Mannish Boy."

They share their country roots on the song "Evangeline" with Ms. Emmylou Harris. Eric Clapton elaborates on the rocking influence on "Further Up the Road."

There are left field guests as well. Neil Diamond is representative of the Tin Pan Alley songwriters contingent. And Joni Mitchell is always slightly unusual in any setting, her rendition of "Coyote" was beautiful nonetheless.

Of course, this movie would be nothing without the magic touch of auteur, Martin Scorcese. The movie's unique intimacy is due to the legendary handiwork of the director.

Certain scenes look like being in the fourth row, right behind pumping fists and screaming fans. The lighting is perfect. It's just dark enough to set an elegant mood and light enough to see everything.

Scorcese simply invites the audience into the concert hall and lets the music do all the talking.

Some the highlights of highlights include Van Morrison's electric performance of 'Caravan.' During the horn section coda, Van goes into a veritable spasm, kicking and screaming his way out of the song.

Eric Clapton's soloing on 'Further Up the Road' is blistering, and 'The Weight' with the Staple singers is positively sublime.

But the apex of the evening is Bob Dylan's performing three songs with the Band, "Baby Let me Follow You Down," " Forever Young," and "I Shall Be Released." This last song is done as finale with the entire cast.

It's a sweet farewell to rock's greatest "back up band"- The Band.