The highlight of the concert at the time was a set by Bob Dylan. The Band and Dylan quickly fall into a groove that can only be accomplished after years of playing together. The Band would always bring out the best in Dylan and this was no exception. “Baby Let Me Follow You Down,” “I Don’t Believe You,” “Forever Young” and “I Shall Be Released” have never sounded better.
The album version of The Last Waltz just does not contain enough of The Band themselves. The movie restores a number of the missing performances that were recorded at the concert. What is included finds them in top form. “Up On Cripple Creek” is the definitive version of this song. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” takes on new life and makes one forget about the Joan Baez hit version. “The Shape I’m In” and “Ophelia” show the rocking and soft sides of the group.
The Last Waltz is a wonderful document of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame band and of the rock genre in general. The Band would continue but never reach these heights again.
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