The Band - 'The Last Waltz' (DVD)

I recently purchased Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz which documents The Band's farewell concert in 1978. My interest in The Band has never really extended much beyond their involvement with Bob Dylan in the '60's. But recently, I've been trying to come up to speed. They are truly unique among their peers of that era, a band that embodies a broad concept of "American music" (despite part of the band being Canadian).

I've watched about half of the film and none of the extras (which are abundant), but it is fantastic. Interesting and well-edited interviews are sandwiched between compelling performances. Many big-name guests show up, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neil Diamond (!), among many others. The cameos add a cinematic quality, but it's the performances with just The Band that really shine. Whether it's Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel or Robbie Robertson (or all of them) leading the song, it's easy to see why their music has remained timeless. Near-perfect sound and picture restoration for this recently updated DVD edition.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00003CXB1/qid=1093996449/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-5086043-3654411?v=glance&s=dvd

Not coincidentally, the Drive-By Truckers have a new song called "Danko/Manuel" which sort of sparked my renewed interest in The Band. It's a gorgeous and poetic song from their new record The Dirty South.