Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band [DVD]

I had serious reservations about purchassing this DVD due to Robertsons comments re fellow Band members but decided to go with it and in the end Im glad I did. In my review of Robertsons book Testimony I summed iit up as self serving drivel and I still stand by that comment. This DVD is well worth a punt though as you wont get many more chances to hear first hand from Helm, Danko and Manuel so its worth it just for this alone. I think I closed my review of Testimony with a comment along the lines of the departed members deserved a better epitaph than Robertson seemed willing to give them but thinking back I dont believe its necessary as those of us who still revere those three departed voices who were after all the heart and soul of the best band of all time will ensure they remain where they rightfully belong and will live forever in our hearts.

Excellent

This is an excellent documentary on The Band, well-edited and gripping viewing. The narrative pretty much follows the story from Robbie Robertson's point of view, which is understandable as he was the lead songwriter and the one who kept them together when drugs became an issue. He also had the vision to film their final concert which, along with their records, is their lasting legacy. I do have some sympathy for Levon Helm, whose drumming and singing was so central to the group, in feeling sidelined and discredited by Robbie. After all, Robbie's songs wouldn't have achieved greatness without Levon and the others' contribution. And in this documentary it is again Robbie who has the last word. Nevertheless, this is an exciting summary of The Band's spirit and like a family saga it can be re-told and no doubt will be.

PRETTY GOOD DOCUMENTARY THIS. ALTHOUGH IT VERY MUCH LEANS/ CONCENTRATES TOWARDS ROBBIE ROBERTSON. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A BIT MORE BROADER IN SCOPE AND WHERE IS DYLAN? A FEW WORDS FROM HIM WOULD NOT HAVE GONE AMISS.

This is a very good documentary about the creation and history of The Band, one of the most iconic groups who ever entered a recording studio or stepped out onto a stage. The story is of course seen through the eyes of Robbie Robertson but, then again, that was only to be expected given the title. I suppose the other band members would have seen the whole history in a somewhat different light. That's life. The film features some interesting film footage and contributions from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Van Morrison and Martin Scorsese. The documentary is certainly well worth watching and complements 'The Last Waltz'.

This is a great DVD in addition to the other DVD of the Band that we have called The Last Waltz. This is more in- depth and towards the end brought a lump to my throat. Quite typical of a lot of musicians' stories tinged with sadness despite the huge talent.I am very glad to have bought this DVD which we will watch again several times as it is easy to miss things.

Great dvd of a great band, this sits nicely with Robbie Robertsons autobiography Testimony. I've always been pulled between the song writing talent of RR and the sheer force of Levon Helm. You can feel the tension here.

This is a super dvd about the early days of The Band and takes you right up to the later years .A great band with Great Music.