Harvest Time (Bernard Shakey 2022, 120 minutes) has come and gone (though I hear there may be some DCPs straggling back home to roost, not quite ready to leave theaters, so check your local listings), and we wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for coming out and having a good time. [ed. note: It's now January, so if you're a Rust or Patron subscriber click on Harvest Time above to enjoy the film on demand in MovieTone.]

BUT FIRST! I must announce that if you missed Harvest Time in theaters, or simply miss it and hope to spend more time with it soon, you’ll have your chance come January. When the window of theatrical exclusivity closes we’ll be putting Harvest Time in MovieTone for our Rust & Patron subscribers.

It may eventually make its way to the Hearse for a limited engagement or two, but we thought we’d like to first offer it as a special thank you for all the love and support we’ve gotten from the rustiest among you. We truly couldn’t do it without you, and I mean that.

Speaking of love and support, Neil asked me to collect and share some of the reviews and stories we’ve been seeing in response to Harvest Time—the film is very personal to us, and to Neil in particular, and it’s wonderful to hear it resonating similarly with you.

It’s beautiful and a bit lonely. They are all gone now, these old friends, musicians, except for their unforgettable music and our collective memories together. So great to see all of them again at their peak. (Neil)

Some of the following excerpts are from professional critics, but most are from y’all. If you see your name here and you’d rather not, let us know and we’ll remove it. Or, if you see your words but not your name and would like your name attached let us know—I’m not about to put your Hoffman Forum screennames in this article, so “Echoes71” (e.g.) will remain anonymous until I hear otherwise.

(Yes, we keep light tabs on the forums and social media groups and whatnot, but don’t get paranoid—we like it when you say nice things and for the most part find it sincerely helpful when you get critical, so don’t stop just because there’s a spy in your midst.)

-john o

Just got back from Harvest Time. Really fun time! Loved seeing them construct "Words" especially. Also, those 2 instrumental jams… man, would love to get those released in some form. Cool seeing Stray Gators just jam out for a bit.

What a treat to see the Stray Gators in action, in the barn. It's like you're right there sitting on a bale of hay with them. I love that Buttrey/Drummond rhythm section. Also breathtaking (and hilarious) watching the Crosby, Stills, and Nash vocal overdub sessions.

Neil is actually a lot funnier, more friendly and interactive with his peers than I had ever assumed. I’d read so much about him being single-minded that I assumed him to be a different way, but I think he comes across like a very cool artist here. All in all, an enjoyable documentary, showcasing an amazing artistic journey of one of my favourite records, by one of my favourite artists who was in the zone at this point of his career.

Even for fans who know just how conscientiously Neil Young has documented his activities across his entire career, the sheer wealth and detail of the footage that makes up the two-hour documentary accompanying the 50th-anniversary edition of Harvest is astonishing. (Uncut - Damien Love)

I went last night. I was blown away. Truly fantastic .You’re literally IN THE BARN with Neil and the Gators for Words. Neil has the stones to criticize the timing of the London Symphony Orchestra. Ben Keith is a cool dude. Neil is soooooo high.

I really enjoyed this documovie as well. Harvest was one of my very first album purchase when it came out, but I lost my love of it shortly after. Listening/watching this movie really brought me back to understand the greatness of this LP. I will be seeking out an original LP or a good reissue/remix. Neil's groove is so infectious and also so precise. In my youth, I totally missed this aspect of his music.

And this is very much the tone throughout – warm, celebratory, charming and fun… Neil Young: Harvest Time is, like the man’s music, all about feel, tones, and texture. It’s linear, but happily jack-knifes with abandon, and to great – sometimes startling – effect… a captivating document of a young man with wealth beyond his imagination whose life has been a whirlwind, giving himself the time and the space to figure out who he is and what he wants to do. (Art Desk - Barney Harsent)

Watched it tonight, what incredible footage to have it sit for 50 years. His archives are amazing.

Enjoyed it immensely. Felt like I was right there hanging out while they recorded the album. Film quality was better than I expected for being from 1971. And sounded very good in the theater. Don’t think I heard the version of HOG in the film before either. Only thing it didn’t have I had hoped for was some studio footage of Old Man or Harvest. Loved the portions with Crosby and Nash. May go again on Sunday… (Ron Starrett)

pretty dog gone epic is an extreme understatement (PK McVicker)