This time the setup is a little different. For their first tour in six years, the band mostly sticks to a fixed setlist; This is a departure from hundreds of concerts where Springsteen has taken requests from the audience and surprised repeat attendees by changing the order. It is implied that this idea became more acceptable after Springsteen performed his show in the much stricter arena known as Broadway.

Given this concept, it’s important that the 25 songs chosen seal the deal. Springsteen explains that a playlist tells a story. This is the story he wanted to tell that night. Each song must flow into the next, weaving the storytelling tapestry that is the legendary singer-songwriter’s stock in trade. This tour will also feature songs from 2022’s R&B covers collection “Only the Strong Survive” and 2020’s “Letter to You,” the last time the E Street Band recorded together.

As the first rehearsals begin early on “Road Diary,” we hear the band’s anxiety about returning to grueling gigs and their concerns about how well they’ll play together in a few years. There are also new singers and artists to rehearse, such as percussionist Anthony Almonte. After a slightly bumpy start, everything starts to go well. Steven van Zandt took over as official music director; He is equally funny and strict, and has the undying trust and respect of everyone.

This isn’t Zimny’s first meeting with The Boss; has been Springsteen’s documentarian for the past few years, so he has an easy rapport with band members Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg, Nils Lofgren, Garry Tallent and Patti Scialfa. You get the feeling that they shared some ideas with Zimny ​​that they might not tell their leaders. We also learn the medical reason behind Scialfa’s absence from performances and why he has been acting so relaxed lately.

Although Van Zandt felt that the rehearsals were too short and requested that the group practice for more hours, the rehearsals went smoothly. These are a far cry from Springsteen’s early days, when he would drive the band crazy by making them play for hours while checking every seat in the entire arena to hear what the music sounded like. Zimny ​​gives us video evidence of Springsteen’s extensive armchair checking, as if he sensed that audiences wouldn’t believe such a story. The director also does a great job putting together old footage of everyone and interviewing fans about the upcoming tour.

I’m a big fan of my fellow New Jersey native — I mean, I saw the concert on which this movie is based — but I’m not star-struck enough to ignore that “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band” is, after all, a carefully crafted movie. product created and curated. It’s a little rougher around the edges than the standard star-driven documentary like “Martha,” but I still wanted a little more grit. Springsteen’s delivery can be a little corny at times, but the man knows how to tell a story that touches you where you live.

Most importantly, the film doesn’t skimp on the musical offerings, and that’s where it shines the most. I was particularly struck by Springsteen’s revival of The Commodores’ homage to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, “Night Shift,” presented here in an arrangement closer to the original than the studio version.

The track listing here ends with “Last Man Standing,” but during the closing credits we are given an encore of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” While sitting in the theater at the Toronto International Film Festival, I turned to my seatmate and said, “Bruce played this because he knew I was here.” Spoken like a true fan.

★★★

ROAD DIARY: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET GROUP

Directed by Thom Zimmy. Starring Bruce Springsteen, Steven van Zandt, Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg, Nils Lofgren, Garry Tallent, Patti Scialfa, Anthony Almonte. Disney+ on Hulu. 99 minutes Not rated.

Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe’s film critic.