Documentary

Beatles ‘64

Another Beatles doc you should Come Together for.

The new made-for-Disney+ doc “Beatles ‘64” focuses on how, after JFK’s assassination, the Beatles made their first visit to America to perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” This was a 14 day tour, documented by the late great Albert and David Maysles. The songs they first performed on that show were “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” and “She Loves You.” And this was one of the most celebrated events in television history. And this doc expresses the joys and challenges of what America and England has brought to at the time.

1964 was also a time when most of America had yet to discover their talents. But things go out fast, and we get to hear from fans about how they love the band. Of course, we hear some negative responses like “disgusting” or “alright,” but what’s not a great band or musician without critics? There’s plenty of fans and other famous musicians to praise them.

Beatlemania is what this era was known as, and some could call it an adventure. For example, music producer Jack Douglas recalls traveling from America to Liverpool with a musician buddy to perform, only to be dealing with immigration without any visas and confined to the boat The officers said to them: “When this boat leaves in five days, you will be on it.” Douglas said that night he was able to sneak off the boat and go to record store and listen to one of the Beatles’ records. They became deported, but Douglas would eventually be John Lennon’s collaborator.

As a Beatles documentary, “Beatles ‘64” looks so good. Like digitally enhanced good. The archival footage and the interviews all look amazing, as they remind us about the times of what these guys have accomplished in their travels and the people they have either come across or inspired. This doc features rare footage by the Maysles brothers, which was originally for the 1964 doc “What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.,” and is now digitally restored in 4K. And the cinematography is by Ellen Kuras. That would explain a lot.

“Beatles ‘64” may not be as powerful or provocative as the miniseries “The Beatles: Get Back” or the restored and rereleased doc “Let It Be,” but it’s still entertaining for fans of all generations, including myself. Directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, the movie allows us to hear John, Paul, Ringo, and George, as well as everyone else about what music means to them.

And to be a true Beatles fan is to acknowledge the impact made in this world, and to listen to their songs every day. Either that or buy a Beatles wig, which is what some people did, according to music producer Danny Bennett. And you would not believe what other memorabilia inspired by the band.

Rating: 3 out of 4.

Categories: Documentary, Music

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