- Joined
- Aug 24, 2016
- Messages
- 764
- Reaction Score
- 2,398
A 3-episode, nearly 8 hour documentary directed by Peter Jackson featuring in-studio audio and video that was shot in early 1969 for the 1970 film "Let It Be." So much more than that though, including a lot of raw material that became songs on Abbey Road. I thought this was an a incredible insight into the band and a must see for real Beatles fans. (Eight hours is quite an investment for the casual fan). I've watched it through twice now and will probably watch it again with my younger daughter.
A few observations; The first episode was very long and dragged on at times. It took me a few sittings to get through during the first watch. Second episode starts off similarly and then it all changes about half way into the second episode (no spoiler). Fantastic from that point to the end.
Being a George Harrison fan MUCH more the other three, this documentary confirmed to me why he is my favorite Beatle. Just an immensely talented musician and songwriter and a class human being with an extraordinary wit. He dresses like an absolute BOSS too!
I'd say Lennon has always been my LEAST favorite Beatle (based more on his personality than anything) and there were times that I found him really pretentious and obnoxious, but on several occasions he surprised me with his humor. I found myself laughing out loud many times because of some goofy one liner he threw out.
McCartney's talent was jaw dropping at times. Whether it was writing lyrics or coming up with a melody, his ability to write a song was ridiculous.
Ringo was just Ringo. Stayed out of the way but showed he was an interesting character.
The fifth Beatle; Billy Preston. Wow...
Other than the obvious cast, you had Yoko, Pattie, Maureen, and the future Linda McCartney (who I found absolutely adorable) as well as the various engineers, producers (Glyn Johns and George Martin obviously) and the film crew. All lend their own something to the doc, but the real story for me was the interaction between the band members and the resulting process of writing songs in an incredibly short period of time. Also the anticipation of the famous concert on the roof of the Apple studio.
I enjoyed it more the second time through and I'm really looking forward to watching it again with my 17 y-o (who had a Beatles themed birthday when she was 8). I'm sure I will enjoy it even more the third time.
A few observations; The first episode was very long and dragged on at times. It took me a few sittings to get through during the first watch. Second episode starts off similarly and then it all changes about half way into the second episode (no spoiler). Fantastic from that point to the end.
Being a George Harrison fan MUCH more the other three, this documentary confirmed to me why he is my favorite Beatle. Just an immensely talented musician and songwriter and a class human being with an extraordinary wit. He dresses like an absolute BOSS too!
I'd say Lennon has always been my LEAST favorite Beatle (based more on his personality than anything) and there were times that I found him really pretentious and obnoxious, but on several occasions he surprised me with his humor. I found myself laughing out loud many times because of some goofy one liner he threw out.
McCartney's talent was jaw dropping at times. Whether it was writing lyrics or coming up with a melody, his ability to write a song was ridiculous.
Ringo was just Ringo. Stayed out of the way but showed he was an interesting character.
The fifth Beatle; Billy Preston. Wow...
Other than the obvious cast, you had Yoko, Pattie, Maureen, and the future Linda McCartney (who I found absolutely adorable) as well as the various engineers, producers (Glyn Johns and George Martin obviously) and the film crew. All lend their own something to the doc, but the real story for me was the interaction between the band members and the resulting process of writing songs in an incredibly short period of time. Also the anticipation of the famous concert on the roof of the Apple studio.
I enjoyed it more the second time through and I'm really looking forward to watching it again with my 17 y-o (who had a Beatles themed birthday when she was 8). I'm sure I will enjoy it even more the third time.