Studio: Emi Music Distribution Release Date: 11/29/2005
Initially broadcast as a TV miniseries to go with the series of three Anthology double-CD albums, this set of eight documentary tapes has the heft and scope of one of Ken Burns's expansive projects. Still, unless you are either a historian or a truly committed fan, you'll find yourself with way more material--particularly about the Beatles' early lives as lads in Liverpool--than you'll want to watch. The documentary material is copious, including early performance films and tapes, at the point before they found their true voices. The actual Beatlemania years--beginning in 1963 and concluding in 1970--feature extensive performance films, as well as home movies and archival material. The best parts, of course, are the interviews with the Beatles themselves, who produced the entire thing. Along with reworking two previously unreleased John Lennon tracks as "new Beatles songs," the Anthology includes some unseen Lennon interview tapes so that his acerbic voice can be heard as well. This stands as a comprehensive document of that heady period, the second coming of rock & roll, as the Beatles took what Elvis had started and expanded upon it exponentially. The tapes give a solid sense of the historical context and the way these four musicians changed the world around them in the 1960s. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Absolutely Brilliant!:
This documentary is godlike. It's a heavenly, fabulous dream! The quality is immense. I couldn't have asked for any better. I like some of the Beatles' songs, but I'm not really a huge fan of their music overall. What I really like is listening to their life stories and their successes, especially since I am starting to get into the music field myself to make some successful songs of my own.
The Beatles Anthology:
Unfortunately the CD's would not work on any of my equipment: 2 computers, Bose or car CD player, therefore I had to return the CD set and was never able to listen to them. I am very happy to report the person who sent my order to me was very prompt in submitting my refund. I do plan on re-ordering the Beatles Anthology, however, it will need to be a new set, as opposed to used.
Beatles fans, rejoice!:
If you are a Beatles fan, or just want to know more about them, this is for You. This is a documentary on the scale of a Ken Burns work. Everything you would ever want is here. Concert footage, interviews with Paul, George, and Ringo. Only thing missing would be an interview with John....Wish you were here. Anyway, this is one that you will watch again and again. Well done!
Roll up for The Magical History Tour!!:
The Beatles Anthology is a true and noteworthy piece of history. I can't believe that I've gone so long without seeing or owning it, but after receiving my DVD box set, I literally spent an entire weekend watching the entire thing. Probably I thought beforehand, as many would, that over the years we have seen and heard all there is to see and hear about The Beatles. Not even close! I was amazed at the footage and audio that was presented in this collection, which includes more than a few gems. Paul,... more info
