The Beatles is a group that needs little introduction. Founded in Liverpool, England in 1960, they quickly swept the globe as a bedrock of 1960s counterculture. Comprised of members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are considered by many to be the most successful, influential band in the history of modern popular music.
Set to premiere on Disney+ this Thanksgiving, The Beatles: Get Back is a three-part upcoming docuseries directed and produced by Peter Jackson. Jackson is best known as the director, writer and producer for the renowned epic film series Lord of the Rings, as well as the Hobbit trilogy. Jackson is the third highest-grossing film director of all time, with productions earning more than a combined 6.5 billion dollars globally.
Get Back was originally slated for a 2020 theatrical release, but was pushed back due to COVID concerns and widespread theatre closures. Last month, Disney announced that the project would be aired as three individual instalments on the Disney+ streaming platform, premiering on November 25th, 26th and 27th, respectively.
Produced in collaboration with Apple Corps and WingNut Films, The Beatles: Get Back was created from more than 60 hours of never-before-seen footage, and more than 150 hours of restored, previously unheard audio. The film’s goal is to dispel long-standing rumours that the group ended on bad terms—instead showcasing the close camaraderie shared between members. Disney worked alongside Jackson’s production team to employ the same technology used for Jackson’s film They Shall Not Grow Old: breathing new life into aged footage via modern production techniques.
Working alongside Disney and Jackson’s team were Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the widows of both John Lennon and George Harrison. In a press statement, McCartney expressed warmth towards the project, stating:
“ I am really happy that Peter has delved into our archives to make a film that shows the truth about the Beatles recording together.”
Starr echoed this sentiment, remarking:
“There were hours and hours of us just laughing and playing music, not at all like the Let it Be film that came out in 1970. There was a lot of joy, and I think Peter will show that.”
Ahead of the film’s release, a book bearing the same title will be available for purchase beginning October 12th, 2021. The Beatles: Get Back will feature an introduction by Hanif Kureishi, and will be the first official book credited to the group since The Beatles Anthology was released in 2000. The hardcover, collector’s volume will be published in a total of nine international languages, featuring 240 pages of recorded conversations, never-before-seen photos, and exclusive interviews.
A five-minute sneak peek of the upcoming film is currently available for viewing on both Disney+ and TheBeatles.com.
Tags: 2021 , documentaries , documentary , Documentary Film , streaming