The Beatles Anthology, a beloved documentary series chronicling the legendary band’s history, is set to make a grand return with a remastered version premiering on Disney+ starting November 26th. The series, which originally aired in 1995, allowed the surviving Beatles—Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—to narrate their iconic journey. It also featured archive interviews with the late John Lennon, adding depth to the narrative.
This much-anticipated release will not only present the original eight episodes with enhanced picture and audio quality but will also introduce an all-new ninth episode. Directed by Oliver Murray, this episode includes previously unseen footage and interviews conducted during the making of the Anthology, as well as during the recording of the singles “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.”
The Legacy of the Beatles Anthology
First aired on ITV in the UK and ABC in the US, the Beatles Anthology has been a cornerstone for fans, offering a comprehensive look at the band’s history through music, interviews, and personal insights. The documentary’s expanded DVD set, released in 2003, remains a prized possession for many enthusiasts.
The remastering of this series is a project close to the heart of Giles Martin, son of the Beatles’ legendary producer George Martin. Giles has been instrumental in preserving the Beatles’ production legacy, having worked on projects like the Love soundtrack and the Peter Jackson-directed Get Back documentary in 2021.
Giles Martin: Custodian of a Legacy
In a recent interview with the BBC’s Dermot O’Leary, Giles Martin shared insights into the remastering process, which also includes the release of a new compilation, Anthology 4. This will be part of a box set featuring three albums of studio outtakes and live performances, set to release on November 21st.
Giles recalled the origins of the Anthology project, noting that his father had semi-retired by then. “I remember my dad saying to me, ‘I’ve been asked to work on a Beatles project’. It was the first time since 1970, I think,” Giles recounted. At that time, George Martin had begun losing his hearing, and Giles, fresh out of university, assisted him in the studio.
“I’d just come out of Manchester University. He’d lost his hearing at that stage and he just asked if I wanted to come in. We used to sit at a piano and he’d show me what notes he could no longer hear.”
Behind the Scenes: The Beatles’ Relationships
Giles Martin also addressed the often sensationalized accounts of the Beatles’ interpersonal relationships. He suggested that much of the drama was exaggerated, stating, “There wasn’t massive arguments in the Beatles. The arguments happened afterwards. George and Ringo were best friends anyway—they remained best friends the whole time.”
He further elaborated on the complex relationship between Paul McCartney and John Lennon, noting that their friendship was strained by fame and external pressures. “Paul and John were best friends. At the height of their fame and everything that happened afterwards, it just became difficult to maintain that,” Martin explained.
The Drive Behind the Anthology
The tragic murder of John Lennon in 1980 served as a catalyst for the surviving Beatles to create the Anthology. While Martin couldn’t pinpoint who initially proposed the project, he acknowledged Paul McCartney’s role as a frequent instigator of the band’s creative endeavors.
“Ringo used to say that the Beatles would have only made three albums if it wasn’t for Paul. They’d be sitting in the garden and the phone would ring and they’d go ‘oh god, it’s him again!’”
When asked whether the Anthology provided a sense of closure for the surviving members, Giles Martin affirmed, “I think they have closure, and all of them had closure in different ways. The Beatles belong to the world. Kids find Beatles songs. A little Beatles goes a long way to making people feel good.”
The remastered Beatles Anthology series on Disney+ promises to reignite the passion of long-time fans and introduce new generations to the timeless magic of the Beatles. With its enhanced visuals and audio, along with the addition of fresh content, the series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of music’s most influential bands.
