In a highly anticipated revival, the iconic Beatles Anthology documentary series is set to return, remastered and expanded, on Disney+ starting November 26th. Originally aired in 1995, the series offered an unprecedented look into the lives and careers of the Beatles, narrated by the surviving members, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with archival insights from the late John Lennon.
The remastered series will debut its first three parts on November 26th, with the remaining episodes released in batches over the following days. This version features enhanced picture and audio quality, along with a brand-new ninth episode directed by Oliver Murray. The new installment includes never-before-seen footage and interviews from the Anthology’s original production and the recording sessions for “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.”
The Legacy of the Beatles Anthology
Since its initial broadcast, the Beatles Anthology has been a treasured resource for fans, offering a comprehensive look at the band’s history through music, interviews, and personal anecdotes. The 2003 expanded DVD set remains a staple for enthusiasts, capturing the essence of the Beatles’ journey.
The restoration of this series has been a labor of love for Giles Martin, son of the Beatles’ legendary producer George Martin. Giles has played a crucial role in preserving the Beatles’ legacy, contributing to the remastering of their back catalog and the acclaimed “Get Back” project directed by Peter Jackson in 2021.
Giles Martin’s Reflections on the Anthology
Giles Martin shared insights into the remastering process during an interview with the BBC’s Dermot O’Leary. He recounted how his father, George Martin, had semi-retired when the Anthology project was proposed. “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 recalled.
At that time, George Martin was experiencing hearing loss, which led Giles to assist 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,” Giles recounted. “We used to sit at a piano and he’d show me what notes he could no longer hear.”
“I think they had [buried hatchets]. A lot of what you read about the Beatles, which I’ve learned from the tapes, isn’t true. There wasn’t massive arguments in the Beatles. The arguments happened afterwards.”
Giles emphasized that the interpersonal dynamics within the Beatles were often misrepresented, with much of the drama exaggerated by journalists. He noted that George and Ringo remained close friends throughout their lives, and the rift between Paul and John was more reflective of post-breakup tensions.
The Anthology as a Closure
According to Giles, the tragic death of John Lennon in 1980 served as a catalyst for the surviving Beatles to embark on the Anthology project. While the exact origins of the project are unclear, Paul McCartney is often credited as a driving force behind many of the band’s initiatives, including the recent “Now and Then” single.
“Paul started Now and Then,” Giles told the BBC. “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 if the Anthology represented closure for the Beatles, Giles agreed, noting that each member found closure in their own way. “I think that what happens with the Beatles is that – as George says in the documentary – it stops being ‘us’ and the Beatles belong to the world,” he explained.
Giles concluded by reflecting on the enduring impact of the Beatles’ music, stating, “There’s never going to be a full stop to the Beatles. They’re now part of culture and legacy and we should be proud of that.”
The remastered Anthology series promises to reignite the magic of the Beatles for a new generation, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
