A captivating new documentary chronicling The Beatles' historic first visit to America in 1964 is set to premiere on Disney+ this November 29th. "Beatles 64," produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, offers an intimate look at the phenomenon that became known as Beatlemania.
The newly released trailer opens with striking black and white footage of John, Paul, George, and Ringo engaging in playful moments during a train journey, followed by electrifying scenes of Paul McCartney performing Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally."
The documentary features remarkable footage captured by acclaimed filmmakers Albert and David Maysles, alongside fresh interviews with surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Music industry legends Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, and the late Ronnie Spector also share their perspectives.
The film documents the band's arrival at Kennedy Airport on February 7, 1964, where thousands of screaming fans awaited them. Their subsequent appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show drew an unprecedented 73 million viewers, marking a defining moment in television history.
Director Tedeschi revealed that the documentary includes over 17 minutes of previously unseen footage, primarily from the Maysles brothers' collection. The film covers the band's three-week American journey, from New York to Washington D.C., and Miami.
The audio has been meticulously restored by Giles Martin, while Peter Jackson's WingNut Studios, known for their work on "Get Back," handled the visual remastering process, bringing the historic footage to stunning 4K quality.
In a poignant observation during his interview, McCartney reflects on the timing of their arrival, shortly after President Kennedy's assassination, suggesting that "maybe America needed something like the Beatles to be lifted out of sorrow."
The documentary promises to showcase both the public spectacle and private moments of four young musicians experiencing unimaginable fame, capturing their camaraderie amidst the whirlwind of their American debut.