Martin Scorsese has revealed plans for a new documentary focusing on The Beatles and their groundbreaking impact on America. The film, titled Beatles ‘64, was directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Scorsese, and is set to be exclusively available for streaming on Disney+ starting from 29th November 2024.
The documentary captures the iconic moment when The Beatles arrived at JFK Airport in New York City on 7th February 1964, setting off a wave of Beatlemania across the United States. Viewers will witness the band’s legendary debut performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which drew a record TV audience of over 73 million viewers. Additionally, never-before-seen footage of The Beatles and their fervent young fans will be unveiled.
Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films studio has remixed live performances from The Beatles’ first US concert at the Washington, DC Coliseum, as well as their appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Giles Martin, son of the late George Martin, known as “the Fifth Beatle,” took charge of the remixing process. The documentary also features new interviews with surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, who share their perspectives on that pivotal time in music history.
Notable co-producers of the documentary include Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Olivia Harrison, daughter of George Harrison. Executive producers Jeff Jones and Rick Yorn are also credited for their roles in the production. Martin Scorsese, known for directing the George Harrison documentary “George Harrison: Living in the Material World” in 2011, helmed this new Beatles project.
In conjunction with the film’s release on Disney+, a special master edition of seven US Beatles albums is set to be launched. These mono albums, originally released by Capitol Records and United Artists between 1964 and 1965, have been out of print on vinyl for nearly three decades. Among the titles available for pre-order in a new vinyl box set titled “The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums In Mono” are classics like Meet The Beatles!, A Hard Day’s Night, and Beatles ’65.
Disney+ has been actively involved in producing music documentaries, with recent releases focusing on The Beach Boys and upcoming projects featuring Bruce Springsteen and John Williams. Beatles ‘64 promises to offer fans a nostalgic journey back to the era when The Beatles conquered America.