The Compleat Beatles
by Patrick Montgomery
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VHS Tape Cover Information
Actor: Billy Harry, John Rousmaniere, Malcolm McDowell, Paul Killiam, Peter KanzeDirector: Patrick Montgomery
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 119 minutes
Release Date: 1991-07-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: MGM/UA
Studio: MGM/UA
VHS Movie Reviews of The Compleat Beatles
Movie Review: Excellent! Fun to revisit, and great intro to band
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my intro to the band as a young teen in the 80's. It's a wonderful film and documentary, that really gives a full story of the band from beginning to end. Really get a glimpse into the personalities and the music's creative process. Good clips of interviews, and music performances/videos. Great choice of songs throughout, not just the hits (such as Tomorrow Never Knows, Why don't we do it in the road, Love you too, Day in the Life), even though they are usually shortened snippets. Small complaint, but I just wish it had some of the Paperback Writer video because I love that song, but so many great ones are here.... blackbird, I am the Walrus, fool on the hill, I'm a loser, etc etc. Again they are usually partial songs, but they fit in alot throughout, and it does not seem slighted or chopped up. They are seemless and fluid throughout the film segued in and out of the narrration and interviews.
The film follows the band from their childhood and formation of the band, through the early hystaria of Beatlemania, to the more serious songwriting and artistic creativity that followed, the psychedelia, the trip to India, the arrival of Yoko, the Let It Be sessions, and finally the breakup of the band.
What really makes this movie great, and one I love to watch again and again is the narration by Malcolm McDowell. I am a big fan of the movie A Clockwork Orange also because of him, and his narration throughout that film. He just has a great voice and reading style, and it really separates this documantaries from all others. He just seems to add an authenticity and intimacy that makes this very enjoyable. I also really like that unlike the Anthology, this does not include interviews with Paul, George or Ringo later in their 50's looking back. All the clips and interviews are from the period, and really allows you see them just as they were when they were young, and the film ends with the end of the band as it should. Their engaging personas, insightfulness, and youthful optimism and spirit really come through.
It's of course not as "Compleat" as the Anthology, but it really has all you need IMO. A film you can watch in one sitting, and can watch with the family. A movie that is enjoyable as a movie, not just a rockumentary. Well organized chronologically, the story really builds throughout. Fun for Beatle fans who already know it all, and an excellent intro to anyone new to the band, and an excellent way to present the band to any friends you may have that are not into them, this will convert them.
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