A HARD DAY'S NIGHT presents a fictionalized day in the life of the Beatles as they give a performance on a live television show. Filmed just a month after their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, this film--the Beatles' first--introduces us to the unique personalities of each member of the band. The film opens with the Fab Four boarding a train mobbed with adoring young fans (mostly women) as they attempt to travel to the television studio in London. The antics of the band during rehearsals and makeup application provide a large part of the comic material in this feature, though there are other moments of pure hilarity. The unscripted vignette featuring a hangover-suffering Ringo is especially funny, particularly when he is arrested and risks having to miss the broadcast. None of this goes unnoticed by the director of the show, played by Victor Spinetti, who went on to become a recurring cast member in Beatles movies. As the clock ticks away dramatically, our heroes manage to free Ringo from jail and sneak onto the stage in the nick of time, delighted in the knowledge that they have nearly driven the director mad in the process. Arguably the first music video ever made, this faux documentary and its shooting style have been a tremendous influence on nearly every rock and roll feature since.

Theatrical release: July 6, 1964. A HARD DAY'S NIGHT was filmed and produced in only 7 weeks, at a budget of 180,000 pounds, or $500,000. The opening scene, where the Beatles are mobbed by fans while getting onto a train, is actual documentary footage. A leak from the production department made the filming locations known to fans, so that when the Beatles showed up to film this first scene, there were hundreds of crazed, rowdy fans already there. Brian Epstein, the Beatles' manager, gave the rights to the accompanying album to United Artists before the film was released. The album's advance sales more than covered the film's budget. The Beatles were big fans of the comedy of Peter Sellers and Spike Mulligan. Director Richard Lester was chosen in large part because he helmed comedy series starring both men. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote six new songs for the film. Richard Lester makes a cameo appearance during the live performance scene, and a very young Phil Collins briefly appears as an audience member during the television performance scene.

Black & White; Closed Captioned; Additional Footage; Soundtrack English


  Beatles - Help Limited Edition DVD

  by The Beatles
Our Price: $110.79
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Deluxe Edition; Limited Edition; Remastered
The Beatles followed up their debut film, A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, with this fanciful spy spoof. When Ringo adds a new ring to his collection, he's unaware of how important and dangerous this piece of jewelry is. On one hand, a religious cult considers it a sacred object and the wearer must become a sacrifice to their gods. On the other hand, the ring has magical abilities that hold the key to supreme power. Soon the boys from Liverpool are engaged in a slapstick and madcap chase round the world, as a crazed scientist, a pack of crooks, and several religious fanatics set out to capture the band. Watch for the English Channel swimmer who seems to be perpetually lost and appears in nearly every location. Includes Beatles' hits including "Help!," "Ticket To Ride," "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," and many more.

Theatrical release: August 9, 1965 World premiere at the London Pavilion Theatre, July 29, 1965. Part of the film was shot on location on Paradise Island in the Bahamas in February 1965. Originally, HELP! had the working title EIGHT ARMS TO HOLD YOU, but the band changed the title after failing to produce material relating to it. The film was "respectfully dedicated" to the memory of Mr. Elias Howe, whom in 1846, invented the sewing machine. Songs include "Help!," "You're Gonna Lose That Girl," "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," "The Night Before," "Another Girl," "Ticket to Ride," and "I Need You". The film, along with A HARD DAYS NIGHT, was restored over a span of four years. Original prints were discovered in U.S. warehouses, while some restoration work was done from prints with German subtitles. The restored version of HELP! was shown on the American Movie Classics cable channel on July 2nd, 1996, during the station's fourth annual "Film Preservation Festival."

Standard Screen; Additional Footage; Soundtrack English; Dolby Digital 5.1


  Beatles - Around The World DVD
  by The Beatles
Our Price: $19.99
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A film by Mark Devito and Geoffrey Giulian. Here at last is the ultimate visual and cultural history of the Beatles. Packed with dozens of never before seen film clips, ultra rare photographs and exclusive interviews, John, Paul, George and Ringo come alive in this intelligent, compelling, inside glimpse into the impenetrable inner-circle of the greatest group ever. Included in this all star, international production are not only the Beatle’s themselves, but other well known insiders like Lennon Intimates; Frederic Seaman and Yoko Ono. Also lending their exclusive insights are former Beatle Pete Best, The Maharishi and Eric Clapton.

This sumptuous package comes resplendent with interviews, rare photographs, clips, and inside information from stars such as Yoko Ono and Eric Clapton. Giving some fascinating insights into the lives of the Fab Four, this documentary offers a tantalizing glimpse into the inner-circle of some of the biggest rock legends in the history of music.

  Beatles London DVD
  by The Beatles
Our Price: $16.29
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This DVD is without doubt the most detailed investigation of the legendary group at this point of their career, and is guaranteed to provide new insights both for the fan and the dedicated chronicler of the history of popular music.

Presented by Richard Porter, founder of the London Beatles Fan Club and author of the "Guide To the Beatles London," the program takes the viewer to the key Beatles' sights of London, such as EMI Studio and the iconic pedestrian crossing at Abbey Road; Beatles' homes in London; Decca Studios where the Beatles failed their audition; and much more!

2-Disc Set--Package Note: 2xDVD-5 -- Collectors Edition-- Dolby Digital - English
  Beatles - Videobiography DVD
  by The Beatles
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The Beatles' legacy to mainstream culture is carefully examined to find the truth behind the legend in this informative and entertaining double DVD and book set. The DVD draws on extensive archive footage of the Beatles, and features the incisive views of a leading team of music critics, journalists and industry insiders. The 48 page book features a detailed analysis of all the Beatles studio albums along with color photos. Featured tracks include: 'She Loves You,' 'Twist And Shout,' 'Love Me Do,' and many more.

The Beatles enjoy a permanent position as rock & roll royalty due to their considerable musical prowess, but what other elements contributed to their monstrous mainstream success? This videobiography combines archival footage, in-depth analysis from music critics, and interviews with people close to the band in order to uncover the diverse factors that helped build the band's lasting legend.

  Rock Milestones - The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour
  by The Beatles
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This was the Beatles first album without Brian Epstein and frankly, it showed. Lacking the cohesion they had attained with Epstein at the helm, the MMT was a psychedelic concept meant to follow in the footsteps of Ken Keseys Magic Bus. Rock Milestones takes you through the looking glass, as we draw on the expertise of a top team of critics and musicologists to find the story behind The Magical Mystery Tour. Industry insiders offer their professional insights into how the music was made and its consequent influences, whilst a swathe of carefully researched archive interview and performance footage will take you back in time for a truly first hand experience.

The first six songs on the Beatles' 1967 album MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR were conceived as the soundtrack to a television movie of the same name. While the film ultimately ended up as an experimental mess, the album's equally experimental pop included some of their most memorable productions, including "Penny Lane," "Strawberry Fields Forever," and "All You Need is Love." This program offers a critical review of the band's mini-masterpiece through archival footage, live-performance clips, and interviews with rock critics and musicians.

Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Dolby Digital DTS Surround - English


  

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