Beatles ’64: Discovering a New Side of the Fab Four in Disney’s Documentary

Beatles ’64 on Disney+ aims to illuminate a different angle of the Fab Four that we haven’t seen before. Instead of thrusting us into the frenzy of Beatlemania right away, the documentary takes a step back to set the stage. It kicks off with footage of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, his assassination, and the following national mourning. This intriguing approach suggests that the band’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show shortly after Kennedy’s passing gave a grieving nation something to celebrate. However, it also hints that the Beatles play more of a supporting role in this larger narrative.

After six decades of Beatlemania documentation, there’s not much fresh material to go around. Beatles ’64 includes new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with some insightful comments from fans and industry experts. But the real highlight is the never-before-seen footage. Shot by Albert and David Maysles during the band’s frenetic East Coast tour, this footage captures raw moments of the Fab Four behind the scenes.

While most of the Maysles’ footage has been seen before, the unseen clips in Beatles ’64 truly shine. They show the Beatles marveling at the filming technology of the Maysles brothers and observing the mechanics of media coverage around them. Paul McCartney’s keen awareness of the media’s influence and his playful interactions with reporters make for engaging viewing.

The documentary also reveals the Beatles’ reactions to the commercialism of American culture, from TV ads to radio sponsorships. Their lighthearted banter with radio DJ Murray the K and their playful jabs at media slip-ups add a human touch to the band’s larger-than-life image.

All in all, Beatles ’64 offers a fresh look at a pivotal moment in popular culture through the lens of one of the biggest bands in music history. With unseen footage and insightful interviews, this documentary is a must-see for any Beatles fan or music enthusiast.