The Beatles ’64 Review: A New Film on Disney+ – Is It Necessary?

The arrival of The Beatles in America in 1964 is a moment many music fans know well. The new Disney+ documentary, The Beatles ’64, takes us back to that time, focusing on their famous first press conference at JFK Airport, their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, and the explosion of Beatlemania in the United States.

While some might argue that we’ve seen it all before in documentaries like Ron Howard’s Eight Days A Week and The Beatles Anthology, this film manages to capture the freshness and timeliness of the Fab Four’s impact on America. Produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, the documentary highlights the incredible timing of The Beatles’ arrival in the U.S. just months after the JFK assassination.

Featuring interviews with Paul and Ringo, as well as post-Beatlemania interviews with George and John, the film brings together archival footage from The Beatles’ tour in New York with contemporary insights from eyewitnesses and fans. The documentary explores the palpable joy and excitement that The Beatles brought to a generation of fans, shedding light on their charm and appeal in a way that feels both nostalgic and relevant today.

As we look back on The Beatles with fondness and nostalgia, it’s clear that their influence continues to resonate with each new generation. This documentary, like others before it, reminds us of the innocence and joy of a bygone era, making us appreciate the timeless impact of The Beatles on music and culture.