As time moves on, the world starts to repeat itself especially when it comes to television. Specifically, when it comes to Documentaries. Many have been made on the same subject over and over and over, creating this void of information as to what can be said that hasn't been said before. It's a black hole of history, that creates apathy towards a subject. There are few historical subjects in American History that can transcend that conundrum and become more than history and create interest no matter what. One of those subjects is the Beatles. As far as I'm concerned, you can create a Beatles documentary narrated by a disgruntled canine as long as it has old footage from the early days, at least one reference to Abbey Road, John Lennon smiling for no reason and some of that timeless Beatles music.
Well, the History Channel has done me one better by ditching the canine narration and producing a new Beatles documentary that covers old ground, but does it in a way that gives the appearance of having fresh material, with some actual fresh material! The special is called The Beatles on Record and is a little different than the multitude of Beatles documentaries we've seen up to this point.
I can't pinpoint the emotional response that causes us to endear to the Beatles with so much gusto. It has something to do with the music, yes, but I think it has to do with so much more than just the music. The cultural impact that was felt when the Beatles landed in the United States has not been repeated by any kind of musical act since. My parents felt it, and by proxy so did I. Even though I was a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up with the Beatles. I watched The Yellow Submarine and listened to the White Album backwards. I uncovered the mystery of Paul's "death" and searched out the clues. The Beatles were more than just the music. They were art themselves.
In The Beatles on Record the focus is on the process behind making the art that is the Beatles music. The documentary takes us from Please Please Me to the recording of the historic Abbey Road LP with in studio footage, pictures and audio. In keeping with the theme of creating art, we get a behind the scenes look at how the band matured as artists, songwriters and musicians. Dipping into the massive Beatles archive of outtakes and audio, The Beatles on Record is narrated entirely by John, Paul, Ringo, George and Sir George Martin.
When I received the screener for the documentary, I did lament about it being yet another Beatles documentary. However, the narration being exclusive to the group themselves and Sir George Martin adds a distinct and unique flavor to it. That is, I wasn't just listening to the multitude (about 60) songs sampled in the program, but was listening to the Beatles themselves rather than some stuffy old narrator or celebrity earning a quick check. It was extremely interesting getting points of view from Sir George Martin, as he was there in the studio from the start.
Wired: Yeah, it's another Beatles documentary but with the in studio audio and narration by the band and Sir George it seems more like a video diary with commercials.
Tired: Yeah, it's another Beatles documentary.
The Beatles on Record airs November 25th at 10pm EST on the History Channel. Directed by Bob Smeaton, who directed the fantastic Beatles Anthology series. Visit history.com for more information.
