Search - The Unseen Beatles on DVD

The Dark Side of Beatlemania

Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 03/13/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

""The Unseen Beatles" is a fascinating look at the group's chaotic touring history during 1963-66. After viewing this BBC documentary, one understands why the Fab Four spent their remaining years as a studio band. Featuring several first-person accounts and some rare footage (including home movies from the final concert at San Francisco's Candlestick Park), the overall film reveals a darker, more harrowing portrait of Beatlemania - the flip side of "A Hard Day's Night.""

Only if You're an Obsessive Beatle Fan

Daniel Eickmann | Daly City, CA USA | 10/27/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you simply must buy anything with the words "The Beatles" on it because you're an obsessive Beatle fan, then buy The Unseen Beatles. Otherwise, don't waste your time and money.

There is indeed some "rare and previously unseen footage" in this DVD, but it struck me that it was "previously unseen" because whoever took it or considered it for air time realized it didn't inform or entertain very much. It didn't add anything new to our knowledge of The Beatles, their history or artistic significance.

As one of the aforementioned obsessive Beatle fans, I didn't learn anything new or gain any further insights into them. "The Beatles Anthology" video would tell this story (plus the story of the rest of their career) just as well or better, and from The Beatles' perspective.

For a more objective, outsider's perspective, I recommend two excellent books: the very enjoyable "Shout" by Philip Norman, and "The Beatles: The Biography" by Bob Spitz, which is well-researched, unflaggingly honest, and thoroughly detailed."

Jaw droppingly great!

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 12/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have one word for this film: "Wow!" Yes, I happily admit to being an obsessive Beatles fan (as if there's anything wrong with that?) The footage in this movie is nothing short of amazing. None of it was included in the Anthology and much of it is clearly superior to what was included there. If you want rarities and clips you've never seen, this is your baby.

The highlight is several minutes of color footage of the boys in Jersey in the summer of 1963. There is Paul by the pool, shirtless and more adorable than possibly any other human to ever draw breath. John is lounging poolside as well, making his funny faces and charming the socks off you.

There is also amazing color footage of the bands entering Candlestick Park in August, 1966 for their last performance. No one has ever seen this footage before. There are also some black and white interviews and press conferences which are almost as good as the aforementioned stuff.

The only negative are the interviews with a few of their roadies, who maximize their contributions to Beatles lore. Let no one forget that Neil and Mal were the only two true roadies and neither of them are included in this film. I also wish the movie could have been longer, but they cram an awful lot of goodies into this fabulous hour. I watched it three times the first evening. For all Beatles-obsessed souls, this is an absolute must have!"

The Unseen Beatles

Anne White | dothan, al United States | 12/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a true Beatles Fan you will like this.
It has some great black and white footage and some really cute scences with the "Fab Four".
It is not the Best DVD on the lads I have ever seen and trust me I have lots of them in my Beatles collection of VHS and DVD's, but it is worth having. it is done well and it is very Clear. I really liked adding it to my Collection.

luvmusic
12/02/07"