Beatles ’64 is a new Disney+ documentary about the Beatles’ impact on American pop culture when they first arrived in the United States in 1964. The film uses restored footage to capture the excitement of Beatlemania. Although it’s a great documentary, it pales in comparison to Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, released three years ago.
The Beatles: Get Back is a three-part series that explores the making of the band’s 1970 album Let It Be. It’s a more in-depth and intimate look at the band’s creative process, capturing their 21 days of studio time. The series was co-produced by Paul McCartney and features original footage from Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 film Let It Be, remastered and digitally enhanced by Jackson’s team.
While Beatles ’64 covers the band’s early days in America, Get Back focuses on their 1970 album and the end of their partnership. The two documentaries cover different periods in the Beatles’ career, with Beatles ’64 showing the band’s breakout and Get Back showing their breakup.
Get Back has been praised for debunking myths about the making of Let It Be, showing that it wasn’t as tumultuous as previously thought. The series provides a detailed look at the band’s creative process, making it a must-watch for fans.
Ultimately, while Beatles ’64 is a solid documentary, The Beatles: Get Back is the more engaging and revealing film. Its eight-hour runtime may be intimidating, but it allows viewers to experience the Beatles in a more intimate and personal way. If you’ve watched Beatles ’64, it’s the perfect time to explore Get Back.