Disney+ recognizes the lasting appeal and financial potential in the history of The Beatles, especially after the success of Peter Jackson’s documentary series The Beatles: Get Back. This in-depth exploration of the making of the band’s 1970 album Let It Be struck a chord with audiences, offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage and a fresh look at the band’s creative process during a pivotal moment in their career.
Now, Disney+ is banking on that momentum with a new project centered on The Beatles. The question is, will this latest Beatles ’64 venture resonate with fans the same way Get Back did? Given the enduring fascination with the Fab Four, and their ability to captivate audiences across generations, there’s a strong chance it could tap into that same magic. Whether it’s through rare archival material, untold stories, or intimate glimpses into their personal and professional lives, any new Beatles content has the potential to reignite fan enthusiasm and introduce their legendary music to yet another generation of viewers.
To say that 1964 was a monumental year for rock and roll would be a serious understatement. The nation was still reeling from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the collective mood was somber, yearning for something uplifting. That “something” came in the form of four young men from Liverpool who would forever change the course of popular culture. When The Beatles burst onto the scene, their infectious energy and irresistible charm sparked a global phenomenon. Beatlemania swept across America, with hordes of screaming fans leaving no doubt that the world was witnessing something unprecedented.
Their arrival did more than just inspire a generation of fans; it ignited a musical revolution. In the wake of their rise, every kid seemed to want to be in a band, and suddenly, guitars and drum sets were flying off store shelves. The influence of these four young men gave rise to a surge of garage bands, while other classic rock groups began to form, setting the stage for what would become the golden age of rock.
Though Beatlemania was in full swing, this was only the beginning of The Beatles’ extraordinary musical journey. Over the next six years, they would evolve and push boundaries, taking listeners on a strange and transformative ride through some of the most innovative and timeless music ever created. They were just getting started, and the world would never be the same again.
Disney+ announced that Beatles ’64, an all-new documentary from producer Martin Scorsese and director David Tedeschi, will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning November 29, 2024. The film captures the electrifying moment of The Beatles’ first visit to America. Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, the film gives a rare glimpse into when The Beatles became the most influential and beloved band of all time.
On February 7, 1964, The Beatles arrived in New York City to unprecedented excitement and hysteria. From the instant they landed at Kennedy Airport, met by thousands of fans, Beatlemania swept New York and the entire country. Their thrilling debut performance on The Ed Sullivan Show captivated more than 73 million viewers, the most-watched television event of its time. Beatles ’64 presents the spectacle and tells a more intimate behind-the-scenes story, capturing the camaraderie of John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they experienced unimaginable fame.
The film includes rare footage filmed by pioneering documentarians Albert and David Maysles, beautifully restored in 4K by Park Road Post in New Zealand. The live performances from The Beatles’ first American concert at the Washington, DC Coliseum and their Ed Sullivan appearances were demixed by WingNut Films and remixed by Giles Martin. Spotlighting this singular cultural moment and its continued resonance today, the music and footage are augmented by newly filmed interviews with Paul and Ringo and fans whose lives were transformed by The Beatles.
Beatles ’64 is directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, Margaret Bodde, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, Sean Ono Lennon, Jonathan Clyde, Mikaela Beardsley, with Jeff Jones and Rick Yorn serving as executive producers.
Coinciding with the film’s Disney+ release, seven American Beatles albums have been analog cut for 180-gram audiophile vinyl from their original mono master tapes for global release on November 22 by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Originally compiled for U.S. release between January 1964 and March 1965 by Capitol Records and United Artists, these mono albums have been out of print on vinyl since 1995. Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (2LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles are available now for preorder in a new vinyl box set titled The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums In Mono, with six of the titles also available individually.