'Beatles '64' revisits the magic of Beatles first visit to the U.S.

"Beatles '64" is now available on Disney+ / Photo credit: Apple Corps, Ltd.

More than 60 years after they first arrived in America, the impact and influence of the Beatles continues to loom large on seemingly every aspect of popular culture not only in the U.S. but around the globe. The marvelous new 107-minute documentary "Beatles '64" that premiered on Disney+ on Nov. 29 and is available to stream now sheds light on how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr worked their magic with a sound, style and palpable energy all their own. The riveting documentary — produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi — is anchored by black and white footage shot by Albert and David Maysles over the British quartet's 14-day trip to the United States in early 1964. 

This essential film captures the moment in time when the Beatles performed in front of 73 million Americans while appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February 1964; photos and archival footage are artfully interspersed with more recent interviews with McCartney, Starr and others who were there. There are also archival clips featuring the late Lennon and Harrison that add depth to the film.

The documentary features the Beatles in New York, Washington, D.C. (the latter where they performed their first American concert), and in trains where they are traveling.

The concert footage is extraordinary, as are the insightful interview segments.

"I was very excited when they recorded 'You've Really Got a Hold On Me'," recalls soul singer Smokey Robinson. "I had no idea they were going to record its until the record (With The Beatles) came out. I was elated."

For Baby Boomers and classic rock aficionados, the film will add to their appreciation of the Beatles' enormous legacy. And for those younger viewers who have heard about the Beatles but are not completely sure about why the Fab Four continues to be a "big deal," best to just sit back, watch and enjoy the exhilarating ride. 

Or as Lennon notes in one clip looking back at the Beatles' arrival in America: "It was like being in the eye of a Hurricane." 

On Nov. 22, one week before the documentary made its debut on Disney+, an eight-LP "1964 U.S. Albums In Mono" box set was released in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Beatles stateside.

Robert Kinsler