Thoroughly enjoyed the early views of Liverpool and what it was like at the beginning of The Quarrymen through their evolution into The Beatles. Sad though that the film mis-identifies Colin Hanton and Len Garry, two of John Lennon’s original Quarrymen.

Newly added videos and pix. Excellent historical perspective of how the BEATLES got to the top starting on Merseyside. READY SET GO!

Simply brilliant

Good DVD

As I post this review I see that there are two older reviews of the STREAMING Version of this 2018 documentary. The DVD version just came out and that’s what I’m reviewing here.

This 87 minute film could best (no pun intended!) called “The Peter Best Story” because the original drummer (once they were called the Beatles but before their EMI recording contract) is the only member interviewed. (Yes there are archival clips of Paul McCartney answering questions – and not much of that) but the NEW interviews are wit members of the Quarrymen and The Searchers and then there is their first touring manager. What I found most interesting was the archival footage of Best’s mom – who owned one of the clubs.

Now, when you make a music documentary you need to license the music and that is obviously expensive. And, in the UK recordings go into the public domain in 1962. So instead of hearing the Beatles singing songs like “Kansas City”, we get Wilbert Harrison. You will see lots of footage of Elvis, but none with a soundtrack.

Ringo enters the picture about 80% through, when Best is replaced by him.

There have been feature films about the early formation of the Beatles (“Backbeat is one), but here we get archival footage I’ve not seen before.

I enjoyed this DVD, but it has its limitations (especially if you want to HEAR them play.
There are no special or bonus features. Just play and “Scene Selection”.

I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.

Steve Ramm
“Anything Phonographic”

Basically for hardcore Beatles' chroniclers. 90% of screen time composed of the early '60s period general stock film alongside current interviews w/people (mostly now old white males) familiar w/Liverpool & surrounding area' music & club scenes. The rest is reminiscences of the Beatles & their promoter Epstein. Very little music, mostly generic.

Lacked subtitles for the elderly, disabled, hearing impaired, and ESL viewers. Disrespectful & cheap on the part of the producers especially when audio & enunciation is off, and the varying old British dialects.