Rating: 
Summary: Maybe 9 out of 10 stars... PART II
Review: (NOTE: these are just a few more comments I want to add to my review posted Dec. 2, 1999. You'll have to forgive me for writing way too much on this video set.) I highly recommend this video set to anyone who is an admirer of either the Beatles, good filmmaking, or both. Buy it for the Beatles because it has some of the most revealing interviews with the surviving three. Buy it for the filmmaking because the clever editing tricks and juxtapositions make this film a worthy subject of study in any film class (after all, any film that exhibits enough sensitivity and skill to give life to the recorded words of the late and great John Lennon should be studied in detail for future filmmakers in the field). Here are some more HIGHLIGHTS that a possible buyer should be made aware of: Paul's comments about meeting potential girlfriends in Hamburg (Tape 1); Paul's comments about German "EXIs" (Tape 1); George's story about how he "fought" for Ringo (Tape 1); George's exhibited happiness when he recalls his early stage name (Tape 1); the friendly competition with Roy Orbison (Tape 2); George's description of the French boys (Tape 2); the story about the raincoats in Sydney (Tape 3); the odd and disturbing bit about John's tendency on stage to mock retarded children (Tape 4); the even more disturbing bit about security on stage, about which John's comments are perhaps the most chilling, portentous words in the entire anthology (Tape 4); George Martin's comments about George Harrison's song writing at this point (Tape 4); the bit about Ringo's song writing attempts (Tape 5); the wonderful "Taxman" montage (Tape 5); the story about the "Rubber Soul" cover (Tape 5); the bit about John "cracking up" at Shea (Tape 5); Ringo's concise opinion on the Phillipines (Tape 6); George's recollections about Mal Evans leaving the British Airways airplane (Tape 6); the weird footage of the KKK interview (Tape 6); George's comment on the second Shea Stadium concert (Tape 6); the stroke of genuis at the use of "For No One" in the anthology. Brilliant filmmaking! (Tape 6); George's honest opinion about Sgt. Pepper (Tape 6); the appearance of Jimi and that wonderful bit of trivia about him and Sgt. Pepper... just look at the joy in Paul's eyes when he recounts the story... that alone should be reason for you to buy this set now (Tape 6); George Martin's story on "A Day In The Life" (Tape 6); again, kudos to the filmmakers on this one... the "Baby You're a Rich Man" montage, and its shot of John with little Julian... almost made me want to cry (Tape 6); the speculations on the origins of "All You Need Is Love" (Tape 7); the tribute to Brian Epstein (Tape 7); the montage of the Beatles in India, using "Across The Universe" Anthology version (Tape 7); Paul trying to defend "Magical Mystery Tour" (Tape 7); Ringo and the button in "Yellow Submarine" (Tape 7); the introduction of Yoko Ono (Tape 7); the use of the acoustic version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on the closing credits... brilliant (Tape 7); the story about Ringo's "holiday" (Tape 8); the absolutely FANTASTIC White Album session montage... especially the bit during "I'm So Tired"... there's a slo-mo shot with John and Paul that, when you see it, will take your breath away (Tape 8); the ever-smiling Billy Preston (Tape 8); the shoes that George wears while playing "For Your Blue" (Tape 8); the bit about Sgt. Pilcher (Tape 8); the last words on the Beatles, as mentioned by the Fab Four themselves (Tape 8). ...whew... Now, here it comes, more DRAWBACKS, though fewer in number than before: the filmmakers choose not to include the complete first Ed Sullivan show appearance (Tape 3); not even a mention about Jane Asher, a brief mention of Maureen, no real mention at all of Cynthia... perhaps I'm asking for too many personal details, but if the anthology includes bits about Patti, Yoko, and Linda, then what about the other women before them who provided the Beatles with a lot of their inspiration?; no inclusion of the famous last words on the rooftop (Tape 8); no story about the genesis of "In My Life"; no mention at all of "Revolution #9" (Tape 8); no mention of the last recording session of "I Me Mine" (Tape 8). I think that's all... What is the net result of all this? The video is a wonderful and insightful study of the Beatles. Heck, I got a kick out of it. And it is a great introduction for those who have yet to appreciate the genius of the Fab Four. Just buy it already! to Pepperland: I'll keep a lookout for George Martin in "Free As A Bird." Any chances of seeing the Anthology on DVD any time soon?
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: I admit I am a biased fan who will buy anything Beatles related. It's highly enjoyable. The only music video that is missing is Real Love. Hopefully, it will be reissued in the future on DVD. I recommend this otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: AN ADDENDUM TO THE READER FROM USA'S REVIEW
Review: Hi--I was involved with the concept and production of the "Free As A Bird" video. George Martin is in the video. He's standing next to Paul by a column in the "Sgt. Pepper" party. Look just after the sitar player. Billy Preston is not in the piece but Neil Aspinall is. Can you find him?
Rating:
Summary: Maybe 9 out of 10 stars is more accurate
Review: The Beatles Anthology is a great video set documenting the lifeand times of the greatest band of this century. There are 8 tapes,starting with the births of the fab four and ending with the 1970 breakup (and the "Free As A Bird" video as a poignant epilogue). There are rare film clips included. If you are new to the Beatles, then this set will provide a wonderful introduction to John, Paul, George and Ringo. If you are an avid fan, then you know already that the set includes various anecdotes that shed new light on the Beatles. Here are some highlights: - the lovely montage at the beginning, with the apt "In My Life" as the song. - the story about the burnt condom (Tape 1) - an early film of the Beatles singing the song "Some Other Guy" at the Cavern (Tape 1) - a funny juxtaposition of three versions of the song "How Do You Do It" (Tape 1) - juxtaposition of the Rolling Stones cover and the Beatles rendition of "I Wanna Be Your Man" (Tape 2) - Paul's story on "Yesterday" (Tape 4) - George's story about how he and John got introduced to LSD (Tape 5) - the "amazing" Japanese efficiency on the Beatles Japan tour (Tape 5) - the film of "A Day In The Life" (Tape 6) - George's way of saying that the Magical Mystery Tour album was "Paul's idea." - Ringo's comments on Heinz beans (Tape 7) - Ringo's comments on the naked album cover (Tape 7) - the "Hey Jude" performance on the David Frost Show (Tape 8) - the hilarious yet brief appearance of Magic Alex (Tape 8) - John singing "Don't Let Me Down" on the rooftop concert (Tape 8) OK: some drawbacks to the anthology set that one should be made aware of: - it doesn't discuss at all the notorious "butcher" album cover - no mention of the impact of the song "Helter Skelter" on Charles Manson - George Martin, whose comments on the Beatles albums are always appreciated, is not shown commenting on "Magical Mystery Tour." My guess is that he had little if any good things to say about it, and the filmmakers chose to omit his comments. Still, if anyone has anything productive to say about the album, it would be him. - no mention of the failed Beatles film projects (i.e. the Lord of the Rings, or the Three Musketeers). - from about Tape 5, Brian Epstein pretty much disappears from the narrative. It would have been nice to have some time discussing his reaction to the Beatles new wave of creativity starting at around 1965. - no mention of Stuart Sutcliffe after the Beatles leave Hamburg for the first time. - the "Free As a Bird" video, while including shots of Brian Epstein and the Beatles, fails to include shots of Billy Preston and George Martin. If they are in the video and I'm just not seeing them, please someone let me know! - no mention of the White album sessions involving Eric Clapton on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." - Tape 8 ends rather poorly in my opinion. The interviews are very vague when talking about Allen Klein or Paul's departure from the Beatles. - no use of the songs "Here There And Everywhere" or "I Me Mine" during any part of the anthology. 'Tis a shame; they're great songs. All that aside, the Beatles anthology with its highlights and drawbacks is on the whole a worthwhile investment, if not for the sheer craftsmanship of the filmmaking then for the quality of the Beatles themselves. It is an incomplete anthology for the reasons already mentioned, but that does not diminish the joy of watching this great documentary whose treasures are valuable for any appreciator of good filmmaking, good music, and the Beatles.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so good as I expected
Review: For me the best Beatles years are the studio years. In these videos they spend way too much time on the concert years. Not that these years aren't good, but we all know that The Beatles are like wine: They improved with time. All the real fans like me know that you can take Sgt. Pepper and The White Album and do a whole new Anthology around these two albums..... That would have been a lot better.
Rating:
Summary: Good to the last drop!
Review: Wow! These guys are neat! I just saw this video for the first time yesterday and boy, was I impressed! I mean, what were those manager/record company type guys thinking, putting a group together of this magnatude? Coolzee songs and bop-down rhythms, not to mention the neat wordplay between Ringo, George, John and Paul.They are really charming front men. I must say, I am a big fan of the Backstreet Boys and I was just turned onto these beatles a few days ago. My Dad says to check out the white album, whatever that means.
Rating:
Summary: What? Out of stock!
Review: I've bought several copies for close friends, and was about to do so again, but I can't find it on any store shelves! Is it really out of production?! If so, why? Oh ,yes, this IS supposed to be a review, isn't it? . . . each of these tapes contains precious moments: among my faves is the opening with the grainy black and white film of John turning to the camera to smile, as the opening words of "In My Life" speak to each of us: "There are places I remember...", and we see each of the Fabs, and their fans, and a proud and frightened Brian Epstein. This is an awesome tour de force of editing and production which never flags: it's hour after hour of fabness, a masterpiece about masters who created a whole catalog of masterpieces.
Rating:
Summary: It's The Bloody Beatles! (part 2)
Review: P.S. I think this set should be restocked in the not-too-distant-future. Beatle fans will never find anything more worthwhile than this documentary, and not to ever have it available again would be a mortal sin!
Rating:
Summary: It's The Bloody Beatles!!!!
Review: This is better than the TV special, although it omits "Real Love" (the only flaw to owning this more in-depth jewel). It's also better than The Compleat Beatles, which came out in 1982. This documentary tells you stuff you'll never read about in the 1000 books written about the Fab Four. It's generous with interviews from George Martin, Neil Aspinall, Derek Taylor, the 3 surviving Beatles Paul, George, and Ringo, and even with the late great John Lennon himself!
Rating:
Summary: "A Documentary to pattern all Documentary's"
Review: Having produced and directed many tv music shows, American Music Shop, Nashville Now, Classic Rock with Wolfman Jack and currently The Grand Ole Opry Live, as well as documentary's, I have to say This is the finest example of music history documentation I have seen. It clears up the myth's, measures the success, and shares with all, how four guys from Liverpool changed the music industry and in reality how well they handled it. Like their music,you won't want the last episode to end.I didn't. Rusty Wilcoxen Producer/Director CBS Cable, Nashville
| 
