The Beatles’ “Help!” Coming to DVD October 30
By Norm Schrager at September 7, 2007 | 12:13 am | Print
The Beatles were at their silly best while romping through Richard Lester’s A Hard Day’s Night (1964) and Help! (1965). Let the romping continue: EMI Music has just announced, after a decade’s absence on DVD, Help! will debut in a new 2-DVD set October 30th.
If Paul McCartney’s shameful Starbucks promotion and sad divorce deals make you long for the innocent shenanigans of the Fab Four, go for it. The boys are chased — weren’t they always — from London to Austria to the Bahamas. All because Ringo can’t get that ring off his finger. C’mon, Ringo, get with it!
DVD DETAILS
Disc One:
The original film, remastered with a 5.1 soundtrack
Disc Two:
- a 30-minute making-of documentary
- a missing scene
- a look at the process involved in restoring Help!
- memories provided by the cast and crew (what cast? I’m curious…)
- two US trailers, one Spanish trailer
- 1965 radio commercials, hidden within the DVD menu
DVD DELUXE BOXED SET
This special edition also includes: a reproduction of Richard Lester’s annotated script, eight lobby cards, a poster and a 60-page book with photos and notes from the movie. Richard Lester provides the intro and Martin Scorsese (who else?) offers an appreciation.
Ray, 2 years ago
Can’t say I am much of a fan of Beatles movies like this one, although this one elicited fairly decent performances from the band.
Any time I watch any of these films, all I can imagine is how they were made specifically for the screaming masses of girls in the sixties. Oh, and how they basically created the Monkees.
Norm S., 2 years ago
- Ray –
I kind of appreciate that these movies were the framework for the Monkees. I thought their show was smart, silly, appealing across age groups. The sad part, of course, was wondering when the guys were playing on their own recordings, and when they weren’t.
As least The Beatles had the musical chops to back it all up. Although, that may not have been as accepted a thought just yet.
Thanks for the comment. Later.
-Norm S.
und3rdog, 2 years ago
I need to check these films out. Oh, and of course Yellow Submarine. Oh and Sgt Pepper and Magical Mystery. Those last two would be a trip (yes, double entendre intended – yuk yuk yuk). I suddenly have four or five films to add to my bb/ netflix list. (!)
Elijah Scott, 2 years ago
When Paul McCartney was asked what was the creative driving force behind the film “A Hard Days Night” he said it was pot. Bob Dylan had just introduced the drug to the band when they were on tour for that album and McCartney said they were high for about eight months. So, if you’re in the mood for a great “trip,” this movie is listed as one of the top stoner films.
Norm S., 2 years ago
- und3rdog –
Just remember that Sgt. Pepper is a big giant 1970s joke. It stars The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton — not the Beatles — and works only for schlock factor.
Magical Mystery Tour is actually a one-hour TV show from 1967. I’m not sure if you can find it on the legtimate DVD market, other than The Beatles DVD Collectors’ Set. Maybe Netflix, as you suggest?
– Elijah -
Now go write us the rest of your stoner list.
-Norm S.