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The Compleat Beatles [VHS]

The Compleat Beatles [VHS]Director: Patrick Montgomery
Actors: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Malcolm McDowell
Studio: MGM/UA
Category: Video

List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $7.67
as of 11/26/2009 21:20 CST details
You Save: $7.28 (49%)



New (5) Used (20) Collectible (5) from $7.67

Seller: gehlbh
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 32 reviews
Sales Rank: 3048

Format: Black & White, Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 119 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1

ISBN: 6301966376
UPC: 027616016638
EAN: 9780792825319
ASIN: 6301966376

Theatrical Release Date: February 1, 1984
Release Date: July 1, 1991
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 32



4 out of 5 stars The Compleat Beatles   October 21, 2009
David A. Toll
Well, it's about the Beatles, first off - so it's automatically pretty great!

Was a good, informative, entertaining look at the life and times of the greatest band of all time! Made me remember many things I'd forgotten, and told me a few I'm not sure I ever really knew enough about.

Only complaint I can think of is that it wasn't like, 10 hours long!!



5 out of 5 stars Pre Anthology Beatles 101   August 18, 2009
DEAN M. Dent (SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA USA)
In June 1986 when I was 15 years old,USA network aired The Compleat Beatles (albiet truncated).Although only having limited knowledge of the group,I taped it, and played it nonstop,ending the year recieving for Christmas"The Beatles Collection" containing their albums in their original UK pressings(on Vinyl and before the first CD releases).
Nearly a quarter of a century later, and the longer more comprehensive Beatles Anthology (1995)being the superior successor,"Compleat" is still essential,especially for those who want a speedier trip through the history of the Beatles.
Even without the group being interviewed,Producer George Martin gives an insightful look at the group and how they evolved from Moptops to the great artist we know and love today.
Unfortunately out of print and never seen a DVD release,despite being an essential look at the history of the greatest group ever,especially for the short attention spanned



5 out of 5 stars Very compleate   April 1, 2009
Paul Bender
Every true Beatle fan should own a copy and youngsters who want to know what all the hubbub was about will benefit too. Insightful interviews with George Martin. I'm so grateful to Amazon for carrying this VHS tape. Paul B., CT.


5 out of 5 stars The Compleat Beatles   January 14, 2009
C. Garretson (twin cities minnesota)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Product arrived in fine shape and am very pleased with it. Also good customer service from seller!


5 out of 5 stars Excellent! Fun to revisit, and great intro to band   September 6, 2007
MusicFan101 (Washington, D.C.)
This was my intro to the band as a young teen in the 80's. It's a wonderful film and documentary, that really gives a full story of the band from beginning to end. Really get a glimpse into the personalities and the music's creative process. Good clips of interviews, and music performances/videos. Great choice of songs throughout, not just the hits (such as Tomorrow Never Knows, Why don't we do it in the road, Love you too, Day in the Life), even though they are usually shortened snippets. Small complaint, but I just wish it had some of the Paperback Writer video because I love that song, but so many great ones are here.... blackbird, I am the Walrus, fool on the hill, I'm a loser, etc etc. Again they are usually partial songs, but they fit in alot throughout, and it does not seem slighted or chopped up. They are seemless and fluid throughout the film segued in and out of the narrration and interviews.

The film follows the band from their childhood and formation of the band, through the early hystaria of Beatlemania, to the more serious songwriting and artistic creativity that followed, the psychedelia, the trip to India, the arrival of Yoko, the Let It Be sessions, and finally the breakup of the band.

What really makes this movie great, and one I love to watch again and again is the narration by Malcolm McDowell. I am a big fan of the movie A Clockwork Orange also because of him, and his narration throughout that film. He just has a great voice and reading style, and it really separates this documantaries from all others. He just seems to add an authenticity and intimacy that makes this very enjoyable. I also really like that unlike the Anthology, this does not include interviews with Paul, George or Ringo later in their 50's looking back. All the clips and interviews are from the period, and really allows you see them just as they were when they were young, and the film ends with the end of the band as it should. Their engaging personas, insightfulness, and youthful optimism and spirit really come through.

It's of course not as "Compleat" as the Anthology, but it really has all you need IMO. A film you can watch in one sitting, and can watch with the family. A movie that is enjoyable as a movie, not just a rockumentary. Well organized chronologically, the story really builds throughout. Fun for Beatle fans who already know it all, and an excellent intro to anyone new to the band, and an excellent way to present the band to any friends you may have that are not into them, this will convert them.


Showing reviews 1-5 of 32




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