A new trailer has been released for Beatles 64, a Martin Scorsese-produced documentary chronicling The Beatles’ historic arrival in the United States 60 years ago. Directed by David Tedeschi—known for his work on Scorsese’s Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story—the film debuts on Disney+ on November 29.
The filmmakers’ statement highlights the cultural shockwave triggered by the Fab Four’s American debut:
“On February 7, 1964, The Beatles arrived in New York City to unprecedented excitement and hysteria. From the instant they landed at Kennedy Airport, met by thousands of fans, Beatlemania swept New York and the entire country.”
Their legendary debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, which captivated over 73 million viewers, is central to the documentary. This performance marked the most-watched television event of its time, signaling a seismic shift in music and pop culture.
While Beatles 64 captures the public spectacle, it also delves into the personal dynamics of John, Paul, George, and Ringo during their rapid rise to fame.
Restored Footage and Cutting-Edge Sound
The documentary features original footage shot by Albert and David Maysles, the filmmakers behind the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter. This footage originally appeared in the 1964 film What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A. and was later re-released as The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit in 1991.
For Beatles 64, this footage has been meticulously restored, upscaled to 4K by Park Road Post in New Zealand, and paired with reimagined audio by Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films, known for their groundbreaking “de-mixing” technology. Giles Martin, son of The Beatles’ legendary producer George Martin, has remixed the audio, bringing new life to these historic recordings.
New Perspectives on a Defining Moment
The film includes fresh interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and fans whose lives were forever changed by The Beatles’ groundbreaking visit to the United States.
A New Vinyl Collection Celebrates the Era
Coinciding with the film’s release, The Beatles: 1964 US Albums in Mono will be available starting November 22. The collection spans seven early albums, including Meet The Beatles!, The Beatles’ Second Album, and Beatles ’65.
Each album has been pressed on 180g vinyl, cut from the original mono master tapes, and packaged with faithfully replicated artwork. The set also includes liner notes by Bruce Spizer, a noted Beatles historian.
With its restored visuals, remixed audio, and rare insights, Beatles 64 promises to transport fans back to the moment The Beatles conquered America and changed music forever.