For a long time, the Beatles weren’t keen on revisiting their documentary Let It Be, but now it’s set to be available again. Disney+ is bringing a refreshed version of this 1970 movie to its viewers, especially after the success of The Beatles: Get Back in 2021. This series by Peter Jackson also utilized unused footage from the same documentary.
Let It Be will make its re-appearance on Disney+ on May 8, which is exciting news for Beatles fans who’ve longed to see it again. This movie hasn’t been widely available since the early ’80s, existing only in low-quality, unauthorized copies. Peter Jackson, who has a knack for restoration, has revamped the film using advanced technology to enhance both its visuals and sound, similar to his recent work on The Beatles: Get Back.
Originally, the film Let It Be had a somewhat gloomy reputation, possibly because it was released right after the Beatles announced their breakup, giving it a melancholy tone. However, Peter Jackson has approached the film with the goal of improving its image and sound to better reflect its historical significance as a document of the Beatles’ creative process.
Jackson’s restoration efforts have the full backing of Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the original director of Let It Be. Lindsay-Hogg expressed his approval of Jackson’s work, mentioning that the film’s initial release was shadowed by the Beatles’ split, which affected how people felt about the movie. He’s impressed with how the restoration has brought a new life to the original footage, making it vibrant and clear—much more representative of what was intended in 1970.
Peter Jackson also clarified that his work on Get Back was meant to complement, not replace, Let It Be. He views both projects as parts of a larger story that now feels complete with this latest release.
Beatles’ 1970 ‘Let It Be’ Documentary, Out of Circulation for Four Decades, Headed to Disney+ After Restoration by Peter Jackson’s Team https://t.co/kkibYjmBMe via @variety
— Chris Willman (@ChrisWillman) April 16, 2024
There were attempts in the past to restore Let It Be for modern audiences, but these were never completed. Interestingly, Paul McCartney mentioned in a 2016 interview that he supported making the documentary available again, suggesting that it wasn’t just the band’s reluctance but perhaps other factors that delayed its re-release.
Now, with the new version ready to stream, fans might get to see Let It Be in a new light and appreciate the historical moments of the Beatles working together one last time. Source
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