Revisiting the Beatles’ 'Let It Be' and the Upcoming 'Get Back' Documentary

The legendary 1970 Let It Be documentary, featuring the Beatles performing their final shows, has remained an object of fascination for music fans and historians for decades. Originally released in 1970, it has only been re-released commercially a handful of times, mostly in Japanese markets through VHS and Laserdisc editions. Now, as a new Peter Jackson documentary emerges, fans hope for an official Apple Music re-release.

Bootleg DVDs and VHS Copies

Despite its limited commercial releases, Let It Be has found a home on the internet, where bootleg DVDs can be found with varying quality. Some DVDs even feature an Apple logo, albeit unofficially. A friend of mine has a VHS copy that includes extensive additional footage, such as the Beatles experimenting with John Lennon’s song 'All Things Must Pass.' Apart from this, the VHS copy also includes an amusing scene where Peter Sellers visits the studios to meet Ringo Starr and share a bit of this-to-be-labeled-legal-weed.

The Beatles' Reputation and Apple's Decision

Apple Records, the official label of the Beatles, had seemingly withdrawn Let It Be from public view, hoping it would be forgotten. This change in strategy came at a time when the Beatles' reputation was in need of an overhaul. The punk era had given Beatles a bad rap, with many musicians of the time claiming they never really liked the band. However, several of these same musicians later admitted that while their reputations suffered, they knew the Beatles were still beloved by many.

Apple may have believed that the despondent tone of Let It Be didn't align with the ``Band of Brothers'' narrative that had seeped into the public’s memory, thus tarnishing the band's brand image. This invites questions about how balanced the new Peter Jackson's 'Get Back' documentary will be.

.Pending and Anticipated Releases

The new 'Get Back' documentary aims to take a close look at the recording of the Beatles' 1970 album 'Let It Be.' It's set to be released in three two-hour installments, a significant project that showcases the extensive footage Jackson and his team have been working with. Despite being expected to premiere in cinemas, production was delayed due to the pandemic.

While 'Get Back' looks promising, many Beatles fans are hoping Apple will release a restored and balanced version of Let It Be. The expansive footage gives Jackson the opportunity to present a more comprehensive view of the band's final days together, potentially answering the questions raised by the original documentary. However, the final decision on a re-release is still up in the air.

Let It Be became commercially available in Japanese markets via VHS and Laserdisc editions in the early 80s. 'Get Back' is an upcoming documentary film by Peter Jackson that focuses on the recording of the Beatles' album 'Let It Be.'

As viewers await these new releases, the legacy of the Beatles' final days continues to intrigue and captivate audiences around the world, making the revival and restoration of Let It Be more than just a nostalgic endeavor.