"I've always considered the Beatles as a good little rock band – nothing more, nothing less" -- coming from Paul McCartney, these words, on the surface, appear to be nothing more than a humble statement from one of the band's two frontmen. Take a closer look, however, at the bands' constant originality, and ongoing pursuit to push and change popular music for years to come. Consider the idea that these four lads from Liverpool would eventually make such a mark on popular culture, that a reference to their legacy and lyrics would become, literally, a daily occurrence to all of those who appreciate the power of music. The newly released DVD version of the Beatles Anthology gives a glimpse into the lives of these chaps, demonstrating that this attitude expressed by Paul McCartney, as well as the others, is "exactly" what enabled them to create music that touches the hearts and souls of screaming 16 year old girls in the 60s, and their 25 year old sons in the 00's.
The 5 DVD set is broken into 8 parts (2 parts per disc), with an extra bonus footage DVD which includes conversations with the then surviving three members of the Beatles (Harrison, McCartney, and Starr - 1994). The first 2 sections show the early, Pre-Ringo band, and their struggle to get recognition in Europe. Early interviews with the press show their quick wit and charm, coming across as four fellows who accidentally found themselves in the spotlight. Although the focus on this stage of the band's life drags on a bit, it succeeds in illustrating the development of the group's collective personality, which would later become a key aspect of their artistic freedom.
Some classic performances are scattered throughout the set as well. In the 2nd DVD, performances of "We Can Work it Out", and "I Feel Fine" show the band in its peak ensemble form. The interaction amongst themselves, as well as with the audiences, gives a good sense of the band's dynamic. Lennon and McCartney toggle back and forth as lead singers, with only a slight apparent rivalry.
Also interesting to watch is their progression as musicians. Obviously, the Beatles changed their music (and popular music in general) through their relatively short time together. What becomes clear, however, is the fact that this was not unintentional at all. Although "Beatlemania" became a drag for the group, their decision to give up touring, and focus on improving their studio recording, was a clear attempt at stretching their musical boundaries. Mainly under the creative leadership of McCartney and Lennon, this DVD collection shows the band experimenting with feedback noises, reverse guitar solos, and marijuana inspired concept tunes. The importance of producer George Martin is reinforced as well. It's shown how his vision, and production savvy became the means by which the innovations and progressive songwriting concepts of the band were transformed from half-serious musical ideas, to three and a half minute classics.
In this collection, and in particular the 3rd and 4th DVDs, some great "post-touring" performances are shown, including: "Get Back", from a rooftop in London, the original live recording of "All You Need is Love, pre-MTV videos "I am the Walrus", and "Strawberry Fields", and an audio clip of an acoustic version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
What the collection also shows is yes, all things must pass. The personalities that made up the "little rock band", began to, quite simply, get on each other's nerves. George Harrison's response to a McCartney recommendation during the making of the "Let It Be" album couldn't show the band's discontent more clearly
"If you want me to play, I will. If you want me to not play at all, I won't. Whatever it is that pleases you Paul, I'll do it". Their detached attitude is painfully apparent, as the band struggles to not totally annoy one another in some of their later recordings. Some of the footage almost has a modern day ‘reality' feel to it, as the disintegration of the band is captured on film.
The bonus 5th DVD is definitely worth watching, but not quite as interesting as the four ‘content' discs. The ‘Lennon-less' conversations are slightly awkward, but informative nonetheless. Importantly though, the strong bond between the remaining Beatles remains clear. They come across, accurately, as three separate personalities, with a definite history of strong brotherhood.
From the early days, through the meditation and experimentation, to John Lennon telling the others "I'm done", this DVD collection catches it all. It shows the story of four guys who never took themselves too seriously, on a world stage rockin' to the beat of their own music. For the hardcore Beatle fan, or the average, subconsciously affected casual listener, the answer to what separates unified musicianship from partnering egomaniacs is exposed. The great bands play for each other, and hope that people like it. In the case of the Beatles, it's pretty safe to say that their hopes became reality.
