Watch The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road

The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road is a documentary film directed by Chris Rodley and produced by Multicom Entertainment Group (MEG) in 2003. The film explores the story of the legendary British music band, The Beatles, from their early days in Liverpool to their explosive global success and eventual breakup.

The film features rare archival footage, interviews with band members, and insights from music industry experts. The film is divided into three parts, each covering a distinct era in the band's history.

The first part of the film focuses on the early years of the band, from their formation in Liverpool in 1960 to their first studio album, Please Please Me, in 1963. The film shows how the band members, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, came together and developed their signature sound. The film also includes interviews with band members talking about their experiences performing in small clubs and how they evolved their music.

The second part of the film explores the band's middle years, from 1964 to 1967. The Beatles achieved unprecedented success during this period, releasing hit singles such as "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "Ticket to Ride," and breaking records with sold-out concerts around the world. The film charts their rise to fame and features interviews with industry experts who explain how the band became such a phenomenon. It also explores their experimentation with drugs and psychedelia that led to their most groundbreaking album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The final part of the film looks at the band's later years, from 1968 to 1970, when they explored new sounds and ventured into solo careers. This period also signaled turbulent times for the band, with members experiencing personal issues, creative differences, and legal disputes. The documentary delves into the dynamics of the band during their final years, including the significant influence of John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, and their decision to split up in 1970.

Throughout the film, the audience sees how The Beatles' music and legacy have influenced popular culture and continue to inspire new generations of musicians. The film also includes interviews with some of these musicians, including Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, who discuss The Beatles' significant impact on their own music careers.

Overall, The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road is a comprehensive and fascinating documentary that takes viewers on an incredible journey through the life of one of the most influential bands in music history. The film is a must-watch for fans of The Beatles and those who want to learn about the band's legacy and impact on popular culture.

The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 1, 2003 and on Multicom Entertainment Group (MEG)