A new documentary titled Beatles ’64 is set to captivate fans and music historians alike when it premieres exclusively on Disney. Produced by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and directed by his longtime collaborator David Tedeschi, the film promises an intimate, immersive look at one of the most explosive years in the Beatles’ storied career.
Focusing solely on the year 1964, Beatles ’64 captures the moment when four young men from Liverpool—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—transcended pop music and became a global cultural phenomenon. The documentary set to be opened on November 29th aims to go beyond the screaming crowds and tabloid headlines to offer a deeper understanding of how the Beatles navigated the chaos, creativity, and cultural shift that defined that year.
The film will chronicle the band’s meteoric rise in America following their now-iconic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. That single televised performance introduced the Beatles to millions of American viewers and ignited Beatlemania on an unprecedented scale. The band’s first U.S. tour, which followed shortly after, forms a significant part of the narrative. Through restored archival footage and newly uncovered audio recordings, Beatles ’64 allows viewers to experience the frenzy and excitement of that era firsthand.
Scorsese, who previously produced George Harrison: Living in the Material World and co-directed The Last Waltz, brings his signature passion for music history to this project. His expertise in pairing compelling visuals with evocative storytelling ensures that Beatles ’64 is more than just a nostalgic retelling—it’s a nuanced portrait of artistic evolution and cultural impact. David Tedeschi, known for his work on The 50 Year Argument and as editor of several Scorsese documentaries, lends a meticulous touch to the film’s structure and tone. Together, the pair aim to contextualize the Beatles’ extraordinary 1964 within the broader societal shifts of the 1960s.
In addition to the band’s American invasion, the documentary will explore key milestones such as the release of the A Hard Day’s Night film and its corresponding soundtrack, as well as their grueling tour schedules, media pressures, and the personal toll of fame. Intimate behind-the-scenes moments—some never before seen—will shed light on the camaraderie, tensions, and creative chemistry that fueled their success. Interviews with friends, journalists, and those who witnessed the madness of ’64 from up close further enrich the narrative.
Visually, the film combines pristine remastered footage with stylized animations and a carefully curated soundtrack of live performances and studio recordings. The result is a vibrant, fast-paced documentary that not only celebrates a pivotal year in music history but also invites reflection on how the Beatles shaped and were shaped by the cultural tides of the time.
Beatles ’64 is expected to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a fresh lens on a familiar story. By zeroing in on one transformative year, the film provides an intimate look at how four young men forever altered the sound—and spirit—of the 20th century.
