By: Dave Lifton (http://ultimateclassicrock.com)
‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ the Beatles‘ 1967 made-for-TV film, will be released on DVD and Blu-ray worldwide on Oct. 8 and in North America on Oct. 9, which, coincidentally, would have been John Lennon’s 72nd birthday. The movie will also have a limited theatrical release on Sept. 27.
The film, the first project the Beatles undertook following the death of manager Brian Epstein, was built around the idea of the group and a cast comprised largely of a handful of their actor friends taking a bus trip outside of London and filming the results. Six new Beatles songs made their premiere in ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ including the title track, ‘I Am the Walrus’ and ‘The Fool on the Hill.’
It was shown on BBC1 on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and was roundly panned by the critics, a first for the group. However, it was broadcast in black-and-white, thus stripping the film of its elaborate psychedelic use of color. Subsequent showings of the movie in color have allowed for a critical re-appraisal.
The 53-minute film is given a full restoration complete with a 5.1 remix of the soundtrack by Sam Okell and Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George Martin. The release includes a commentary track by Paul McCartney and a handful of bonus footage, including interviews with McCartney and Ringo Starr, three deleted scenes and a “making-of” feature.
A deluxe edition, which includes a 60-page book and a reproduction of the double-EP of the soundtrack that was released in the U.K., will also be available for sale.
