Customer Reviews

Let It Be

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

was surprised to see no one had reviewed this film. even more surprised that it remains unavailable. absolutely terrific video. have seen this film 20+ times and never tire of it. one of the first 'reality' movies it provides an exceptionally open and honest view of the final days of a long and once loving and productive 'marriage'. the best and most underrated rock & roll movie.

The album of original material to come out of the "Get Back" sessions of early 1969 was, quite frankly, lousy, at least by Beatles standards. John Lennon was right when he said that Let it Be (the album and the film) exposed the "myth" that was the Beatles. The myth wasn't that the Beatles were great but that they were incapable of mediocrity. John's efforts, alone, on the album prove just how mediocre they could be when they gave up trying.

Let it Be, the film, is disjointed and patchy, which is to be expected when hundreds of hours of film is taken with no vision or direction as to what it is to show. It's poorly edited and, as everyone knows, sadly shows the break up of the world's greatest band.

Despite all that, Let it Be is a fascinating film. Where else can you see a band of that quality at work in the studio? What other film shows you four (real) friends, strained by years together, familial changes and business disagreements, fighting and loving one another? Not many other films -- interviews, movies, the Anthology, you name it -- show the Beatles interacting together in an unstaged, unrehearsed way.

The highlight of the movie is, indeed, the rooftop concert. While it is clear that the level of interest in during the rehearsal portions, at times, just wasn't there, on the rooftop, the boys let their hair down (literally and figuratively) and played with a lot of fire and energy. The last image of the Beatles together that we have been left with was of four guys, who changed the world, having fun together, playing good rock and roll. That alone makes this movie worthwhile.

The VHS quality is not particularly good, but diehard Beatles fans will take this film in any format or condition that we can get it. Hopefully soon Apple Corps. will release an updated, remastered DVD set with loads and loads of extras.

The rooftop concert proves that, once again, they were the coolest band ever.

In the studio, notice Johna nd Paul having a conversation with guitars in their hands. Whenever one is talking, the other looks down and starts playing.