Update (8/8/08)

Update (8/6/08)

Regarding the Let It BE DVD Release... Just addition to the comment mentioning that “The editing of that rooftop sequence doesn't get mentioned often, but that is really well done, even though we'd all love to see the camera staying on the roof for the whole gig.” There is no reason that the DVD could not use the DVD Angle feature and show all of the camera views and the viewer could select what view they wanted to see. Angle 1 could be the edited version, and the other angles could show each of the cameras as they filmed it. Now that would be truly awesome.

Update (8/5/08)

I´d like to leave a comment on the recent "Let it be" buzz. Am I going out of my mind? Why is everybody talking of the film as if it showed an amateur band doing bad music? C´mon! It's the Beatles! It has the awesome Apple live rooftop performance and the fantastic studio material. Let´s face it. The bad mood of the film is way too overrated. Just check Mark Rivera and Colin Ray discussing the Bminor chord on a recent Ringo DVD. It makes Paul´s and George´s famous "I´ll play whatever you want" scene look like a fairytale.

My guess is that the reason for "Let It Be" remaining unreleased on DVD got to have something to do with copyright and distribuition deals. When we look back at the history of other Beatles releases, that has actually been the only real force that stopped a significant release. Or maybe all this fuzz is already part of some marketing strategy. You know, keep the wheels rolling.

Hey, Steve, thanks so much for taking my statement and let me put a little this out of my head. I just love your site; it´s so unique and trustable.

Update (8/4/08)

Hey Steve, I said the same thing on the air yesterday morn. I have it on a record from Paul a few years ago talking very excitedly about its release, around the time that LIBN came out. Thanks.

Steve,

I have to agree and was actually thinking along the same lines as Rip Rense. Just edit out the parts that those concerned don't like. SIMPLE! Did you ever see what was done with Elvis' THAT'S THE WAY IT IS movie? The new Special Edition cut out all the CRAP and just put in the rehearsal and the concert.

That is how it should be with Let It Be. Just cut out all the crap and put in what can make it a great movie. I think the movie was originally editied poorly so here is the chance to make it right.

To quote Nike and you Steve...JUST DO IT!

Steve, Here's my take on "Let It Be". Frankly, I agree with my good friend, Rip Rense. Cut together a whole new film. Call it "Get Back"...If possible, don't use any of the footage from the "Let It Be" film....make it entirely new, entirely different. (Of course, you still have to have the rooftop concert...Use different angles of the songs done once, different takes of the songs more than that.) Harrison said that the stuff cut out of the original cut of the film...more than 3 1/2 hrs, I think, was better than what was left in. Use that and whatever else is left to make the new film sunny, happy. We've seen enough to show that there were still lots of good times during those sessions. And, whatever kinds of stress were going on between the four of them, there has to be 90 minutes worth of good times among a whole month in front of the camera. It's what the fans want. It's what The Beatles want. The way everyone wants to remember the band. Everyone.

Beyond that, accompany that with another album with music from the sessions. Call that "Get Back Again". Put it together the way "Let It Be...Naked" was. Use pieces of different takes of songs, edit them, re-mix them, whatever you have to do...so that it sounds live in the studio (Joke. I live in LA..the home of that sort of thing.) and so the performances are good. (Meaning, if you have to lose stray guitars or off key harmonies or fly them in or correct them with pro tools, do so.) But you know what I mean. There's probably enough to squeeze out one decent CD... Maybe more for later on.

You got the Miss Ann/Kansas City medley, Maybe Baby...if a source tape exists with Lennon on mike, or if the level that exists can be raised. You've got the early "Love Me Do"...rough to be sure, but it can be cleaned up. Maybe...God willing...between all the takes...a decent Beatles version of "All Things Must Pass" can be constructed. Maybe the same with "Let It Down" or "Hear Me Lord".

Then, at some point, release the original "Let It Be", cleaned up. The film is around. Bootleggers are making all the money and will continue to do so. Put out the revised history version first. Push that. Make it clear that that one is the definitive accounting of what really went on between The Beatles during that time, but "Let It Be" was the movie that came out first and, like the "Let It Be" CD remaining in the catalog...and the release of the Capitol Albums Boxes...they're releasing it to serve the fans who are so important to The Beatles. Then give me and Rip the "based on an idea by" credit.

Steve,

We've actually traded e-mails in the past on my disappointment that Apple (whomever that is on this issue) has not released Let It Be on DVD while it seems like we are on the 37th release of Help! I've given up on the Let It Be DVD - no matter what the Apple spokeperson says on this. On top of used VHS tapes and Laserdiscs, there are highly pristine DVD copies of the Laserdisc (such as the Purple Chick's version) which are very easily downloaded. I did that. I have a very nice copy to watch when the spirit moves me. And Apple can get around to issuing it whenever they feel like because, once again, the fan-base has taken care of themselves due to the vacuum that continues to be called Apple.

• http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/news/403letitbeagain.html

Update (8/1/08)

Hi Steve, Thanks for posting what little information there is concerning the release of "Let It Be." A few additional facts should be added as well. In November 2005, producer Bob Smeaton announced that an expanded DVD would be released imminently. Without giving details, he said the DVD would contain a wealth of previously unreleased footage, much of it coming from the stolen reels that had been returned to Apple. The entire film was remastered, again, it had previously been remastered by Ron Furmanek, and again sometime in 2001 or 2002. Apparently, Smeaton spoke out-of-turn and while the film had been remastered and was being readied for release, the Apple directors had yet to give it final approval. Of course we don't know what outtakes were included. It's possible it showed the Beatles arguing more or performing half-heartedly. We just don't know what specific footage was included. It does seem odd that Apple would give their authorization to remaster and remix for DVD, then halt its release.

From my sources in London, Yoko was, and is the reason for the indefinite delay. It makes no sense that Paul and Ringo would be holding up release. They were very much behind "Let It Be...Naked," and the DVD should have been the logical tie-in. In interviews Yoko has always skirted the issue, and you printed the off-hand remark she gave Bill DeYoung. She's trying to protect John's legacy and she knows "Let It Be" was not amongst his finest moment. As for Aspinall's comments... seems Neil was even more zealous in protecting the Beatles legacy and he personally thought the re-release would harm their image. Surely there was nothing controversial about the film in 1970, nor in 2007 when he made the comments. It's not the most uplifting film ever, but it definitely deserves to be re-issued. It all comes down to the songs doesn't it? And surely things pick up, moods brighten and performances get better and better once they re-grouped at Apple. It's a shame that "Magical Mystery Tour" will be re-released, yet again, before "Let It Be" sees the light of day.

All the best, Ron from Boston

The reasons that “Let it Be” has not been re-released must be Byzantine in complexity. In the end, who knows? But there is a solution that is so simple that it will never be done: just make a new movie. Omit all the objectionable scenes of acrimony. Of Paul pontificating about how “It is like we’re Stravinsky, and it’s in the music” as John kindly indulges him (what he must have been thinking!), of George snarling at Paul, of Ringo looking half-asleep and very depressed, etc. Just omit them. Simple! Put together a new movie, adding lots and lots of new footage. Hire a new producer and director to do it. (Paging Ken Burns! Paging Mark Lewisohn!) Delegate. Add a little narration from the Fabs. Don’t worry about the fans, don’t worry about the general audience, just cut together a great new film of the greatest band in history. (Yes, try and give everyone equal time, to prevent post-production squabbling among certain parties.) Ringo has said that he remembers the sessions as having been “fun.” Even in the existing “Let it Be,” it’s plain that The Beatles are often still enjoying themselves.

How many more embryonic versions of “I’ve Got A Feeling” can you show, you ask? Well, I haven’t seen much leftover footage, but as everyone on the planet seems to know by now, there is much great stuff to select from. Call the new movie “Get Back,” as it was supposed to have been called in the first place. It would not erase the bad moments, would not rewrite history. The break-up of the Beatles is probably better documented than World War II. Just. . .make a nice new movie. With an extra hour on the special home edition DVD.

This means you: Paul, Ringo, Yoko, Olivia. Get it together. Feel free to hire me, if you like. Thank you.

P.S. Here’s the intro that scrolls across the screen before the new recut “Let it Be” film, now entitled “Get Back, starts:

It was 1969. It was the end of the ‘60’s. It was the end of many things, and nearly the end of The Beatles. They were burned out, overburdened, buried by fame. Movies, albums, Apple, the death of Brian Epstein---small wonder George wrote “It’s All Too Much.” Still, sometimes gamely and sometimes grumbling, they gathered for yet another new project: the making of a Beatles album on film. For weeks and weeks, they shaped new material as a band---no orchestras, no backwards tapes, no special effects (occasionally no producer!). It was sometimes a slog, and sometimes a joy. They played to the cameras, and the cameras made them self-conscious. It didn’t work as planned, but life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, as Mr. Lennon noted years later. And in the end, it was about the thing they did best, the thing they loved best, and the thing that we all loved best: the music. Here is a portrait of that time, and that music.

Steve:

Figured I'd weigh in on this as well. I don't imagine the absence of a 'Let it Be' DVD has anything at all to do with the film's miserably bad editing, or its dark atmosphere, or the fact that it was done 'By Paul, for Paul' as John once said. Does anyone really think the famous squabbles between Beatles in 1969 are going to hold up what could bring Apple some money in 2008, 2009 or whenever? It's all history, and none of that matters any more. Hey, they talk about it in the 'Anthology.'

Knowing what I do about the way the Apple brain trust works, I believe they just haven't made this a high priority. I just think they haven't got around to it yet. I suppose there are a lot of other irons in the Apple fire - they are presumably holding back the downloads/remastered CDs until they get the price they want - and maybe, just maybe, someone in a back office is thinking 'Let's hold onto Let it Be until the outcry is enormous.' That's called getting maximum bang for the buck, it's called publicity, and that equals money. And money, I truly believe, is what motivates what remains of Apple. The subject of the film, or its production values, are not issues.

Artistic integrity? Forget it. They can make more money with other, easier projects.

Bottom line: They're not thinking about it nearly as much as we are.

Bill
www.billdeyoung.com
www.myspace.com/billdeyoung

Update II (7/31/08) An Apple spokesperson, when contacted by Abbeyrd's Beatles Page, told us, "We do have plans to release it some time in the future." There you have it.

Update (7/31/08)

“There has been talk of Let It Be finally being released but now there has been a change of heart,” says an industry mole. “The Beatles are still a massive global brand and it’s felt it won’t be helped if the public sees the darker side of the story. Neither Paul nor Ringo would be comfortable publicising a film showing The Beatles getting on each other’s nerves.”

Which isn't true, because there's been no real movement by any of the Beatles to release it, only rumors. However, the real so-called point of this story is here:

“People like to imagine The Beatles were a happy ship but the reality towards the end was very different as this film shows,” adds our source.

“There’s all sorts of extra footage showing more squabbles but it’s unlikely it will ever see the light of day in Paul and Ringo’s lifetime.”

A lot of so-called news sites ... Beatle news sites, too, will pick this up and run it without batting an eye. Here's the real story: The release of "Let It Be" has had so many bumps in the road over the years that to pin it on Paul and Ringo is missing the curve completely. All the Beatles have had problems with it. Maybe they'll put it out, maybe they won't, but, in any event, this story comes from a shaky source. Don't believe everything you read.

We've checked with several people who should know and those who responded told us the story is not believable.

Here's a comment from Beatlefan editor Bill King:

While Neil Aspinall had indicated there were still sensitive feelings within the Beatles camp concerning the film "Let It Be," many years of experience suggests that any story originating in the British press is highly suspect. Especially when it quotes only unnamed sources.

Update (7/30/08)

Hi Steve,

I agree with Bob's recent response concerning the "Let It Be" film. I believe the editing choices tend to highlight the negative aspects of the sessions and of the Beatles themselves. What's missing in much of the film is any sense of band creativity, energy or joy. While the proceedings are certainly dominated by Paul, the outtakes clearly show all of them having more fun, being lighthearted and working together to perfect the songs. John's physical condition didn't help matters. His drug use really affected his musicianship and his lack of songs hampered things considerably. But he was much more engaged in the sessions than the film shows. The studio footage of them recording "Get Back" is a good example of what's missing from the film. It shows all of them laughing and doing their best to perfect the song. It obvious they all like it a lot and are eager to get a good take of it. Even George Martin is shown laughing and enjoying their banter. I believe the single comes from this very session. Same with the "For You Blue" session. George is in a happy mood throughout, teasing John about his rather amateurish lap steel playing, but encouraging him as well. He and Paul are shown smiling and winking at one another in an obvious nod to John's inability to play his new instrument very well. He's also very much in charge of his own song and comes across as affable and friendly. While the promo in the film is fine, there's not much spark to it. It should have been prefaced with some of the rehearsals to bring the song into proper context.

Too often during the film the camera pans to an unsmiling, apparently bored Ringo, but once again the outtakes show this wasn't always the case. The outtake footage shows him in much better spirits, often laughing and being well, Ringo! In the film, he almost looks lost. One thing is sure, it IS brutal playing the same drum pattern take after take, I'm sure he looked the same after recording 67 takes of Happiness Is A Warm Gun too. There's also several infamous photos of them looking bleary-eyed listening to playbacks in the control room (usually used to demonstrate just how sad and bitter they were) but once again the outtakes show a different story. Yes, John and Yoko tend to be alone, but the others, particularly George, seem upbeat and quite happy. Slapping his leg to the rhythm, humming along, then telling John that Billy should play the same notes as he is... In fact, Billy does just that on later takes. Including some of this footage would have helped dispel some of the negativity. All in all, the editing just seems too slapdash to be effective. The terrible 16mm film quality at Twickenham enhances the dark, bitter tone too. There's no reason that the rehearsal sessions have to look so drab. The beginning of the film weighs the whole thing down. From Mal Evans walking across a silent soundstage with Ringo's drum head to Paul's melancholy take of Adagio For Strings, it's almost funereal. Jumping straight into a horrid rendition of Don't Let Me Down hampers things further. As does the footage for Maxwell's Silver Hammer that is clearly edited between two different performances...sound and picture out-of-sync and all. It doesn't help that there's a scene of George getting feedback, then shocked by his mic. Thankfully, things pick up when John and Paul stand up to do the fast version of Two Of Us, singing into a single mic. .

Once again, the outtakes (how is it the outtake color footage is better quality than the official film?) for Don't Let Me Down, I've Got A Feeling and others shows much more creativity and a sense of band dynamics. Why show Paul going on and on about the guitar lick John is trying to play on I've Got A Feeling? And while we all know Paul was running the show, the film skews this as well. Acting more like the musical director, than a bandmate. Did the argument with George HAVE to be included? What about that odd conversation with a very uncomfortable-looking John, where Paul explains that George doesn't want to make films any longer)? Those editing decisions slow the film to a crawl and add nothing of substance. The scenes are also a bit unfair to Paul, because the outtakes clearly show John and especially George talking about song tempo, chord changes, altering arrangements, etc... but you wouldn't know this by watching the film.

I didn't intend this to be so long, but it's something I've spent years researching and thinking about. The DVD should be a 2-disc set. Disc 1 the original film, as-is, for historical purposes. But a second DVD should be a completely new creation. Including full band performances of songs that ended up on Abbey Road, rehearsal footage of All Things Must Pass and some of the better-performed oldies (Blue Suede Shoes and Gone Gone Gone) and jams (No Pakistanis, Commonwealth Song). Of course the complete extant rooftop footage should be included. And this is just based on the footage that I've seen. There must be reel after reel of film just sitting on the Apple shelves. The promos created in 2003 for "Let It Be...Naked" hint at what could be used. Will this ever happen? Not as long as Yoko is alive. She is adamant against releasing the film on DVD. All the best, Ron from Boston .

I have my own theory regarding the infinate delay regarding the "Let It Be" DVD. Doubtful that there were be several years worth of disagreements over bonus features, audio restoration & color corection. All that could have been sorted out years ago if anyone at Apple was actively working on it. It's quite possible that the hold-up rests in the lap of one of the Apple Corps directors. In his last years, George had made many mentions as to how horrid it was that the scene with Paul trying to "help" George with his guitar part was in the film. (By the way, the song in question is "Two of Us." Paul thought George's guitar part was too busy, like George's idea for lead guitar on "Hey Jude." Eventually, "Two of Us" went from an uptempo electric rocker to the acoustic number that we all know.) As George seemed more upset that it was in the movie than that it happened (all things must pass...unless they're in a Beatles movie), it wouldn't seemed so farfetched that Olivia would be upholding George's wishes by denying a LIB DVD release as long as the scene remains. And without the scene, it's hardly the movie anyone remembers. So...I expect to see the LIB DVD in shops shortly after the Hollywood Bowl CD.

Steve, just thought I would throw my two cents in, about a DVD release of Let It Be. Yes, the movie chronicled the demise of The Beatles, but I think the movie was edited towards that. I have seen many outtakes over the years and would have to say most the sessions were kind of fun to watch. Just cut out the "Paul and George difference." I have been in bands that made that look like a tea party, but that is the creative process that brings issues out, which is necessary for a good band! Sorry, fact of life. I think the film can be edited concentrating on the music. Sure Paul was in there a lot, but if not for him The Beatles would have been done after Revolver! He was the drive and brains, John was the soul. ( No slight on George and Ringo, their contributions made up the whole.) The movie is now historical, and should be treated as such. What is done is done. Let us enjoy their musical gift.

(Comment: The editing wasn't skewed that way because it's obvious that there was only one way to edit it. It's pretty obvious the Beatles were in a down state. But I agree LIB is historical. We've said before they need to put aside the concerns and put the damn thing out.)

(7/25/2008) The Chicago Tribune's Mark Caro has taken a lead from the never-ending almost release of Guns 'n' Roses "Chinese Democracy" to put in another call for the release of "Let It Be" on DVD.

In his latest post on his Pop Machine blog, Caro says, "Every few years there’s talk of a 'Let It Be' disc with bonus material culled from the hours and hours of rehearsals and recording sessions filmed by Lindsay-Hogg’s crew. Then…nothing. It should have come out upon the 2003 release of 'Let It Be…Naked,' the Paul McCartney-approved, stripped-down version of the 'Let It Be' album. Nope."

Caro also mentions that Roger Friedman of Fox News actually got the late Neil Aspinall on the record in 2007 for at least a bare explanation as to why the movie hasn't been released. As Aspinall told Friedman, “The film was so controversial when it first came out. When we got halfway through restoring it, we looked at the outtakes and realized: this stuff is still controversial. It raised a lot of old issues.”

Here's how Caro pegs those issues:

"1) The movie captures the band lethargically making what generally is regarded as their worst album (though any other band wishes its worst album included such standards as 'Let It Be,' 'Get Back' and 'The Long and Winding Road'), and 2) McCartney comes across as a domineering showboat; he irritates George Harrison with instructions on how to play the guitar solo on 'I’ve Got a Feeling' and often flashes his puppy-dog eyes into the camera.

Don't forget Yoko Ono's off-hand comment to journalist Bill DeYoung in an interview we ran exclusively here in February:

Q: What about the ‘Let it Be’ DVD? Years ago, Neil was saying it was being readied.

A: (laughing) You know, life is a long time. And I hope you have a very long one, Bill.

For now, Caro's blog is just another reminder that the whole "Let It Be" history has been a tortured situation for the Beatles from day one and the non-release of the original "Get Back" album to the never-released DVD. Should they get back to where they once belonged and release it? Or just let their feelings be and put out the DVD?

Sorry, but using the title of a Beatle song to describe the situation only to us prolongs the pain.

"Just ... let it go and get it out there."