The director reveals his journey through hours of intimate, raw footage that shifts our view of the Beatles’ final days together.
In a groundbreaking project, Peter Jackson, the acclaimed director behind The Lord of the Rings, spent four years sifting through 60 hours of unseen footage that documents the Beatles during their Let It Be sessions in 1969. Originally filmed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, this footage remained locked away for over five decades until Jackson’s meticulous restoration work brought it to life in The Beatles: Get Back, a three-part series set to release on Disney+ in November 2021.
Jackson was initially approached by Apple Corps in 2017, not for a film, but for his expertise in virtual reality. This led him to request permission to access the Let It Be footage. Unlike previous attempts to release the footage, Jackson’s unique approach led to the restoration of the raw, unfiltered moments of the Beatles at work. Contrary to the narrative of tension and strife often associated with their breakup, this footage shows the band in a much more relaxed and joyful light, revealing their playful side and how they worked creatively during the recording process.
Jackson was amazed by the wealth of material he uncovered. “I just can’t believe it exists,” he remarked. He found the unprecedented access to the Beatles as a band in their prime truly extraordinary. The footage not only debunks the commonly held belief that the Let It Be sessions were a time of discord but also offers a fresh, modern perspective on the band’s collaboration. The series challenges long-standing assumptions about the band’s final years together, providing a vivid look at their musical and personal dynamics.
As Jackson reflects on the journey, he expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to explore this archival treasure. His goal was always to present the Beatles as they truly were during this period — not simply a historical account, but a living, breathing experience that brings the band’s energy and spirit back to life for today’s audiences.
