5.0 out of 5 stars Still not a review....but now have a good idea of what it's like!, 23 Oct 2007
By Mister Kite "mister kite" (UK) - See all my reviews
No, I haven't seen the new product yet either, but I have just watched what I presume was an edited version of the second DVD documentary of the making of Help! on BBC2 tonight. It has really whetted my appetite for buying the new digitally restored DVD.
The excerpts shown were noticably more beautiful in colour quality and picture definition that the VHS version, and the soundtrack too appeared to have more life and depth in it than my CD of the soundtrack.
I think there really has been some loving care and thought gone into this re-issue - and boy is it worth doing it properly. Arguably cited as the birthplace of the modern pop promo music video, this film is a joy on the eye throughout, not least because the fabs look so cool, corduroy and groovy in it, but also because there is such a feelgood factor present throughout.
Needless to say, the soundtrack is superb - not only the classic snow sequence of Ticket to Ride, but also the (mock up) recording studio singing You're Gonna Lose that Girl, and John lying on his submerged bed singing Hide Your Love Away, to name but three gems. I expect most people know the soundtrack, and maybe even most people who buy this will have already seen the film before. But for those who haven't, it stands up as a decent, fun film in its own right.
The fabs were pretty good actors in this film - perhaps aided by a very witty script, that built on the one liners from A Hard Day's Night - and seemed to really enjoy being in this movie. Their cheerfulness may have also been to do with the odd joint being consumed in between takes.
The documentary on the making of Help! is also well worth watching, not cobbled together on the cheap.As well as showing newsreel and interview of the time, there are some great new interviews to boot. Fascinating interview with Eleanor Bron - have never heard her talk about her role in the Beatles' story ever before - Dick Lester of course, but there are also interesting recollections from people like the costume designer, the Beatles' hairdresser, and the Beatles' stunt doubles.
Dick Lester and the chief cameraman also talk about setting up the shots, and the care taken over the colour, using different tones and coloured lenses to bring out the best effects. It shows - the original looked good but this digitised version reeks of pure quality. If only all re-issues could be this good.
I think we have Neil Aspinall to thank for ensuring this came in fittingly re-packaged. Hope he does the same on Magical Mystery Tour and Let It Be - both of those films must have heaps of outtakes to put onto a second DVD. And let's have some interviews with people who were there too please!
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is this you mate or is it another MR K
