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| TITLE: |
Yellow Submarine (Google this title)
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| WHAT IT IS: |
The animated Beatles film, updated for DVD. |
| DISCS: |
1
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| RELEASED: |
1999 (theatrical release date 1968) |
| EXTRAS: |
Behind-the-scenes featurette; audio commentary; storyboard sequences, pencil drawings; photos from the making of the film; Interviews; original theatrical trailer; collectible booklet |
Ad lock, ad hoc and quid pro quo,
So little time, so much to know!
That Jeremy Boob (aka the "Nowhere Man") was one smart little fella. He knew that we should make the most of the limited time we have on this earth. And surely one should allot some time to get a copy of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine on DVD.
Originally released in 1968, this charming animated tale created an imaginary universe that revolved around the Beatles. (Back then, the real universe seemed to revolve around them, too.). Their mission? Save Pepperland from the Blue Meanies, make a few friends and sing a few Liverpudlian dance-hall ditties along the way.
The Beatles are created as broad caricatures of themselves that are, like most caricatures, deadly accurate: John is the headstrong intellectual, Paul the egomaniac entertainer, George the distant mystic, and Ringo the charming simpleton. Of course, they blend together in perfect harmony.
For years, Yellow Submarine was a favorite of children everywhere, perhaps because it was so hard to see. In the years between its original release and the dawn of the VCR, it would only show up on television very occasionally. Therefore, if you are a Generation X-er, you remember a viewing of this film as a very special occasion.
So there's a pretty good chance that you haven't seen it since you were a lad, or perhaps at a midnight movie in college (which you probably don't remember anyway). But if you are a fan of the Beatles, animation or both, you should "turn on and tune in" to this great piece of musical pop culture.
The film was completely refurbished, remastered, remixed and re-released in 1999, and it looks and sounds fantastic. The colors are vibrant and the music, of course, is brilliant. Some of their most enjoyable tunes are here, including "Nowhere Man," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Eleanor Rigby" and the title track. All are accompanied by visionary, innovative animation sequences. For the DVD, a long-lost sequence was reinserted to the film ? featuring one of the Fab Four's most underrated, most rollicking
tracks: "Hey Bulldog." In addition to being a great film on its own, it's also a nice way to get your kids or nieces or nephews into the Fab Four, before Britney or Hoobastank get a hold of them.
DVD extras include a behind the scenes making-of documentary featuring some very shagadelic animators and the original trailer. None of it is earth-shattering; the film already took care of that.
review by Steve Walsh
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