The Beatles’ latest release is not only a new song but also an accompanying documentary that is currently streaming exclusively on Disney+. Titled “Now And Then – The Last Beatles Song,” the documentary showcases the story behind the surprise single, “Now and Then,” which was released last week. The song was originally written by John Lennon as a solo track but was never completed before his death. It remained in limbo until Paul McCartney revived it last year with the help of AI and his surviving bandmates.
The documentary, directed by Oliver Murray, known for his work on “My Life As A Rolling Stone” and “Lang Lang Plays Disney,” provides exclusive footage and commentary from McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Sean Ono Lennon, and Peter Jackson, who directed the music video for the track. It delves into the journey of how the song came together and sheds light on the creative process behind its completion.
To watch the Beatles’ “Now and Then” documentary, you can subscribe to Disney+ starting at just $7.99. This subscription allows you to enjoy the short film on various devices such as your phone, tablet, computer, or TV through the Disney+ app. The documentary runs for 12 minutes and provides a deeper understanding of the creation of the song.
According to Disney+, the journey of “Now And Then” spanned over five decades. The John Lennon demo, which had been long mythologized, was first worked on by Paul, George, and Ringo in 1995 as part of “The Beatles Anthology” project. However, technological challenges prevented its completion, mainly due to the difficulties of working with Lennon’s recorded vocals from the 1970s. In 2022, the song finally came to fruition thanks to a software system developed by Peter Jackson for the production of the documentary series “The Beatles: Get Back,” also available on Disney+. The technology allowed Lennon’s vocal to be uncoupled from the piano part, providing an opportunity for the other band members to contribute their voices and instruments. Consequently, the “new” track represents the final recording that the Beatles will create together.
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Oliver Murray, the director of the documentary, acknowledges the significant impact that the Beatles have had on modern youth culture. He feels honored to be given the responsibility of telling their story, as it evokes different emotions in people due to their personal connections with the band’s work. “Now And Then” is not only a story of musical archaeology but also highlights the brotherly bond between the four band members who provided the world with some of the most popular entertainment in history.
For avid fans and collectors, a limited-edition vinyl single of the Beatles’ “Now and Then” is available for purchase on Amazon. Additionally, the making-of film can be watched on Disney+. While some streaming platforms offer free trials, Disney+ does not currently provide any on its own site. However, eligible Verizon customers can access “Disney+ On Us” through certain unlimited plans. To see if your plan qualifies, you can check here.
In conclusion, the release of the Beatles’ “Now and Then” song and accompanying documentary on Disney+ adds another chapter to the iconic band’s legacy. The documentary provides an inside look into the journey of the song’s creation and completion, featuring exclusive footage and commentary from the band members. By subscribing to Disney+, fans can access the documentary and enjoy the short film on various devices. Additionally, a limited-edition vinyl single of the song is available for purchase on Amazon. The Beatles’ impact on modern youth culture is undeniable, and “Now and Then” serves as a testament to their enduring musical legacy.
