You may remember Paul McCartney’s fantastic photography book and exhibition, Paul McCartney – 1964: Eyes of the Storm, and now we dive fan-first into the film of that iconic year, thanks to producer Martin Scorsese and director David Tedeschi, with this outstandingly entertaining documentary Beatles ’64, that’s streaming now on Disney+

“It’s not culture, it’s a good laff”.

Opening in low key fashion, quite clearly purposefully and reflective of the clips, where we’re witnessing an industrial America endeavouring to progress, with John F. Kennedy talking about a further free and equal nation – with a note on less disparity – as well as the space race and the hope that came with it, but then JFK was shot and killed, and on screen we witness his memorial casket and an impression that America has probably, collectively, never truly forgotten what happened. But then, instead of lingering in the sadness, not long after we witness the lesser-known British band The Beatles arrive at JFK Airport, and they’re set to play the Ed Sullivan Show… and once that happens, everything changes in modern pop history.

Most of Beatles ’64 is taken from astonishing original 16mm film footage from innovative documentary film makers Albert and David Maysles, in which they followed the band for 14-days after they arrived on US soil for the first time for that game-changing tour, and how many reels they used I honestly don’t know, but this perfectly restored 4K film, by Park Road Post in New Zealand, is an exquisite gift to behold. The ‘Direct Cinema’ style is not only a tremendous insight, it also gives us a genuine and first-hand experience with those boys at the time when everything happens. In sense of iconic, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr have never looked better, youthful, upbeat, and clearly on a natural high, they embrace every moment while exploring the USA, although later on in interviews admit some things weren’t quite as ‘free’ as they’d hoped.

In many ways, the documentary is snippets of nostalgia, from then and now – fully engaging us in the fundamental footage, whilst also interjecting interviews with fans, writers, and musicians ‘now’ but from a wide range of backgrounds and talents. They also offer us interviews with the entire band, and although newer ones with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are obviously all they can achieve today, they pick out archived ones as well – but they’re specific to the feeling of the time, plus drift through the following years as the likes of George Harrison and John Lennon look back on those early moments. While superfans may have seen these before, I can’t be sure, so as an everyday fan – as so many remain – many of the things they talk about, through staying sane in the chaos of the time, to Lennon’s unerringly intelligent insight to the value of fame – and the freedom it gave them that generations before didn’t have, it’s always clear that the boys felt lucky to do what they were able to do, and gave everything to the fans who adored them.

In truth, Beatles ’64 covers everything from their discovery of the reality of American segregation, to why the fans loved them so much – most of this because they found the likes of Elvis too sexual, and The Beatles were more homely, funny and relatable – plus a very interesting interview with a feminist, at the time, who explains why they’re ‘new men’ – and it fits to now. You’ve got Lennon talking about Rock ‘n Roll, and why American parents probably hated some Beatles songs because it derived from Black music, and then there’s the admiration of Smokey Robinson (and the band were fans of The Miracles), plus musician Ronald Isley talking about their mutual friendship and love for where the music style came from, and how The Beatles always talked about their inspirations coming from Black music – which no other White bands were talking about at the time, and how this was a welcome revelation.

There are also moments with memorabilia, astonishing stories with record producer Jack Douglas and his connection to the band, plus the likes of Leonard Bernstein and David Lynch and their experiences. You’ve for Ringo’s love for the Kings Road and all the fancy clothes being made for them, and (somewhat linked) not forgetting the American medias obsession with their ‘long hair’ to. There are many humorous moments with the original footage and the girls screaming for them, including the band being tracked down in a hotel, and when an interviewee is asked ‘where are the band right now?’ they retort “You follow the girls [in the city] and you’ll find out where they are…” – As it’s safe to say for those boys, there were many adventures.

Putting everything together, aside from the director of course, is a huge editorial job from Mariah Rehmet, and it’s achieved so impressively considering the scope of what they cover. Beatles ’64 also really has an extra spark due to those original live performances, and you’ll see a few full live songs, and to bring that to life the team have enhanced the sound, with demixing by WingNut Films and remixing by Giles Martin, quite brilliantly. The songs shown include their first American gig at the Washington Coliseum (to over 8,000 fans) and, of course, the Ed Sullivan appearances. Throughout all these moments, it’s great to see first-hand passion from the crowds, especially the younger attendees, as every head shake of Lennon encourages the girls in the audience to scream with pure excitement during She Loves You, for example, as it’s special to watch.

Overall, this is an absolute pleasure to behold and immerse within. It’s a celebration of their time, and a nostalgic dive with those who were there, alongside musicians who inspired them, plus individuals’ inspiration from the Beatlemania movement. Pure joy. As music, and let it be said life, should be.

Beatles ’64 is streaming on Disney+ from 29 November