Comments: Now available for the first time ever - The complete, original 1993 director’s cut of the Beatles Anthology! The beautifully packaged deluxe 10-DVD box set includes detailed liner quotes, full color brochures, high-quality video transfer, special features and a custom storage box complete with new Anthology artwork. Highlights and Alternative Segments Include: Story VS Performance - The 1993 Director’s Cut of Anthology focused primarily on the Beatles story, using performance footage only to enhance the story. The final version would remove much of the story and details to include as much TV and concert footage as possible. At the time this appeared to be the best approach, but in retrospect opinions may chance after hearing the uncut interviews; this was after all their one change to tell their story. Collectors have countless sources for the TV and concert footage, but only one option to hear their story as done for the Anthology series, until now that is! Uncensored Version- comparisons between the two versions of Anthology clearly show heavy editing. An entire sequence regarding Yoko Ono and her effects on the band has been cut-down to almost nothing; only on the 1993 version will you hear unedited and sometimes unflattering comments. Many interviews did not even make it to the Anthology book. One example is George commenting on the positive experiences he had with drugs, including the famous dentist real name! The 1993 director’s cut also includes the original extended sequence on George’s songwriting later trimmed at George’s request. It becomes obvious by program 1 what you are seeing is what the director and production team assembled and presented to the band before they made numerous change request. Program Beginnings- Each program begins with an unused animated sequence in place of the Help! Introduction. In My Life Opening Montage- Programs 1-4 use this song montage with the commercial version using it only to start program 1. The early montage contains different shots from the final version including Allen Klein. Flashback Montage- An early idea was to begin each program (beginning with program 2) with a flashback montage covering important material seen in the previous program, this worked well for the first few programs, but unfortunately took too much time, Beginning with program 4, the flashbacks only went as far back as the previous program While My Guitar Gently Weeps Montage- Ideas about the montage were changing by program 5, and no song montage was used for this program. For program 6, a different approach/song was used, and for the first time it was flash forward montage, using much footage not seen elsewhere in the program. Programs 7-8 drop the montage idea entirely Quality Of Archival Footage- At this early stage, Apple had to use what footage it had available with quality varying from poor to ex. Some of early TV appearances and newsreels are obviously taken from VHS screening tapes, and many include time-code. Some scenes contain the text “Temporary Picture” All of the new interviews and Apple owned material, including footage taken directly from the original cut of “The Long And Winding Road” look great and contains no time code. It is quite interesting to see what Apple’s film archives looked like in 1993. In 1995 Anthology producer Chips Chipperfield hinted at what this early version might look like when asked why they could not just use the original 10-hour version for the home video release “We can but that’s off-line. Off-line is a rough cut. It’s cut from whatever archive sources we have so a lot of it is VHS Unused McCartney Interview- Programs 1&2 include an unused interview with Paul. This was the first interview shot and used before finally being replaced with a re-recorded Paul in black turtleneck With this first interview being re-shot, the stories vary from the final release Partially Unused Harrison Interview- For most of Programs 1&2, the only Harrison interview used is the control room interview with George sporting a moustache. More than ½ of this interview was later removed and replaced with a re-recorded clean-shaven George. With much of this first interview going unused, the stories vary from the final version Unused Neil Aspinall Interviews- For most of the first two programs, we see Neil’s first interview sessions wearing no hat, the stories heard vary from the commercial version. Derek Taylor- Derek has a larger role in the early version of Anthology, and is featured in numerous unseen interviews Program Endings- An early idea was to end each program with a sequence showing the progression the band was making. Examples would be an overhead view showing the move from Liverpool to London, or the move from London to the US. Audio Outtakes- It is important to note that the 1993 Anthology uses very little studio outtake recordings. There are no created studio sequences of audio outtakes. We don’t hear any real audio outtakes until the 68 studio sessions, as the audio outtakes were still being examined at this early stage of production and were not made available to the production team just yet. But… we do get to hear the unused “Hums” ending for “A Day In The Life” along with part of take 4! Early/Abandoned Ideas- The 1993 Anthology uses many ideas later modified or dropped entirely. The recreations of fans rooms differ greatly; TV and tour montages were created then later dropped. An early idea was to show the move from Liverpool to Abbey Road studios, done by filming an entire trip-sequence taking you from Liverpool and ending at George Martin’s door in Abbey Road Studios. Other early ideas put Paul in the film “The Girl Can’t Help It” Various other unused segments appear throughout the entire eight programs No Closing Credits- At this early stage, none of the eight programs contain closing credits 1993 Ending- At this early stage, the documentary ends with the “Let It Be” sessions and rooftop concert. Program 8 part 1 dates from December 1993. 1994 would alter the Documentary considerably, with the three remaining Beatles reforming to record new music and joint interviews. It was at this point; the 1993 version was heavily re-edited leaving only a hint of what it had originally looked like. 888888888888888888888888888888 Story VS Performance - The 1993 Director’s Cut of Anthology focused primarily on the Beatles story, using performance footage only to enhance the story. The final version would remove much of the story and details to include as much TV and concert footage as possible. At the time this appeared to be the best approach, but in retrospect opinions may change after hearing the uncut interviews; this was after all their one change to tell their story. Collectors have countless sources for the TV and concert footage, but only one option to hear their story as done for the Anthology series, until now that is! Uncensored Version- comparisons between the two versions of Anthology clearly show heavy editing. An entire sequence regarding Yoko Ono and her effects on the band has been cut-down to almost nothing; only on the 1993 version will you hear unedited and sometimes unflattering comments. Many interviews did not even make it to the Anthology book. One example is George commenting on the positive experiences he had with drugs, including the famous dentist real name! The 1993 director’s cut also includes the original extended sequence on George’s songwriting later trimmed at George’s request. It becomes obvious by program 1 what you are seeing is what the director and production team assembled and presented to the band before they made numerous change request. Program Beginnings- Each program begins with an unused animated sequence in place of the Help! Introduction. In My Life Opening Montage- Programs 1-4 use this song montage with the commercial version using it only to start program 1. The early montage contains different shots from the final version including Allen Klein. Flashback Montage- An early idea was to begin each program (beginning with program 2) with a flashback montage covering important material seen in the previous program, this worked well for the first few programs, but unfortunately took too much time, Beginning with program 4, the flashbacks only went as far back as the previous program While My Guitar Gently Weeps Montage- Ideas about the montage were changing by program 5, and no song montage was used for this program. For program 6, a different approach/song was used, and for the first time it was flash forward montage, using much footage not seen elsewhere in the program. Programs 7-8 drop the montage idea entirely Quality Of Archival Footage- At this early stage, Apple had to use what footage it had available with quality varying from poor to ex. Some of early TV appearances and newsreels are obviously taken from VHS screening tapes, and many include time-code. Some scenes contain the text “Temporary Picture” All of the new interviews and Apple owned material, including footage taken directly from the original cut of “The Long And Winding Road” look great and contains no time code. It is quite interesting to see what Apple’s film archives looked like in 1993. In 1995 Anthology producer Chips Chipperfield hinted at what this early version might look like when asked why they could not just use the original 10-hour version for the home video release “We can but that’s off-line. Off-line is a rough cut. It’s cut from whatever archive sources we have so a lot of it is VHS Unused McCartney Interview- Programs 1&2 include an unused interview with Paul. This was the first interview shot and used before finally being replaced with a re-recorded Paul in black turtleneck With this first interview being re-shot, the stories vary from the final release Partially Unused Harrison Interview- For most of Programs 1&2, the only Harrison interview used is the control room interview with George sporting a moustache. More than ½ of this interview was later removed and replaced with a re-recorded clean-shaven George. With much of this first interview going unused, the stories vary from the final version Unused Neil Aspinall Interviews- For most of the first two programs, we see Neil’s first interview sessions wearing no hat, the stories heard vary from the commercial version. Derek Taylor- Derek has a larger role in the early version of Anthology, and is featured in numerous unseen interviews Program Endings- An early idea was to end each program with a sequence showing the progression the band was making. Examples would be an overhead view showing the move from Liverpool to London, or the move from London to the US. Early/Abandoned Ideas- The 1993 Anthology uses many ideas later modified or dropped entirely. The recreations of fans rooms differ greatly; TV and tour montages were created then later dropped. An early idea was to show the move from Liverpool to Abbey Road studios, done by filming an entire trip-sequence taking you from Liverpool and ending at George Martin’s door in Abbey Road Studios. Other early ideas put Paul in the film “The Girl Can’t Help It” Various other unused segments appear throughout the entire eight programs No Closing Credits- At this early stage, none of the eight programs contain closing credits 1993 Ending- At this early stage, the documentary ends with the “Let It Be” sessions and rooftop concert. Program 8 part 1 dates from December 1993. 1994 would alter the Documentary considerably, with the three remaining Beatles reforming to record new music and joint interviews. It was at this point; the 1993 version was heavily re-edited leaving only a hint of what it had originally looked like. DVD Content: DVD 1 In My Life Liverpool: The Childhood Years Musical Influences - Discovering Rock & Roll John, Paul & George - The Beginning of the Beatles Twenty Flight Rock - The Girl Can't Help It First Recordings 1958-1960 Stuart Sutcliffe Flaming Pie - Name Origins Early Tours Pete Best Hamburg Growing Pains - Stuart Leaves The Cavern Decca Sessions George Martin - Abbey Road Studios Ringo Arrives Love Me Do Please Please Me - We're No. 1 DVD 2 In My Life - Series Flashback Racing Up The Ladder Touring Britain - 1963 From Me To You Mal Evans She Loves You Reflections of Sudden Fame It Won't Be Long Beatlemania - Sweden 1963 Royal Variety Performance Second Album: With The Beatles Early Television Appearances Olympia Theatre, Paris - 1964 I Want To Hold Your Hand - Reaches No. 1 in the US DVD 3 In My Life - Series Flashback Arrival In The US - February 1964 First Appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show The Coliseum Concert -Washinton D.C. Reception at the British Embassy Miami Beach Second Appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show Return To England They're Going To Put Us In The Movies! Filming A Hard Day's Nigh Derek Taylor Becomes Press Agent World Tour 1964 You Can't Do That Tour Montage World Premiere of A Hard Day's Night Liverpool Homecoming DVD 4 In My Life - Series Flashback First Major US Tour - Summer 1964 Meeting Bob Dylan The Pressures of Touring Feedback I Feel Fine Recording Beatles For Sale Filming Help Yesterday NME Poll Winner's Concert - April 11, 965 George Talks About His Songs Ticket To Ride The Beatles Receive The MBE From The Queen The '65 Tour Se List - Paris 1965 Playing Bullrings In Spain DVD 5 Series Flashback Shea Stadium - August 15,1965 Meeting Elvis Presley More Tour Pressure New Musical Directions - Rubber Soul & Revolver LSD Doctor Ripley Day Tripper We Can Work It Out Taped TV Promotional Films Paperback Writer Rain Yellow Submarine Tomorrow Never Knows World Tour 1966 - Returning To Hamburg DVD 6 While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Series Flashback Trouble in The Philippines Touring Takes It Toll Eleanor Rigby The Last Concert - San Francisco, August 19, 1966 Individual Directions Making of Strawberry Fields Forever Penny Lane Sgt. Pepper's A Day In The Life Sgt. Pepper's Cover Sleeve Drugs Reflect The Times Baby You're A Rich Man DVD 7 Series Flashback Satellite Broadcast of All You Need Is Love Meeting the Maharishi Brian Epstein's Death Magical Mystery Tour Reaction to Magical Mystery Tour I Am The Walrus Hello Goodbye The Apple Boutique Rishikesh, India Dear Prudence Sexy Sadie Apple Records Lady Madonna DVD 8 Series Flashback John Meets Yoko - Band Reactions The White Album Revolution The Apple Boutique Closes Hey Jude Recording At Twickenham Studios Magic Alex Moving To Apple Billy Preston Sits In The Rooftop Concert January 30, 1969 Don't Let Me Down Get Back DVD 9 - Special Features Anthology Electronic Press Kit - 1995 Sneak Preview Of ABC Miniseries - 1995 ABC Miniseries Electronic Press Kit - 1995 KABC Television Promo Spots - 1995 Anthology Post Release - 1995 Anthology CD Electronic Press Kit - 1995 Free As A Bird Promotional Video 1995 George Harrison On Today Tonight - November 1995 Neil Aspinall, George Martin & Derek Taylor - November 1995 DVD 10 - Special Features Real Love Original Broadcast Video - 1995 World Premiere of Real Love - 1996 Real Love Single Release - 1996 Anthology Volume 2 Electronic Press Kit - 1996 Anthology Volume 2 TV Commercials - 1996 Anthology Volume 2 Marketing Reel - 1996 Turner Home Entertainment Promo Reel - 1996 New Beatles Interviews August 1996 Anthology Series: The Perfect Holiday Gift - 1996 Anthology Volume 3 Promotional Spots - 1996 This region-free DVD-R is in NTSC format and will play on most PS2 systems and DVD Players made since 2000, and comes in a FULL SIZE DVD case, with cover art and track listing. First class shipping is FREE! Priority shipping on this item is $4.00. International shipping is $5.00. Credit card payment with Paypal or Money order ships next day. Personal check ships in 7 days. 888888888888888888888888888888 Precisely where this tenDVD set (and they are real DVDs, not DVDR's) originated is anyone's guess, but one assumes that with worktapes of the official Beatles Anthology video/DVD floating around while it was a workinprogress, someone got hold of some unfinished masters, and here we have the result over 12 hours of an expanded and somewhat different working cut of the biographical epic, featuring much longer interviews and fuller versions of clips that appear in abbreviated form on the finished release, and clips (mostly of other artists) that were not used at all. The "Director's Cut" is a slightly closer look at the band's history than the group's business organization probably ever intended, including an extended recollection of the neardebacle of the group's 1966 appearance in the Philippines and other missteps in their history, Paul McCartney's very entertaining recollection based on his first time seeing him perform of John Lennon's ability to improvise blues lyrics, and a hundred other little pieces of information that weren't deemed necessary for the final edit of the special. The quality is a bit variable, with poor resolution at times and questionable color levels, as these were obviously worktapes (complete with visible timecode), but for completists and serious fans of the group, the set provides a better look at the "unneat" side of the group's history, and the odd wrinkles to who and what they were as musicians and people that might've taken too long to explain on network television. Each of five slipcases contains two DVDs and an insert patterned after the official version of the equivalent disc each disc contained a breakdown of chapters similar to the official version of the documentary, with an extra running time of as much as six to eight minutes and lots of differences within that length.