Beatles: Updated Anthology Reveals Grumpy George

The Beatles Anthology has been reissued with sharper images and vastly improved sound, thanks to modern technology. While not a new production, it remains an authoritative documentary, compiling extensive footage and interviews. Giles Martin's audio revamp makes early performances thunderous, showcasing the band's initial appeal. This updated version allows viewers to experience the Beatles' raw power with new clarity.

The release, however, is inevitably compared to recent documentaries that emphasized McCartney's leadership. The Anthology's final episode, focusing on the 1990s reunion, reveals George Harrison's continued reservations, particularly regarding McCartney's influence. His efforts to prevent McCartney-centric naming and song prominence are highlighted, offering a nuanced view of the band dynamics.

These candid moments, like Harrison's critique of songs and his wry comments, serve as a crucial reminder of the Beatles' humanity. Far from untouchable legends, the series portrays them as complicated, occasionally narky, but ultimately human individuals, a point underscored by the visual motif of their diminishing size against their monumental fame.