“The Beatles Mini Documentaries” DVD

Anyone else still watch this fabulous DVD that was packaged with the 2009 stereo CD boxed set?

It’s only 51 minutes long but given that obvious limitation I think it does a great job of examining each of the core catalogue’s 13 albums, with effective use of previously unheard studio chatter, 3D treatments of still photos, animated album covers and the available video and film elements. The only voices heard are those of the four Beatles and George Martin, so there’s no narration at all — and yet it was all compiled in such a way that it has a strong narrative flow.

I have a feeling a lot of Beatles fans might say they watched this once and never looked at it again. But I enjoy it enough that I pull it out at least a few times each year and watch it start to finish. I’m surprised Apple didn’t include a copy in the stereo LP boxed set of 2012.

Back in 2009, I bought all the CDs individually, so I didn’t have the boxed set or this DVD. Instead, I assembled all the individual documentaries in their original Quick Time format on the CDs and burned them myself to single DVD-R disc. Eventually I bought the real thing on eBay for about $15.

 

They're also on the USB. I'll click on them every once in a while. Like them a lot.

 

I was tempted to buy the Stereo box just to get the DVD but I couldn't bring myself to do so, especially now that all the mini docs are on Apple Music. Well, at least I think all of them are on it, in the past they've had some but not others.

 

I actually just watched the DVD about a month or two ago. First time I'd had the box set open in longer than I can remember!

 

I think they're really well done, albeit short, and I think they offer an interesting look into each album.

 

I also have a beef in their length.
Much too short ! Could have done with more studio chatter .

 

Short & sweet, love 'em

If I want more than I can handle, I'll put on the Anthology DVDs

 

You can't watch videos on an LP.

 

I remember being disappointed in them - IIRC, they seemed awfully superficial.

I'll watch again - maybe I recall incorrectly!

 

You can, however, include a DVD in an LP box.

 

Aren’t they all just excerpts from the 1995 Anthology documentary strung together?

 

No, I don't believe so.

 

Was this ever released outside the box set? I picked up one at a used CD store this weekend and it was sealed in (original?) shrink wrap.

 

Nope. Just came in the boxed set, but it was sealed. Very good documentary and nice to have on a single disc like that.

 

How often does that happen?

 

I still thoroughly enjoy watching it.