The highly anticipated restoration of the 1970 Beatles documentary “Let It Be” is set to arrive on Disney+ this week, and filmmakers Michael Lindsay-Hogg and Peter Jackson are sharing their insights on the project. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the two discussed the process of bringing the lost film back to life and the impact it had on the iconic band.
Lindsay-Hogg, who directed the original film, explained that the decision to restore “Let It Be” came after he and Jackson were approached by Apple Corps, the company that manages the Beatles’ catalog. They were given access to over 60 hours of unseen footage from the original filming, which was shot in 1969 during the recording of the band’s final album.
As they began the restoration process, Lindsay-Hogg and Jackson were struck by how much the Beatles had changed during the filming. “They were changing, and the film reflects that,” Lindsay-Hogg said. “It’s not just a film about the making of an album, it’s a film about the end of an era.”
The original “Let It Be” film was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics noting the tension and conflicts within the band during the recording process. However, Lindsay-Hogg believes that the restored version will offer a more balanced and nuanced portrayal of the Beatles.
“We wanted to show the humanity of the band, not just the myth,” he said. “There were moments of tension, but there were also moments of joy and camaraderie. We wanted to capture all of that.”
Jackson, known for his work on “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, was brought on board to oversee the restoration and add his expertise in visual effects. He explained that the goal was to make the film feel more modern and immersive, while still staying true to the original footage.
“We wanted to bring the audience into the room with the Beatles, to make them feel like they were there,” Jackson said. “We used modern technology to enhance the footage, but we were careful not to change the essence of what was captured on film.”
The restored version of “Let It Be” will also feature a new audio mix, using the original recordings from the album sessions. This will give viewers a unique opportunity to experience the Beatles’ music in a whole new way.
As the release date for the restored film approaches, both Lindsay-Hogg and Jackson are excited for audiences to finally see the project they have been working on for years. They hope that it will offer a fresh perspective on the Beatles and their final album, and remind viewers of the band’s enduring legacy.
“We wanted to show the Beatles as they were, not as they have been portrayed in the past,” Lindsay-Hogg said. “I think this film will give people a new appreciation for their music and their journey.”
