|
Post by superhans on Sept 19, 2008 7:03:12 GMT -5
I received a chirpy e-mail from Apple this morning, gushing enthusiastically about their forthcoming DVD release, 'All together now' relating to the LOVE acrobatic show. There followed umpteen paragraphs of utter twaddle, concerning backstage shennanigans and rehearsal out-takes. I did try really hard to read it all the way through, but managed to pull myself away just before I slipped into a deep coma. Anyway, for the curious -- or just plain masochistic -- amongst you, here's just a little snippet of Apple's press release: "All Together Now" has screened at a number of festivals in the U.S. and across Canada in 2008, and accolades have followed. The film's U.S. debut opened the American Film Institute's Silverdocs festival in Washington DC in June where Rolling Stone praised the film's sweeping visual style and "many insightful interviews." Screenings were as enthusiastically received at the Cinevegas festival in Las Vegas, where it was called "remarkable" by Las Vegas Magazine, and the Hotdocs festival in Toronto, where Variety noted that "All Together Now" "wowed audiences."
It will be screened in London at the 16th Raindance Film Festival on October 9th.
The documentary details the story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and 2006 launch of LOVE, the stage production still playing to packed houses at The Mirage in Las Vegas, and the experimental Beatles soundscape album of the same name which garnered two Grammy Awards for producers Sir George and Giles Martin. The film is dedicated to the memory of Neil Aspinall, former CEO of Apple Corps and an Executive Producer of the DVD.
"All Together Now" faithfully recounts how the LOVE project came into being, borne from the personal friendship between George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. George saw how the twin talents of Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles could be fused into something new and totally original.
The director, Adrian Wills, traveled between London, Montreal, and Las Vegas recording early meetings between the Cirque du Soleil & Apple Corps Ltd. creative teams, as well as filming contributions from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison discussing how The Beatles' music can be used in a different way. Noting the uniqueness of these interactions Wills explains, "What surprised me the most was how human the whole process was."
These early stages of the project were all filmed, as were the first rehearsals at the Mirage Hotel theatre in Las Vegas, which was completely rebuilt with a one-of-a-kind sound system and complex round staging to house the LOVE show. Sir George and Giles Martin, the show's Musical Directors, were involved every step of the way with the remarkable Cirque du Soleil creative team, performers and backstage staff.
It wasn't all "plain-sailing" and there has been no attempt to disguise some of the disagreements that took place along the way regarding how some of the songs would be portrayed visually. These creative differences, a necessary part of the overall process of bringing LOVE to its most vibrant life, illustrate the participants' love and respect for the music and vision of The Beatles.
In addition to their roles within the main film, Sir George and Giles, along with engineer Paul Hicks, also feature in a bonus feature titled "Changing The Music" which reveals in fascinating depth how the music was created and the challenges they faced. They explain how they sourced some of the individual instruments and effects and how they were encouraged to experiment.
DVD contents
‘All Together Now’ documentary (84:00) Bonus Features: “Changing The Music” (22:00): An in-depth look at the decision to rework and remix the Beatles music for the show “Music In The Theatre” (09:00): A look at the process of creating the LOVE show’s unique audio design in the theater “Making ‘LOVE’” (10:00): A backstage pass to explore the design of “LOVE,” including the art direction, costumes, props, screen imagery and the use of The Beatles’ voices in the stage production and soundtrack. DVD technical details 1 x DVD-9 PAL and NTSC All regions Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........
|
|
|
Post by superhans on Sept 19, 2008 7:09:05 GMT -5
Anyway, I wrote them a snotty reply, banging on about 'Let it be' DVD, Greatest hits DVD, remasters - blah, blah, blah... I think they might get one or two of those...
|
|
|
Post by John S. Damm on Sept 19, 2008 12:04:37 GMT -5
Good for you! This dvd frustrates me as it is mere windowdressing to keep the natives pacified while Apple fails to take decisive action on more important Beatles' projects as you have named.
|
|
|
Post by Steve Marinucci on Sept 19, 2008 13:38:20 GMT -5
Good for you! This dvd frustrates me as it is mere windowdressing to keep the natives pacified while Apple fails to take decisive action on more important Beatles' projects as you have named. Yeah, I'm surprised ... then again not .. that they postponed then brought this sucker back for Christmas. Maybe the film will be better than it sounds. The few clips I saw from the first promo of it did look pretty good. (The return to the Apple rooftop, for example.) But if they think this will make us happy, along with a Beatles iPod that hardly anyone will be able to buy, they're mistaken.
|
|
|
Post by vectisfabber on Sept 19, 2008 16:20:48 GMT -5
Not even slightly interested in this. Already got the music.
|
|
|
Post by mikev on Sept 19, 2008 20:09:59 GMT -5
Other than a HD DVD film of the whole event-this release is a complete joke.
I have no plans to buy it unless someone tells me there is additional to what was previously released bonus footage of the threetles jamming in the early 90s. That was a mouthful.
|
|
|
Post by superhans on Sept 20, 2008 5:07:11 GMT -5
Here is a cut and paste of my reply to Apple: It beggars belief that Apple are spending time and effort on this project, when 'Let it be' is still not released on DVD and we don't even have a Beatles greatest hits package on DVD. From time spent on fan's message boards I can tell you that the love project really doesn't excite anyone and it's infuriating that this stuff is being released when there are still glaring omissions in the back catalogue. Re-masters, anyone? Hello?? Love and peace, Tony.
|
|
|
Post by mikev on Sept 20, 2008 17:28:14 GMT -5
Amen
|
|
|
Post by jellyzero79 on Sept 21, 2008 15:33:54 GMT -5
The only people that aren't excited by the LOVE show are the people who have not seen it. Instead of going on and on about the things you have already heard (the songs) and seen (the LIB film) - get to Vegas and see the show. It is an amazing show and the music and visuals create an experience that you will never forget. I would have paid 4X's what I actually paid to have seen that show and not regretted it one bit. In fact, I'll see it again the next time I am in Vegas.
For those of you who think the actual show should be released on DVD it will not be. One reason is because ticket sales for the actual show may suffer and the other reason is that there is no way to film it properly. The show is in the round with people flying over you and all around you, there is not a bad seat, and there is almost too much going on for your eyes to take in when you are there live and in person.
|
|
|
Post by John S. Damm on Sept 21, 2008 20:03:21 GMT -5
The only people that aren't excited by the LOVE show are the people who have not seen it. Instead of going on and on about the things you have already heard (the songs) and seen (the LIB film) - get to Vegas and see the show. It is an amazing show and the music and visuals create an experience that you will never forget. I would have paid 4X's what I actually paid to have seen that show and not regretted it one bit. In fact, I'll see it again the next time I am in Vegas. For those of you who think the actual show should be released on DVD it will not be. One reason is because ticket sales for the actual show may suffer and the other reason is that there is no way to film it properly. The show is in the round with people flying over you and all around you, there is not a bad seat, and there is almost too much going on for your eyes to take in when you are there live and in person. Wait a minute, who is bitching about the actual LOVE show? The bitching here is about an Apple dvd release(which is a rare event these days) about the making of LOVE when there are about five more worthwhile Beatles' projects ahead of that.
|
|
JMG
Very Clean
Posts: 412
|
Post by JMG on Sept 21, 2008 20:24:25 GMT -5
The only people that aren't excited by the LOVE show are the people who have not seen it. Instead of going on and on about the things you have already heard (the songs) and seen (the LIB film) - get to Vegas and see the show. It is an amazing show and the music and visuals create an experience that you will never forget. I would have paid 4X's what I actually paid to have seen that show and not regretted it one bit. In fact, I'll see it again the next time I am in Vegas. For those of you who think the actual show should be released on DVD it will not be. One reason is because ticket sales for the actual show may suffer and the other reason is that there is no way to film it properly. The show is in the round with people flying over you and all around you, there is not a bad seat, and there is almost too much going on for your eyes to take in when you are there live and in person. A rather abrasive first post jellyzero79 but... welcome to the boards...I guess.
|
|
|
Post by maxwelledison on Sept 21, 2008 20:39:48 GMT -5
I didn't think jellyzero79 was so abrasive, but then again I am also not excited about this dvd. I haven't been to Vegas to see the show yet, and would rather see it first before watching a "making of" dvd. Kind of like watching the bonus features of a dvd before you watch the movie.
|
|
|
Post by superhans on Sept 22, 2008 2:26:41 GMT -5
Get to Vegas and see the show. Hmmmmm.....I guessing here, but I reckon that particular night out would require a 10,000 mile return trip.
|
|
|
Post by jellyzero79 on Sept 28, 2008 10:37:44 GMT -5
Not actually my 1st post - somehow my username didn't transfer to the new board. Sorry if I sounded a little confrontational.
|
|
|
Post by John S. Damm on Sept 28, 2008 13:57:53 GMT -5
Not actually my 1st post - somehow my username didn't transfer to the new board. Sorry if I sounded a little confrontational. Okay, I thought your name was familiar, welcome back with the slightly modified name! I think Love the live show is cool and a good way to promote The Beatles. My wife and I hope to see it. I just don't think the dvd of "the making of" is the what we were hoping for. It just blows me away how precious Apple(and the four families) treats the catalog. They need to relisten to John Lennon's own words that The Beatles were just a band that made it very big, nothing more. The universe does not exist for The Beatles so they need to just release the remastered albums, films, videos, etc. Screw this over-precious habit of releasing things every damn decade or chronologically(like in 87/88 with the first c.d.'s). Like diarrhea, Apple should just shit this out at once and be done with it. The Beatles aren't that special that there should be so much hand-wringing over these basic releases. The egos on these people are amazing.
|
|
JMG
Very Clean
Posts: 412
|
Post by JMG on Sept 28, 2008 14:50:23 GMT -5
The egos on these people are amazing. Very true and very sad.
|
|
|
Post by jellyzero79 on Sept 28, 2008 17:42:12 GMT -5
I agree with what you are saying JSD. It seems like everything has to be AN EVENT and they spend about half as much promoting it as what they will/would get in return.
I'm with you---just release it already. Make the product good but when it is ready --put it out!
On a side note: If the "making Of" DVD is done correctly it wouldn't take anything away from the show for those who haven't seen it--it would just motivate them to see it sooner.
|
|
|
Post by superhans on Sept 29, 2008 2:34:17 GMT -5
Not actually my 1st post - somehow my username didn't transfer to the new board. Sorry if I sounded a little confrontational. Okay, I thought your name was familiar, welcome back with the slightly modified name! I think Love the live show is cool and a good way to promote The Beatles. My wife and I hope to see it. I just don't think the dvd of "the making of" is the what we were hoping for. It just blows me away how precious Apple(and the four families) treats the catalog. They need to relisten to John Lennon's own words that The Beatles were just a band that made it very big, nothing more. The universe does not exist for The Beatles so they need to just release the remastered album, films, videos, etc. Screw this over-precious habit of releasing things every damn decade or chronologically(like in 87/88 with the first c.d.'s). Like diarrhea, Apple should just shit this out at once and be done with it. The Beatles aren't that special that there should be so much hand-wringing over these basic releases. The egos on these people are amazing. Couldn't agree more. Basically, LOVE is a bland, innoffensive project that doesn't upset any of the powers-that-be at Apple. It doesn't ruffle feathers, it doesn't damage egos, it doesn't involve taking any tough decisions. It can just be piddled about with ad nauseum to fill the void of new Beatle-related product -- a void of Apple's own making. I would actually warm to the entire project if it were addressed after the back catalogue was sorted out. It's a tribute to the good citizens of this message board that we can actually find something to talk about in the absence of any new product coming out of Apple.
|
|
|
Post by jimc on Sept 30, 2008 20:46:28 GMT -5
Compare:
This Love release vs. the new Magical Mystery Tour DVD.
Which would you rather have out? Buy?
Why isn't Apple releasing a cleaned up, remastered MMT with this new material as an amazing bonus disc? I know they don't own it, but they should.
I know, I'm preaching to the choir here, but this Making of Love (whatever it's called) is ridiculous.
|
|
|
Post by John S. Damm on Oct 1, 2008 9:32:57 GMT -5
Compare: This Love release vs. the new Magical Mystery Tour DVD. Which would you rather have out? Buy? Why isn't Apple releasing a cleaned up, remastered MMT with this new material as an amazing bonus disc? I know they don't own it, but they should. I know, I'm preaching to the choir here, but this Making of Love (whatever it's called) is ridiculous. No argument, Jim. I'd want/buy a gloriously restored MMT with the bonus footage in the "Special Features" section. It wouldn't make MMT a masterpiece but that is part of The Beatles' canon and we should be able to buy a modern, restored version of it.
|
|
|
Post by mikev on Oct 1, 2008 14:28:40 GMT -5
Possible bonus footage could include alternative videos of Fool on the Hill (where Paul actually lip syncs the song as seen in Anthology) and I'm the Walrus, in which the song was fake performed from different takes and camera angles.
|
|
|
Post by superhans on Oct 3, 2008 11:47:27 GMT -5
Possible bonus footage could include alternative videos of Fool on the Hill (where Paul actually lip syncs the song as seen in Anthology) and I'm the Walrus, in which the song was fake performed from different takes and camera angles. I don't want to drone about 'Let it be' DVD too obsessively... ...However, this is what I would like to see in terms of packaging and content - please forgive this singular flight of fancy: Basic DVD package (1 DVD):Original film digitally upgraded and remastered to 5.1 sound, appended with complete rooftop performance Deluxe DVD package (2 DVD)Disc 1: As above Disc 2: '30 Days': Chronologically-ordered day-by-day (2nd-31st January 1969, with a a few days missing in the middle - obviously - while George was seeing everyone 'round the clubs') - selected bonus footage from Twickenham and Saville Row sessions with date identified at start of each day's work. There. I think that covers everything. I wouldn't really want any extraneous recent interviews with all and sundry adding to the mix. This ground was largely covered with 'Anthology', plus the fact George and John aren't around to give their perspective (over and above 'Anthology' clips). I still reckon that the 'Let it be' DVD will be released in May 2010 -- the fortieth anniversary of the original film and album. Put it this way.....if it isn't, I shall strip naked, daub my body with suitable slogans and chain myself to the railings of Apple HQ, wearing nought but a smile!
|
|
|
Post by winstonoboogie on Oct 3, 2008 19:54:16 GMT -5
Possible bonus footage could include alternative videos of Fool on the Hill (where Paul actually lip syncs the song as seen in Anthology) and I'm the Walrus, in which the song was fake performed from different takes and camera angles. I still reckon that the 'Let it be' DVD will be released in May 2010 -- the fortieth anniversary of the original film and album. Put it this way.....if it isn't, I shall strip naked, daub my body with suitable slogans and chain myself to the railings of Apple HQ, wearing nought but a smile! Don't forget to sing "Free Now!" at the top of your lungs until the men in blue(or white!) come to deport you...
|
|