Just when you thought you knew everything about the Beatles, the Blu-ray release of The Beatles and India pops up. However, this little gem has a lot of tell-all that may have fallen off the radar with other documentaries on the musical group. The scenes of the four recording artists in film taken on their trip are quite interesting, but more so are the meetings with Ravi Shankar and India guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
In 1968 at the height of their careers, The Beatles took trips to India as part of their acclamation of the country and to seek out the spiritual guidance of Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It would include their introduction to Transcendental Meditation®. With the addition of never seen before video of the meeting, it becomes more of an eye opener of reasons why the group later used some of his teachings in their music.
While to tell all of the happenings would do the film an injustice, you should see for yourself the amazing communications between many important figures of the times. Welcomed with open arms, The Beatles brought good will to the nation of India from Great Britain and the West. For those that did not know all about the band, their openness to the use of drugs is also a part of the documentary. The living quarters were not opulent and meetings, although held without the public, were infiltrated by the local press. You’ll be treated to the group and their wives outside of their regular hectic element.
Special Features/Extras include:
“Ajoy Bose Interview” What was life like for a Beatles Fan in India in the 1960’s
“Ashram Map” A map of the area and housing the Beatles lived in while in India
“Production Photo Diary”
The movie is not rated, but contains some scenes for only the mature. I like the film for the fact that it did not hold back anything about their trip and laid it all out for all to see. Now on Home Video, whether you are a true Beatle fan or just want to know what they were about beyond their music, I recommend it very highly.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Star, Paul McCartney
Directed by: Ajoy Bose, Peter Compton
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, no offensive material
Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.
Video Release Date: June 21, 2022
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English
Distributed by: Abacus Media Rights
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
