How can you make a film involving the Beatles without having their images come to mind, especially since their music is the forefront of your movie? That was my first impression of the trailer. However, you know what? Famed director Danny Boyle, who gave the world Slumdog Millionaire, shows how it’s done in the film Yesterday. If the movie keeps up its very good following, look for it at the Academy Awards. And, it’s now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is a small time singer/songwriter from Sussex England. His longtime friend and manager Ellie Appleton (Lily James) books him to play at small gigs, and he has a small following of loyal friends. Jack thinks he might get his big break playing the Latitude Festival, but after a disappointing turnout, he’s ready to throw in the towel and give up on his dream. He tells Ellie the only way he could ever make it is if a miracle happened.
That night while riding his bicycle home after dark, there’s a sudden, but brief world-wide blackout and Jack is hit by a bus. After his release from the hospital and while coming to grips with giving up his dream, Jack starts to sing a Beatles song to Ellie from her remarks finds that no one has ever heard of the world renown iconic group. When Ellie suggest she publish his songs, Jack takes a chance on an opportunity for success.
Filmmaker Danny Boyle does a terrific job of setting up his audience with an anomaly that puts his main character in a position of being astonished. It’s a cool idea and one at first thought would never fly. Well, never doubt Boyle as he can come up with some nice ideas to put an audience at ease with the incredible idea and bring in a winner of a film that uses some nice comedy, romance and a lot of mind-bending Beatles music. It’s a ploy, but how great it works, especially for the 50 and over crowd who may still toe-tap to the sounds of some of their greatest hits.
For you romantics, it’s an opportunity to relive the film again now that it’s on home entertainment. Those that have not seen the movie, it’s a winner in my book and It is even as much fun as when I watched it on the big screen.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL
A lot of special features including a new opening and ending to the movie for those of you who have already seen the film.
“Alternate Opening*”
“Alternate Ending”
“Deleted Scenes” ‘Corden & Roxanne – Includes deleted performance by Himesh Patel of “Something”’, ‘Late for School’. ‘Nutters Italian Ice Cream’, ‘Sortisimus’, ‘Moscow Audience’, ‘Alexa’, ‘A Gonk’, ‘W Hotel’, ‘Jack Calls Ellie’, ‘Hilary in the Mirror’, ‘Nick and Carol’, ‘Hazel’s Selfie’
“Gag Reel*”
“Live at Abbey Road Studios – Watch Himesh Patel perform “Yesterday”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, and “Let it Be” at Abbey Road Studios.” Includes- “Yesterday”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, “Let it Be”
“Ed Sheeran: From Stadium to Screen*” – Acting in his first major role, Ed Sheeran reflects on his experiences making the movie.
“Agent of Comedy: Kate McKinnon*” – Kate McKinnon shares how eager she was to play the role of “Debra Hammer” while the cast and crew reflect on the fun and energy that the queen of improvisational comedy brought to the set.
“A Talented Duo*” – Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle, two of the most successful British filmmakers, team up for the first time.
“Playing for Real*” – The re-interpreting of the Beatles songs was a huge undertaking for newcomer Himesh Patel. Learn how he spent months learning to play the songs perfectly as the production decided to take the more challenging route of recording the musical numbers live on set.
“Soul Mates*” – Beyond the music and the laughs, the film is, of course, a love story. This piece looks at the relationship between Jack & Ellie and the actors playing them.
“A Conversation with Richard & Ed*” – Long-term friends Richard Curtis and Ed Sheeran have a funny and informal chat about the making of YESTERDAY.
“Feature Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Writer/Producer Richard Curtis”
* Exclusive to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ & Digital
Yesterday has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for suggestive content and language. If you have immature children in the home, you may want to watch the film first before including them in a viewing.
FINAL ANALYSIS: One of the better films and home video presentations this year. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Kate McKinnon, Joel Fry, Harry Michell, Sophia Di Martino, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal,
Director: Danny Boyle
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Music
Running Time: 1hr. 56 min.
Video Release Date: September 24, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: June 28, 2019
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray combo
Audio: English Dolby Atmos
Video: Widescreen 16×9
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 discs box set plus Digital Code
Distributed by: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Released on: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD
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
