The Beatles: A Fabulous Journey Continues

Explore the Inner Workings of the Beatles' Last Song with Peter Jackson's New Music Video

Peter Jackson’s BTS Look at Beatles’ Last Song’s Music Video

When the Beatles release a new song, the world holds its breath in anticipation. It’s a monumental event that captivates fans around the globe. Even Hollywood’s finest directors can’t help but gush about the impact of this legendary band. Take Peter Jackson, for example – the mastermind behind epic films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Little did he know that his obsession with the Beatles would ultimately become intertwined with his professional career.

As a teenager, Jackson stumbled upon the Red and Blue compilation albums in a record store, only to spend his Model Airplane money on them. Thus began a lifelong passion for their music, leading him to direct the 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.” This groundbreaking series takes a deep dive into the making of Let It Be and the band’s iconic final rooftop concert. But Jackson’s journey with the Fab Four doesn’t end there. Now, he has the honor of directing the retrospective music video for what’s being hailed as the last ever Beatles song: the introspective masterpiece known as “Now and Then.”

But here’s the twist: Peter Jackson was initially terrified at the thought of directing a music video. He confessed his fear and insecurity when approached by Apple Corps to helm the official music video for “Now and Then.” This man, who fearlessly tackled three-hour visual effects films, was paralyzed at the mere thought of creating a four-minute music video. The legend himself, Martin Scorsese, even admits that condensed projects are more challenging because every frame counts. Jackson felt the pressure, questioning whether his brain was wired to handle the intricacies of such a short and impactful visual experience.

In a surprising turn of events, Jackson declined the offer. He turned down the opportunity to direct the final song of the Beatles because of his overwhelming nervousness. Little did he know that fate had other plans for him. Apple Corps reached out again, revealing their struggle to find another filmmaker who could do justice to the song. Feeling cornered, Jackson couldn’t say no. It was here that his creative genius and infectious humor took over.

With the help of his talented editor, Jabez Olssen, they began piecing together the music video shot by shot. Paul and Ringo recorded themselves playing the drums and bass in their studios, sending the footage to Jackson. This raw material became the foundation upon which the rest of the video was crafted. And boy, did Jackson have a brilliant idea! He decided to cleverly intertwine the past and the present by having the 1967 Beatles invade a recording session with Paul and Ringo in 2023. The result? A hilarious and nostalgic journey through time that showcases the band’s playful side.

• REI’s Warehouse Sales: Where Outdoor Dreams Come True!
• A Love Story: My Odyssey with the Odessy Ai-ONE Putter
• Netflix’s Movie Selection: A Treasure Trove of Options

But the fun didn’t stop there. To further amplify the sense of time travel, Jackson curated a montage that took viewers on a whirlwind tour from the ‘60s to the ’50s and even glimpses of the Beatles’ childhood. He enlisted the help of Sean Lennon, Olivia Harrison, Paul, and Ringo to dig up rare childhood photos, offering a fresh perspective on these legendary musicians. And guess what? The video even features previously unseen footage of the Beatles during their Hamburg days, captured in a mere 40 seconds of film.

Yet, what truly set this video apart was the use of groundbreaking audio technology. Jackson and his team developed a software that could separate tracks and isolate the essence of each instrument and voice. This breakthrough allowed them to breathe new life into “Now and Then.” Even Paul McCartney himself reached out to Jackson, seeking his expertise to salvage a demo with buzzing piano sounds. The software worked like magic, giving us an incredibly clean track that captured the essence of the song.

But why does innovation matter so much to Jackson? Well, it all started during the making of “Get Back.” After years of painstakingly assembling the footage, Jackson found himself frustrated by the audio quality. The performances were marred by background noise, which threatened to overshadow the brilliance of the Beatles. Determined to enhance the viewing experience, Jackson and his team turned to machine learning separation technology. Inspired by the New Zealand police’s audio software for surveillance purposes, they developed their own high-fidelity version. This revolutionary tool revealed the true depth and richness of the Beatles’ early songs, completely transforming the way we perceive their music.

So, what lies ahead for Peter Jackson and his Beatles adventures? While the future remains shrouded in mystery, one thing’s for sure: the Beatles and Giles Martin will continue remixing their albums. And you can bet that Jackson will be there, providing his expertise in separating tracks to ensure every note shines like never before.

Through it all, Jackson’s experience with the Beatles has been an absolute delight. Unlike many Hollywood projects riddled with stress and conflicts, working with the Beatles has been a joyous and relaxed process. With no third-party interference, the creative freedom has allowed Jackson’s vision to seamlessly merge with the band’s iconic legacy.

But let’s not forget the fun and excitement this video brings to fans. It’s like stepping into a time machine, fulfilling our unspoken desires to witness the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, at Shea Stadium, and even atop a rooftop. Jackson effortlessly combines the present with the past, creating a visual feast for the senses.

Now, it’s your turn! Share your favorite Beatles memories and let us know what you thought of Peter Jackson’s remarkable journey. Did he succeed in capturing the essence of the Beatles in “Now and Then”? Let the conversation begin!