Yellow Submarine

Amazon.com essential video

This restored, animated valentine to the Beatles offers viewers the rare chance to see a work that's been substantially improved by its technical facelift, not just supersized with extra footage. Recognizing that its song-studded soundtrack alone makes Yellow Submarine a video annuity, United Artists has lavished a frame-by-frame refurbishment of the original feature, while replacing its original monaural audio tracks with a meticulously reconstructed stereo mix that actually refines legendary original album versions.

What emerges is a vivid time capsule of the late '60s and a minor milestone in animation. The music represents the quartet's zenith--Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The story line, cobbled together by producer Al Brodax and a committee of writers, is a broad, feather-light allegory set in idyllic Pepperland, where the gentle citizens are threatened by the nasty, music-hating Blue Meanies and their surreal arsenal of henchmen, with the Beatles enlisted to thwart the bad guys. Visually, designer Heinz Edelmann mixes the biomorphic squiggles, day-glo palette, and Beardsley-esque portraits of Peter Max with rotoscoped still photographs and film; Edelmann's animated collages also nod to Andy Warhol and Magritte in properly psychedelic fashion, which works wonderfully with such terrific songs.

High orthodox Beatlemaniacs can still grouse that the animated Fab Four are (literally) flat archetypes, but that's missing the sheer bloom of the music or the giddy, campy fun of the visuals. Making sense of the story is second to submerging blissfully in the sights and sounds of this video treat. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

A reverse hero quest.......2007-08-31

When this film first came out in '68 I found it unwatchable. I thought that it was mind-less, plot-less eye candy. Now, after nearly four decades I finally get it- this is a reverse hero quest.

You have old/young Fred, captain of his magical vessel, voyaging to our world in a desperate search for help. He comes from the unearthly paradise of Pepperland (the paradise of the Devas) which has been treacherously conquered by the Blue Meanies (Asuras.) He finds the earthly manifestations of the champions of his realm (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band) on our earth in the form of...the Beatles. Together they voyage back across the seas that separate the two planes (including the Sea of Monsters.) Once they have won their way back, they use the power of music to restore the land through joy and love. That's the twist- in a traditional tale it would be a hero from earth who traveled to the supernatural realms to win a boon for mankind, while here it is a hero from the otherworld that traveled here for help. That's also kind of neat- the angelic coming to us for help for a change.

Perhaps now that our own world is so completely overrun with Blue Meanies Pepperland might send us help in our time of need. It would make an interesting sequel.

The restoration of this film is incredible. It is a visual feast for the eyes with its vivid, intricate, original artwork- and the sound could not be better. Together they make perfect alchemy.

The Beatles in their psychedellic colorful animated best!.......2007-08-25

I saw this movie for the first time when it came out as I was growing up. So I decdided to plunk down my money to purchase my copy. It was great to relive the animated treasure that Yellow Submarine was known for nearly 40 years ago. The music, and those sinister Blue Meanies!!! Enjoyed every minute of it! I think you already know the voices in the movie are NOT the Beatles but the Fab Four are featured in the closing minutes! I just wish the animated Beatles TV series was on DVD! You will enjoy Yellow Submarine and watch out for the Meanies!!

A Unique Contribution To The World Of Animation.......2007-08-18

I remember seeing this movie when it first came out, when I was eight. I had seen part of it on network TV in the mid-seventies, and again at a college film night in '77. I figured it was a time to step into the time machine.

Actually, the animation is what earned this five stars. The plot rambles, and at times seems to be a showcase for either the creative animation or the Beatles music. For example, where did an animated video of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" fit in the story?

Additionally, it gave opportunity to introduce children to the themes of drugs and eastern mysticism, with some possible sexual references (was the finger of the flying hand getting stuck in the letter "o" several times just humorous cartooning, or was it an entendre, as my dad suggested?). Thus, even a G-rating doesn't mean it's wholesome for children.

There is a lot of good quality English humor in here. The video added the segment with the song "Hey, Bulldog" (my all-time favorite Beatles song, by the way), which seems like it was cut from the movie. Again, the animation was unique and creative. Kids would like it, though as I always say, parents need to be present.

Unfortunately, even 90 minutes seemed too long with the plot (and implausibilities) in this movie.

Animated Beatles is Timeless........2007-07-24

Although the animation is old style, the whole movie makes me feel great. Especially the ending. I saw the movie when it first came out, and people were leaving the theatre singing "All Together Now." -- Sam Yulish, author of "Where Have All the Hippies Gone" and "The Hesitant Psychic and Other Starnge Stories."

Apple and the out of print UA films........2007-07-21

Why Yellow Submarine is out of print is anyones guess.
Can you say AL BRODAX?
It's not particularly entertaining but my seven year old son loves it
and best yet is that he learned several Beatle songs from it.
Besides, the trailer is worth the asking price.
The 5.1 mix is very good as is the film transfer.
Go ahead and buy it already.
You know you want to.

Average customer rating:

The Beatles A Hard Day's Night

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000LCF3HM

Product Description

Format: DVD Jan 1997 Rated G Recording Mode: Stereo Sound: Stereo, HiFi Closed Captioned 90 min. B&W Movie Description A HARD DAY'S NIGHT presents a fictionalized day in the life of the Beatles as they give a performance on a live television show. Filmed just a month after their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, this film--the Beatles' first--introduces us to the unique personalities of each member of the band. The film opens with the Fab Four boarding a train mobbed with adoring young fans (mostly women) as they attempt to travel to the television studio in London. The antics of the band during rehearsals and makeup application provide a large part of the comic material in this feature, though there are other moments of pure hilarity. The unscripted vignette featuring a hangover-suffering Ringo is especially funny, particularly when he is arrested and risks having to miss the broadcast. None of this goes unnoticed by the director of the show, played by Victor Spinetti, who went on to become a recurring cast member in Beatles movies. As the clock ticks away dramatically, our heroes manage to free Ringo from jail and sneak onto the stage in the nick of time, delighted in the knowledge that they have nearly driven the director mad in the process. Arguably the first music video ever made, this faux documentary and its shooting style have been a tremendous influence on nearly every rock and roll feature since. Credits Cast: The Beatles Director: Richard Lester Producer: Walter Shenson Film Notes DVD Features: Region 1 Encoding Special DVD Features: English, Spanish, and French Language Tracks; English, Spanish, and French Language Subtitles; English: Dolby Digital Stereo; Spanish and French: Mono; Interactive Menus; Chapter Search; Biographies. Keep Case

Average customer rating:

Halls of Honor- The US Navy Museum
Starring: 0
Director: Michael Ford
Manufacturer: Yellow Cat Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Halls of Honor - The U.S. Navy Museum takes you on an informed and entertaining romp through one of North America s oldest and finest military museums. The museum has been in continuous operation at the Washington Navy Yard since the American Civil War. This award winning program includes interviews with Navy history makers who bring the fascinating collection alive. "Halls of Honor" brings together the sailors, ships, artifacts and traditions that are found at the US Navy Museum in Washington DC. Located in a gigantic foundry building that used to build 16 inch guns for battleships, the Museum presents the largest World War II collection in North America, one of the most comprehensive ship model collections in the world and U.S. Navy artifacts ranging from tiny to huge retrieved from all over the world above and below the sea. It is a hands on, in depth center for Naval History. Noted historian and historical preservationist Lou Linden is your genial host, constantly seeking new wonders and explanations in the Nation s military history treasure houses. His sometimes irreverent approach to history elicits admiration (and the occasional guffaw) from retired admirals as well as newly minted military history buffs. BONUS FEATURE This DVD includes two short World War II films edited specifically for the Museum from archival U.S. Navy documentary footage by Yellow Cat Productions. Carrier Warfare in the Pacific, and Submarine Warfare in the Pacific".

Average customer rating:

Give it more than a superficial viewing
The best kiddy and adult movie all in one!

Yellow Submarine [Region 2]
Starring: The Beatles , Paul Angelis , John Clive , Dick Emery , and Geoffrey Hughes
Director: George Dunning (II)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( Y ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VY3P

Customer Reviews:

Give it more than a superficial viewing.......2007-04-03

With the passage of time it's easy to forget the Beatles were once cutting edge and loved to tweak the nose of authority figures everywhere and the gentle tone of "Yellow Submarine" compared to today's animated features only emphasizes that point. At the time of "Yellow Submarine" the Beatles were at the height of their success, and while they undoubtedly wanted to send a message to authoritarian figures everywhere they didn't want to do that in a ham-fisted manner. Considering the counter-cultural wave that was about to follow, "Yellow Submarine" seems almost quaint by comparison and it moves at a considerably slower pace than modern day cineastes or casual viewers may care for.

"Yellow Submarine" depicts the conflict between the Blue Meanies (representing authoritarianism, be it Fascism, Communism, or whatever) and the peaceful residents of Pepperland. The Blue Meanies employ a means of weaponry to freeze the residents of Pepperland, leaving a sole resident to seek help via the Yellow Submarine. The set up of action, in particular, unfolds particularly slowly, giving time for the character of each Beatle to slowly be explained amid scenes of rather Peter Max inspired psychedelia. The overall effect isn't exactly trippy unless you're actually tripping I suppose. Several memorable Beatles songs are included throughout the film and at points it's almost like a precursor to music videos, but rather than enhancing the film they're more of a distraction, especially "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."

Ultimately the Beatles arrive to save the day and the movie itself is a satire on the foolishness and limitations of authoritarianism in all its manifest forms, as well as the benefits of freedom. Some of the newer songs are a bit weak, especially "All Together Now" with its especially incongruous line about "chop the tree" which is hardly an eco-friendly lyric. Having seen it as a kid I doubtlessly enjoyed it, yet 30+ years on I could scarcely remember any details. Having seen it again I could scarcely be bothered to see it again anytime soon. I honestly couldn't recommend this except for die-hard Beatles fans, fans of animation or pyschedelia, or those looking for satirical films. "Yellow Submarine" is sadly more of a time capsule of a different time and place, when all you needed was love. It's a bit sad we've moved so far beyond that, but the message of fighting tyranny, despotism, and authoritarianism is all too appropriate today.

The best kiddy and adult movie all in one!.......2006-12-31

My kids still sing this song after 21 years!!!!!! Get a copy now!!

The Beatles Yellow Submarine Adventure [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!

The Beatles Yellow Submarine Adventure [Region 2]
Director: Trey Stokes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004RZ0X

Customer Reviews:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!.......2007-04-03

Average customer rating:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!

The Beatles Yellow Submarine Adventure [Region 2]
Director: Trey Stokes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004RYU2

Customer Reviews:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!.......2007-04-03

Average customer rating:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!

Yellow Submarine [Region 2]
Starring: The Beatles , Paul Angelis , John Clive , Dick Emery , and Geoffrey Hughes
Director: George Dunning (II)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( Y ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004CZER

Customer Reviews:

Give it more than a superficial viewing!.......2007-04-03

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