It’s official: after more than five decades, The Beatles’ final feature film, “Let It Be,” has been fully restored and is now available once again. For director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the journey to this moment has been a winding and challenging one.
Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, Lindsay-Hogg expressed relief and excitement that the documentary he directed at the young age of 28 will finally premiere on Disney+ on May 8. He confessed that there were times when he doubted whether the film would ever see the light of day again. The years of the film being out of circulation and being negatively perceived, particularly during the band’s breakup, took a toll on him. He likened it to being imprisoned, unable to see any hope for its release. However, he strongly believed in the importance and quality of the film, despite the unfair criticisms it faced.
The making of “Let It Be” was a significant chapter in Lindsay-Hogg’s career. Commissioned to create a promotional film of The Beatles recording their album of the same name, Lindsay-Hogg captured 60 hours of footage over 21 days in January 1969. The documentary showcased the band crafting their hits and preparing for a live performance, ultimately culminating in their iconic rooftop concert. However, by the time the film was released in 1970, The Beatles had disbanded, and internal tensions were high. The documentary was viewed through the lens of the band’s breakup, and the stolen audio tapes from the shoot only added to its mystique until they were recovered in a 2003 Interpol sting.
Director Peter Jackson’s 2021 docuseries, “Get Back,” which used modern technology to restore the sound and picture of the original film, paved the way for the re-release of “Let It Be.” Despite initial resistance, Lindsay-Hogg credits Jackson’s work for changing the mood and attitude toward the film. Now, with “Let It Be” back in the spotlight, Lindsay-Hogg reflects on his experience and looks forward to seeing his “child” reintroduced to the world.
In a nod to the film’s complicated history and his own journey, Lindsay-Hogg remains grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a significant moment in musical history. He eagerly anticipates the reactions to the film, both old and new, as it finds its place in the modern world.
