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Title: The Beatles: Parting Ways (Dreamscape Media)

Genre: Documentary

Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Peter Kent

Director: Gillian Bartlett

Website: dreamscapepublishing.com

Tell me more: Written and directed by Gillian Bartlett, "The Beatles: Parting Ways" is an informative documentary recently released on DVD that acknowledges the Beatles' groundbreaking career in the 1960s while primarily focusing on their individual lives and careers after the Fab Four's untimely breakup in early 1970. Indeed, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr collectively created a body of work that was as creative as it was successful and one that will never be rivaled. Together the four lads from Liverpool wrote and recorded masterful songs that were innovative while exploring a number of diverse genres ranging from rockabilly and pop to Music Hall, country western, folk, hard rock and more.

The documentary addresses the challenges (divorce, legal battles, death) and triumphs over the four decades following the end of the band. A mixture of archival photographs and interviews help tell the story in a fast-moving and insightful presentation for both casual and hardcore fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Lennon's story looks at his relationship with Yoko Ono, his interest in the peace movement, enduring solo recordings and finally his tragic murder in 1980. McCartney's incredible solo career including his work with Wings and strong ties with his family — notably his wife Linda — are then highlighted. Harrison's successes with his solo career, the "Concert for Bangladesh" (widely acknowledged as the world's first major benefit concert) and Traveling Wilburys, near death after a stabbing attack and spiritual life are a focus on his post-Beatles years. Starr's work in both film and the recording studio, as well as his beloved All Starr Band tours are featured in an examination of his post-Beatles career.

Bartlett is honest in his assessment of each of the four icons' highs and lows, but ultimately viewers will gain a greater appreciation of what drove these musicians to continue to reach for greatness long after the end of Beatlemania.