The Beatles Anthology

The first feature-length episode focuses on The Beatles' early years in Liverpool to their 1964 World Tour. Also featured is the world premiere of the first new Beatles song in 25 years, Free As A Bird.

The second feature-length episode focuses on the pressures of Beatlemania to Sgt. Pepper. Also featured is the world premiere of the second new Beatles song in 25 years, Real Love.

The third (and originally final) feature-length episode of the focuses on the time between death of Brian Epstein to their breakup in 1970.

This new episode includes unseen behind-the-scenes footage of Paul, George and Ringo coming together between 1994 and 1995 to work on 'The Anthology' and reflecting on their shared life as the Beatles.

The Beatles meet Elvis and the four are never more musical, confident, fluent or assured. They perform at Shea Stadium and travel to Japan. Experimenting with drug use reflects in their Rubber Soul and Revolver albums.

John suggests they are more important than Jesus resulting in public burnings of their work. The Beatles retire from touring and go into the studio which brings an amazed world the might whirligig of Sgt. Pepper, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. They sing Baby You're A Rich Man, and they all are, but they don't buy an island in Greece.

It is the summer of Love, and the Beatles sing "All You Need is Love" on black and white television on the first world satellite television programme. The death of Brian Epstein precedes the four visiting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Magical Mystery Tour. Apple Corps is formed. Those Were the Days, sings Mary Hopkin.

All things must pass. The music holds out till the end and the Beatles, having worked through the White album, Let It Be, Hey Jude and Revolution, two weddings, two busts on the rooftop concert equal Gilbert and Sullivan in the level of acrimony and the heightened quality of the work that was done through it and despite it all. The Beatles have survived their success and survived their era to remain modern, timeless and supreme against all comers.