I've seen the 6+ hour cut. It's funny because I have the original version on CED videodisc, and that version of the film is a bit of a downer. Dare I say it's almost like Michael Lindsay-Hogg specifically used ALL the argumentative/dramatic bits for that film.... The new version depicts it as more of a project spearheaded by Paul, problem being that Paul has no clear direction - other than making it a "live in the studio album with no overdubs" and that it must be done before Ringo goes off to film "The Magic Christian".
Like.... they didn't even know WHAT to call the album or even how many songs they wanted to do! They had very little new stuff lined up nor could any of them decide if they wanted to include cover versions of some of their oldie favorites.
I liked the bit once they'd moved back to Abbey Road where John has an epiphany that without overdubs, they'd have to bring in other players if they wanted a keyboardist, an extra guitarist, percussion....
It almost goes to highlight a) how isolated & slef-reliant they'd become in an attempt (I guess?) to remain on top of the heap, but b) it's a total DUH! moment like.... yeah man, if you want other instruments and you can't overdub.... obviously you need more players. Which makes me wonder why they didn't simply try to create the first Supergroup in the first place?
Bring in "guest stars" like Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman or Ginger Baker. They'd have all bases covered. If Paul wants to get behind the baby grand, through Klaus on bass. If Ringo wants to jump behind some congas, Ginger jumps behind the kit. Billy Preston was a G-D no brainer. I'm honestly surprised that wasn't one of the first things they discussed when establishing the "rules" for this album. George even mentions bringing in Clapton a few times admitting that Clapton is more talented on solos.
And the self-imposed deadline I think hurt them above all else. Why didn't they just make January about practising, then Ringo can go off and shoot his movie, and in a few weeks he'd be back and THEN they can figure out what this big live concert is going to be?? Planning things outdoors for January just seems silly.... even in Europe.
I guess if anything, this movie serves a few purposes: 1) Showing us that the Beatles (as a whole, or individually) were just people, susceptible to the same mistakes we all make.
2) They were all very young.... I mean, I'm rolling into my 40's and still don't know what to do with myself half the time. I couldn't imagine being 25, 26, 27, 28 again and being in the #1 Rock band on the face of the Earth. 3) The Beatles were breaking up long before this album started and 4) Yoko really had nothing to do with it. I mean, at several point Linda is there, Maureen is there, the McCartney kids are running around and screaming. Quite honestly, when Yoko was asked anything, she actually had some very intelligent and poignant ideas for the group.
