David Ferguson Greetings again from the darkness. "It was 50 years ago, Sgt Pepper taught the band to play". OK, I know that's not the lyric, but 50 fits better than 20 when we are talking about the latest re-mastered 4K version of the classic animated YELLOW SUBMARINE from The Beatles. Originally released in 1968, the story is by Lee Minoff and is based on the Lennon-McCartney song of the title. Additional dialogue and story elements were contributed by (at least) four other writers, including Erich Segal of LOVE STORY fame, and after all these years, the film not only remains quite entertaining, it has attained a certain legendary status. Directed by George Dunning (animation producer), also instrumental in The Beatles "unaffiliated" animated TV series of the same era, the film requires a bit of historical perspective to bring the full picture into focus. This was the year before Woodstock, and the Beatles were no longer the four fresh faced lads from Liverpool. Their songs had not only changed the music world, it had changed them as individuals. Much of their charm had turned to cynicism, and drug use was prevalent. The band reluctantly agreed to allow production of this animated movie for the sole purpose of fulfilling their 3 film contract with United Artist (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, HELP!). Other than the songs and a closing segment, they were barely involved ... not even voicing their own characters.The true legacy is what we see on screen, and after 50 years, it remains magical. The psychedelic pop art visuals were unlike anything most of us had ever seen. The colors and images seemed to explode in vibrancy and come alive before our eyes. Some have mistakenly credited pop artist Peter Max as the man behind the colorful images, and fans of Monty Python (especially Terry Gilliam) will easily recognize the stylistic influence. Sharp ears will pick up references to Beatles lyrics not included on the soundtrack, and much of the dialogue captures the droll tone of Lennon or the whimsy of McCartney. However, we never stop thinking about how much more effective this could have been with John, Paul, George and Ringo providing the voices. An extended opening sequence provides the basics of the story - The Blue Meanies are coming (!) and they intend to expunge all music and color from Pepperland. The only way to stop them is with Beatles music. Once we 'understand' the story, we hear Ringo's vocals kick off the title song over the opening credits. Through the adventure we meet some fascinating and creative characters, see an abundance of green apples (the logo for Apple Records), play spot the icon (with actual photographs), laugh along with Ringo and his "hole" in the pocket, and catch the essence of Beatles wit, though the dialogue is sometimes a bit muddled.Of course, beyond the animation, it's the music that matters. Two songs that stand out because of the corresponding animation are "Eleanor Rigby" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Some of the 11 Beatles songs mish-mashed from various albums include: "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", "All You Need is Love", "All Together Now", and "When I'm Sixty-Four". There are also a couple of George Harrison songs that aren't otherwise available, and a personal favorite, "Hey Bulldog", which has its own sequence, and was originally only included in the UK movie version. We also notice the beautiful orchestra music composed by long-time Beatles producer George Martin.At the time it was released, hippies would claim the movie looks better when you're stoned, and it's likely for those folks, that sentiment held true for most things in life. The message of the day and one present in much of the Beatles' work, is that of Love. It's a message that rings true today, and also part of why the film works so well for both kids and adults. Although we may be a bit disappointed that the fab four don't provide the voices of their characters, the stunning visuals and classic songs make this a film for everyone. The short live action sequence at the end where we see the real John, Paul, George and Ringo is simply the cherry on top ... or is that an Apple?

framptonhollis The Beatles star (and sing) in this endlessly watchable and extremely bizarre odyssey through time, space, and music. Filled with wit and humor, this is among the most feel good films I have ever seen, and it is also among the very finest. While watching it, I could not believe how utterly enjoyable and exciting such a viewing experience is. this is a film like few others, this is a film that transports the viewer to a new world, entirely different from our own. Its atmosphere is one of positivity, but that positivity does not get in the way of the possibilities of conflict and melancholy.The weird, almost boundless voyage one takes while experiencing "Yellow Submarine" is one matched by few other films (Lynch, Svankmajer and Jodorowsky come to mind as filmmakers who can reach this film's level of surrealist mastery). This is one of the trippiest and most boundless works of all animation as it grabs a hold of its viewer, shoving an everlasting series of visually stunning imagery, masterful music, and lighthearted comedy. By the end of the film, most viewers will be left not only entertained and amused, but also inspired. this is a classic example of a "love conquers all"-type film, and it is constructed brilliantly. It is not a preachy movie, but a positive one. The message is one of universal worth and is conveyed in the most likable, comical, surreal, and utterly insane(ly entertaining) way possible!

anthony-rigoni When I first heard of Yellow Submarine, I got curious and decided to watch this movie. What's my opinion on this movie? I FREAKING LOVE THIS MOVIE! I'll admit, this movie maybe weird and surreal, but it's very creative and original! When the Blue Meanie and his army captured Pepperland, Captain Fred, commander of the Yellow Submarine, turns to the Beatles for help. After journeying throughout a surreal sea, will the Beatles bring music back to Pepperland or will the evil Blue Meanie prevail? First of all, the character design for this movie is awesome and unique. I was fascinated by how creative the Beatles are! There's also the great musical numbers such as "All Together Now", "Nowhere Man", "When I'm Sixty Four",and of course, "Yellow Submarine"! Are there likable characters? The answer: YES!!! The Beatles, The Nowhere Man, and Captain Fred are all likable characters. The landscape is, dare I say, surreal but out of this world! Bottom Line: If you like animation, the Beatles, and music, Yellow Submarine is perfect for you!

Brandon Stone I first watched Yellow Submarine when I was 12, just out of mere curiosity of what kind of experience this film had in store for me. I've heard of the Beatles before along with some of their songs, but thought nothing of them, for in those days of my youth I would often disregard things that seemed foreign to me. But once I watched this movie, my whole perspective of the Beatles and everything from that decade changed. With it's great dialogue, colorful animation and the unique style of music the Beatles brought into the world, it has become one of my personal favorite films. Since then, I have grown to appreciate and enjoy films, music, and art that have major significance to them. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Beatles, classic animated movies, or anyone who wanted to open their eyes to anyone who wants to see what's out there, because you'll never know what effect it might have on you.