Beatles ’64, directed by David Tedeschi, offers an engaging look at The Beatles during their breakthrough year in America. Featuring a star-studded list of contributors, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr (through archival material), as well as commentary from cultural icons like Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, and Ronnie Spector, the documentary is a nostalgic homage to a transformative moment in music history. While the film succeeds in many areas, it is hard to overlook its similarities to Ron Howard’s The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (2016), which diminishes its originality and impact.

One of the documentary’s highlights is its ability to delve into the cultural ripple effects of The Beatles’ arrival in America. Tedeschi uses a blend of rare archival footage, photographs by Harry Benson, and interviews with both musicians and cultural commentators to craft an immersive experience. Jamie Bernstein and Smokey Robinson, in particular, offer illuminating insights into how The Beatles reshaped the music and culture of the 1960s, drawing fascinating parallels to other cultural revolutions of the time.

The inclusion of Muhammad Ali, albeit via archival material, adds depth to the narrative. His brief interactions with the band are a reminder of how The Beatles transcended music, becoming part of a broader cultural zeitgeist. Similarly, Martin Scorsese’s commentary is sharp and compelling, as he reflects on the group’s lasting cinematic and cultural legacy.

The editing by Tedeschi is seamless, and the pacing keeps the audience engaged. The use of music, naturally, is another strong point. Hearing those early Beatles hits in pristine quality evokes an undeniable sense of joy and nostalgia.

Despite its strengths, Beatles ’64 suffers from a lack of originality. It feels heavily derivative of Eight Days a Week, which already covered The Beatles’ touring years in depth. Both films share similar structures: tracing The Beatles’ meteoric rise, exploring the frenzy of Beatlemania, and concluding with their decision to stop touring. While Beatles ’64 tries to carve out its own identity by focusing on the American experience and cultural impact, it fails to differentiate itself enough to justify its existence.

Additionally, the inclusion of certain celebrity interviews, such as those with Terence Trent D’Arby and Jane Tompkins, feels somewhat tangential. Their contributions don’t add substantial insight and instead come across as filler. This unevenness detracts from the film’s overall cohesion.

Ultimately, Beatles ’64 is an enjoyable documentary for fans of The Beatles and 1960s culture, offering a polished and nostalgic trip through a pivotal moment in music history. However, its lack of originality and close resemblance to Ron Howard’s Eight Days a Week make it feel less essential. It’s an “okay” documentary—entertaining but not groundbreaking. For those already familiar with the story of The Beatles’ rise, this film offers little new, but for newcomers or diehard fans, it’s worth a watch.