It has been forty-two years since 'The Beatles' released their second movie 'Help'. Coming after the groundbreaking 1964 smash hit 'A Hard Day's Night' which was shot in black and white, the fab four came back to the movie theaters in color for their 1965 full length film.

The first impression when watching DVD of the movie is the stunning picture. Digitally remastered, the movie jumps out the viewer and, more importantly for a film with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, has been digitally restored with a newly created 5.1 soundtrack. The music of Lennon/McCartney has never sounded better. The sound is literally like having 'The Beatles' perform right in front of you.

Being a 'Beatles' connoisseur my entire life, the only two officials releases of the band that I indulged in were 'The Beatles Anthology' book (which I own since the release date but have yet to read) and the film 'Help'. While I had seen the clips of the film countless times, I was able to enjoy some previously unseen things which was an immense treat for me.

With a witty dialog that makes the viewer laugh at the inane antics that were filmed, presumably, in haze of Marijuana smoke, the films plot revolves around Religious fanatics attempting to kill 'The Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr because of the ring he is wearing on his finger. The Eastern cult wants Ringo to be sacrificed to a God and will go through great lengths to see their mission accomplished.

The film, while entertaining and certainly enjoyable, is no match to the music the band from Liverpool is most famous for. Featuring seven tracks off the 'Help' LP, the tracks that are shot to video accompaniment are the forerunner to the modern music video that helped helped launch the music video channels will still enjoy today.

'The Beatles', in my opinion, were at their musical creativity in this period which carried on to the more acoustically based 'Rubber Soul'. Being able to listen to the tracks that you have known and love for your entire life in DVD quality sound is a true pleasure.

The release also fulfills a collectors desire to own virtually everything the fab four released including promotional trailers, a never seen before scene, a retrospective, a documentary, a 16 page booklet that offers acclaimed director Martin Scorsese thoughts on the film, and much more.

The bottom line is that 'Help' a fine addition to your DVD collection and is a great will make both music fans and film fans marvel how the retro movie still works today. Now, if they will only release 'Let it Be' on DVD it would a perfect world.

'The Beatles' 'Help exhibit' is currently on display at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and Museum right here in Cleveland. For the review of the exhibit, check back on our site as the review will appear on Friday.

Disc 1 (96 minutes)

-HELP! Theatrical Movie

-Digitally restored and newly created 5.1 soundtrack

Tracks that appear in the film:

"Help!"
"You're Going to Lose That Girl"
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
"Ticket to Ride"
"The Night Before"
"I Need You"
"Another Girl"
"She's A Woman"
"A Hard Day's Night" (played by Indian band and as instrumentals)
"I'm Happy Just to Dance with You" (played by a band during The Bahamas scene)

Disc 2 (57 minutes)

The Beatles in Help! 30 minute documentary about the making of the film with Richard Lester, the cast and crew. Includes exclusive behind the scenes footage of The Beatles on set.

- A Missing Scene Featuring Wendy Richard

- The Restoration of Help! An in depth look at the restoration process

- Memories of Help! The cast and crew reminisce

- Theatrical Trailers 2 US trailers and 1 Spanish trailer

- 1965 US Radio Spots - Hidden in disc menus\