I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Simply A Masterpiece

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

What would a sequal to this look like?--------------------------------------------------------

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?

Yellow Submarine is an LSD trip without the need to take the drug in the first place. It's one of the best films ever to come out of the 60s and one of the most mesmerising animated films of all time. It's got The Beatles; their classic songs; and the animation has never been recaptured in another piece of work. It's a unique time capsule from a simpler generation.The story's basically this: the Blue Meanies are hellbent on destroying PepperLand, and eradicating music altogether. However, one sailor, named 'Young' Fred, manages to escape the Meanies in a Yellow Submarine: a magical one that can fly and probably transcend time and space for all we know. And Fred must get the help of The Beatles, Paul, John, George and Ringo, to stop the Blue Meanies once and for all!The story is simple, but the trip we're taken on throughout the movie is exceptionally wonderful. It's oozing with Beatles joy and nostalgia. To put it simply this film is pretty damn flawless.P.S. I'm glad that CGI motion-captured remake never got to see the light of day. It would have ruined the memory of this film.

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!