Thirty years after its groundbreaking debut, the Beatles’ documentary series ‘Anthology’ is returning to audiences. This time, the series arrives on Disney+ with a new look and an additional chapter.
The rerelease brings back the restored eight-part series from 1995, along with a ninth installment that revisits Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr as they worked on the original project.
Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films handled the restoration, giving the classic footage sharper visuals while keeping its history intact.
A Series That Defined Music Storytelling
The release of Anthology in 1995 was a landmark moment. It drew three Emmy nominations and won a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video, but for fans, its true importance lay elsewhere. The series offered something rare: a chance to experience the Beatles’ history in the band’s own words, illustrated with long-hidden footage and thoughtful commentary.
Instagram | thebeatles | The Beatles’ Anthology captured audiences in 1995, earning Emmys nominations and a Grammy.
The rerelease continues that story. With the addition of a ninth episode, audiences gain new perspective on the band’s creative life in the mid-1990s. It enriches the narrative, showing McCartney, Harrison, and Starr reflecting on the road they traveled—still vibrant voices decades after their peak years.
This rerelease builds on that impact. The addition of a ninth episode brings fresh context, offering a glimpse of the band’s creative energy in the mid-’90s. It adds another layer to the story, revealing how McCartney, Harrison, and Starr made sense of their journey decades after the height of Beatlemania.
Music Beyond the Screen
The return of ‘Anthology’ is not limited to streaming. The music collection tied to the series has also been expanded. Originally released as three albums, the set now includes a fourth volume curated by Giles Martin, son of the Beatles’ longtime producer George Martin.
‘Anthology 4’ features 13 tracks, many of them unreleased demos and session recordings. These pieces pull listeners closer to the band’s creative process, highlighting how raw ideas turned into classics. The collection arrives on November 21, giving fans rare material they have not heard before.
The Book Returns With More Depth
Another part of this celebration is the rerelease of the ‘Anthology’ book. First published in 2000, the new 25th anniversary edition adds even more detail. With over 1,300 photographs, documents, and pieces of artwork, the book captures the band’s story visually. It hits shelves on October 14 and offers readers a closer look at the Beatles’ timeline, both personal and professional.
Revisiting “Free as a Bird”
The rerelease also includes a restored 4K version of “Free as a Bird.” The video now features improved visuals and a remixed track, giving fans a polished experience without losing the original feel. Back in 1995, this song played a major role in the success of ‘Anthology.’
It even won Grammys for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Music Video, Short Form. This new restoration highlights why it remains a key part of the Beatles’ history.
Expanding the Beatles’ Story on Film
Instagram | thebeatles | Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan will star as the Beatles in the upcoming biopics.
The Beatles’ cultural presence continues to grow in other ways as well. Director Sam Mendes is currently developing a four-part series of films, each one focusing on the rise of the group through the eyes of an individual member.
The casting has already drawn attention, with Paul Mescal as McCartney, Harris Dickinson as Lennon, Joseph Quinn as Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Starr. These films will introduce the Beatles’ story to audiences in a fresh and dramatic way.
Why This Rerelease Matters
The Beatles’ influence on modern music remains unmatched, and the rerelease of Anthology makes that story easier to experience. Restored film, previously unreleased recordings, and a newly updated book invite both lifelong followers and fresh audiences to rediscover the band in new ways.
Starting November 26, Disney+ will stream the series. With its additional episode, expanded audio collection, and refreshed companion volume, Anthology endures as one of the most definitive chronicles of the Beatles’ journey—still striking a chord with listeners across generations.
