A quarter century after their bitter breakup in 1970, the surviving members of the Beatles reunite to offer new perspectives on their lives. The six-hour TV special aired on ABC in three parts over November 19, 22 and 23, 1995. The 1996 VHS version is 10 hours long. The Beatles Anthology (on CD) is a collection of rare and unreleased recordings; a companion book is planned. Among the rare materials on the first CD volume are recordings by The Quarry Men (a band featuring a teen John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison), five songs from the Beatles' unsuccessful 1962 audition for Decca Records, live tracks from various TV appearances and alternate versions of several early songs. The anthology traces the group's roots, including footage from the members' childhoods, and taps a rich motherlode of unreleased early material. There are pre-Ringo Beatles practice sessions that show them dreaming of being Elvis, Buddy Holly and countless American rhythm and bluesmen. Amazingly well-preserved tracks from the early 1960s show them starting to let their Beatles hair down, while rocking merrily through such pop standards of the time as "Ain't She Sweet" and "Besame Mucho." The Beatles were an electrifying live band, and among the treasures here are Ringo tearing through "I Wanna Be Your Man" and "Boys" at a 1964 TV taping, plus John ripping into "Twist and Shout" at the band's 1963 Royal Command Performance.

The EMI Video edition contains all eight original video programs on four DVDs. The bonus disc of rare and never-before-seen footage, includes: Recollections (June 1994); Back at Abbey Road (May 1995); recording "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love,""Real Love" video; compiling the Anthology Albums; making the "Free as a Bird" video; production team notes.