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Why “The Beatles: Get Back” Isn’t on Disney+: A Deep Dive

The straightforward answer is this: “The Beatles: Get Back” isn’t on Disney+ because Disney doesn’t own the distribution rights. While Disney distributes the film and documentary series, the rights actually belong to Apple Corps Ltd., The Beatles’ company, who in turn licensed it to Disney for streaming exclusivity on Disney+. Upon expiration of the Disney+ exclusivity agreement in May 2024, the documentary has not been renewed for another stint, but is currently available for purchase or rental across various platforms, including Apple TV, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. This is a common practice in the media industry, where studios often license content rather than own it outright. This arrangement dictates where and how the documentary can be accessed.

The Complex Web of Rights and Licensing

The world of media distribution is a tangled web of ownership, licensing, and exclusive deals. Understanding these nuances is key to grasping why specific content appears (or doesn’t appear) on certain platforms. In the case of “The Beatles: Get Back,” several factors are at play.

Apple Corps: The Rights Holder

Apple Corps Ltd. is the primary rights holder. Established by The Beatles themselves in 1968, Apple Corps controls virtually all aspects of their music, films, and brand. When Peter Jackson approached them with the idea of crafting a documentary from the “Let It Be” sessions, Apple Corps was the gatekeeper. They had to approve the project, grant access to the raw footage, and ultimately decide where and how the finished product would be distributed.

Disney’s Role: Distribution, Not Ownership

Disney secured a crucial role in this process: distribution. They provided the platform (Disney+) and the marketing muscle to bring “The Beatles: Get Back” to a global audience. However, this didn’t translate to outright ownership. Disney’s rights were essentially a limited-time exclusive license to stream the documentary.

The Business of Streaming Exclusivity

Streaming exclusivity is a powerful tool in the competitive landscape of the streaming wars. Platforms like Disney+ pay a premium for exclusive rights to content, aiming to attract subscribers and differentiate themselves from rivals like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. “The Beatles: Get Back” was a valuable asset for Disney+, attracting both Beatles fans and general audiences intrigued by the behind-the-scenes access to one of the greatest bands of all time. However, these deals are rarely permanent. When the contract expired in May 2024, Apple Corps was free to explore other options or simply allow the documentary to be available for purchase or rental elsewhere.

Future Availability: What to Expect

The future availability of “The Beatles: Get Back” on Disney+ (or any other streaming service) is uncertain. It depends entirely on the negotiations between Apple Corps and potential distributors. While a return to Disney+ isn’t out of the question, other scenarios are equally plausible:

Exclusivity on Another Platform: Apple Corps could strike a deal with another streaming service, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, granting them exclusive rights. This would bring the documentary to a new audience and potentially generate more revenue.
Wider Availability: Apple Corps could opt to make “The Beatles: Get Back” available on multiple platforms, either through simultaneous streaming deals or on a pay-per-view basis.
Physical Media Release: While less common in the age of streaming, a special edition physical release (Blu-ray, DVD) with bonus content could be an option to entice fans.
Maintaining Rental and Purchase Options: For now, Apple Corps seems content with making the documentary available for purchase and rental across established platforms. This provides a consistent revenue stream without committing to a lengthy exclusivity deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about “The Beatles: Get Back” and its availability:

1. Will “The Beatles: Get Back” ever return to Disney+?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. It hinges on future negotiations between Apple Corps and Disney. If Disney offers an attractive deal, a return is certainly plausible. However, as of now, there are no announced plans for it to return.

2. Why did Disney+ lose the rights to “The Beatles: Get Back”?

Disney+ didn’t “lose” the rights; the exclusive licensing agreement simply expired. These agreements have a set duration, and when that time is up, the rights revert back to the owner (in this case, Apple Corps).

3. Where can I watch “The Beatles: Get Back” now?

Currently, “The Beatles: Get Back” is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.

4. Is there a physical copy (DVD or Blu-ray) of “The Beatles: Get Back”?

Not currently. As of October 2024, there is no commercially available physical release of “The Beatles: Get Back”. The documentary is still available to buy or rent online.

5. Who owns the original footage from the “Let It Be” sessions?

Apple Corps Ltd. owns the vast majority of the original footage. They were instrumental in granting Peter Jackson access to this trove of material for the documentary.

6. How long was Peter Jackson’s “The Beatles: Get Back” in production?

The production of “The Beatles: Get Back” was a monumental undertaking, spanning approximately four years. This included extensive restoration of the original footage, editing, and sound mixing.

7. What was the critical reception of “The Beatles: Get Back”?

“The Beatles: Get Back” was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its immersive experience, unprecedented access to The Beatles, and Peter Jackson’s masterful storytelling.

8. Was “The Beatles: Get Back” a commercial success for Disney+?

Yes, by all accounts, “The Beatles: Get Back” was a commercial success for Disney+. It generated considerable buzz, attracted new subscribers, and was widely discussed on social media. It also won five Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022.

9. How does “The Beatles: Get Back” differ from the original “Let It Be” film?

“The Beatles: Get Back” provides a more complete and nuanced portrait of the “Let It Be” sessions. While the original “Let It Be” film focused on the tensions and challenges within the band, “Get Back” also highlights the moments of joy, camaraderie, and creative brilliance that characterized The Beatles’ work. Peter Jackson had significantly more hours to work with, creating a more complete and hopeful narrative.

10. Is there any additional footage from the “Let It Be” sessions that wasn’t included in “Get Back”?

Yes, it’s highly likely that there’s additional footage that didn’t make the final cut. Peter Jackson and his team had access to hundreds of hours of material, and some decisions had to be made regarding what to include in the documentary.

11. Could Apple Corps create their own streaming service to host Beatles content?

While not impossible, it’s unlikely. Apple Corps has traditionally preferred to license their content to established platforms rather than creating their own. Building and maintaining a streaming service requires significant investment and expertise.

12. What factors influence the cost of licensing content for streaming platforms?

Several factors influence the cost of licensing content, including the popularity of the content, the length of the licensing agreement, the geographic scope of the agreement, and the level of exclusivity granted. Highly sought-after content like “The Beatles: Get Back” commands a premium price.

In conclusion, the absence of “The Beatles: Get Back” from Disney+ is simply a consequence of the media industry’s complex licensing arrangements. The documentary is readily available for purchase or rental, and the possibility of a return to Disney+ (or another streaming platform) remains open. The world of streaming rights is ever-evolving, so stay tuned for future developments!