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The Beatles’ 1967 movie “Magical Mystery Tour” has been restored for worldwide DVD and Blu-ray release in October.

The Beatles began filming “Magical Mystery Tour” in September 1967, following the huge success of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The movie, which tells the story of a surreal coach trip to the seaside, was conceived, written and directed by the band. The supporting cast includes Ivor Cutler, Victor Spinetti, Jessie Robins, Nat Jackley, Derek Royle, and the inimitable Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

Those expecting another “Hard Day’s Night,” might be disappointed. This is more experimental than their debut movie or “Help!” and was poorly received when it debuted on BBC television over the Christmas holidays in 1967. It is an essential part of the Beatles story though and the soundtrack is definitely worthwhile, featuring the lively title track, “The Fool on the Hill,” “Flying,” “Blue Jay Way,” “Your Mother Should Know,” and “I Am the Walrus”.

The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” promo

The release will feature a host of special features, including:

• new edits of “Your Mother Should Know,” “Blue Jay Way” and “The Fool On The Hill,” which all include footage not seen in the original film
• The Making of Magical Mystery Tour – including unseen foootage, and interviews with Paul and Ringo, and other members of the cast and crew
• Ringo the actor
• Meet The Supporting Cast – the background and careers of Nat Jackley, Jessie Robins, Ivor Cutler, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Victor Spinetti, George Claydon, and Derek Royle
• the BBC promo of “Hello Goodbye” put together for a December 1967 edition of Top of the Pops
• Nat’s Dream – a scene featuring Nat Jackley that was not included in the original film
• Ivor Cutler – “I’m Going In A Field” – not included in the original film
• Traffic – “Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush” – noy included in the original film.

A deluxe boxed set edition of “Magical Mystery Tour” will also be released, including the movie on DVD and Blu-ray, a 60-page book, and a reproduction of the mono double 7″ vinyl EP of the film’s six new Beatles songs, originally issued in the UK.

The movie was restored for Apple Films by Paul Rutan Jr. of Eque Inc., who also handled the recent restoration of “Yellow Submarine”. The soundtrack was remixed (5.1 and stereo) by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios.

Beatles fans will also have the opportunity to watch the movie on the big screen, as there will be a limited theatrical release from September 27.

“Magical Mystery Tour” comes out on DVD and Blu-ray on October 9 in the US/Canada and October 8 in the UK. At the time of writing, the UK pre-order links are not yet live.

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