All Together Now – DVD Review

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 5, 2008, 14:55 GMT

Love is a fantastic melding of classic Beatles songs and the divine styling of Cirque Du Soleil. It’s a consummation devoutly to be wished. The show truly looks fantastic, but the documentary on the making of the show is as equally fascinating

George Harrison pitched an idea to Cirque Du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte that the troupe should perform to Beatles’ songs.  Harrison wouldn’t live to see the final outcome but one imagine him smiling down upon the production although the path to the final show is not exactly an easy one.  

The first thing you may need to know is that if you want to see the final performance of the Love show then you’ll need to book a flight to Vegas, though there are some fantastic glances at the show.  Does that mean that the DVD isn’t worth the price of admission?  Oh heavens no! 

The documentary is a fascinating look at what it takes to put together the collaboration.  You have to say collaboration because not only does the show have to deal with the surviving Beatles, Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney, but also George Harrison’s widow Olivia and John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono. 

The brainchild for the show was birthed when George Harrison offered the idea the Cirque Du Soliel, who are known for their elaborate shows, should stage one around the music of the Beatles.  That sounds easier than it truly was.  The Beatles are like a corporation with four voting members, two living and two represented by their widows, and to get to one hundred percent you have to win all four over. 

To sooth matters somewhat the production brings in the silent partner, original Beatles producer and arranger George Martin – sometimes called the fifth Beatle.  He in turn brings in his son Giles to assist him as musical director and this brings a wonderful father/son dynamic to both the show and the documentary. 

It’s a fascinating trip from the original idea to showing how the stage show evolves.  For the families of the late Beatles, it’s a way to revive the sounds of their lost loved ones.  Dhani Harrison looks uncannily like his late father.  We hear some delightful insights from Olivia Harrison, Yoko Ono Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr.  The documentary is totally fascinating, just as the music that inspired it was.

All Together Now is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions.  Special features include the 22 minute “Changing the Music” detailing how they reworked some of the iconic Beatles tunes for the show.  The 9-minute “Music in the Theatre” tells about creating a 5.1 surround mix that was used in the performance of the show. 

The 10-minute “Making Love” is about the design of the show.  Finally, there’s a 30 second Love Trailer that will want you to get tickets and book a plane to Vegas.  

Love is a fantastic melding of classic Beatles songs and the divine styling of Cirque Du Soleil.  It’s a consummation devoutly to be wished.  The show truly looks fantastic, but the documentary on the making of the show is as equally fascinating. 

You’ll only want to travel to Vegas to catch this wonderful show and this documentary will only whet your appetite to see the whole thing.  

All Together Now is available at Best Buy in the U.S. and online at the Beatles store for UK shoppers. Visit the DVD database for more information.