Fifty years ago, on July 6, 1964, crowds of teenagers across the UK poured into movie theaters to see the Beatles on the big screen in their debut film A Hard Day’s Night. This Fourth of July, that breakthrough film will hit theaters once again for its 50th anniversary, completely restored and revamped under the watchful eyes of sound producer Giles Martin and director Richard Lester. Renowned for its cinéma vérité style, the film follows the Fab Four as they gallivant across Liverpool with hordes of fans constantly on their heels and includes memorable musical interludes of such hits as the film’s title track, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and “If I Fell.”
Taken directly from the original 35 mm negatives and scanned in 4K resolution, the careful and comprehensive restoration commissioned by the Criterion Collection will re-capture the character of the original film for audiences both old and new.
Catch the film from July 4 to July 10 in select theaters nationwide. If you live in Los Angeles, Cinefamily is kicking off their Don’t Knock The Rock Film and Music Festival with a special sneak peek of the film on July 3. For more information and to find a screening near you, head over to Janus Films.
