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# By Randy Williams Newdvdreleases
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/b-y-r-a-n-d-y-w-i-l-l-i-a-m-s-newdvdreleases-20071102/
- Published: 2007-11-02T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:13:21.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

‘The Unseen Beatles’

By 1966, the Beatles had played over 1,400 gigs, released 15 number one singles, made seven albums, toured the world four times and sold the equivalent of 200 million records. At the height of their popularity, without warning, they pulled the plug. They would never tour again. Previously unseen archive footage, photographs, personal home movies and interviews with those who accompanied the Beatles on tour tell the inside story of Beatlemania, its rise and fall. It is a story of chaos and comedy, of death threats, plane crashes, diplomatic wrangles, and ultimately disillusionment. In a brief (under an hour) yet insightful manner, the single disc offering helps us understand why the Beatles altered their priorities mid-career and freed themselves to make trend-setting albums such as “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” (BBC Warner) ‘Chinatown’ and ‘The Two Jakes’

A cinema classic, “Chinatown,” based on Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning script and directed by Roman Polanski, stars Jack Nicholson as private eye Jake Gittes. Set in Los Angeles, what Gittes thinks is a routine case of adultery quickly deteriorates into a tangle of deceit, corruption, and treachery. In the follow up (where Nicholson directs himself), the scene has changed as WWII has come and gone and the City of Angels in 1948 is a vibrant town growing rapidly. What hasn’t changed is the corrupting power of money and another seemingly routine case hits home for Jake. Sold separately both titles include new special features. (Paramount) ‘The Hoax’

Based on a true story, this picture centers on the selling of a bogus biography of recluse Howard Hughes who had not been heard from publicly in over a decade. Richard Gere stars as Clifford Irving, an unsuccessful writer who nevertheless had friends in high places in the literary world selling the fake book to a leading publishing house in the 1970s. Sly and entertaining, “The Hoax” also includes extras like a making-of feature, extended scenes, and comments by Mike Wallace. The real Irving would later write a biography of notorious art forger Elmyr de Hory who would be featured in a documentary by Orson Welles. (Miramax) ‘Talk to Me’

Based on a true story, Don Cheadle portrays charismatic and provocative ex-con, Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, who overcomes the odds and becomes a beloved Washington D.C. radio personality. Cast members include Cedric the Entertainer and Martin Sheen. Part of the bonus materials are deleted scenes, and two features: “Who is Petey Greene?” — which presents cast and crew discussing the racial politics of the ‘60s and ‘70s and “Recreating P-Town” — highlighting the music, fashion and production design of the film. (Universal) ‘Flywheel’ (Director’s Cut) Weary of the chronic lying, manipulative mask he has worn to deceive others on his way to success, used car salesman Jay Austin (Alex Kendrick) takes stock of himself and ventures on a comical path to redemption. An inspirational low-budget gem, “Flywheel” includes extensive bonus features such as deleted scenes, bloopers, and director’s commentary. (Sony) ‘The Wendell Baker Story’

Luke Wilson directs himself in the title role as an amiable dreamer and con man whose latest scam lands him in the pokey and in another type of jail house with his girlfriend (Eva Mendes). Once released he gets a job at a retirement hotel where the elderly residents advise him on winning back his lady while he helps them fight the evil head nurse (brother Owen). The film also stars Eddie Griffin and includes many special features. (Lionsgate) RANDY WILLIAMS

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/110207-24_02.jpg)

EARLY DAYS: (From left) George, John and Paul play an early gig in Germany. (Photo: Photo courtesy Apple Corps)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 2, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/110207.pdf?ref=smdp.com)