Last week, the 1964 classic A Hard Day’s Night was released on DVD & Blu-ray through the Criterion Collection.  A month after The Beatles famously appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, the film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as they let loose around London at the height of their fame, chased by screaming fans with Paul’s grandfather (Wilfred Brambell) always in tow.

Director Richard Lester follows the Fab Four with madcap style and a sense of fun, allowing them to randomly goof off while showcasing some of their most timeless songs.  Playing as a mix between sketch comedy and music video, A Hard Day’s Night is carried by a great soundtrack and remains an entertaining time capsule of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, captured at the height of Beatlemania.

The DVD includes commentary with the cast and crew, a newly edited “behind the scenes” featurette and the 1994 documentary You Can’t Do That: The Making of A Hard Day’s Night.  Also included is an essay by critic Howard Hampton.

A Hard Day’s Night is 87 minutes and rated PG.

-John Corrado