Produced by George Martin
George Martin
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Review Date: September 16, 2012

Among music aficionados and historians, when the name “George Martin” is mentioned, the most obvious association with that name would be with The Beatles.  But Sir George Martin, while so tightly associated with the Fab Four, is also connected with many other huge names and the documentary DVD, Produced By George Martin.

The documentary is a feature-length profile of Britain’s most celebrated record producer.  The film is quite stunning in its depth of personal details about his childhood, his war experience and his early days as a music student.  The widely acclaimed documentary was originally broadcast in 2011 as part of the BBC’s “Arena” series.  The great thing about this DVD, however, is that it contais over 50 minutes of additional interviews with Rick Rubin, T-Bone Burnett, Howard Goodall, Jimmy Webb and Ken Scott that wasn’t part of the original BBC broadcast.

Truly, Mr. Martin has had a career that is unparalleled.  In the early 1950’s, he joined EMI/Parlophone, working on orchestral and children’s music.  He is also credited for single handedly pioneering a range of hugely successful comedy records with Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Peter Ustinov and many others.  Then, in 1962, everything changed.  They changed with Martin’s signing of four lads from Liverpool who called themselves The Beatles.  Together, Sir George and The Beatles revolutionized pop music as well as techniques and technology in the recording studio.  This historic collaboration is likely considered the greatest producer/artist combination that ever was or ever will be.  This, of course, is in addition to interview with Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Michael Palin, Jeff Beck, Rolf Harris, Cilla Black, Millicent Martin and Bernard Cribbins.

Beatles fans, of course, will love the stories behind the music and innovations that Mr. Martin shares throughout the DVD.  These stories alone are well worth the price of the DVD.  Add to that the stories behind his work with John McLaughlin, Jimmy Webb, Jeff Beck  and even reuniting with Sir Paul McCartney to work on the Live and Let Die soundtrack.

Particularly touching is the scenes of Mr. and Mrs. Martin visiting what remains of Air Studio on Monsterrat.  Watching the iconic producer walk among the ruins of his dream and, yet, wax objectively philosophical about it all was truly inspring.

Produced By George Martin is a must-have DVD for anyone who is seriously interested in the history of pop culture in general and music in particular.  It’s well worth the investment of money and the continued investment in time in repeatedly watching the disc to catch what you missed in previous viewings.