Beatles Producer Saluted In New DVD

Out now is the career-spanning documentary Produced By George Martin. The doc about the Beatles' legendary producer, first aired last year as part of Britain's Arena TV series and features new and exclusive interviews with surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. In addition to his work with the Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, America, and others, the doc showcases Martin's legendary comedy work with Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers, among others. Martin is interviewed throughout by his son, producer Giles Martin, and sheds light on his military past as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy.

Among the other notables appearing Produced By George Martin are Michael Palin, Jeff Beck, Rolf Harris, and Cilla Black. The new DVD version contains over 50 minutes of additional interviews not included in the TV broadcast version, including contributions from producers Rick Rubin and T-Bone Burnett, songwriter Jimmy Webb and Beatles engineer Ken Scott.

In the documentary, Martin and McCartney poke fun at EMI's lame attempt to make the group's Abbey Road Studio more psychedelic: "(George Martin): I remember all of you saying, 'This is a sterile place, it's just white walls and bloody awful. Try to do something to liven it up.' And so they put in three fluorescent stands (laughs) red, blue and white. (Paul McCartney): No, it's red and green. (George Martin): Was it green? (Paul McCartney) I know, 'cause I've got them! They're in my studio! (George Martin): (Laughs) Right! (Paul McCartney): Fluorescent bulbs. (George Martin): That was to give you inspiration. (Paul McCartney): And boy, did they! (George Martin): (Laughs)."