Movies
by Forrest Brett
MBE Senior Writer
Imagine a world if The Beatles never existed
As of today the rock-and-roll romantic comedy Yesterday from Universal Pictures is available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital. For those of us fortunate to be be old enough to remember the 1960s and have been following The Beatles music for 50+ years, this movie will pull you right in. For younger generations, be prepared to see the past and present merge in an array of relatable musical, personal growth and relationship moments.
Set in the present against a small English seaside town, Jack Malik is an unknown, a wannabe songwriter/performer who is brilliantly portrayed by Himesh Patel (BBC's EastEnders). The movie, now a new home entertainment release, is directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) and showcases talented female co-stars Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, 2018 and Disney Cinderella, 2015) Jack's loyal friend and original soft-hearted personal manager and Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters, 2016) the cold-hearted money-hungry Hollywood agent.
The appearance of British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, in his first acting role, draws in today's modern generation, while at the same time his well-developed character reflects respect and awe for the timeless talent of The Beatles.
Almost from the moment Jack's downtrodden loveable ugly duckling persona is introduced on screen at the beginning of this musical rom-com, the audience can't help ourselves. All you want to do is keep rooting for this charming, yet struggling and discouraged musician to be successful professionally as well as find true love.
Jack appears to be headed toward an uneventful life of constant searching, wandering in circles never quite reaching his destination and realizing his dreams. But then fate irrevocably changes his life's direction.
The plot is set quickly into motion following a worldwide power failure which triggers an accident where our protagonist gets hit in the dark by a bus while riding his bicycle. Soon after he comes to in the hospital, he discovers after Googling "Beatles" that everything has changed. It's still the present, but it's now a world where the greatest rock and roll group of all time, The Beatles, has seemingly vanished from history.
Can you even imagine life without such classics as Yesterday, Hey Jude, Let It Be and hundreds of other songs? And that doesn't even consider how today's music might have been so different had it not been for the influence of this legendary group that emerged more than 50 years ago. I know I can't even fathom all the implications.
Important Life Lessons for All
Throughout the movie Yesterday, I found myself finishing the actors' lines with familiar Beatles lyrics, wanting to encourage Jack as he searched his mind to bring back the forgotten Beatles greatest hits. As Jack struggles with what really matters in life, he will question the value and importance of fame, fortune, honesty and love.
With a soundtrack from Capitol Records/Polydor Records you'll love, the home entertainment version of Yesterday has some cool extras.
Bonus Features include
- Commentary with Director Danny Boyle & Writer/Producer Richard Curtis
- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- Live Performances at Abbey Road Studios
- Alternate Ending
- Featurettes with Filmmakers and Cast*
- Gag Reel*
- Alternate Opening*
*Exclusive to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital
Plentiful Beatles References
If you are a devoted Beatles fan, be sure to watch for underlying connections to the lives and history of John, Paul, George & Ringo. Between great music, comedy and a love story, this is a cross generational movie offering something for everyone.
It's most definitely a Long and Winding Road, and you're invited to watch Yesterday with family and friends and join the journey to re-experience the Beatles' songs all over again as if you're hearing them for the first time.
Yesterday Movie Giveaway
With such a warm and beautiful film now available to home viewers, we are thrilled to offer another MBE Movie Giveaway, this time in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. ONE (1) lucky MBE contest entrant will win the Yesterday Blu-ray, DVD + Digital combo. See details below to enter for your chance to win this great prize.
Yesterday Movie Giveaway
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Thanks to Universal Pictures, we are giving away the Yesterday Blu-ray DVD combo to the winner. To enter this Yesterday Blu-ray DVD combo sweepstakes Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends October 7, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. Universal Pictures is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.
About Yesterday
For more about Yesterday, visit the official movie site as well as follow the film on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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