dir. George Dunning, UK, 1968, Blu-ray, 89 mins, color

Once upon a time… or maybe twice, there was an unearthly paradise called Pepperland, a place where happiness and music reigned supreme. But all that was threatened when the terrible Blue Meanies declared war and sent in their army led by a menacing Flying Glove to destroy all that was good. Enter John, Paul, George and Ringo to save the day! Armed with little more than their humor, songs, and of course, their yellow submarine, The Beatles tackle the rough seas ahead in an effort to bring down the evil forces of bluedom.

Born in Toronto, George Dunning (1920-1979) had already worked on the animated television series, The Beatles. Inspired by the generations’ new Pop Art styles, Dunning worked closely with German poster artist Heinz Edelmann, taking nearly two years, some 14 different scripts, 40 animators and 140 technical artists.

Newly restored, this groundbreaking animated adventure – melding live-action with animation, 3D sequences and kaleidoscopic “rotoscoping” – is a fantastic tale filled with peace, love, hope and music including “Eleanor Rigby”, “When I’m 64”, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” and “All You Need Is Love” creating a masterpiece for all ages.