When Disney Plus UK launched in March of 2020, it boasted a large collection of the company’s classic movies. Viewers could watch classics including animated films, and live-action classics including Mary Poppins and the Herbie series. It was also home to obscure rarities from the vaults, although many of these were removed in the last six months. While actual archive content has been lacking for a while, May appears to be the month that a smattering of classic-themed content will hit the service.
This month will see documentaries about some iconic subjects from popular culture. These include Jim Henson: Idea Man, The Beatles’ Let It Be and a film about The Beach Boys. If factual entertainment isn’t your thing, the company will also host an IMAX version of a 1981 Montreal concert by Queen! Although it isn’t a true dip into the archive, the idea of this material being shared on a mass platform is very exciting. Along with pleasing established fans of these entities, it is sure to expose a whole new audience to them too.
What’s Coming in May 2024
Wednesday 8th May – The Beatles: Let It Be
Dir: Michael Lindsay-Hogg. Original UK release date: 20th May 1970. Featuring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Mal Evans, George Martin.
Let It Be was released in 1970, showing part of the journey which led to The Beatles’ infamous rooftop concert in 1969, and eventually the album Let It Be (1970).
Wednesday 15th May – Queen Rock Montreal
Dir: Saul Swimmer. Recorded: November 1981. Featuring: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon.
Queen Rock Montreal is the result of two concerts filmed in November 1981 of Queen performing in Montreal. An IMAX-enhanced version will stream on Disney Plus UK.
Friday 24th May – The Beach Boys
Dir: Frank Marshall, Thom Zimny. Featuring: Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston.
The Beach Boys is a brand new documentary about the surf-rock band The Beach Boys. It features footage previously unseen and new interviews with members of the band.
Friday 31st May – Jim Henson: Idea Man
Dir: Ron Howard. Produced: Imagination Documentaries.
Jim Henson: Idea Man celebrates Jim Henson’s career, including his creation of such iconic characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird and Cookie Monster.
