Thursday 14 July 2011 | Books, Film and Video | George Harrison
On 14 July 2011, it was announced that Martin Scorsese’s documentary George Harrison: Living In The Material World would be screened in North America on 5 and 6 October 2011 on HBO, and released in the UK on DVD and Blu-ray on 10 October 2011. The film would be accompanied by a book of the same name by George Harrison’s widow Olivia Harrison, published by Abrams Books in September 2011.
The Documentary
George Harrison: Living In The Material World was directed by Martin Scorsese and produced through his Sikelia Productions banner, alongside Olivia Harrison’s Grove Street Pictures and Nigel Sinclair’s Spitfire Pictures. The film was edited by David Tedeschi, who had previously worked with Scorsese on No Direction Home: Bob Dylan and Shine A Light.
The documentary traces Harrison’s life from his musical beginnings in Liverpool through his years as a Beatle, his solo career, his spiritual journey, his work as a philanthropist, and his life as a filmmaker and bohemian squire at Friar Park. Much of the footage used in the film was rare or previously unseen, including previously unreleased shots of The Beatles.
HBO described the film as “deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.”
Martin Scorsese on George Harrison
“Like so many millions of people, I first came to know George through the music, which was the soundtrack of our world. The Beatles’ music, those beautifully lyrical guitar breaks and solos, those unforgettable songs of George’s, like ‘I Me Mine’ or ‘If I Needed Someone,’ and the images, in magazines, on album covers, the TV appearances, the newsreel footage, the Richard Lester movies; and then there was the world after the Beatles, when George and his music seemed to open up and flower. I will never forget the first time I heard All Things Must Pass, the overwhelming feeling of taking in all that glorious music for the first time. It was like walking into a cathedral. George was making spiritually awake music – we all heard and felt it – and I think that was the reason that he came to occupy a very special place in our lives. So when I was offered the chance to make this picture, I jumped at it. Spending time with Olivia, interviewing so many of George’s closest friends, reviewing all that footage, some of it never seen before, and listening to all of that magnificent music – it was a joy, and an experience I’ll always treasure.”
— Martin Scorsese
Olivia Harrison on the Film
“Martin Scorsese’s intuition towards George was evident the first time we met to discuss this project. He sensed what George was about: his music, his strong beliefs, his art, his place in the Beatles story, and his extraordinary life afterwards. Marty’s wonderful film has found all of that and more.”
— Olivia Harrison
The Interviewees
The film features interviews with many of Harrison’s closest friends and collaborators:
- Paul McCartney
- Ringo Starr
- George Martin
- Yoko Ono
- Eric Clapton
- Tom Petty
- Terry Gilliam
- Eric Idle
- Phil Spector
- Jackie Stewart
The Book
Published by Abrams Books in late September 2011, George Harrison: Living in the Material World by Olivia Harrison is a personal archive of photographs, letters, diaries, and memorabilia from George’s life — from his guitar-obsessed boyhood in Liverpool, through the Beatles years, to his days as an independent musician and bohemian squire at Friar Park.
A Ten-Year Commemoration
The documentary and book were released as part of a ten-year commemoration of George Harrison’s passing. Harrison died on 29 November 2001 at the age of 58, following a long battle with cancer.
UK Release Details
Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK released the film in the UK on 10 October 2011 in multiple editions: DVD, Blu-ray, DVD Double Play, and a Deluxe Edition including an exclusive CD of previously unheard tracks from George Harrison and a book of photography.
Key Facts: 14 July 2011
| Announcement date | 14 July 2011 |
| Documentary | George Harrison: Living In The Material World |
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| North America broadcast | 5 & 6 October 2011, HBO |
| UK home release | 10 October 2011 (Lionsgate, DVD/Blu-ray) |
| Companion book | George Harrison: Living in the Material World by Olivia Harrison (Abrams Books, September 2011) |
| Context | 10-year commemoration of George Harrison’s death (29 November 2001) |
Friar Park, Henley-on-Thames — George Harrison’s home, which features prominently in the Scorsese documentary.
George Harrison: The Quiet Beatle
Officially licensed George Harrison merch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is George Harrison: Living In The Material World?
George Harrison: Living In The Material World is a documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese, tracing George Harrison’s life from his Liverpool childhood through his Beatles years, solo career, and spiritual journey. It was broadcast on HBO in North America on 5 and 6 October 2011, and released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 10 October 2011.
Who is interviewed in the George Harrison Scorsese documentary?
The documentary features interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Phil Spector, and Jackie Stewart, among others.
Who wrote the George Harrison: Living in the Material World book?
The companion book was written by Olivia Harrison, George’s widow. Published by Abrams Books in September 2011, it contains photographs, letters, diary entries, and memorabilia from George’s life.
When did George Harrison die?
George Harrison died on 29 November 2001 at the age of 58, following a long battle with cancer. The Scorsese documentary and Olivia Harrison’s book were released in October 2011 as part of a ten-year commemoration of his passing.
Was there a deluxe edition of the Living In The Material World documentary?
Yes. Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK released a Deluxe Edition in the UK on 10 October 2011, which included an exclusive CD of previously unheard tracks from George Harrison and a book of photography.
→ US album release: Live In Japan by George Harrison – 14 July 1992
→ Ringo Starr All-Starr Band: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – 14 July 2008
→ 14 July in Beatles History
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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