In his "memoir" available on the DVD, Eric Idle mentions what The Beatles thought of the movie. According to Idle, George Harrison was very supportive and encouraged him. Paul McCartney disapproved at first, but relented when he learned that Idle grew up near Liverpool; his wife Linda always loved it. Ringo Starr liked the happier scenes, but felt the scenes that mimicked sadder times hit too close. John Lennon (along with Yoko Ono) adored it and refused to return the videotape and soundtrack he was given for approval. Lennon also told Neil Innes that "Get Up and Go" was too similar to "Get Back", and to be careful not to be sued by ATV Music, owners of the Beatles catalogue's copyright at the time. The song was consequently omitted from the 1978 vinyl LP soundtrack.
TIME Magazine reported that the scene where Michael Palin played the press agent and George Harrison the interviewer, was the first time they ever talked to each other. It made Palin realize, he said, that Harrison was not some larger-than-life idol, but just an extremely talented person, very accessible, witty and interested in a variety of subjects. He turned out to know every Python sketch word for word. He also came across as someone far from 'the quiet one', rather a surprisingly enthusiastic talker.
Eric Idle was inspired to make this movie when George Harrison showed him a rough cut of a documentary on The Beatles titled "The Long and Winding Road". That documentary eventually became The Beatles Anthology (1995).
As a member of the Bonzo Dog Band, Neil Innes actually had a cameo role in the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour (1967).
All The Beatles members, and Apple Corps, consented to use of the Shea Stadium concert footage, along with other real footage cut in with Rutle footage.