Strange Fruit: The Beatles' Apple Records

Normally, I would reserve a 9 for absolutely timeless movies. However, I decided to rate this film very highly within the limited world of Apple documentaries. To that end, it does a masterful job.

The producers managed to gather an all-star line-up of commentators. The commentary is relevant, thoughtful, and interesting. The input from actual Apple artists is the icing on top. Members of Badfinger, Jackie Lomax, former Apple Films head Tony Bramwell. and writer Chris Ingham lead an impressive group.

Each act is covered in proportion to its place in Apple history. The decision to walk through company history by year works well. We can parallel what is going on at Apple with the well-known history of the Beatles and the solo Beatle years. We get insight, not only into the artists, but a taste of the business side.

Excellent collection of television spots and authentic clips from across the Apple spectrum.

The only minor complaint I have is one commentator's gushing appraisal of Yoko's work. She cost Apple millions. Her production costs were astronomical and John required countless pounds be spent on promoting her work. Perhaps it has some avant-garde appeal, but her work is generally unpopular and helped kill Apple.