In 1982, a documentary called "Compleat Beatles" was released. It was the 20th anniversary of the Beatles first single release ("Love Me Do"), and also not long after John Lennon's assassination. It was made by Patrick Montgomery, Stephanie Bennett, and David Silver. It was also, interestingly enough, narrated by Malcolm McDowell.

At the time (and until the mid '90s), it was the best Beatles documentary available. George Martin appears in interviews for the film, as do other Beatles-related folks such as Billy Preston. The band did not participate, of course, and when Beatles Anthology was being made in the early '90s, word has it that the rights to "Compleat" were bought by Paul in order to shift emphasis to Anthology.

"Compleat Beatles" hasn't seen the light of day since, other than the occasional television broadcast, bootleg, or used VHS cassette.

The only problem is: while Anthology is a great documentary of the Beatles' telling their own story, it assumes the viewer KNOWS the story. But "Compleat Beatles" actually tells that story—concisely, and fairly accurately.

The surviving Beatles won't be around forever. Interview them—and others connected to the Beatles who are still alive—as a companion piece/extra features (saying what "Compleat" got right or wrong, in their eyes), and then release a remastered version of the film for the home market. The interviews were conducted on film, so it'll clean up great. Pitch it as a companion piece to Anthology.

Dear Paul/Apple/Whatever: Please release "Compleat Beatles". Sell a zillion copies. Make even more money. Then use this documentary for what it is: an excellent way to pass the Beatles' story down from generation to generation…that way, it'll never end.