The television movie 'Magical Mystery Tour' was devised, written and directed by The Beatles. In the U.K., the colour film was first transmitted in black and white on 26 December 1967. Consequently, the impact of some special effects was diminished by watching in monochrome and this may have contributed to the bafflement and disappointment experienced by some viewers. On the other hand, many in the large viewing audience were simply expecting some light entertainment for Christmas, not an experimental fantasy. In America, the film was not shown on TV, which made the artwork on the US album seem all the more mysterious. Nevertheless, The Beatles' music showcased in 'Magical Mystery Tour' was an undeniable success.
The Beatles' latest material from the film was released in the U.K. on an unusual format - a double-EP - with three tracks on each seven-inch disc. The songs range in style from the wistful ballad "The Fool On The Hill" and uplifting "Your Mother Should Know" to the ethereal "Blue Jay Way" written by George Harrison. "I Am The Walrus" is as wildly experimental as the film in which it was featured. But The Beatles trusted listeners to be as adventurous and open-minded as they were as record makers. Jeff Lynne's life was changed when he heard "I Am The Walrus": "The actual sound of it was just like something from outer space to me. The cello parts are just unbelievable."
In the USA and other countries, EP releases were no longer considered viable. Instead, the six new film songs were compiled into an album with current hit "Hello, Goodbye" and tracks previously released on singles. Now regarded as one of the greatest singles ever released, in February 1967 "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane" had heralded what was to be a year of groundbreaking recordings. The second Beatles single of the year, "All You Need Is Love", was performed at Abbey Road during a live global TV broadcast on 25 June. The ambitious Our World programme was the first to link five continents by satellite, allowing an audience of 350 million to be introduced to The Beatles' specially written anthem.
'Magical Mystery Tour' is a perfect companion to 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. Together, the two albums include all of the group's 24 recordings released in 1967 - the peak year of what is often described as The Beatles' "psychedelic" period. Satisfaction guaranteed. — Kevin Howlett