After more than 40 years, the lost 16mm reels of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ documentary “Heartbreakers Beach Party” have been found and remastered. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the film captures the band’s journey in 1982-1983 as they finished, promoted, and toured their album “Long After Dark.”
“Heartbreakers Beach Party” is a time capsule of the early MTV era. It offers a candid and musically rich ride with one of America’s greatest rock & roll bands. The documentary’s influence extends beyond Petty’s career, having inspired scenes in the iconic mockumentary “Spinal Tap.”
The highly anticipated film will hit theaters on October 17 and 20, 2024. It runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with an additional 19 minutes of remastered, never-before-seen footage and commentary from Crowe, as reported by Bravewords and UltimateClassicRock.
“This film is a rare glimpse into Tom’s creative genius,” says Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench. “It’s a snapshot of a band at the height of their powers, captured by one of the great filmmakers of our time.”
Fans are thrilled about the release. “I never thought I’d get to see this footage,” says longtime fan Jenna Thompson. “It’s like a dream come true for Petty fans.”
Alongside the film, a deluxe reissue of “Long After Dark” will be released. The album, produced by Jimmy Iovine, marked the end of an era for the band and remains a fan favorite.
The rediscovery of “Heartbreakers Beach Party” may spark renewed interest in Petty’s music and influence a new generation of fans. With the potential for further screenings and a wider release, this documentary could have a significant impact on the music and film industries.