Surviving Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have prohibited the release of never before seen footage of the legendary band's break up.

A version of the band's 1970 film 'Let It Be' was due to be released on DVD which brings to light the infighting as the pioneer band neared their end. Industry insiders say the remaining two Beatles do not want the footage released as it shows the relationships between the members in an unflattering light.

A source told The Daily Express: "There has been talk of 'Let It Be' finally being released but now there has been a change of heart.

"The Beatles are still a massive global brand and it’s felt it won’t be helped if the public sees the darker side of the story. Neither Paul nor Ringo would be comfortable publicising a film showing The Beatles getting on each other’s nerves."

Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the film shows the foursome working on their next studio album. Tensions were running especially high between McCartney and George Harrison as the latter had taken offence to McCartney criticising his guitar playing. John Lennon often appeared aloof and distracted by his partner Yoko Ono who was present throughout.

The film did, however, end positively with the band performing on a London rooftop.

The album also entitled 'Let It Be' accompanied the film, though it is largely regarded as one of the band’s weaker offerings.

The group's late manager, Neil Aspinall, was behind the DVD's planned release. He too reportedly had concerns that the footage would prove too upsetting for the surviving Beatles as well as the members' families.

The source added: "People like to imagine the Beatles were a happy ship but the reality towards the end was very different as this film shows.

"There's all sorts of extra footage showing more squabbles but it's unlikely it will ever see the light of day in Paul and Ringo's lifetime."

Other previously unheard Beatles material — which was discovered in an attic in Liverpool — is set to go under the gavel next Tuesday and experts predict it could fetch £12 000 at Cameo Auctioneers in Berks.

Auctioneer John King said: "It's an audio snapshot of The Beatles in their youth, having fun.

"It’s very thrilling to come across something that is completely unique. Listening to it sent a shiver down my spine."