Weird Al releases long-lost educational film 'Al's Brain' online
"Weird Al" Yankovic has uploaded his 2009 educational short film Al's Brain to YouTube after receiving permission. The 11-minute 3-D film, originally shown at state fairs, features appearances by Paul McCartney and others. The video includes a catchy song about the brain.
The film, originally screened at two state fairs in 2009, remained unseen for over a decade due to unresolved rights issues. Yankovic’s announcement on Bluesky framed its release as a victory for “lost media” enthusiasts. The short blends comedy with genuine science facts, featuring an animated owl voiced by Billy West and a live-action professor played by Bob Bancroft.
Notable cameos include Paul McCartney, Fabio, Thomas Lennon, Patton Oswalt, and Tim & Eric. Yankovic also reenacts the story of Phineas Gage, a historical figure who survived a rod through his skull. The production ends with an original song about neurons, maintaining his signature style of educational parody.
This release may rekindle interest in Yankovic’s broader catalog and introduce younger audiences to his humor, which often bridges generations. It could also highlight how archival media, once locked by licensing, can find new life online—potentially encouraging other creators to revisit their own “lost” works. Fans may feel a renewed sense of connection to a beloved entertainer, while educators might see the film as a quirky supplementary tool for teaching brain anatomy.