DVD Review: Elvis '68 Comeback Special
I wasn't intending to do this, but since I mentioned it in my last post, I figure I may as well.As I said - I enjoy it. For all you Elvis fans out there, this is a must. This special was the first time he had performed for a live audience since he went to Hollywood (almost 8 years). While making all those movies his music career had been reduced to soundtracks (not the greatest of songs - though the 'GI Blues' soundtrack is really good and 'Blue Hawaii' stayed on the charts for over two years, and some classics came out of those soundtracks, like 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'A Little Less Conversation'). Anyway - this is not an Elvis history lesson, so I'll stop with that. Suffice it to say that Elvis was way overdue for some real music, the kind that had made him King.
So in '68 he did a special simply called 'Elvis' (known as 'the '68 comeback specia
l' since). He could've done only songs from his movies or new songs, but I think they played it smart by mostly sticking to his classics, showing just what made him all that in the first place. It starts with 'Trouble,' followed by an intimate concert and jam session (with Elvis in black leather :) )which includes 'That's All Right,' 'Heartbreak Hotel' (hey, I stayed there!!!), 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Don't Be Cruel,' 'Are You Lonesome Tonight,' and others. There's a gospel section (you have to see it) and it ends with a big production number, which I must say is very enjoyable.
l' since). He could've done only songs from his movies or new songs, but I think they played it smart by mostly sticking to his classics, showing just what made him all that in the first place. It starts with 'Trouble,' followed by an intimate concert and jam session (with Elvis in black leather :) )which includes 'That's All Right,' 'Heartbreak Hotel' (hey, I stayed there!!!), 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Don't Be Cruel,' 'Are You Lonesome Tonight,' and others. There's a gospel section (you have to see it) and it ends with a big production number, which I must say is very enjoyable.
This special was a turning point in Elvis's career, bringing his music back to the forefront and helping to secure his status as a living legend.True Elvis fans may do well to see the deluxe edition dvd. I want to cuz it has the full unedited black leather concert sessions. For those of you who just like Elvis as much as anyone else, I still think the special would be fun. If nothing else, the first half has songs you know and the second half gives you a glimpse of 1968.
Also, it's a very American thing to have seen, so if you love your country I think it's your patriotic duty.
posted by melilotnfosco | 2:32 PM
5 Comments:
one time, i was going to see it. but then my sister took the tape away from me. so i haven't seen it. the end.
that's cuz your sister wants to see it with you. the end.
wow i'm convinced! i want to see it now. the thing that got me was that i'd actually know the first half of songs, and get a glimpse of 1968! Hmm... my parents would've been in their transitioning-to-coming-to-america phase in that year. i wonder if even they knew Elvis back then. I'm sure he was internationally known... even in Hong Kong...
I did my patriotic duty. Elvis forgetting the words to "Love Me Tender" was priceless. But who choreographed the gospel part?
Happy birthday to the King!
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