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Elvis Presley - '68 Comeback Special [Deluxe Edition] [DVD] [1968] starring: Elvis Presley

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Rating: - What happened, Elvis?

If, like me, you're a fan of the rightfully legendary and influential 1955 - 1957 Elvis records, then it's conceivable that, like me, you'll find this equally legendary document an absolute disappointment!

First, the good news. Elvis looks great, a god-like male with more charisma than any human should ever have. But the music, beginning with the 'live' session...it's karaoke, cabaret, throwaway! You've gathered by now that I loathe it.

Lastly 'If I Can Dream' is dreadful. Yes, the sentiment of the song is very worthy but I'm talking about the performance. His voice is a very pale shadow of the one which transformed the international music scene in the 1950s. Play 'Good Rockin' Tonight' or 'Mystery Train' then 'If I Can Dream'. It just isn't the same man!

It's alleged that Elvis had deep misgivings about performing the 'Comeback Special' - I'm not surprised! What happened, Elvis? You had it all.

Rating: - "It Hurts Me"

(In the European issue of this set "It Hurts Me" has been left out on the Original Broadcast Version of the Comeback Special.)

If I known that "It Hurts Me" had been left out I would not have bought it. The European version should of stated that "It Hurts Me" had been cut from the DVD. You are better of buying the American version if that has it on.

Rating: - Deluxe Delight!

This has got to be one of the greatest DVD releases ever - all that unseen footage and all those out-takes that combine to present the development of an historical musical production.

When "Elvis" was first screened in December, 1968 the original broadcast (included on this set) had a total running time of approximately 50 minutes. However, with everything available here on this 3-Disk set it makes you realise that 50-minutes was never going to be enough for this landmark TV Special.

So, whether 'The King' is sitting down, standing up, playing his guitar or not all these performances will fill you with sheer delight - deluxe delight!

Rating: - Simply electrifying!

This is a truly remarkable DVD and essential viewing for all Elvis fans and anyone else for that matter, particularly those who have never considered themselves fans. Here the `King' shows why he was and continues to be a global phenomenon: the so-called `sit down' sequences are almost literally electrifying with Elvis reprising some of his early hits dressed in tight black leather and looking the very image of youthful health and vitality and made all the more poignant in the light of what happened less than ten years later. Although the energy of this performance manifests itself only a miniscule notch below the raw power of the earlier years he is here, arguably, at his best in terms of the quality of his singing and the sheer magnetism of his presence. His rendition of the last song, If Can Dream, is truly moving and demonstrates what an actor he could have been if he'd managed to escape from the Colonel's fetters: he makes you truly believe in what he's singing. The bonus is that you can watch each of a succession of takes that director, Steve Binder, obviously - but mysteriously - felt were necessary.

Rating: - This is something special

This brings back memories. I was a little kid, maybe nine or ten when I saw this on tv (in the mid 80's a re-run)and I remember seeing it again maybe few years later (this comes out every few years in tv). I remember some of these performances quite clearly. And seeing this again after many years I have to say, that I'm impressed. Elvis is absolutely amazing. The sitdown shows are some of the greatest music ever. You can see how much Elvis is enjoying himself. He had the skill but he also had the heart. The heart that could transform music into something even more special - love of life.

This is quite expensive package so maybe only fans are willing to buy it, but this is the ultimate moment in the television history (maybe after the first steps in the moon) so maybe you should consider. And yes, entertainment can really be this good. And Elvis was really that good. Better that anyone - ever. That's why he was and still Is the King.

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