Few rock documentaries to come along in the last several decades have come close to matching the intensity, interest, and amazing footage found in Elvis On Tour. From 1972 performances, the film was an instant classic of the genre, and is now available newly restored and remastered, and the Blu-Ray edition is a true must-own for fans.
Elvis on Tour, the Golden Globe®-winning documentary that followed Elvis on a 15-city tour of the United States in 1972, will make its debut August 3 in newly-restored and remastered Blu-ray and DVD versions from Warner Home Video. A screening of the documentary on August 14 in Memphis will follow the home entertainment release as WHV joins in the celebration of Elvis Week (August 10 – 16), commemorating the 75th anniversary of the rock ‘n’ roll icon’s birth.
Elvis on Tour, considered to be Presley’s last film before his death in 1977, was described by Variety in their review as “a bright, entertaining pop music documentary detailing episodes in the later professional life of Elvis Presley, the pioneer Pied Piper of rock music.” The film was written and directed by Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge, and the cinematographer was Lucien Ballard. Songs included “See See Rider,” “Proud Mary,” “Burning Love,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Teddy Bear,” “Hound Dog,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” “Love Me Tender,” “All Shook Up,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and more.
Some of the highlights of the new versions:
- Remastered in High Definition with 16 x 9 2.40 letterboxed image, as seen in the theatrical release.
- Blu-ray audio will be DTS-HD Master Audio (5.1 Surround); DVD audio will be Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.
- Packaged as a Blu-ray book filled with Elvis photos, quotes, trivia, a tour itinerary, set lists, costumes, and background information about the filming techniques used.
- 25 musical numbers spotlight Elvis Presley’s talent, range and showmanship in captivating on-stage performances and intimate backstage rehearsals with his band.
- Contains Elvis’ first performance of “Burning Love,” which was so new, Elvis referred to the lyric sheet during his performance.
- Elvis’ Ed Sullivan Show performance is included, in which the charm, personality and musical ability that made him an icon is so evident.
- Montage sequences (supervised by Martin Scorsese) showcasing Elvis’ early career and movies
Bringing together some great late-stage performances, and a video tour that was rather revolutionary at the time, it’s a rockumentary that lives up to the hype. You can see the influence in nearly all the greatest tour videos that have come along since, and the feeling of being caught up in the event, and the life, are hard to believe.
While the video remaster is impressive, it pales in value to the audio you’ll get in the Blu-Ray release. It would be difficult to talk up the sound quality too much, and you will really hear the King as you’ve never heard him before.
Possibly most interesting, especially given that audio, are the rehearsal segments included in the film. The performances are great, including the Ed Sullivan appearance, but getting a look at the behind-the-scenes character is what fans will probably enjoy most.
While not the biggest Elvis fan myself, this complete release has something for everyone, and even casual fans should pick this up.
Own it on Blu-Ray and DVD today!
ELVIS ON TOUR – Remastered & Restored along with other ELVIS favorites including VIVA LAS VEGAS and JAILHOUSE ROCK are now available On Demand: http://bit.ly/WB_ELVIS75 and For Download via iTunes: http://bit.ly/WBE_ELVIS
Win it!
To enter to win your very own copy of the Blu-Ray release, just leave a comment below. U.S. only. Winner will be randomly selected August 27th.
Check out a couple of clips.
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