DVD Documentary ''The Definitive Elvis' Is Blocked
"The king is dead", 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Tallman wrote in the decision. "His legacy, and those who wish to profit from it, remain very much alive."
The case centred on a video called "The Definitive Elvis" a 16-hour documentary that retailed for $99 (63 pounds) after costing Passport Video more than $2 million to make.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, entities that owned the rights to various Presley television appearances and Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who wrote the hits "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog", objected to the documentary's use of their material.
The 9th circuit upheld a lower court decision blocking the further distribution of the video.
"It would be impossible to produce a biography of Elvis without showing some of his most famous television appearances for reference purposes," the court wrote.
"But some of the clips are played without much interruption, if any. The purpose of showing these clips likely goes beyond merely making a reference for a biography, but instead serves the same intrinsic entertainment value that is protected by Plaintiff's copyrights."
In a dissent from the three-judge ruling, Judge John Noonan wrote the court did not properly take into account the public interest in the Presley biography and called the decision "a miscarriage of justice".
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Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
