Review : Elvis : The Lost Performances DVD

By Elvis Australia
Source: www.elvis.com.au
September 20, 2013

Elvis : The Lost Performances DVD contains material found by accident in the vaults during a routine inspection in 1986. We get Elvis material from 'That's The Way It Is' (1970) both on stage and rehearsing, and performances from 'Elvis On Tour' (1972). For anyone who suspected that the producers of the excellent 'That's the Way It Is' had more worthwhile concert footage available to them than they included in the final release, here it is! (or at least some of it). The DVD really shines. The Las Vegas performances in 1970 capture Elvis at his most vibrant. He had rediscovered live performance only two years earlier and was still reveling in the power that he held over his audience. The highlights are a medley of

'Daddy Don't Cry'

and

'In the Ghetto'

, two songs that are inevitably overlooked in later years. Then we have live performances from the 'Elvis on Tour' 1972 documentary, outtakes from which make up the second half of this presentation. I actually prefer this to 'That's The Way It Is' as it focus' on the songs Elvis did best. But it is a classic. Do you remember when you first saw this on video back in the 1990s? Now today it has lost none of its appeal.

Great picture quality and stereo sound. Originally released on VHS in 1992, now on DVD.

Sandwiched in between these two 'sets' is rehearsal footage for the Vegas shows. Elvis plays guitar, (really!!!) and leads the central elements of his backing band, James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Charlie Hodge, through some early classics such as 'Don't'. Elvis just starts to play what he wants and its up to the rest of the band to pick it up and follow. Fascinating stuff. This DVD is an essential purchase for any Elvis fan.

Video : How Great Thou Art

Video : The Wonder Of You

Video : Don't Cry Daddy / In The Ghetto

The Lost Performances

Las Vegas : 1970

Walk A Mile In My Shoes [12/08/1970 Dinner show]
The Wonder of You [13/08/1970 Dinner show]
Don't Cry Daddy / In The Ghetto [13/08/1970 Dinner show]
There Goes My Everything [11/08/1970 Dinner show]
Make The World Go Away [13/08/1970 Dinner show]
Just Pretend [11/08/1970 Dinner show]
Heartbreak Hotel [12/08/1970 Dinner show]
Twenty Days & Twenty Nights [12/08/1970 Dinner show]
Love Me [11/08/1970 Dinner show]
Hound Dog [11/08/1970 Dinner show]
Don't Be Cruel [12/08/1970 Dinner show]

Rehearsal : MGM Soundstage : LA 29/07/1970

I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
I Was The One
Cattle Call
Baby Let's Play House
Don't Money Honey

Hampton Coliseum : VA : 09/04/72

All Shook Up
Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
Are You Lonesome Tonight? [Straight rendition complete with dialogue!]
I Can't Stop Loving
You How Great Thou Art