Review | Elvis: 'Loving You' DVD

By David Troedson / Daniel Avram
Source: Elvis Australia
September 1, 2018

That voice, those eyes, those lips, those hips! The King returns to life once more!

When premiered in 1957, moviegoers could barely hear the dialogue due to the screaming and swooning of Elvis' frenzied fans. Now newly remastered for optimum sound and picture quality, 'Loving You' stars a young Elvis Presley in his second feature film. This semi-autobiographical tale - which boasts some of his most outstanding performances including Teddy Bear and Loving You - chronicles the King's meteoric rise to super-stardom. With his unique vocal style, smoldering sensuality, and easy-going sex appeal to burn, Elvis shows us why he will live forever!

This is a much-appreciated DVD release and highly recommended. When they say 'remastered for optimum sound and picture quality' they actually mean it. The sound is excellent throughout and unlike previous 'Loving You' DVD release's, the picture is much brighter and without the depressing shadows.

Elvis looks much more relaxed in this movie when compared to his first film Love Me Tender (1956). The storyline suits him perfectly, and not surprisingly, Elvis delivers some fantastic performances. He is supported by a strong cast and backed by original band members Scotty Moore and Bill Black.

Keen fans will also notice the only film appearance of Gladys and Vernon Presley together, as audience members, during Got A Lot Of Living To Do.

As a bonus, there are four interviews included. The interview with Martin Sheen is quite interesting. Martin is a big fan and tells of his love for Elvis and seeing 'Love Me Tender' 'about 20 times in the 50's'. Unlike the other interviews which I found unexciting, this one grabbed me from the start with Martin Sheen's enthusiasm for the interview and for Elvis. I watched the interview twice then the movie. I have given away my old copy of Loving You and replaced it with this delightful DVD.

Features these classic Elvis hits - Got A Lot Of Living To Do - Party - Teddy Bear - Hot Dog - Lonesome Cowboy - Mean Woman Blues - Loving You

Terrific movie, PERFECT DVD transfer!

(5 out of 5 stars)

'First I would like to applaud the producers for the perfect job they did with transferring this film to DVD. Having never seen this movie (gasp) before I bought it on DVD, the first thing I noticed was that they not only kept the original 'VistaVision' opening sequence, but that the transfer was so flawless as to make it appear that I was watching it from a projector onto the silver screen. Splendid, wonderful, perfect transfer that I could not forget to mention. The sound is awesome as well, 5 stars.

Onto the film. It is true what people say here about the film being almost biographical about Elvis' early years. It is also very dramatic and is a wonderful mix of fun and drama. Here Elvis is still the young, wild stallion, the rebel King. He is lean and mean, and I think he knows it. Set in a smallish town, he is called up on stage to do a number spontaneously and the rest is history. A talent scout in the audience eventually coaxes him to leave behind the world of automobiles to become a musical legend. Trust is a main theme in this movie with Deke Rivers (Elvis) confused about his loyalties, or even if he should trust his own manager. Wow - very biographical come to think of it!

Did I mention how visually stunning the movie is? How beautiful and perfect the color is? Yes I did, but I can't stress it enough. This movie is ear and eye candy, with a great story to match'.

Great DVD Tranfer

P. Andre Gosselin

(4 out of 5 stars)

'This is in my opinion, Elvis's best movie. From the staged performances to the acting and storyline, it is still great entertainment today.Also, this DVD edition has been beautifully restored and the magnificent Technicolor shines. Definitely a must for any Elvis fan'.

Small town girl, big star boy!

Erin E. Hubbard | Plano, TX

(5 out of 5 stars)

'Loving You' is based on a story written by Mary Agnes Thompson from the magazine Good Housekeeping. At the time she wrote the story, the young Oklahoma girl had no idea it would be transformed into the wonderful big screen sensation starring one of the biggest stars in the world. Even though the story seems biographical regarding Elvis, Mary Agnes Thompson knew nothing about him aside from hearing a couple of his songs on the radio. This movie is a must-see for all, not only Elvis fans. If you're lucky enough to find a copy of the story, it is worth the read'.

Elvis Is Shown Rocking

Steve Fair | Watauga, Tn United States

(5 out of 5 stars)

'This very pleasant film is very enjoyable to watch. It is almost an early biographical film showing 'how ' Elvis was discovered and then marketed. The only difference is in real life after Elvis was discovered he was taken advantage of by his real manager who took 50% of the earnings , an unheard amount which ended up in court after the death of the 'King'. But back to the film, the most enjoyable part of the film is seeing Elvis on stage rocking with several great numbers, however, one of my favorite songs of all time is the beautiful ballad called 'Loving You' a simple ballad song with feeling and a wonderful voice that many don't remember Elvis for. This film shows Elvis can rock as well as sing some of the most beautiful ballads in the world. The song 'Loving You' is worth the price as it is sung in a couple different settings and sung at two different tempos, (I prefer the slow one). Elvis wasn't just the 'king of rock and roll' but one of the best ballad singers in history.One enjoyable bit of trivia is to watch and see the real parents of Elvis in the crowd as Elvis sings a rocking song and goes down into the cheering crowd. Keep your eyes open and you will see his dad and the mother that he adored and cherished'.

DVD Extras:

Celebrity Interviews. Martin Sheen, Carson Daly, Tom Verica & Gail O'Grady and Jean Smart.

Review | Elvis: 'Loving You' DVD

Martin Sheen talks about Elvis Presley (08:47)