I just had the chance to finish up watching the new DVD release, Elvis : He Didn't Come Back ... We Did. I just love seeing 'That's The Way It Is' material in this kind of quality without the big, annoying 'Property of Turner' text on the screen. The small type on the 'On Tour' material is the way to go and so much less obtrusive. 'Elvis : He Didn't Come Back ... We Did' DVD contains nearly 100 minutes of further outtakes from the movies 'That's The Way It Is' and 'Elvis on Tour'. The DVD contains unreleased material from both documentaries [as well as some we have had before but with different camera angles] and also for first time in original widescreen.
Comparing this to the other recent DVD release, The Complete On Tour Outtakes, I can say that I really enjoy them both. It should be noted that in grading the quality here, one compares in mind that this material is not officially available and probably never will be, so while it is not of the quality that you would expect of a full commercial release, for what it is, and how it has escaped the vaults, it is well worth watching, and actually far superior to some releases in years gone by. But hopefully we will get that 40 hours worth of 'Elvis On Tour' in an ultimate 'Elvis On Tour' box set pretty soon! In terms of the production, everything has been superbly well done, and sets the bar very high in terms of quality for future Elvis On Tour, TTWII release material.- On Tour Opening / Johnny B. Goode
- Johnny B. Goode
- Always On My Mind
- Separate Ways
- Love Me
- All Shook Up
- Hound Dog
- Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
- A Big Hunk O' Love
- Burning Love
- Proud Mary
- The Lighthouse
- I John
- Lead Me, Guide Me
- Burning Love
- Vernon Presley Interview
- George Klein
- Raw footage
- Raw footage #2
- See See Rider (April 9, 1972)
- Love Me
- Teddy Bear
- How Great Thou Art (Camera Angle #1)
- How Great Thou Art (Camera Angle #2)
- For The Good Times
- Can't Help Falling In Love
- Until It's Time For You To Go
- Polk Salad Annie
- A Big Hunk O' Love (Camera Angle #1)
- A Big Hunk O' Love (Camera Angle #2
- Burning Love (Camera Angle #1)
- Burning Love (Camera Angle #2)
- Burning Love (Camera Angle #3)
- Release Me
- See See Rider (April 18, 1972)
- Inside tour bus (April 13, 1972)
- Buried in a Beaver (April 16, 1972)
- Backstage April 16, 1972
- Backstage April 18, 1972
- Elvis Interview
- Press Conference (Raw Footage)
- Press Conference
- Press Conference (Backstage)
- Dressing room (August 1972)
- Press Conference Sept. 4, 1972
- Press Conference Nov. 20, 1972
I love the black and white interview in 'Elvis On Tour : The Complete Outtakes' being in such great, amazing quality. Compared to the black and white interview on 'Elvis On Tour Through My Eyes', the footage here is so much more saturated and beautiful. The audio throughout the entire DVD is outstanding. For both releases, the sound and video were a significant step above most releases of this type of material. I knew I should have expected such, considering the high quality of the book on 'He Didn't Come Back ...We Did'.
The Complete On Tour Outtakes DVD is a fantastic new release filled to the brim with outtake material from 'On Tour' (1972). There have already been a couple of releases with this raw footage that - fortunately for us - somehow escaped from the vaults from MGM. The producers of this DVD show us there is a treasure trove of material that would make a spectacular official remake of this in 1972, Golden Globe winning documentary. Because MGM/Warner/Turner will not produce such a remake in the near future, the producers of this DVD have made a nice start. Starting with a good looking and effective working Main Menu, you can choose the chapters of your liking. The producers have made this DVD in chronological order.Starting with the studio rehearsals, on to the rehearsal on the road and then on to the live concerts. Also: from the Madison Square Garden Press Conference (great footage and very sharp close ups of Elvis!) to the Press Conference in Hawaii (November, 1972) to announce 'Aloha From Hawaii' (in very good quality!). You will get to view an enormous amount of material. Carefully researched from the best sources available.
The rehearsals are fantastic to see and give us an intriguing look behind the scenes.
Just how good are those images and what a pity so less was used of it in the official version. To these eyes there are many new shots and camera angles, also with the live material. The images of Elvis in the dark blue suit (April 14th, 1972) are great! Another 'very well done' is the way 'very raw footage' is presented. Accompanied by music by Elvis we get to see all kinds of shots along the way; among that very complete footage of the TCB Band in a plane on their way to the next gig. Touching images of The Sweet Inspirations sleeping in their chairs, knowing it is only recently that we have lost Sylvia and Myrna. All of this creates a wonderful portrait of what life was like in 1972 and that of Elvis On Tour in that very same year.
The interview of Elvis with the producers of the film, shot in black and white, is one of the most stunning pieces of film shot for this project and should urgently be released officially.
To round it up: this DVD release is pure joy and a must have release for every fan!
-
Studio B Productions
-
Region Free (NTSC Format)
-
Running time 164 minutes
Both releases are awesome - and are essential purchases for the die hard collector.
Other Videos
The Complete Hampton Roads Concert April 9, 1972 DVD
Elvis : The Lost Performances DVD
Elvis '77 DVD Series : 1977 CBS TV Special DVD
Elvis : The Complete On Tour Outtakes DVD
That's Way It Is : The Complete Shows 2 DVD Set
That's Way It Is : The Rehearsals DVD