Review | The Definitive Elvis Collection Volumes 1-8 DVDs
The dedication and labor that went into the production of 'The Definitive Elvis' is obvious. This presentation of Elvis' companions, loves, associates and fans is sensational. I found myself with so many emotions as I watched in anticipation. Like reading a fantastic book, to hard not to continue. I applaud and give five stars to the accomplishment of this sixteen hour masterpiece. Elvis fans from around the world will treasure this surpassing heartfelt account, of the fond memories of dearly missed Elvis A Presley!
This 16 episode set filled little gaps where I always wondered, 'what was the reason for this and that'. It shows how great Elvis really was, it also showed me how others have tried to destroy the memory of Elvis by distorting it with made up rubbish. There's no doubting that Elvis had his ways, ... but really, ... how could you not love Elvis? I grew up with Elvis from birth due to my older brothers, I felt I knew him like everyone else. To me he was like another brother, ... it sounds crazy but that was his magic, you felt he was part of the family. It was Elvis on the record player all the time. You seemed to feel that you could relate to him in some uncanny way.
Preview The Vegas Years DVD (10:21)
Latest Audio (and video) updates : Video courtesy of 
Elvis Presley Video Central.
Each DVD has almost 2 hours of 'in depth' information about Elvis.
That's close to 16 hours!!
I did not find one derogatory remark in the 16 hours.
The interviews are amazing; featuring those with Elvis' earliest friends including - Dixie Locke.
There is a lot of footage that has never been seen before.
There are so many interesting stories here, and they are told back and forth between several of the key players within each story which helps verify the accuracy. Let me list some of what you will see and hear.
Anita Wood says she met Elvis on the Dance Party TV show.
Debra Paget talks about a cast and crew party she held for 'Love me tender'.
There is a rare Ted Steele TV show Jailhouse Rock promo.
Elvis was asked to do West Side story, but the colonel turned it down because he thought Elvis doing a movie about gangs and thugs wasn't good for his image.
Thus the Elvis Presley movie was born, with clean musical comedies here after.
Sam Philips talks about Elvis making the audition acetate and how Elvis came in and talked to Marion first and then came back to see him.
Patti Page talks about being an extra in 'Blue Hawaii' and how they jammed for hours. I like her and I wish a recording would turn up.
You get the story of the unpleasant experience that Stella Stevens suffered thru working on Girls girls girls, directly from her.
Then you get Laurel Goodwin saying Stella Stevens is all sour grapes. Great stuff.
Rare interview with Vicki Tiu, the little girl in World's fair.
Mac Davis says he wrote, 'A little less conversation' for Aretha Franklin.
And there is the story of how Mac Davis came down to American studios and demoed 'In the ghetto' live for Elvis. Cool.
There is more to the story of the offer from B. S. and declining 'A star is born'.
And it rings true.
Rare interview with Eddie Fadel's daughter.
Ann Ellington has some great things to say about Elvis and says that
Elvis insisted she go along with him to the state capitol, which wasn't planned, because seating had already been set. She finally asked her father for permission to go, and Elvis was happy about that.
Barbara Leigh tells the awkward story of the time Elvis was doing some karate demonstrations and unknown to everyone around, Elvis was wearing a wig, and it came off.
A story and interview with a lady that dated Elvis after his divorce, and she was only 14 years old at the time!
There are also rare interviews with Jailhouse Rock choreographer Alex Romero, Valerie Allen (they met in 1957), colonel Parkers wife, extras and co-stars from the movies, Red Robinson, Glen Glenn, Gloria Paul, along with many many show business associates and executives from Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Nashville.
If you don't have this set, you need to get it. Not for the performances, as there is nothing complete here, only clips.
I am hoping a similar DVD set will be done to document full performances and home movies which would be some kind of Anthology.
This set is the best package on the life and career of Elvis Presley out there. And it's nearly 16 hours long. The only flaw is that many of the home movie clips are used over and over again on each disc. And there is some overlap of stories due to the way they edited this material and the way the interviews presented themselves.
This is a must-have for any Elvis fan. I am sure that Elvis is smiling down on it. You won't be disappointed.
8 DVDs, available separately or as a special price for all 8.
Buy the Definitive Elvis DVD series
Episode 1: 'The Memphis Years' (+ / 'The Television Years') starts fabulously with lovely old footage of the Southern States perfectly setting the era. There are great photos of Elvis that I have never seen before and the program correctly acknowledges the importance of Sun Studios pre-Elvis, with the first Rock n' Roll record 'Rocket 88' being recorded there in 1951. Dewey Phillips is acknowledged along with the significance of Beale Street & Memphis itself, as well as mentioning the 'first all-black' radio station, WDIA. This was an important melting pot of musical styles that Elvis absorbed to create the sound that would change the world.
Episode 2: 'The Hollywood Years Part I' / 'The Hollywood Years Part II'
Episode 3: 'The Army Years' / 'The Memphis Mafia'
Episode 4: ('Elvis And Priscilla') / 'Elvis and The Colonel' is a fascinating look at the Carny Hustler who made Elvis "The World's Greatest Star" while at the same time walking away with far more earnings than the Star himself! Lots of people comment on what a dis-likable & manipulative man he was at times, while it is fascinating to hear his (last) wife Loanne talk about the gentler side of him. A great programme.
Episode 5: 'The Many Loves Of Elvis' / 'The Intimate Loves Of Elvis'
Episode 6: 'The Comeback' / 'The Vegas Years'
Preview The Vegas Years DVD (10:21)
Latest Audio (and video) updates : Video courtesy of Elvis Presley Video Central.
Episode 7: 'The Man And His Music' / 'The Spiritual Soul Of Elvis'
Episode 8: 'The Day The Music Died: Elvis Is Gone' / 'All The King's Disciples: The Fans'
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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.
