What is the status Elvis' 1977 CBS TV Special 'Elvis in Concert'?
This has angered many Elvis fans worldwide who simply want to be able to watch Elvis' final TV Special.
And if EPE's own website is to be believed, so do they.
We quote from the website that many fans are currently boycotting according to email fan clubs are receiving;
EPE: Because of the severity of Elvis' health problems at the time the special was shot, Elvis was far from his best in the way he looked and the way he performed, though there are some truly brilliant moments in the footage. The true fans look at this through the eyes of love, respect and understanding, and see the great historical value - as do all the members of our staff. But, this not so with much of the general public and the media. It's not that we don't want the fans to have this footage or that we don't know how much it would mean to them. We do. There just simply is no way to get it only to the real fans (and we've exhausted all kinds of ideas) without also having Elvis served up to the general public and press for ridicule.
... much to the disappointment of a number of fans, we have no plans for releasing on DVD at this time.
Boxcar seemed to have the perfect solution. So what is the excuse now?
What Elvis fans want is to be able to watch a concert that for over 33 years now EPE have refused to release.
Elvis Australia does respect that EPE has the right to protect what it owns, and that it is good that Elvis' image is protected, but at the same time there has to be some sense of reason, a fair go, particularly regarding a DVD release of something they have little to no intention of releasing, one that is made by Elvis fans for Elvis fans and sold privately, and indeed one that has been bootlegged so many times over the last 33 years one could not put a number to it - it really does seem that Elvis Presley Enterprises are over reacting.
And note the word bootleg, this is what the release is, a staple of the Elvis world, by definition something the 'owner' wont release, it is not a pirate release, as in a direct copy of a commercially released product.
The only ones being hurt here are those that love Elvis Presley.
Will EPE now consider releasing the Special via the FTD Collectors Label?
EPE : FAQ
Interview with Annett Wolf, co-producer of Elvis In Concert 1977
Fan Feedback
Sad, frustrating, ridiculous...I don't even know where to begin. Over 30 years and I still can't sit in the privacy of my own home and watch an official release of Elvis' last concert. And, with all the officially-licensed EPE garbage out there...yeah, let's make sure we don't portray Elvis in a negative way. Umm...kay.
Randy : United States.
The options for formal release are obvious.
FTD, Direct order from Graceland, Distribution through fan clubs.
Graceland needs to understand that not a single fan that has passed through the gate would change their mind if this 1977 footage became available in a controlled manner. No, I wouldn't be happy if it showed up in the DVD section of one of our Wal-Marts, but there is a way to do this.
Elvis was human. His last 4 years are an accepted but unfortunate part of his legacy. I believe this period in his life adds value and connects him to his fan base. None of us are perfect and we're all not thin either.
Especially here in the US. lol
EPE should release the material and dedicate it to his fans and the unshakeable admiration and support of all his past and future fans. They need to wake up and find a way to present this material.
Jim : United States.
EPE are afraid of contributing to what they believe is a negative view of Elvis and so their objections can be understood if their goal is to protect Elvis' memory. The fans, who are fully aware of Elvis' deterioration when he was dying, are frustrated because they know that their love of Elvis isn't based on a perfect image of him. And this is a valid argument because since when have human beings gone on record as loving only perfect people? Elvis said, 'I have made a vow, that with God's help, I will bring happiness to people through singing'. He not only fulfilled his vow while alive, much to his bewilderment, but there is a Love greater than anything on earth sustaining his vow 30 years beyond his death! I believe that EPE could release any recordings of Elvis' performances and still, we would listen, and his powerful voice would penetrate our hearts and even our souls, and his critics would be silenced forever.
Robyn : Australia
I have been a fan for almost 40 years and this video shocked me , when I saw it first on TV in 1978. I must admit , that it is not one that I love to look at. I avoid it. But there must be a way for fans who have never seen it, making their own decision.....as it is a fact and a part of Elvis Presley. So therefor the idea of a DVD through the FTD-Label is the only correct and fair descision. EPE should not wait longer.
Jacqueline : Switzerland.
I personally firmly believe that EPE is so mistaken trying to ignore the last years of Elvis Presley, this I call total ignorance from them that never in reality learned to care for this man that mean so much to the world, I totally disagree with them and I thank the ones that gave us real fans the opportunity to see how great he was and is. There will always be stupid people to critized him, for one reason or another or for lack of information as is usually the case. EPE is only interested in making money and they are the ones ridiculizing and disrespecting Elvis with all the things they put his face on, they should start by respecting him first and then reacting which such ignorance. They do not have anything better to do but spending money and live the kind of wasteful lifes they live. Thank you for this oportunity to put down my thoughts.
Ida : United States.
I first read EPE's policy on EIC after personally enquiring about it's release back in late 1997. The policy wording was actually the body of the letter from their marketing department in response my query. In reply I suggested that the special should be revised and re-edited as the original cut was poorly compiled and contained too few highlights. EPE's response was in part 'it is likely that some small amounts of the footage could be used in future documentaries we will be involved in. You can be assured that any use we make of this footage will be with the greatest of dedication to presenting Elvis in a flattering and appropriate way' from the late Todd Morgan in March 1998. Mind you this was all before the FTD era. This to me is at best lip service. In light of EPE's recent (and selective) bootleg raid it's hypocrisy if they themselves still have no plans to release EIC themselves. They have no excuse to not explore the FTD avenue.
If image is what concerns them then Elvis' image has already been trashed with their endorsement of the superficial legacy of Elvis impersonaters. Also why bother releasing all the C-grade movies such as 'Clambake' that Elvis hated doing himself. At least with EIC you'll get the real Elvis bearing his soul as well as (in the words of Joe Esposito) his incredible voice that never failed him.
Darren : Australia.
It's being a long time coming , After all these years I'm sure Elvis wouldn't mind , Like we have all being sick in life at some stage and he knew that , HE WOULD DO ANYTHING TO PLEASE HIS FANS. Kind Regards
Dave : Australia
If Todd Morgan where there this would not be happening!
Lisa : Netherlands.
Dave, These lawsuits are out of control. EPE is warning fan clubs not to advertise or sell imports. I removed EPE's site from my computer. I will no longer do business with them. Let me know how this will affect you. I also know you had some nasty weahter come your way. I hope you and your family are alright.
Allen : United States.
You do a great job and are extremely professional, and a joy to always do business with.
If they [EPE] are smart and want to continue to grow and grow in the right direction, they would put you in charge of EPE or at the very least, consult with you. On the whole you carry better merchandise and have Elvis' best image at heart more than the current EPE management does.
Thank you again for all you do with your company.
I will look forward to conducting more business with you in the future.
My best wishes to you, to your company, and to your family.
Brett : United States.
I wish you were running, the EPE the fans would be so much better off, thank you again for caring.
Judy : Australia.
Elvis fans have listened to the press ridicule since 1956 and to what effect ? None whatsover. This excuse just does not gel. I have seen the concert on youtube many times and would dearly love my own real copy. Real Elvis fans will always be real Elvis fans, no matter what.
Deborah : Australia.
Let me say this I have purchased the Final Curtain box set and it's INCREDIBLE It was well produced in it own special way! EPE needs to get out of its rock and start smelling the roses. Elvis was human he thought of his fans more than himself. After 33yrs its wonderful to see this again. He worked long and hard to make everybody else happy - he contributed alot. I've ADMIRED Elvis for 52yrs he's still going strong! Forget about what state of his health was in Remember Elvis as a great entertainer! He did the best he could. But most of all he was a great humanitarian also. Let's not forget about this! Elvis is still in the hearts of his fans! Thank You!
Gene : United States.
Pretty soon, all of us who are interested in this footage will be dead! What is their issue - why not make it available via FTD - the general public won't find it - just the fans. No more spending hundred's of thousands of dollars on legal fees and the chapter can be closed! EPE are being pig headed and what they don't seem to appreciate is that, the inferior bootleg copies make Elvis appear worse than he was.
Tim : Australia.
The 'funny' thing is, this unofficial release has not been commented on by the media AT ALL! The media use unflattering pictures of Elvis whenever they want to - and the majority of the public still think Elvis was fat in Vegas (and the Special wasn't even filmed there!) Let's not forget footage HAS been released from the CBS Special by EPE! And not in context of an actual concert from 1977. If Graceland want to sugar coat this time of Elvis' career - then edit the Rapid City show. Maybe save the Omaha footage for another time - or use selective tracks, such as 'How Great Thou Art'. There are too many anvenues to pursue than saying, we don't want to release this footage as Elvis was ill and the media will get hold of the footage.
In my opinion the media won't give a rats ar** about it. The most damaging thing is just not allowing fans to see it. And keeping it as some sort of 'dirty secret'.
Paul: United Kingdom.
I would like to buy the Elvis in concert 1977. I went Graceland in 1996 very disappointed.
George : United States.
I wanted to say Thank You for all you are doing, the work that goes into these newsletters. I also wanted to express my thoughts on the Elvis 77 Concert that doesn't seem to be, to some, very important to release for all of us to enjoy, We want to see all the concerts, etc that Elvis gave us in his life and intorduce a new generation to him as well. What I do have a problem with is releasing a mr potato head, this to me is disrepectful to a man that gave so much to so many. What kind of thinking is this? Can someone explain this to me? Of course, we want memories, but is this what we really need or want to see?
I hope that the ones that are the decision makers rethink what they are doing, give us fans what we are looking for, the concerts, the music, the greatness of Elvis so we can put these things in ourselves and in turn honor him in a respectful manner. I have been since the 70's and always feel that Elvis gave us so much and we must honor and respect that, respect the man that was put on this earth to bring us goodness and show us so much, that God does truly Bless you in many ways. Forgive me for going on about this, but when do we fans get to have a say in what is appropriate or respectful? How can we get our voices to the ones that are making these decisions? Hopefully, I pray that our vw will be heard and give us the beautiful music that Elvis put his heart and soul into. Let us show Elvis the respect and honor his life, his memory in a positive way.
Thank You.
Judy : Australia
All we get on the official website now are impersonators and other crap. Thankk god for Elvis Australia!!!
Gina : Greece.
NB. We have received over 100 responses, due to time restraints we have picked the ones we consider the most interesting and try not to double up, many people had much the same to say.
I cannot believe how EPE treats it's loyal fans. We are the ones keeping them in business sucking up every little crumb of new footage offered (eg Elvis on Tour) and we have time and time again asked for this to be released and time and time again EPE have shown us they do not care about the true loyal fans just what will protect his image. Please, this is much a part of Elvis as Aloha and That's the way it is. Whilst it shows Elvis in a bad way physically it also gives us some of his greatest performances (eg hurt). The price alone for this item on sites such as ebay should be enough to show EPE just how much the fans want this. I will continue my love heart relationship with EPE and will hope against hope they come to their senses before I die.
Sarah : Australia.
Hello EPE!!!! The 'Follow that dream' label that you've been using the last decade to get concerts and outtakes out to 'Real' fans without going through regular retailers????? remember this label????? At least if you're going to make excuses for not releasing the '77 shows, make them plausible.
Chris : Australia.
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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.
