Elvis: The Comeback Special

Recently purchased the deluxe box set of Elvis' 68 Comeback Special and must say there are not enough superlatives to describe it's magnificence as a quality piece of Elvis history, and contemporary music history. Elvis, simply put is Elvis at his best, loose, playful, sizzling, simmering and engaging. That's not to mention the stellar performance. His voice is strong, his moves magic and he has never played the guitar so passionately and vigorously. The performance engages from the opening lines of "If you're looking for trouble, you've come to the right place," through the playful musical nuances and partying of Good Lawdy Miss Clawdy, to the memorable closing performance of "If I Can Dream." This is musical entertainment at it's best. Some of the production numbers are less entertaining than the concert performances, but demonstrate an important part of Elvis' legacy. He is having a great time. Watching it, nearly 40 years later, you will too. Just when the world thought Elvis has left the stage, once again he demonstrates why he is still rock n roll's King. No one can hold a candle to this.

After much convincing, Elvis Presley does something about his career teetering on the brink of stagnation. During the last week of June 1968, the man who almost single handedly led a musical revolution in the mid '50s made use of "Western Recorders" and the "NBC Studios", Burbank, California to put on tape a TV special. The Elvis NBC Special came to be known as "The '68 Comeback Special". It was originally aired on the night of Dec 3, 1968 and slaughtered the competition: 'The Red Skelton Show', 'It Takes a Thief' and 'The Doris Day Show'. Made up of production numbers and mini-concerts in front of live audiences, this TV special afforded a lost man to find his way home. Elvis Presley was back and once again his career would regain meteoric flight.

Producer/director Steve Binder would be swamped with accolades. NBC took the chance and came out looking like a champ. Elvis' fan base would swell. The lp "Elvis(TV Special)" would rapidly peak at #8 on the Billboard Top Albums chart. This 76 minute video is highlighted with a Gospel Medley, the Guitar Man Medley, and songs like 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy','Jailhouse Rock', 'Tiger Man', 'One Night', 'Memories' and the great finale number, 'If I Can Dream'.

Even non Elvis fans will appreciate watching this. In a way it is like watching musical history...hell it is musical history.

The circumstances surrounding the creation of this TV special are well known to all Elvis fans. This is a movie which should be seen by those who are sceptical that Elvis ever had any musical talent; clearly he did have an extraordinary talent and it's on display here. In the acoustic sections of the concert, Elvis jams with some of his Sun Records bandmates and proves that he can rock for real (something he hadn't done is his 20-someodd mostly mediocre movies for MGM, Paramount, and Sam Katzman in the 60s). There are also surreal dance interpretive numbers that feature Elvis karate fighting to the tune of "It Hurts Me" and a spoof (presumably) of spy movies. Thus, this film, more so than any of Elvis' films or other filmed concerts, presents a full view of the artist and his capabilities, which were great indeed. Elvis looks great, probably better than he ever would again, and fans of outre clothing may appreciate the film on a purely fashion level.

This is one to be enjoyed many times.

Elvis Presley made a legendary comeback in this television special. Elvis's comeback special is now part of history and has a special place in it. An incredible and intimate performance from The King. His voice sounded exceptional as did the rendition of his timeless music. He still had it and belted it out to the back row. I will forever be jealous for people who were able to be up and close to this incredible figure and be a part of history.

Nobody can doubt that Elvis Presley defined what performing was and here in colour we see the king return to his roots for the very last time in his life after 8 years of Hollywood. Presley lived for another 9 years but when he got into Las Vegas just after this, it was all over. Presley's Vegas period is not to be dismissed in a flash because his cabaret type concerts were so enjoyable. Vegas entertained greatly but here in 1968 immitating his 50's period Elvis contributed to music and society. This show was the main inspiration for MTV Unplugged and it pictures a raw rocking king oozing R&B, gospel and R&R. If anybody sees this and can not be amazed by this man they are missing soemthing. He defined pop culture and music because of his natural ability to get across the meaning and feeling of the songs. (Hardly anyone can do that like him). Here we see Elvis very up to date with the times with almost hard rock, looking and sounding so great. There is an amusing sketch where he jokes about his entire movie career but the scenes where he is sitting with his original band and jamming away can never be beaten. Nobody can come close to Elvis Presley and his 68 comeback special! Its phenomonel!