Elvis: The Comeback Special

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!

1968. The "Colonel" had managed Elvis' career so poorly that the man who invented rock n roll was now second fiddle to the British Invasion. Raw talent, drive, energy, good looks and determination gave Elvis one chance to take back his throne. And he pulled it off. But his reward was a regimen in Vegas which was too much for the King. A sick and overweight Elvis would be gone within a decade. Must see. Must.

The voice. The energy. The moves. The look. The charm. The attitude. The humor. The rawness and realness. To many people this show has represented Elvis Presley at his very best! Although having been away from live audiences since his last performance in 1961 he proved here that he still had it! Looking as good as ever and joking around with good friends and old songs, this is a very good little piece of TV history. Even featuring an "Unplugged" concert. Long before MTV started with the idea. For full pleasure and perfect picture and sound of this fantastic special, you have to check out "ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION DVD". It's packed with extra features and a lot of laughs!

Highly recommended!

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.