Elvis: The Comeback Special

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!

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!

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.

Magical, Mystifying and Memorable - These words describe Elvis and the whole Production of what came to be known as 'The King's' Television Comeback. But it was more than just that - it was 'The Comeback' full stop!

After a full Seven years without ever straying from within the confines of a movie set to perform for his public, the opportune moment finally arrived and it came crashing in at the top of the heap of a formula that had already began to show slight signs of improving itself. The non-movie songs that Elvis had recorded of recent times such as 'Guitar Man', 'The U.S. Male' and 'Big Boss Man' had already made their dents on the charts worldwide and two of these were to be featured in the TV Special in Burbank. The ballads were much classier as well: 'You Don't Know Me', 'We Call On Him' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Dare I say it, but the movies appeared to be taking a somewhat different direction as well since the amicably-casted "Speedway", for "Live a Little, Love a Little" was the man's first venture into then modern day adult comedy in which he only sings four songs, all of which are total quality recordings especially the upbeat numbers of 'Edge of Reality' and 'A Little Less Conversation' (which was to be re-recorded for the TV Show, and the rest is history!). The next film "Charro!", a western, offered another adult role for a bearded Elvis who sings only the title song over the opening credits and the emphasis once more was on the man's acting ability.

Then on June 22nd, 1968 the tape machine was switched on in the recording studios and the camera's got ready to roll like never before in the Burbank soundstages and witnessed Black Leather, Gold Lame, Denim, Neckerchieves, Wrist-bands, Guitars, Music, Laughter, Acting and 'If I Can Dream'.....It wasn't the 1950's anymore but it was certainly the next best thing. All these things were rolled into this one handsome, tanned, side-burned, slim, tall and nervous human being who was Rock's first iconic legend....ELVIS....and he was back!....