DVD
review:
"Aloha
From Hawaii" 2DVD deluxe set
the
"morse code" concert
(Source: EIN, 28 June 2004, reviewed
by Nigel Patterson)
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FINALLY,
the wait is over and two of the most eagerly anticipated Elvis
DVD sets have been released (at this stage there are no plans
for a video release): '68 Comeback Special Aloha From Hawaii
Has the wait been worth it? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Both
releases are stunning deluxe editions that provide hours of
aural and visual pleasure. And if you prefer Elvis in a white
jumpsuit you will love the Aloha release.
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What
a smorgasboard of 'Aloha From Hawaii' viewing this 4 hour double
disc release offers! Elvis delivers a fully satisfying concert in
one of his all-time career highlights.
The
scene is set from Chapter 1 of disc 1, the full, raw and uncut 17.5
minute "Elvis arrives" sequence. While 17.5 minutes might
sound too long a time for an arrival sequence, you'll be pleasantly
surprised, as it features great Hawaiian hospitality and entertainment
and shows the steady build-up of fan anticipation as The King's
arrival gets closer and closer.
Disc
1 also features the complete, uncut "rehearsal" concert
(56 minutes and 39 seconds) from 12 January 1973. It is re-edited
from scratch with remastered sound and picture. The show is a fantastic
primer for the actual satellite show that follows in Chapter 3 of
the disc.
The
satellite show (1 hour 4 minutes and 18 seconds) features
more songs than its rehearsal precursor: Johnny B. Goode,
I Can't Stop Loving You and the Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta
Shakin' Going On medley.
As
many fans are aware there were several cameras used to film
the satellite show and the producers have used the three existing
choices of tape (camera angles) to fashion "a dramatically
richer, more intimate and more exciting viewing experience"
than previously released on DVD or video.
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Disc
2 includes (chapter 2) the USA broadcast version of the concert
(1 hour 16 minutes and 39 seconds) including great pre-concert atmosphere
and the five additional songs recorded for stateside telecast: Blue
Hawaii, Ku-U-I-Po, No More, Hawaiian Wedding Song and Early Morning
Rain.
All
commercials and TV announcer bumpers have been omitted to ensure
our full viewing pleasure. Unfortunately, the incision of the five
additional studio tracks breaks up the flow of the broadcast concert,
but this only a minor irritation given the rest of the material
on the two discs.
Other
chapters are (chapter 1) the full "insert song" session
(with an "I'd die for that tan opening") and (chapter
3) a DVD Credits Roll. Personally
I would have swapped chapters 1 and 2 around.
The
Picture: BMG and EPE have gone to great lengths to digitally
improve the picture quality of the special. The visual is crisp
and quite sharp - we must always remember that it was originally
recorded more than 31 years ago so there are some limitations of
just what can be achieved. Having said that, what has been achieved
is a great visual result.
The
Audio: what more can I say than sparkling in-your-ears Dolby
5.1 sound. Fans with a home theatre system will relish the added
oomph they hear as the sound on different channels hits home.
The
Packaging: like
many others I can't work out why BMG/EPE have gone for the front
cover they have. As RCA knew in the 60's and 70's, put a picture
of Elvis on the cover...it means more sales!! Leaving aside this
small irritation, the deluxe packaging and booklet are great once
you get past the cover and delve into the digipack offering. The
sublime liner notes are from Dave Marsh and there is plenty of supporting
detail provided for each chapter.
Technical
details:
Region:
0
Time: 242 minutes
Colour: Colour
Sound: Dolby 5.1
Chapters:
DISC 1 (running time: 02:18:27) Chapter 1: Elvis Arrives
and Greets Fans [January 9, 1973]; Chapter 2: Rehearsal Concert
[January 12, 1973] (21 tracks); Chapter 3: Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii
Concert [January 14, 1973] (24 tracks)
DISC 2 (running time: 01:43:39) Chapter 1: Post-Concert
"Insert" Songs Session [January 14, 1973] (12 tracks); Chapter 2:
Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii NBC TV Special [April 4, 1973 Broadcast
Version] (29 tracks)
Verdict: It has been a long wait but it has been
worth it. As with the Comeback Special DVD release the price may
seem high...but the discs are chock full of value for money. Sit
back and enjoy one of the pinnacles of Elvis' career. You won't
be disappointed.
EIN's in-depth review of the Aloha From Hawaii deluxe
DVD release will be published shortly.
Click to read EIN's review
of the 3DVD '68 Comeback Special deluxe edition
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comment on this review
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