Available from amazon.jp, ISBN: 4764820404

When you mention "Japanese Elvis photo book" it normally conjures up images of a glorious production rich in color, imagery and substance. Unfortunately the latest photobook from Japan, Elvis on Screen, fails to live up to the standard set by many of 'land of the rising sun' predecessors (titles like Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!; Elvis On Tour; Elvis 1935-1977). The 'dust jacket' cover on glossy paper is classy and suggests something special, but on opening the book I was disappointed. That's not to say that Elvis on Screen is a bad release. The essential problem with Elvis on Screen is its lack of color photos. Apart from its back color cover photo there aren't any. Color would really have enhanced its appeal and made it a "must have" release. As it is, the many black & white photos are well presented on semi gloss paper. The page design is good as are the visuals, but this still doesn't compensate for the lack of color!

As its title suggests, the release is essentially a compilation of stills from each of the 33 narrative and concert releases comprising Elvis' film career. Many are full page visuals (the "Portrait" section) while others are comprised of several photos to the page. For me, the latter structure works better as many of the full page photos come across as quite bland.

While many fans will have seen most of the photos before, there are a number of "off camera" shots that are rarely seen.

Highlight: Undoubtedly, the highlight of Elvis on Screen is its 5 black & white photos taken from Elvis' triumphant return to live performance in Las Vegas. Attired in a striking black two piece karate gi, the five visuals are a stunning record of the 'Tiger Man' really letting loose on stage. Great stuff!

The book also includes several photos taken at the time of Elvis' funeral in August 1977.

Elvis on Screen also offers a Japanese text Elvis biography. The text is quite brief. It is interesting to note that Japanese publishers seem to have a fascination with Elvis' films as subjects for photo book treatment. The early 70s releases for 'Elvis That's The Way It Is' and 'Elvis On Tour' are among the best ever Elvis photo books. Opposite: Front cover

Verdict: While there are better Japanese Elvis photo books around, this one will probably sit comfortably on many fans coffee tables. The inclusion of the stunning 1969 Las Vegas photos is arguably a good enough reason for buying this release.

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Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

" Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

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"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)