The Show: This is an awesome 3DVD set with an
embarrassment of riches. Apart from the sublime music performances,
what is fantastic about the '68 Comeback Special is that it is all
about a man finding himself creatively - the clashing forces of
years of self-doubt and inner drive pushing Elvis to a peak in his
career.
The raw energy he generates in his performances is staggering,
his lithe figure adorned by a glistening black leather outfit dominating
the screen, transfixing your attention on a moment in music history.
The Comeback Special is so rich in musical highlights that there
are too many magical moments to mention.
Watching it, this time in a digitally enhanced format,
you will be stunned by the musical genius on offer, with each song
carefully paced for optimum impact. Just a few of the highlights
are the:
The Visuals: the digitally re-mastered picture
is crystal clear. With Elvis looking better than ever in his leather
suit, the close ups of his face are astounding. The DVD clarity
reveals the passion & intensity within Elvis and his beads of perspiration
now highlight a man breaking free and a King reclaiming his crown.
The Audio: until now the best Elvis DVD, sound
wise, has been 'The Alternate Aloha', released by Lightyear Entertainment,
closely followed by 'Elvis That's The Way It Is' (2000 edition).
Now thanks to BMG and the exhaustive digital re-mastering process,
we have another release that gives you full listening pleasure on
your home theatre system. Turn on your sub-woofer , sit back and
enjoy.
The Packaging: much has already been written
about the packaging and the absence of an Elvis visual on its front
cover. However, this is a minor issue and fans will not be disappointed
as the deluxe digipack packaging is very, very impressive indeed.
There is a terrific use of red and black that grabs your attention.
And once you've opened up the set there's plenty of Elvis to see.
The Booklet: the 24 page booklet is cram packed
with liner notes from celebrated author, Greil Marcus, recording
info for each production number, extensive photos, original 1968
credits and a lot more.
The '68 Comeback Special 3DVD deluxe edition is released
in Australia on Monday 5 July. The best prices are likely to be
found at outlets such as JB Hi-Fi and K-Mart.
Technical details: Region 0, Running time: 440
minutes, Color: Colour, Sound: Dolby 5.1 Chapters:
DISC 1 (running time: 2:40:49) Chapter 1: Elvis,
NBC TV Special Original December 3, 1968 Broadcast (Adapted) (15
tracks) Chapter 2: Black Leather Sit-Down Show #1, June 27, 1968
(15 tracks) Chapter 3: Black Leather Sit-Down Show #2, June 27,
1968 (15 tracks)
DISC 2 (running time: 1:48:32) Chapter 1: Black
Leather Stand-Up Show #1, June 29, 1968 (10 tracks) Chapter 2: Black
Leather Stand-Up Show #2, June 29, 1968 (12 tracks) Chapter 3: Trouble/Guitar
Man TV Show Opener - All Takes and Raw Components, June 30, 1968
(10 tracks) Chapter 4: If Can Dream TV Show Closer - All Takes,
June 30, 1968 (4 tracks) Chapter 5: Huh-huh-huh Promo June 30, 1968
Chapter 6: Elvis Closing Credits Scene Without Credits Roll, June
30, 1968 Chapter 7: If I Can Dream - Special Music Video 2004 Chapter
8: DVD Credits Roll (A Little Less Conversation)
DISC 3 (running time: 2:51:27) Chapter 1: Gospel
Production Number - All Takes and Raw Components Sometimes I Feel
Like a Motherless Child / Where Could I Go But To the Lord / Up
Above My Head / Saved (21 tracks) Chapter 2: Guitar Man Production
Number - All Takes and Raw Components Big Boss Man / It Hurts Me
/ Let Yourself Go / Nothingville / Guitar Man / Little Egypt / Trouble
(65 tracks) Verdict: The '68 Comeback Special 3DVD edition is a
sublime release. It is an absolute must for all fans.
EIN's more detailed review of the '68 Comeback Special
3DVD edition will be published shortly.
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