DVD Review: This Is Elvis (Two-Disc Special Edition)

It is impossible to measure the effect that the life of Elvis Presley has had on the world. Opinions concerning Elvis range from adoration to indifference, but most people will agree that he was part of the major change in our culture.

He thought of himself as simply an entertainer, but through his music, movies, and performances on stage, he touched people in amazing ways. This is Elvis is a film about the phenomenal life he led. It is an even presentation of the facts, showing all the events, but not highlighting either the good or the bad to slant the film in a certain direction. The viewer watches the story of a man who had undeniable talent, who earned fame and fortune, but encountered problems that wrecked important aspects of his life. It is a very human representation, and one that is identifiable to viewers. Who doesn’t make wrong choices at some point? The difference here was that Elvis was perhaps the first celebrity to have every action recorded and commented upon and ultimately judged by the public. It is to the credit of the filmmakers that the viewer has no wish to judge at the end of this movie, but is left with a sense of loss and sadness for what might have been in different circumstances.

Considered the “authorized” biographic film of the life of Elvis Presley, it is nice to see this material presented in such an excellent format. The first disc is the original 1981 theatrical release which according to the case is making its first appearance on video in a new digital transfer. The second disc is the 1983 unrated expanded video version that has forty minutes more footage than appeared in the theatrical version. There is a vintage featurette Behind the Gates of Graceland, and an Elvis Presley movie trailer gallery. Within the case is a 24 page photo book, artistically presented with photographs and meaningful quotations from Elvis’s life.

This film is an interesting look at Elvis the man and the performer, and at the times in which he lived. There is the cringe factor in the language and attitudes represented by footage from the pre Civil Rights era, when those in charge were terrified of anything different and decided to demonize Rock and Roll. Juxtaposed with those grim bits of film are moments of sheer silliness, such as the montage of Elvis movies. Which, by the way, if you are a film buff or of a certain age, makes a great party game…..name the movie, the co-star and Elvis’s character.

This Is Elvis (Two-Disc Special Edition) is now available at Amazon. As of yet, this version of the DVD is not available in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.