Interesteg
What makes it different from others?
Softwing
Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
SeeQuant
Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction
Jenni Devyn
Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.
dbacke1
Yes, I know that these were not his farewell performances, as his last performance would be over a month later in Indianapolis. However, it was the last officially filmed concert footage, and I feel that it is both moving and magnificent. I remember as a kid watching it back in 1977 and thinking how sad it was to see him like that, and that he looked bad. However, with the passage of many years, I can now watch it and really see just how great of an entertainer and human being Elvis was. He really shows himself as how he really was on stage. He is not arrogant, he is funny, he is modest and pokes fun at himself, and above all else, he is happy. Oh, and I forgot to mention his voice, which , as Joe Esposito said, never failed him. There are some great performances in this special, regardless of how Elvis looks, and the fans in the audience love it. If EPE could do a multi-DVD set that includes both concerts without fan interview interruptions, and maybe a separate DVD with behind the scenes and fan material, and maybe even material not included in the original special, it would be awesome. Even better would be a release in blu-ray format. Come on already, EPE!
elvis4all
This should be the lead item in a warning package distributed to fledgling rock stars. God forbid you get everything you want and nothing that you need -- and this is the evidence of that when it happens. Elvis has squandered the last of his self respect and self worth and is relying on a pack of self-serving sycophants to prop up his dying career and his dying body. It's a tragic tale of excess and indulgence and I recall when it first aired after his death how shocked people were to be able to see -- without blinders -- how pathetic and tragic he was. Only 42 -- it seems so young now. But Colonel Parker and the sad pack of wolves known as 'Memphis Mafia' only saw him as the golden goose and were ready to use him until he dropped in order to prop up their own finances and failed lives. They did, but he died.
CATMAN-6
This special has been broadcast only twice, both times on CBS. The first showing was in October, 1977, and the second was in the Spring of 1978.EPE won't license it for sale or broadcast and I can certainly respect their reasons, though I disagree with them. Elvis' appearance and actions weren't up to par and they don't want to submit Elvis to public ridicule.But it's a shame that the true fans are deprived of this historic special, featuring the greatest entertainer of them all performing during his last concert tour.Even though he wasn't at his best, he was still Elvis and that's more than enough. His voice and charisma were still very much intact.There are several hours of footage in addition to the TV special that have never been seen by the public, although bootlegs have been floating around for years.Maybe someday, EPE will release everything from the tour in a deluxe DVD box set. If/when they do, I'll be the first in line to buy it.
Troy1975
`We're here to entertain you, and to make you happy. So just enjoy yourself, and leave the driving to us,' said Elvis to an adoring crowd in Rapid City, South Dakota on June 21, 1977. Elvis had been doing just that for over 20 years - entertaining his fans and making them happy.
What was to be Elvis' last concert tour began on June 17, 1977 in Springfield, Missouri. The June 19 appearance in Omaha, Nebraska was filmed for the CBS television special set to air that fall. Only three songs were used from the Omaha performance in the `Elvis In Concert' special, which was broadcast posthumously. `If you think I'm nervous,' Elvis said quietly on stage, `you're right.'Many Elvis fans were interviewed on camera for `Elvis In Concert', which is not officially available on video. Perhaps the most genuine in his responses was a young African-American man who said, `Elvis deserves credit for bringing blues into rock and country. He's the first guy to ever do that, and I admire him for it. He has a lot of courage. He's my number one singer of all time. I hope to name my kid after him some day. I have about four of his gospel albums, and my favorite is How Great Thou Art.' It makes you feel good when he sings it. It brings tears to your eyes. I just love the guy. I know that sounds kinda weird, but I just love the guy and I wish him many years of success.'CBS also filmed his concert in Rapid City on June 21. It was from this performance that most of the songs on `Elvis In Concert' were drawn. `If you haven't guessed by now, you're on television,' Elvis said with a characteristic grin to the audience. `Don't let the lights and cameras throw you, and try not to throw the lights and cameras if you can help it.'`Elvis In Concert' was Elvis' first filmed production in four years after the blockbuster `Aloha From Hawaii' television special. The contrast in his appearance between the two shows is striking. `He was obviously way overweight,' said Elvis' friend Joe Esposito, a few years after Elvis' death. `Despite his age, only 42, we knew he was in bad health. It was tough for him, but Elvis accepted his appearance and so did his fans.'
Although he did look ill, that special Elvis smile was still there for his fans. The love and magic was still there. He was Elvis. Through all the ups and downs, the fans always loved him and still do.Joe Esposito said it best, `Just six weeks before his death, he still poured his heart out. To the end, Elvis' greatest gift his incredible voice never failed him.'This is an enjoyably show, which was unfortunately misunderstood because of Elvis' death. One of the best performances in this program was "I Really Don't Want To Know."Be sure to check out Elvis mouthing the words "Smile, you're on Candid Camera" during a guitar solo early in the show. He may have been ill, he may have even been depressed, but he still put his all into that show...and he still managed to have fun one last time with his fans.When all is said and done, after all the books have been written, and all the tales have been spun, the only question that will be important is What did Elvis do?' He made people happy. That was his life.Rating: 3 out of 4