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Elvis Bicentennial

By ElvisNews.com / Kees, October 10, 2006 | Video
Released by the Czech Memory Records is the DVD “Elvis Bicentennial – Live in Charlotte and Chicago”. Elvis in 1976, is that something good to look at?

Design

Contrary to previous DVD from the Czech Republic this design is less “flashy photoshopped” and it is a big improvement. This release looks very professional.

Content

Each concert starts with a short introduction, and then the show. The first concert from March 20, 1976 Charlotte is complete, the second one from October 14, 1976 Chicago, is incomplete. The concerts are taken from 8mm amateur films, with restored picture and overdubbed sound from soundboard recordings. The videoquality is good enough to watch, but surely not as good as an official release.

The March 20 concert has been released on “Running For President” in 1996 by King Records and received a mixed review. “On the negative side, his voice sounds a little tired and weak, but not nearly as bad as on other '76 shows."All Shook up" sounds bad and the "Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel" medley is just awful. … Elvis must realize things haven't gone that well, because at the band intro segment, he tells the crowd "I'd like to introduce the members of my group to you, if I can figure it out....so far it's been touch and go"! On the plus side however, there are solid versions of "You Gave Me A Mountain", "Hurt" (with no reprise) and "How Great Thou Art". Also, surprisingly "Burning Love" is super.”

The October show has been released on the Live Archives import label “Chicago Beat” release and was reviewed as “there's nothing to say about this show, it's more like 13 in a dozen for we already have plenty soundboards from this era. It is a good show, but no highlights”.

Now we have this material with additional amateur video footage. And contrary to the mixed reviews of the “soundtrack” it is actual nice to watch. Why, that is simple, there isn’t that much video footage with good audio available of our man in action. For those of us who missed out on all the tapes fans swapped in the past this is an eye opener of Elvis in concert in his later years. Concert we have only heard can be seen now.

Conclusion

This is a nice release for the fans who want to see Elvis in action.
Ronaldv wrote on October 13, 2006
I like this release from memory records. 2 shows from 1976, and 1 is complete. the running for president cd is a good one, nice to have the footage of it after 30 years.
Greg Nolan wrote on November 09, 2006
I ordered it and I'm looking forward to it!
Ronaldv wrote on November 10, 2006
good choice greg! but the first concert has the best picture. are we the only ones who bought this release? I can't believe it, elvis fans: the purchase is worthwile!
Aron wrote on November 16, 2006
I did it, too!! and I think these 8 mm releases from memory records have good quality considering the sources.
jcorley wrote on November 17, 2006
Hey, I was wondering if some of you can give me some more insight into the quality of this release as I am interested in seeking it out for purchase. But, I just want a lil info before I do. Thank you.
Gan wrote on October 01, 2007
The concerts are enjoyable with superb sound and the production is brilliant-considering the master filmed by amateur 8mm camera. Thanks to Mr. Pavel Cernocky!