Go to main content

Elvis: That's The Way It Is Special Edition - 2007 2DVD Edition

Video

Elvis: That's The Way It Is Special Edition - 2007 2DVD Edition
Rating:
3.5 / 5
Released: 2007/08/07 by Warner Home Video
It’s summer 1970 and this concert documentary allows unrestricted access to the hottest show in town: Elvis Presley’s milestone four weeks of appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Dozens of tunes (including favorites “All Shook Up” and “Suspicious Minds”) are included as the camera follows the show’s development from rehearsal to stage. This 2-Disc Special Edition contains two versions – the original 1970 theatrical version and the critically-acclaimed Special Edition from 2000.

ElvisNews review

Whether you are a long time Elvis fan, or just interested in the music and showmanship of the King of Entertainers, this is a nice collection! Filmed in 1970, backstage, on stage, during rehearsals and with a wealth of celebrities in attendance, these performances are from a time many consider to be at the height of Elvis’s career.

In the summer of 1970, a slim strong-voiced Elvis performed a live show for four weeks at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The result was that the world fell in love again with Elvis and his music. He gave his fans the show of a lifetime in these performances, including songs from his beginnings such as All Shook Up, and Hound Dog, all the way to his final #1 hit Suspicious Minds.

Mixed with the stage numbers are footage of rehearsals, on-stage ad libs, and moments that are simply Elvis lore. First released in theaters in 1970, this feature was re-released with special additions in 2001.

The DVD is a two disc set, with an accompanying art photo booklet composed of images from the time.

Disc one is the 2001 re-release of the feature and includes Restoration Featurette Patch it Up:
The Restoration of Elvis:
Presley Career Highlights:
Director/Restorer Filmographies and Theatrical Trailer.

Running time is 96 minutes, and there are English and French subtitles available.

The opening credits inform the viewer that footage that was not used in the final film of 1970’s is now available in this disc. An exciting prospect!

Disc Two is the 1970 Original Theatrical Version, and has a “Dozen Never-Seen Outtake Songs/Non musical sequences. Running time for this disc is 108 minutes with English and French subtitles available for the feature.

This feature film is still great fun. Originally, it was interesting and a novelty to see a performer of Elvis’s caliber in rehearsals and as a confident showman, and real person. Now, it is great to see how the music is still familiar, is holding up well in the 21st century, and that Elvis’s performances continue to work a kind of magic on the viewer. Not only of interest because of the performer and the music, this film is a time capsule, of styles, attitudes, pleasures and problems of the time.

Bright patterned polyester shirts, amazing Afro hair do’s and my gosh, Elvis’s incredible sideburns vie for attention along side music, and stories, jokes and unforgettable moments. Fans didn’t have internet, DVD’s or videos to watch in those days, they had feature films such as Elvis - That's the Way It Is (Two-Disc Special Edition) to bring their favorite performers to life.

Login to give your opinion
JerryNodak wrote on June 10, 2007
Looking forward to having this on DVD and FINALLY being able to watch the original version again (I hope). If it turns out that the original isn't really the original I will simply throw this in the big circular file.
Rating: 4 / 5
Sean Ryan wrote on June 21, 2007
Im just hoping that the original has been restored. The highlight of the original has to be 'Suspicious Minds' cause that performance walks all over the 2001 version.
Rating: 3 / 5
Tony D. wrote on June 23, 2007
Let's hope it's in surround 5.1 sound too.
Rating: 3 / 5
jb gude wrote on July 01, 2007
As I already have both the versions, will have to get this if only for the couple of outakes that I hope will be the restored versions. Can hopefully edit the contents to make the version that I want! Sater with the flashing strobe lights on the original movie -that sets the tone for the movie: one of the best concepts ever for the credits and ofcourse that shoulder shaking end to "Suspicious minds". Sadly, WB did exactly what I expected them to do with the "upgrade" for this movie : was hoping they would put out at least the 2001 version in ( HD )High Defintion.wonder if we will ever get the " complete outakes - the lost performances" or something like Star gave us.....
Rating: 3 / 5
JimmyCool wrote on August 01, 2007
Released: 2007/08/07?? I saw it yesterday, it has a 16-pages booklet too! :P It was very cheap, but I had no money :( I want this and "This Is Elvis"
Rating: 5 / 5
circleG wrote on October 08, 2007
Big Let Down. We already have the 'new' vesion. The original version is hardly remastered and the sound is in mono (?). As for the extra songs, the visual is so bad its embarrassing. What was the point of it all ? strictly for the curious.
Rating: 3 / 5