Customer Reviews

Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (Deluxe Edition)

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This Deluxe Edition DVD features pretty much everything you could ask for in regards to Elvis Aloha from Hawaii. You get the staged footage of Elvis arriving in Hawaii and greeting fans, which is actually pretty boring. You get the complete rehearsal concert that was taped two days before the live broadcast. Elvis shows more energy here than in the broadcast concert, but he forgets more of the lyrics and sings two less songs. You get the complete Aloha from Hawaii Concert, which has been re-edited from scratch. The show was originally broadcast with quite a bit of "montage" footage, which means multiple images from the concert seen on the screen all at once in video blocks, but almost all of those effects were removed from this version. After the concert, Elvis recorded five songs on stage with no audience, which were inserted into the concert after commercial breaks, played with montage footage of Hawaii. The complete footage of that recording session is here, complete with all takes of each song, with no footage of Hawaii. Finally, the original broadcast version of Elvis Aloha from Hawaii is included, minus the commercials. What more can you ask for?

I'll be brief and to the point.
This dvd remastering is fantastic. You can see the pores in his skin, the follicles of his hair. The sound is beautiful. We have all already seen the concert, but not like this. Thank you, thank you, thank you goes out to all the people who painstakingly beautified this dvd to its peak visual and aural symphony.
Well done and enjoy it!

I love this DVD - play it all the time. As a teenager in the 70's I was totally put off by Elvis. I couldn't relate to the "Captain America meets Englebert Humperdink" personna/music. I liked the 50's Elvis when I'd hear him - but I thought he was washed up. I didn't see the special when it first aired in '73.

Now I'm older and wiser. This DVD has everything that you could want related to the show. The dress rehearsal really kicks a#@. What an incredible band! In the actual show Elvis is a little off key compared to the rehearsal - he looks pretty nervous through the first few numbers. But then he relaxes and we get a primo performance. I find myself watching the first disc more - the uncut performances of the rehearsal and the broadcast. I never seem to get tired of it.

James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, the Sweet Inspirations and the whole gang just smoke throught the whole thing. After this, Elvis had a few more good moments left on record, but the overall quality of his work really deteriorated. This was his last peak - on video at least.

This new-edition DVD set is simply great! It includes the concert version that was originally telecast in the US in April 1973, and the version shown live to much of the rest of the world via satellite (a big deal in 1973) three months earlier. It also includes the "alternate" concert, which was the rehearsal for the live telecast. These are awesome concerts performed just before Elvis' health began its major decline, showing his generosity (Kui Lee Cancer Fund) and patriotism. The first segment shows footage of Elvis' arrival at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, taped for the concert introduction. (He stayed in the Rainbow Tower there, visible in the footage.) My favorite bonus segment of the set, however, is the taping of the "extra" songs which were inserted, with scenery, for the US telecast. These were taped in the middle of the night, just after the arena cleared immediately after the live satellite telecast. How he, and his musicians, could perform so well, recording five quality songs on the spot, just after doing a concert beamed live to billions of people is astounding!! His remarkable talent and stamina really come across here! My personal favorite, "No More," was not used in the telecast and is seen nowhere else in the set. His interactions between takes with the director and musicians during this segment, never intended for public viewing, show a personal side of this GREAT performer. The credits roll over the beautiful song, "I'll Remember You," and we certainly always will. This is a classic set to be enjoyed for years.

ALOHA brings out the best in Elvis, even though he seems a little somber from time to time, possibly over the loss of Priscilla, so when he sings CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE with you, he seems to be singing directly to his memories of love (they would be divorced in October). It is a heartbreaking document to all who love Elvis. This DVD package is extraordinary. It contains just about everything we could possibly have asked for from Marty Pasetta's groundbreaking staging of Elvis' Aloha concert. The producers certainly asked him to pull a lot together, and he delivered, thanks to a marvelous band that would literally do anything for their leader, and backed by the Sweet Inspirations who were always simpatico with Elvis, sometimes seeming to pick him up when he felt down (their energy was contagious, and sometimes you can watch him sensing the energy and responding to it). It was filmed in January but not released in the USA until April (1973) after some heavy editing.

If I remember right, Elvis never gave a concert in Europe, although many European promoters made him offers galore, and so this filmed performance may show him off at the farthest away place from where he was born. With all that psychic baggage loaded onto the plane with him, I think we can all agree he did an amazing job. Elvis of course had made several movies with a Hawaiian theme, and he had sort of adopted the state as a place where good vibrations were to be found everywhere, rainbows and tropical sunsets, as well as a hint of danger (in the simmering dormant volcanoes that matched his performance style) and his groundbreaking anti-racist message, seemingly embodied in the so-called "melting pot" of Hawaii with its population of indigenous and mixed race citizens. How many times did Elvis explicitly state this message of tolerance and/or activism? As he sang to us, "Are we too blind to see,/ Do we simply turn our heads/ And look the other way?"

Watching this DVD will bring a smile of nostalgia to those who visited Honolulu back in the day, as the show was filmed in what used to be the Honolulu International Conventional Center. Nowadays, of course, this is no longer extant. It is said that the show raised $75,000 for a local cancer fund. To me, this doesn't seem like a while lot, especially when you think that Elvis signed a $1000 check personally as did the Colonel. Over the years this performance must have raked in millions of dollars. Hope the Kui Lee Fund continues to get residuals from this exemplary DVD version.

I hope that the USS Arizona Benefit concert from 1961 is also released on DVD. That's the one where Elvis first wore gold lame and where he appeared with Miinie Pearl! You know that's a keeper!

The "Elvis-Aloha from Hawaii" Deluxe Edition DVD surprised a lot of recently formed Elvis fans who saw it for the very first time. The common misconception these days is that Elvis was in decline musically especially on stage during his last few years on earth, but the Aloha from Hawaii special clearly destroys that grotesque misconception as Elvis was still performing to sold out concerts during these years and was still the king of music and of concerts (As an aside, this was a time when Elvis was recording material that was better than even some of his #1 and top ten hits but, sadly, he was robbed of having more #1 and top ten hits throughout the 1970's even though much of his music such as Separate Ways or Always on My Mind and the fantastic That's The Way It Is and "Fool" albums or the Promised Land and Today albums and his last couple of albums such as Moody Blue sold very well and are still popular today; Elvis, to his credit, finally had a feud with his recording company, RCA, during the last two years of his life as a result of their lack of marketing skills and/or questionable album covers such as putting concert photos of Elvis on his new recording albums which gave most people at the time, especially D.J's, the false impression that Elvis only released concert albums instead of new recording material after his '68 comeback special).

The Aloha from Hawaii special symbolizes the fact that Elvis, a musical and cultural pioneer and legend, was still at the top of his game in 1973 and wasn't about to slow down even though his health would start to slowly deteriorate during this time. He looks incredibly gorgeous and is clearly in control of his band and of what he wanted to do and how he wanted the music to be projected. One part of the DVD that struck me is during the post-concert recording of Hawaiian Wedding Song when the band missed a chord that most people would not have noticed but Elvis somehow picks up on it even as he is singing and immediately tells the band that they missed a chord they did not realize and Elvis goes over the song again so he and his band can now perfect it. What a strong vision and work ethic he truly had! Many singers would have overlooked a seemingly minor, hidden error, but not Elvis. He wanted his fans to have nothing but the best as he would often say.

To understand the `73 special, one would have to go back to the Elvis '68 special and his return to concert performances thereafter. Elvis had already produced the concert documentaries That's The Way It Is (1970) and Elvis on Tour (1972) and the Aloha from Hawaii special was just the icing on the cake of a journey that showed Elvis going from an entertainer finding his way back into his musical roots in 1968 to a polished, professional genius who mixed rawness with drama into his performances by the early 1970's. His voice was pure and full of emotion and drama as he matured during the 70's and the DVD shows how the fans were drawn to Elvis' magnetic voice which had a renewed freshness to it during this time in which he was in his late 30`s. As Charlie Hodge (the guy who gave Elvis his water and scarves and sang harmony with him, and who helped Elvis arrange his music) once said on Boston's "Elvis Only" with Jay Gordon (Oldies 103.3), Elvis had a "love tone" to his voice which is why people loved him and respected him and responded to him. This "love tone" is clearly evident in Aloha from Hawaii.

It is just so wonderful to have a DVD that shows Elvis' voice in such a very powerful and beautiful way! His voice matured so much compared to a few years earlier that he was now confident enough to hit more and more notes in a powerful yet pure and tender way that some opera singers would be envious of and he could simply go from this unique singing style to singing a rock or country song in the next minute or two. This is what made his concerts so exciting and unpredictable and the DVD brings this out in a very special way. Just view the DVD and see how Elvis sings Johnny B. Goode, Steamroller Blues, Suspicious Minds, Hound Dog and I Can't Stop Loving You while singing What Now My Love, American Trilogy and It`s Over in one show!.

Elvis was separated from Priscilla at the time of his Aloha from Hawaii special (sadly, they separated about a year or so earlier) and they would divorce in October of 1973 so it is evident that in Aloha from Hawaii his mood was much different than it had been in, say, That's The Way It Is in 1970 in that he seems to be sad at times and when he does smile and laugh it no longer is as free-flowing and even childish as it was in That`s The Way It Is. This dramatic aspect of his personality is clearly shown in many of the songs that he performs in Aloha from Hawaii. How can anyone not feel for him as he sings It's Over, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, What Now My Love and I'll Remember you? His voice definitely has an even more dramatic, emotional and polished tone when he sings these songs than he had when singing ballads such as Love Me Tender in the `68 Comeback Special or even You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling in That's The Way It Is in 1970 (his TCB band and orchestra as well as his background singers were also remarkably different in 1973 as they are far more dramatic and more polished than in previous years) and it seems as though Elvis is now singing from pain and not only from pure energy. He proves in Aloha from Hawaii that whenever he sang a song that he didn't do so to simply make money, but because that is exactly how he truly felt at the time, that he needed to sing a certain song to release or to project his thoughts and feelings. In other words, Elvis was real and authentic and Aloha from Hawaii brings this important part of Elvis' life and personality to a forefront. This is why even a non-Elvis fan would benefit from purchasing and watching the DVD edition.

However, while too much is spoken about these days concerning Elvis' personal life, Aloha from Hawaii is basically about his music and only his music even though the pain of his private life is visible in his choice of songs. Focusing on his music and on his tremendous band and background singers is what is most important when watching the DVD.

Elvis doesn't move too much in Aloha from Hawaii as he often did in his concerts probably because this was a worldwide television special and Elvis wanted the world to focus on his music and the lyrics as much of the footage centers on his face and on what he is projecting through his voice and facial features. Although he would continue to incorporate karate into his concerts such as in 1974 when he gave complete demonstrations on stage (how cool!), the Aloha from Hawaii special contains fewer karate influenced moves and was based mostly on music, and not on extra entertaining features.

It would be wrong to say that this was simply his last and greatest concert or milestone as he would go on to perform concerts and create more milestones that were just as powerful if not more powerful such as his Live on Stage in Memphis concert album in 1974 (now available on CD and recently updated with more music added; and should have been filmed but wasn't!) and his historic, record breaking appearance at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1975 in which he broke the Beatles attendance record for a single indoor performance, and his Bicentennial shows in 1976 and the New Year's Eve concert in Pittsburgh in that same year in which his voice was very powerful and would make the Elvis of the 1950's and the Elvis from 1970 or maybe even the Aloha from Hawaii Elvis blush with envy. But, admittedly, the Aloha from Hawaii special is what defined Elvis' concert career as a legendary, versatile performer and not simply as the "king of rock and roll" and that is why it is important to purchase and view this important DVD as this one concert is a historical and musical achievement.

The DVD shows the dignity, class and charisma that Elvis brought to his performances as well as the energy, drama and emotion he often projected at the time. Aloha from Hawaii proves that Elvis could probably stand still for an hour and recite poetry and the fans would still go wild! He clearly had them in the palm of his hand. They were obsessed with him as he was of them.

Elvis must have been a nervous wreck before and during the special. Imagine being the first performer to sing via satellite to billions of people? What a tremendous responsibility yet Elvis took on this great responsibility and took the stage in Hawaii in 1973 to prove to the world that he is the greatest performer and singer of all-time. His voice was shaking with nerves during the beginning of the televised concert, and that is certainly the case when he addressed the fans before singing The Beatle tune called Something. It is often said that Elvis suffered from stage fright and was very nervous before each performance and would go into deep prayer before a show to ask God to give him strength. One can only imagine that he must have spent many hours on his knees praying before the Aloha from Hawaii special!

Overlooking the historical meaning of the concert would be a major error. Although Elvis kept his views to himself as he was always very much professional, he was truly committed to his country and loved being an American and opposed her enemies and was still traditional and religious in many ways. After all, this was January of 1973. The cold war was still raging on. Communism was a major threat. The world was increasingly becoming more hostile and dark. Elvis was a patriotic American who served in the Army for two years and had ties to the White House and the F.B.I., during the 1970's and he expressed to the government (to Presidents Nixon and Carter) his love for America. Elvis took the stage in Aloha from Hawaii wearing an American Eagle jumpsuit and sang some all-American songs like American Trilogy and Johnny B. Goode. Is it any wonder that the only countries that refused to air Aloha from Hawaii were communist countries? Keep that in mind when watching Aloha from Hawaii.

Seeing Elvis in his Aloha from Hawaii special helps to gain more respect for him and to feel for what he was going through personally although primarily focusing on the music is what he would want us to do. He was clearly a nice person who loved his fans and was very much immersed in music and in his fans to an extreme. And it is his music that people should be talking about these days and this DVD special helps to promote that important yet much overlooked point of view. The Aloha from Hawaii helps to explain why devoted Elvis fans favor the Elvis of the 1970's compared to any other part of his incredible career. It is this DVD special that will help non-Elvis fans to understand why Elvis is regarded as the greatest and most influential singer of all-time! How appropriate it was to have a tremendously special American legend like Elvis to perform a worldwide special in a place like Hawaii where "the night is heavenly and...dreams come true in Blue Hawaii."

It doesn't get any better than this. His voice and stage presence are AMAZING. This is an extemely polished show, not like the normal tour shows. It has even less action than some of his 73-74 shows. But I believe this was the way Elvis thought it should done since it was viewed by 1-1.5 BILLION people. Huge variety of songs, the selections prove that there isn't ANYTHING he can't sing better than ANYBODY at ANYTIME. What a lot of people don't notice is.......Elvis will literally be seen in every civilized country on the earth and he wears a red, white and blue eagle on his 'outfit/suit'. His song choice is like a tribute to not only himself, but other popular artists like the Beatles, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, etc... And of course, near the end of the show, he performs American Trilogy. It doesn't get more American that that. After 'Trilogy', and before he ends the show with 'Can't help falling in Love', he does one more Elvis oldie to leave you wanting more. In this case, it was 'Big Hunk of Love'. What a great show, different than all the rest and should be viewed realizing that. Was it the best show Elvis ever did? No way! Is it the only show we can see from start to finish on DVD? Yes, and twice, the rehersal and the production show. Are both of them awesome shows? Anything Elvis did at this time and prior to this time were awesome! He could sing 'Mary had a little Lamb' and it would be awesome.

What's the best reason to buy this DVD? The close ups, song selections, and that voice. I guarantee you will hear familar songs like no one will EVER sing them again. You'll be asking yourself 'How is it possible for him to have that much talent?' His voice is that good and powerful. And if you know anything about Elvis, you'll see that he had something on his mind. I'll guess it was Priscilla, they were officially divorced within the year. Also, this show wil prove to be one of the last times you ever see Elvis as a lean machine.

Watch this show then turn to MTV or turn the radio on and try and tell yourself Elvis wasn't especially talented. If you can say that, you are musically deaf. Why else do they keep selling the same Elvis items with different wrappers over and over and over again? But this one is special and a must have!

Wow! I saw the original broadcast lo these many years ago, but with today's hi-tech wonders, this format is fantastic! Believe me or not, I was fortunate enough to have seen Elvis in person literally weeks prior to the first world wide satelite broadcast. Presley worked every January at the Las Vegas International Hotel (now the Hilton-International) doing two shows a night. My friend & I paid the high price of $15 each (includes two drinks each). In those days, where you were to be seated was determined by the size of tip given to the maitre d'. We gave him $20 and were seated at the end of the runway to the stage in a classic Vegas style sea-shell shaped booth.

Now with this remastered video and audio surround sound, this will be your chance to see what we enjoyed that evening. Young or old, everyone is still in awe of his fabulous singing ability and stage presence. Get ready to see "THE KING" at the very top of his career.

I was just a little young for Elvis but not by much. I had passed over him but decided to explore the roots of the rock music I liked from the 60s on.

Well I really loved this concert. I could really see what the big deal was. He had such an incredible vocal range and he really set the direction for completely embodying the emotion in his songs. I think this was one of the huge things he gave populare music. He pushed it beyond the mannered and polite singing about distant emotion and had you feeling the emotion with him in great depth, power and variety.

And what solid material is among the songs here too- from sad and expressive ballads to full-on rock and then hall-filling gospel sounds - wow! We have songs even by George Harrison and James Taylor that showed him moving forward and evolving- as well as some of his best known and loved hits.

For someone more exposed to the impersonators that the original I was unprepared for how good-looking he was and how much gentleness and humour he had.

This set has the same concert in different incarnations. The digitally remastered final product is excellent and looks like it was filmed yesterday -nothing dated here (except for that white outfit so beloved by impersonators and which the 'Queer Eye' team would have been quick to point out didn't accentuate his features well - Oh for his old black leather!)

If you are a real fan or rock nerd perhaps you'll like to see how they stuffed up the original televised concert to the US by adding inserts of Hawaiian scenes that Elvis wasnt in and which were pretty unexciting scenery by the islands' standards. Then there's the rehearsal concert which does show he did vary a little on the night and even could have a few goes at finding the first note on occasion. Then there's some additonal takes of numbers he did after the show as inserts among the mundane Hawaaii pics - very restrained and not that exciting. His magic may have been best brought out by an audience.

Look I havent explored Elvis before and I found he still has a lot to offer new visitors to his world. Definitely recommended!

As a new Elvis fan I had never seen any of his live performances before. I have the `Aloha' CD and I love it so I thought I would start out with this DVD. WOW is all I have to say. First off, Elvis looked great and sounded superb. His voice is really at his prime. Songs such as Steamroller and American Trilogy really showcase his vocal range.

I loved seeing him interact with the audience!

The first few songs you can tell he's really nervous but as the show goes on he relaxes and has some fun. During Suspicious Minds he demonstrates the moves that helped make him famous.

This DVD set is a must have for any new and long time fan of Elvis.