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41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
good rocking tonight in 5.1, August 12, 2002
This review is from: Elvis - The Great Performances Box Set (DVD)
These recycled and re-energized Andrew Solt videos distinguish themselves with an embrace of Evis Presley the performer, primarily in his raw, younger years. The hits are all here, coming back to life via a remarkable Dolby 5.1 audio mix that gets and deserves the "Rhinosonic" seal of approval. Purists have the option of a stereo (2.0) mix, but they'd be missing out on audio that gives this rock `n' roll music a fresh, wide-open feel -- room to twist and shout. 5.1 mixes often sound forced when delivering straight-ahead rock, soul or country, but a quick A-B comparison makes the choice an easy one. Bill Black's bass thumping through the subwoofer is a thing of sonic beauty. The videos do a decent job of telling the familiar tale of a Memphis truck driver and mamma's boy who ascended to pop fame matched only by the Beatles. The definitive look at Elvis' greatest year remains the docu "Elvis '56," but Solt too understands the thrill and the importance of Presley's breakout run. The images are all full screen. Quality of the footage ranges from ragged to pristine, with the criteria seeming to be quality of performance. Discs 1 and 2 of the set ("Center Stage" and "The Man and His Music") are narrated by Presley pal George Klein, who keeps the chatter to a minimum, letting the music flow. U2 singer Bono narrates Disc 3 ("From the Waist Up"), which focuses on Presley's seminal TV appearances in 1956 and '57. Bono has a lot more to say than Klein, of course, but most of it is interesting. "Waist Up" aired on VH1 a few years back. Easter eggs include Presley "jamming" with Liberace in a dressing room (no audio, alas) and a terrific "King Creole" trailer.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Decent Set, Nothing More, October 5, 2004
This review is from: Elvis - The Great Performances Box Set (DVD)
The first two discs of this set are really good, with much material that I had never seen before. The problem comes with disc three. The narrator (Bono of U2) will not be quiet, and frequently disrupts the music. To make matters worse, many of the performances on disc three are repeats. Surely they must have tons of footage they've yet to show. This is a good set, and one that I'd reccommend despite of the flaws. They includde songs from Elvis' movies, lip-synch performances, TV appearances, and home movies. What more could you want?
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The way forward?, August 29, 2002
This review is from: Elvis - The Great Performances Box Set (DVD)
The packaging of this 3-disc DVD is outstanding. A mock blue suede covering, with images of Elvis etched on the back and front. The gatefold sleeve opens to reveal some beautiful artwork inside. It really has to be seen to be believed. So, why not 5 stars? Well, I can understand some songs being repeated throughout the three discs, but WHY repeat the SAME performance? And, an even bigger sin, WHY commentate OVER some songs and/or edit them? (Considering Part 3 was only recently released, this would've given the producers the ideal opportunity to include different performances). Parts 1 and 2 were previously released on VHS format some years ago, complete with limited edition booklets that are sadly missing from this box set. The DVD transfer is very good and the 5.1 sound quality fantastic. Seeing Elvis in colour performing "Blue Suede Shoes" (well, miming to the song) as part of his first screen test is still a thrill to watch. Anyway, until a DVD of all the 56/57 TV performances is (officially) released, this is the best we're going to get. Buy it and judge for yourself. It is certainly worth every single penny.
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