Customer Reviews

Elvis In Hollywood : The 50's

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As an American raised in the second half of the 20th Century, I have been steeped in the legend of Elvis throughout my entire life. Prior to seeing "Elvis '56" on TV, I had seen footage of his early performances that I thought demonstrated a degree of brilliance. That being said, I must state, emphatically, that this brilliant film, which encapsulates his meteoric rise to fame, has made me a fan forever of this remarkable American artist. We can all go on to note how, after 1956, Elvis became a "boy in a bubble" and the sad effect that had on his personality and music. But this film is the unadulturated 100% pure Elvis Presley of which the legend is made. It's not just the music - which is incredible - but this fascinating young man himself, that makes this video so rewarding. And, finally, I have seldom seen a film - documentary or fiction - that so vividly rekindles the look and feel of an era. If you lived through 1956, this will take you back. If you didn't, watch this and you'll know what it was like.

Wonderfully narrated by Levon Helm of the Band, this remarkable film documents the one year that made the difference in the life and career of Elvis--and in the culture of the U.S.A. and the world. Robust with period-evoking footage of the King's concerts and TV appearances, with numerous still photos taken offstage, on trains, etc., the film chronicles our man's transition from regional fringe player to breakout superstar the likes of which the world had never known. It's a gem from start to finish. It makes a fine companion piece to Peter Guralnick's biography, Last Train to Memphis.

This video of Presley's early career is wonderful. It may be the best of all the Presley videos. Don't miss it. You will be there for the early music and the meteoric rise of this rock n roll legend. The quality of the reproduction is excellent for the time period 1956. On this video you will see Elvis Presley at his best before he was spoiled by all the fame and money that came later in his life.

Just when you thought it was safe to finally put away those blue suede shoes, along comes yet another piece of Presley paraphernalia, the time on DVD. Actually, this is a superb collection of rare, early recordings and never-before-seen black-and-white and color footage that proves just why we still love him tender. Narrated by Levon Helm of the band, the DVD time travels back to the year when-rock-and roll was still in its infancy and a young man hip-swiveling Southern boy was about to Make It Big. Even after all these years, the King's infamous appearance on Ed Sullivan's show still hounds us with delight.

Love the content, because I am the biggest Elvis fan on the planet but geesh, the sound is awful. The bass is earth shattering, way too much bass, and the music sounds very soft and muffled. Poorly done DVD but great on VHS.

If you like Elvis at all, this video is a must! As the narrator says, we never got this close to him again. It contains all the old tv show appearances, including the amazing "Peace in the Valley" from "The Ed Sullivan Show". I own a copy and have given several as gifts.

The first record I ever bought was the 78-rpm version of 'Heartbreak Hotel', so 1956 is a special year for me. This documentary does a great job of bringing back the feeling of what it was like in this early era of Rock 'N' Roll. This really shows Elvis at his peak. I would highly reccomend it.

I remember watching E on a B&W telly in a drug store while 10 of
us shared a coke as a reason for being there. Who had a name
like "ELVIS" in 1955. Nobody I know and certainly not in Canada.
I watched the Dorsey Brothers Show and E and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. The number 1 song on the "Hit Parade" was
Doris Day, "How Much is that Doggie In the Window"

As John Lennon says during the intro to ELVIS'56- "before
Elvis, there was nothing"

Old fans will love this DVD. New fans will appreciate the changes.

Old and new will get to know the world shaking change E made.

One of the very best E early years docu/dvds

I had never seen any early Elvis before. It was a treat!! Quality is not the greatest, but then it's old technology. Certainly worth the price if you want to "know" who Elvis is/was.

I noticed another reviewer said the sound of the DVD was bad. Honestly, I didn't notice that, but I may not have great sound on my TV! However, this is a favorite video of mine, so I was thrilled to have it on DVD. Basically, this covers his early (and best) film years. Everyone on the tape says Elivs was a much better actor that he was given credit for--and I agree. It also contains some of his best performances from "Jailhouse Rock," "Loving You" and "King Creole."