Product Details

• Actors: Elvis Presley, Suzanna Leigh, James Shigeta, Donna Butterworth, Marianna Hill
• Directors: Michael D. Moore
• Writers: Allan Weiss, Anthony Lawrence
• Producers: Hal B. Wallis, Joseph H. Hazen, Paul Nathan
• Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English
• Dubbed: French
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: January 7, 2003
• Run Time: 91 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00007ELFD
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,359 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Elvis Presley: Paradise, Hawaiian Style" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Elvis and Hawaii go together like one of Graceland's peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches. To be honest, though, Paradise, Hawaiian Style finds the King looking puffier and sleepier than he did in the salad days of Blue Hawaii. Making matters worse is the song selection and the prominence of an allegedly adorable child actor--always a bad thing in an Elvis picture. Despite all that, there's something casually likable about the film: costar James Shigeta is a welcome performer (he plays the island pilot who goes into business with flyboy Elvis), leading lady Susanna Leigh is an above-average companion, and the location shooting is a big upgrade over the cardboard backdrops of many late-career Presley vehicles. Extended musical sequences take place at the Polynesian Cultural Center--nothing wrong with that, but rock & roll has been left pretty far behind. --Robert Horton

Product Description

In "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," Elvis plays Rick Richards, an ex-airline pilot who starts a charter helicopter sightseeing service in Hawaii and finds himself surrounded with pretty tourists. Co-starring Suzanna Leigh and James Shigeta, "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" features the memorable melodies "A Dog's Life," "Sand Castles" and "Bill Bailey, Won't you Please Come Home."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars With Elvis, Hawaii IS paradise! November 12, 2002

By Josh P.

Format:VHS Tape

A sort of repeat of "Blue Hawaii", but "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" shows more exotic locations. Only this time around Elvis takes you by air. He stars as a handsome unemployed helicopter pilot who decides to open his own helicopter tourist service with his partner. Along the way, Elvis can't keep several beautiful wahinis out of his hair. "Is this any way to run an airline?" You bet! With one look at this movie, you'll see it's not called "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" for nothing. The young child costar Donna Butterworth was a huge Elvis fan before she starred in this picture with Elvis. Why not? A little girl who loved Elvis to death and now she's doing a motion picture with him in person. You could call it a dream come true. Elvis fans, don't delay.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars A decent Presley movie saved by the scenery February 27, 2001

By Jeff Smith

Format:VHS Tape

As Red West said in the book, "Elvis, What Happened?" Paradise, Hawaiian Style failed to capture the artistic majesty of Blue Hawaii, but the box office never complained.

After slipping box office returns from Tickle Me, Harum Scarum and other clunkers, Elvis returned to familiar territory in Hawaii.

The movie has a somewhat decent script and songs which are supported by the breathtaking scenery.

I agree with another review that Elvis went through the motions on this one, though. When he sang songs, he didn't have his usual spunk as far as gyrating and reallying putting himself into it. He either just stood in place or slowly walked around, just going through the motions of the songs.

And yes, he was a bit out of shape. In "Elvis What Happened?" it was reported that he showed up on the set 30 pounds overweight. He lived on diet pills for about a week before filming started and gradually got back into shape by the time it was in the can.

With more vigor and vim, some better songs and a stronger script, Paradise, Hawaiian Style could have equalled Blue Hawaii. But, all Colonel Parker was interested in was the bottom line. On that note, many people may not know this, but no Elvis Presley movie ever lost money. Some may have just scraped in over the line, but most of them were huge successes. A lot of his movies were lousy, but Elvis was miserable all the way to the bank.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Return To the Island State. March 20, 2002

By tvtv3 TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:VHS Tape

In this movie, Elvis plays a laid off airline pilot who returns to his home state of Hawaii (he's the descendant of missionaries) and starts a helicopter transportation business with his best friend. The scenery in the movie isn't as breathtaking as in BLUE HAWAII. Nevertheless, the plot of the movie is much more believable and well written than BLUE HAWAII. However, the improvement in the script is dragged down by Elvis' apparent lack of enthusiasm; during the singing sequences he just goes through the motions with no emotion whatsoever. Yet, there is some excitement in the movie found in an unlikely source: the King is stood up in this film by 10 year old Donna Butterworth who steals practically every scene she is a part. Overall, pretty much, just your average Elvis flick.