Product Details

• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (193 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0792836014
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #111,597 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This 1970 concert documentary captures Elvis Presley midway through a fateful transition, seeking to reclaim his musical primacy after a decade of self-imposed exile from concert stages. Sidelined by his big-screen career, eclipsed by rock's mid-'60s transformations, the King had begun his return two years earlier with the relatively lean attack of his fabled network television appearance, '68 Comeback Special. Now the Memphis legend was poised to reposition his performing profile by pursuing the top rungs of headliner status in Las Vegas, a career choice that seems even more ephemeral in hindsight than it already did at the time.

Elvis: That's the Way It Is follows the show's genesis from rehearsal to stage, with the performance footage that provides its inevitable climax shot over six nights. The rehearsal footage, expanded for this special edition, offers further proof that Presley's band was simply superb: stripped of the orchestrations and lush choral arrangements that would be grafted onto the stage show, the sextet sounds both tough and nimble. In performance, we're treated to a mostly riveting glimpse of Presley in top vocal form, poised at the brink of bombast. This is Elvis before the onset of portentous Richard Strauss overtures, karate kicks, and tossed scarves, kicking off the show with the classic "That's All Right." If he risks undercutting the punch of his early songs with self-deprecating clowning, he attacks two Ray Charles classics with gusto. The special edition also boasts digitally remastered visuals, crisply remixed Dolby audio, alternate versions that replace the original performances of several tracks (including the extended vamp of "Suspicious Minds"), a theatrical trailer, and a new documentary on the restoration of the film. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get the DVD & hold on to the VHS!, July 11, 2002

By	B-MAN "B" (Earth, occasionally. Until I get bored.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elvis - That's the Way It Is [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The "Special Edition" DVD of the 1970 concert film, "That's the way it is",is remastered with better audio, video, and extra footage of Elvis! It has removed footage from the original VHS version (which has a cover showing Elvis in a flowered shirt) such as fan comments, advertising for the show, and even a few Elvis performances ("I just can't help believing" for one). This documentary consists of footage of Elvis in one of the best times of his life emotionally, physically, and vocally. Seriously, the band has to work hard to keep up with the energy that Elvis displays in this show! (see "Polk Salad Annie", "Suspicious Minds", etc.) It is fantastic that this video has been preserved because it shows Elvis at the top of his game. You may notice that the audience is quite tame compared to an arena audience. For one thing the concert is a formal Vegas affair with everyone seated at dining tables. Yes there are still some lovesick girls in the front row, but you can also see celebrities like Sammy Davis, jr. and Cary Grant in attendance. The energy of the audience doesent really matter anyway because the performance Elvis gives is amazing and inspiring. This is a great way to remember Elvis.

The DVD will sound, look, and flow much better than the original film. It also has more Elvis and less stuff to fast foward through. Bottom line: Hold on to your old VHS copy for the performances not on the DVD, but buy the DVD for every other reason.

TCB

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elvis That's the Way it is Special Edition, April 26, 2003

By	"thekingsback" (Hagley UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elvis - That's the Way It Is (Special Edition) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Fantastic, Super, Dazzling. This 90 minutes of concert and behind the scenic footage is breath taking. It is 1970 and Elvis has a Vegas tour planned, he has finished his movie contract and has been reborn more mature, thanks to his 68 comeback. `That's the way it is' captures Elvis' charisma, talent and amazing voice, it is totally re-cut and restored by Rick Schmidlin (Greed, Touch of Evil). It is basically split into two parts - off and on stage. The off stage section follows Elvis in the MGM studios and his endearing clowning around through the Vegas warm up and the show itself. And what a show! It shows Elvis at the height of his carer holding the audience spellbound. There is a variety of songs (full list of songs below) incorporating R & B, Blues, Country and of course Rock & Roll. There are touching and spin tingling versions of You've lost that loving feeling and You don't have to say you love me. But naturally all the songs are outstanding. In conclusion I think even if Elvis hadn't had any of his movies, no previous concerts and no fame what so ever, just this - he would still be the King.

The full song list -

That's all right
Little sister/Get back
My baby left me
Crying time
Love me
Twenty days and twenty nights
Bridge over troubled water
Cattle call
Chime bells
Santa Claus is back in town
Mary in the morning

Mystery train/Tiger Man
That's all right
I got a woman
Hound dog
Heartbreak hotel
Love me tender
I can't stop loving you

Just pretend
The wonder of you
In the ghetto
Patch it up
You've lost that loving feeling
Polk salad Annie
One night
Don't be cruel
Blue suede shoes
All shook up
You don't have to say you love
Suspicious Minds
Can't help falling in love

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elvis - TTWIS Special Edition Beyond Description!, January 17, 2001

By	Lon S. Roberts (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Elvis - That's the Way It Is (Special Edition) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first watched the new edit of Elvis - That's The Way It Is On Turner Classic Movies. I also ordered the video from Amazon and had it rush delievered. This movie is so exciting and fresh that it's beyond description. Elvis never sounded better or looked better, and this movie takes advantage of previously unused footage and milks the Elvis experience for everything it's worth (and that's a heck of a lot). Long gone are the previously included interviews and odd fan moments. This movie is pure Elvis. The movie starts with rehearsals and works its way through a Vegas performance. The first 30 minutes are rehearsals and Elvis backstage, providing a glimpse of Elvis rarely seen. Elvis is seen goofing around, and he is seen instructing his band and backup singers in the fashion of a true master. The last hour of the show is an Elvis Vegas performance from start to finish (spliced together from 6 different shows). The Vegas shows culminates in a performance of Suspcious Minds that is alone worth the price of admission. This is a must have. The price is low. The sound and picture quality is excellent, and the editing and production value is first rate. This video is Elvis - the way it really was. Be aware that the TCM tv presentation was in wide screen. The video is available in wide screen and full screen / normal. If you like wide screen be sure to order the correct version of the video package. But either version you get - you will play it over and over and over. It's beyond comprehension! It's so fresh and alive you'll almost forget it wasn't recently filmed. The fade outs and the camera angles are excellent. Hats off to Turner and Warner Brothers for this delightful video!