29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Transcript/screenplay of "The Definitive Elvis" Doc., July 14, 2006
I just received this book in the mail and I have to preface my review of it with a story of sorts.
I went to Joe's website to check out the book, and while I was there I signed up for the "Talk with Joe" fan phone call list. I was initially of the opinion, after reading the synopsis, that is was a transcript of the documentary "The Defininitive Elvis - 25th anniversary edition" A few weeks later I got a call from Joe's sidekick asking me if I would like to talk to Joe. I said "yes" and he asked me a few general questions about Elvis and my being a fan. One of the comments I made, he asked me if he could use it possibly in the book. I said, "Of Course" and then he went on a serious selling spree of the book. I asked him about the documentary and he said"Yeah it's based on that but it's not like it at all. It's so much more. The way it's layed out, the stories, the photos, it's unlike anything you've seen before. It'll blow your mind. And it's a huge book, over 500 pages". After talking to him for a while I was left with two things on my mind: a different impression of the book and that, definately Joe would call. I got my questions ready then I went to the website and ordered the book. I was also told that those who pre- ordered would get a discount. I ordered the book and a window popped up to sign me up for the sweepstakes. I signed up.
Anyway a while later, never got the call from Joe but I got the charge and it was for a little over $50.00. Did I get that wrong? Oh, well, it's a huge, colorful great book and it will be worth it. I've paid more for a Tunzi book.
Now, I have the book and here's my impression of it. I get the box and right off, I'm dissapointed. It's about the size and weight of the latest Dean Koontz novel I bought . A little larger, but not by much. I open it and browse through. Cool! my quote is in the back! Not cool, very small black and white, low resolution images/screen captures from the documentary bordering every page next to the excerpt from interviews that fit with that chapter. Layed out like a screenplay, more or less. Lots of typos and grammatical errors. Intermixed are excerpts from the narrarator, clips from Elvis interviews and in the front, a poem by Joe. Fairly nice poem and a bit cheesy at the same time. And it comes in at exactly 450 pages.
I was expecting a big, coffee table type book with wonderful color photos and stories, etc. layed out in a Joe Tunzi type book. It is not that at all.
Now, if you have not seen the documentary it might be great, exept that it feels like what it is, a transcript/screenplay. You're left wanting to watch it because the production, Elvis clips, peoples expressions, etc.. along with the stories, are what keep you riveted. It's good as a companion to the documentary and that's all.
It is not worth $49.99. I expect that Jerry Shilling's book will be leagues better at half the price.
It is self publised by TCB Joe Publications.
It's good as a reference but at this price, buy the documentary . It's way, way better!
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ultimate Book TributeTo The King!!!!!!, August 13, 2006
I have read every Elvis book worth reading out there and by far this book surpasses them all, even though I am not a die hard Joe Esposito fan.
Remember Elvis goes away from convention as you will quickly discover starting from the cover art, to the layout and yes including the price. Weighing in at over $39.00 you might have to save alittle, but let me tell you that you are not getting the average Elvis book here, you are getting the BEST Elvis book that reflects everything an avid Elvis fan like myself would ever want to know. You will find out about what it was like to truly know Elvis the man, the performer, the lover, the husband, the friend etc. From the people that were actually there!
Not like the books put out by the househelp and a person that saw him in the street. What's next the gardner or the trash man!
Remember Elvis is the real thing.
You will find it packed with stories from people like Jerry Schilling, Sam Phillips, George Klein, Loanne Parker, Sam and Linda Thompson, heck anyone that is worth following in the Elvis world is in it.
If you want the BEST Elvis book ever written get a copy of this book. It is in my opinion the Ultimate book tribute to the KING and will leave you feeling like you actually met Elvis yourself.
I have to give Joe Esposito credit for creating a book that should have been created a long time ago, and he did it the right way by respecting Elvis and his fans in the process. I hope that this book will finally get EPE's attention and give Joe credit and open support for being such a great and loyal friend to Elvis and pro actively keeping the Elvis legacy alive and well through the years.
Cliff Wells
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something Positive About Elvis, May 9, 2007
This book was refreshingly upbeat about Elvis and reminded one of his good qualities. And isn't that the way we should try to remember people? So much of what is out there in the written realm about Elvis is so sleazy -- and from people who considered themselves to be close to Elvis. Thank you, Joe, for reminding us that Elvis was such a talented and giving individual. Clearly, you were a friend.
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