
Ger Rijf wrote:
Dec 22, 2005 5:33 pm Post subject: MISS HIM BADLY...
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.. "Just watched Elvis By The Presleys for the first time. It was on Dutch TV. 68 and Aloha tonight as well... An all-Elvis night, so to speak. The last 10 minutes of EBTP was extremely moving and sincere... 47 years of loving the man flashed by in those final minutes... I was in tears. Gawd, how I miss him... :
By most accounts, 2005's "Elvis By the Presleys" documentary broadcast on CBS, accompanyed by a 2-CD rehash (along with some rarities) and a book, seemed to have achieved the commercial goals. But among the hard-core fans at sites like FECC, there was some grumbling, particularly about the main event, the film. In fact, the program was more or less taken as being for the same female fans who apparently are charmed by "Elvis ducks" and other guady Presleyphilia. Off-putting to some resident cynics is surely the emphasis on the personal Elvis and the "family" Elvis.
Some of the criticism is centered on the somewhat controversial role of Priscilla herself, which I share. But also lost has been some of the fine work done in lengthened 273 minute (!) DVD set, not including the bonus disc available from "Target" in the U.S. only.
A drumbeat of negative comments on EBTP may have scared away fans, to the point that I had this for months and never sat down and watched it in full until recently.
The following discussion on another thread in discussed Priscilla's brief portrayal of Elvis as an ultra-traditional husband:
"Keith Richards Jr." wrote:
This is exhibit "A" of an exagerated reaction to a rather watchable film.I finally watched the complete DVD version (having seen the much shorter TV-version, which was decent, if disappointing) and I have to say EBTP (faults aside, gets a bad rap. The DVD delivers value in ways the broadcast did not.I know, but Priscilla made him look like a retarded caveman. She could've left that part out. I can't see how anyone except 87 year old grandmothers can find "Elvis By The Presleys" worthwhile. I hate exactly everything about it.Axeman wrote:..hey it's not like Elvis had time to become a "sensitive man of the 90's". These were the values that were in place during the time when Elvis grew up, and he was raised on them...
There is definitely some quality film work in how they weave Elvis' voice (often selected from any number of interviews, often rare) or even actual footage as Priscilla, Jerry, etc. discuss that particular topic. They have top-quality access to real Elvis footage (Aloha, '68, TV shows) and also use an extensive number of Elvis songs that I've never heard incorporated into a documentary. They don't just break out the obvious hits.
It's clearly geared more towards "the personal side" of Elvis (probaby more for a female audience) but I have to say most of you will find it worthwhile. One should assume that fans have already sought out DVD's that strictly cover his music. But even here, the music keeps coming with the pacing generally rapid without being grating. There can be an over-reliance on the same "talking heads" (Priscilla, her parents, Lisa, Jerry and Patsy) but then overall, it's a pretty fresh presentation.
Most of us have an interest in his personal life and here it's well- covered, often brilliantly. They also cover other aspects of his life, including the stage. I really don't have a problem with the concept, the more I think about it, no matter how much Priscilla positions herself almost as Elvis' widow, with nary a word on Linda Thompson or Ginger Alden. But overall, it works, especially by having Lisa Marie on board.
Even Elvis photophile Ger Rijff raved about the moving ending of it recently (shown above) ,which takes the approach of "This is Elvis" with the use of "My Way" and probably out does it. I don't usually cry but some of you will also be reaching for your hankies as well.
I'm as hard on Priscilla as anyone (I find her hard to stomach sometimes) but we have to give credit where it's due. There's some quality work done on this that should be credited. I know most of us have things like the DVD of the film "Elvis & June" in our collection, which ultimately ends up looking rather limited because of a low-budget. We "forgive" these shows for their faults and ought to for this one, too.
This has some prime material on it as time and money was clearly spent the production. (The credits follow below.)
It's not great, but it's pretty good and worth getting at least on sale as I did.
Here's EPE's official write-up (edited)
DVD Track IndexElvis By The Presleys DVD (2005)
The public Elvis is well known, but the private Elvis remains a mystery. 'Elvis By The Presley's' 2-DVD set will change that. Fans are granted an unprecedented understanding of the Presley family, with unhindered access into the archives of the Elvis Presley estate, coupled with extensive new interviews with both Priscilla and Lisa Marie plus rare performance footage of the King at his best. Over four and a half hours of footage make the DVD 'Elvis By The Presley's' arguably the most revealing and poignant video portrait we will ever see of the artist as husband, father and friend.
The program grants access to his life like a glimpse into a family album, beginning with Elvis: Meets Priscilla a chance for Priscilla to recall her story of meeting Elvis in Germany. Beautifully restored audio of Elvis speaking is inter-cut with Priscilla as they chronicle their lives together for the first time.
Early care free days at Graceland and In Los Angeles are painted with fantastic home movies.
This revealing footage shows Elvis as a playful family man, building snow men, snowmobiling, riding horses, swimming, water skiing and hamming it up for the camera. These were perhaps the happiest times for all.
As the documentary turns a corner, Priscilla reveals the realities of a Hollywood relationship and her efforts to win over Elvis completely, sacrificing her own ambitions and desires for the security of their relationship. In rare interviews, Elvis talks candidly about women and dating and the pressure he felt to remain single for his public image. As we watch Lisa Marie grow, she shares more and more of her earliest memories of life at Graceland as a kid; the big southern dinners, the menagerie of pets, the wild games, the late nights at the movie theatre, and of course, what it was like having Elvis as a father.
Elvis: After Dark is a deeply moving segment featuring Lisa Marie and Priscilla speaking about Elvis' spiralling drug use and his ultimate death. The story of his demise has never been so poignant and heartbreaking as we heat it told by those who were affected the most.
The final segment Elvis: Forever documents Elvis' legacy as it continues to grow and in the wake of his passing other Presley's have stepped up to the plate, proudly carrying on his name and keeping his voice in the public ear. Elvis' daughter and grandchildren would have made him proud and the documentary ends on a high note as we see a great future for Elvis with no end to the success of the Presley's.
Alongside the deluxe DVD documentary are a number of special features, including a photo gallery and two exclusive bonus chapters entitled Elvis: Nixon and Elvis: Karate.
Disc 1
1. Elvis: Meets Priscilla
2. Elvis: Introducing Mrs. Presley
3. Elvis: The Inner Child
4. Elvis: The Generous
5. Elvis: The Seeker
6. Elvis: The King
7. Elvis: After Dark
Disc 2
1. Elvis: On Stage
2. Elvis: Style
3. Elvis Taking Care Of Business
4. Elvis: Forever
* Running Time: 270 minutes
* DVD Audio: 2.0 Stereo
Credits:
Original Concept
DAVID SALTZ
Writer
BILL FLANAGAN
Executive Producers
DAVID SALTZ
OSMOND J. KILKENNY
Producer
SCOTT LOCHMUS
Producer
ELISABETH HARRIS
Editors
ALESSANDRA DOBRIN
WYATT SMITH
Coordinating Producer
ANISHA KANSAL
Production Manager
JANET SHAW
DVD Authoring by Post Works New York
Graphics Director: LOUIS LEIBOWITS
Graphics: XOOP, LLC KARTIK MOHAN MAN KIM
DVD Distribution, Packaging and Marketing by
Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group
Executive Producer: Joseph DiMuro
Project Directors: Iris Maenza and Matt Stringer
Package Art Direction: Erwin Gorostiza
Package Design: Jeffrey Schulz

Related thread:
http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20083&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=