FTD / Flaming Star - The Making Of Blue Hawaii

[vinelvis]

I'm thinking of getting this too, but money is tight right now. Do you guys think this will be available at a decent price next year or will the price of this set raise a lot like the FTD lps? I know it will be just speculation but maybe some of you guys now more than I do.

The price will be good so long as stocks do not run out - I don’t know of any situation on these kind of releases where the price would drop to make the price decent.

Thanks. I know the price won't drop, but it's just that I might have a little more money next year so I'm hoping the price will stay the same.

[emjel]

I'm thinking of getting this too, but money is tight right now. Do you guys think this will be available at a decent price next year or will the price of this set raise a lot like the FTD lps? I know it will be just speculation but maybe some of you guys now more than I do.

The price will be good so long as stocks do not run out - I don’t know of any situation on these kind of releases where the price would drop to make the price decent.

Thanks. I know the price won't drop, but it's just that I might have a little more money next year so I'm hoping the price will stay the same.

These sets don’t seem to remain around for very long because of limited print runs, and that is the problem with trying to save up over a long period of time. At the moment, we do not have a release date so it could be a lot later this year or in the next couple of months. If the latter, I’d be surprised if copies were stuck on dealers shelves until next year - most dealers do not have lots of money to buy into lots of these kind of sets to have them sitting around on shelves for a long period of time - otherwise it means that it is cash that is tied up.

[Domino]

So with 4 CD's would that mean this is a sessions set with 2 books ?
That would cancel out a lot of interest.I see no reason why they can't do this like the Making of Viva Las Vegas book/cd set.A sessions set separate from the book .Besides ,I really don't care that much about Blue Hawaii to need 2 books about it.

They are doing it like VLV - as far as I’m aware, the book/cd set will be called The Making of Blue Hawaii - the only difference is that there will be more discs because there were more songs recorded. As for two books, well I can only assume they have accessed far more material.

So then you don't expect this to be a sessions set with books.A sessions set may be down the road.

When I first heard about this project which must be about 18 months/two years ago, I envisaged a mirror release on the VLV book/CD set, but then it was out on hold as Ernst still had not secured the missing early takes of Can’t Help Falling in Love. Even now, I am not sure that they have been located but with so much work being out into the project, it was probably difficult to justify putting it on hold forever.

Now we know it is 4 CDs, this might be the only route that Ernst has to get it out as an all singing all dancing session release too, and to avoid duplication of a separate session release further down the line. Of course anything is possible, but somehow I feel that in the economic climate, this may well be the final release for this material which will follow the VLV set (mono album and sine demos), but with four discs also to include the whole sessions too.

I got the VLV sessions and then I passed on the Making of book.Regretting that since I see the price of it now is now worth well over a grand to some sellers.Got the JHR book thinking that would happen again.But that didn't happen.Time will tell how this BH book plays out.Will it sell out quick or not.For me the decider is whether it's a complete session set or not.If the tapes haven't been located then it will be what we have plus what's left in the vault with a big book to fill it out.I would like all the sessions but I don't need all the books.Cost being the biggest part of the reason.

[Shawn1968]

If FTD is going to insist on bundling bulky, overpriced books with the CDs they should at a minimum also offer an ebook version. Save some cost, save some shelf space and save some trees.

[DakotaKid]

If at some point I can buy a Blue Hawaii Complete Sessions set (music only) I'm interested. If not, I'll stick with the 2 disc set from FTD that I already own.

[emjel]

If FTD is going to insist on bundling bulky, overpriced books with the CDs they should at a minimum also offer an ebook version. Save some cost, save some shelf space and save some trees.

FTD have not gone down the digital streaming/downloading route with their music products so I couldn’t see them going down the eBook route either.

[joekro1977]

This isn't a priority for me - but I do feel bad for those who wanted the music and now face the difficult choice of either shelling out big $$$ for official product (with books they don't want or need) or waiting to buy it from MRS or some other equivalent.

It's also kind of whiplash inducing to see how FTD keeps shifting tactics with what they release.

Viva Las Vegas (for some reason) gets BOTH a complete sessions release and a separate book release (on top of the original FTD)
Jailhouse Rock gets a book with complete sessions on top of two FTD releases that covered the music
Past book releases didn't focus on the CD add-ons quite so much.
Now with Blue Hawaii they're going straight to a book?
Thank God "Vegas 69" was just a book or we might have never gotten the CD releases we did later.

Clearly they want to make sure the BH book sells - but holy hell this is kind of a nasty way to do it.

[vinelvis]

So with 4 CD's would that mean this is a sessions set with 2 books ?
That would cancel out a lot of interest.I see no reason why they can't do this like the Making of Viva Las Vegas book/cd set.A sessions set separate from the book .Besides ,I really don't care that much about Blue Hawaii to need 2 books about it.

They are doing it like VLV - as far as I’m aware, the book/cd set will be called The Making of Blue Hawaii - the only difference is that there will be more discs because there were more songs recorded. As for two books, well I can only assume they have accessed far more material.

So then you don't expect this to be a sessions set with books.A sessions set may be down the road.

When I first heard about this project which must be about 18 months/two years ago, I envisaged a mirror release on the VLV book/CD set, but then it was out on hold as Ernst still had not secured the missing early takes of Can’t Help Falling in Love. Even now, I am not sure that they have been located but with so much work being out into the project, it was probably difficult to justify putting it on hold forever.

Now we know it is 4 CDs, this might be the only route that Ernst has to get it out as an all singing all dancing session release too, and to avoid duplication of a separate session release further down the line. Of course anything is possible, but somehow I feel that in the economic climate, this may well be the final release for this material which will follow the VLV set (mono album and sine demos), but with four discs also to include the whole sessions too.

I got the VLV sessions and then I passed on the Making of book.Regretting that since I see the price of it now is now worth well over a grand to some sellers.Got the JHR book thinking that would happen again.But that didn't happen.Time will tell how this BH book plays out.Will it sell out quick or not.For me the decider is whether it's a complete session set or not.If the tapes haven't been located then it will be what we have plus what's left in the vault with a big book to fill it out.I would like all the sessions but I don't need all the books.Cost being the biggest part of the reason.

Yeah I too see the JHR books for the same price on ebay, while other sets are getting more expensive. That is the reason I wondered what would happen with this set. I guess we have to wait!

[drjohncarpenter]

Do you know…I always thought you were a sensible person, but this post of yours is quite revealing for the opposite reasons. Further the comment wasn’t about soundboard tapes but audience recordings.

So it doesn’t really matter how you wish to cut it, in an attempt to make some kind of diversion away from bootleg albums, but it was illegal to go in and record Elvis’ shows otherwise fans like Rex Martin would not have needed a specially designed coat to smuggle the recording equipment in to record the shows and then as soon as he got back to the U.K. started selling tapes to the fans, which funded the trip and probably future ones.

Your argument is a false equivalency. I tried to convey this to you using humour.

It didn't take.

[drjohncarpenter]

If FTD is going to insist on bundling bulky, overpriced books with the CDs they should at a minimum also offer an ebook version. Save some cost, save some shelf space and save some trees.

FTD doesn't "insist," the corporate parent won't approve a budget for an FTD book without audio included.

Sadly, a separate eBook release is well outside the scope of these fan-based products.

Given the small, one-time only run of these titles, it wouldn't save space or trees, but would increase the overall production cost.

[emjel]

Do you know…I always thought you were a sensible person, but this post of yours is quite revealing for the opposite reasons. Further the comment wasn’t about soundboard tapes but audience recordings.

So it doesn’t really matter how you wish to cut it, in an attempt to make some kind of diversion away from bootleg albums, but it was illegal to go in and record Elvis’ shows otherwise fans like Rex Martin would not have needed a specially designed coat to smuggle the recording equipment in to record the shows and then as soon as he got back to the U.K. started selling tapes to the fans, which funded the trip and probably future ones.

Your argument is a false equivalency. I tried to convey this to you using humour.

It didn't take.

If that was your idea of humour, well….

From recollection, It is illegal to record an artist's performance without the performer's permission. Copyright law provides for civil penalties for such recordings, even if made for private use. The sale or transfer of unauthorised live recordings for financial gain also carries both civil and criminal penalties. To make a legal recording of a live performance, there would generally be a requirement to get the permission from the artist, and possibly even the venue, as some concert halls have rules of their own forbidding such recordings. Even with the permission of the artist, a problem may arise if the artist covers a song by a different artist. The artist may have permission or license to play or sing the work, but not to record it or distribute it.

But by all means, do your best to prove otherwise - that the recordings of Elvis’ shows by a member if the audience , either by way of tape or super 8mm film was legal and was not some kind of copyright infringement.

[Mike C]

So with 4 CD's would that mean this is a sessions set with 2 books ?
That would cancel out a lot of interest.I see no reason why they can't do this like the Making of Viva Las Vegas book/cd set.A sessions set separate from the book .Besides ,I really don't care that much about Blue Hawaii to need 2 books about it.

They are doing it like VLV - as far as I’m aware, the book/cd set will be called The Making of Blue Hawaii - the only difference is that there will be more discs because there were more songs recorded. As for two books, well I can only assume they have accessed far more material.

So then you don't expect this to be a sessions set with books.A sessions set may be down the road.

When I first heard about this project which must be about 18 months/two years ago, I envisaged a mirror release on the VLV book/CD set, but then it was out on hold as Ernst still had not secured the missing early takes of Can’t Help Falling in Love. Even now, I am not sure that they have been located but with so much work being out into the project, it was probably difficult to justify putting it on hold forever.

Now we know it is 4 CDs, this might be the only route that Ernst has to get it out as an all singing all dancing session release too, and to avoid duplication of a separate session release further down the line. Of course anything is possible, but somehow I feel that in the economic climate, this may well be the final release for this material which will follow the VLV set (mono album and sine demos), but with four discs also to include the whole sessions too.

I got the VLV sessions and then I passed on the Making of book.Regretting that since I see the price of it now is now worth well over a grand to some sellers.Got the JHR book thinking that would happen again.But that didn't happen.Time will tell how this BH book plays out.Will it sell out quick or not.For me the decider is whether it's a complete session set or not.If the tapes haven't been located then it will be what we have plus what's left in the vault with a big book to fill it out.I would like all the sessions but I don't need all the books.Cost being the biggest part of the reason.

Yeah I too see the JHR books for the same price on ebay, while other sets are getting more expensive. That is the reason I wondered what would happen with this set. I guess we have to wait!

There are several copies of the JHR book on discogs including a couple at fair prices. Ironically, until a few weeks ago, the set was still for sale from ShopElvis.

[drjohncarpenter]

If that was your idea of humour, well….

From recollection, It is illegal to record an artist's performance without the performer's permission. Copyright law provides for civil penalties for such recordings, even if made for private use. The sale or transfer of unauthorised live recordings for financial gain also carries both civil and criminal penalties. To make a legal recording of a live performance, there would generally be a requirement to get the permission from the artist, and possibly even the venue, as some concert halls have rules of their own forbidding such recordings. Even with the permission of the artist, a problem may arise if the artist covers a song by a different artist. The artist may have permission or license to play or sing the work, but not to record it or distribute it.

But by all means, do your best to prove otherwise - that the recordings of Elvis’ shows by a member if the audience , either by way of tape or super 8mm film was legal and was not some kind of copyright infringement.

Your. Argument. Is. A. False. Equivalency.

[Lee Wood]

If that was your idea of humour, well….

From recollection, It is illegal to record an artist's performance without the performer's permission. Copyright law provides for civil penalties for such recordings, even if made for private use. The sale or transfer of unauthorised live recordings for financial gain also carries both civil and criminal penalties. To make a legal recording of a live performance, there would generally be a requirement to get the permission from the artist, and possibly even the venue, as some concert halls have rules of their own forbidding such recordings. Even with the permission of the artist, a problem may arise if the artist covers a song by a different artist. The artist may have permission or license to play or sing the work, but not to record it or distribute it.

But by all means, do your best to prove otherwise - that the recordings of Elvis’ shows by a member if the audience , either by way of tape or super 8mm film was legal and was not some kind of copyright infringement.

Your. Argument. Is. A. False. Equivalency.

That isn't a proper sentence. Even if you'd left out the full stops, it would still have been incorrect.

[emjel]

If that was your idea of humour, well….

From recollection, It is illegal to record an artist's performance without the performer's permission. Copyright law provides for civil penalties for such recordings, even if made for private use. The sale or transfer of unauthorised live recordings for financial gain also carries both civil and criminal penalties. To make a legal recording of a live performance, there would generally be a requirement to get the permission from the artist, and possibly even the venue, as some concert halls have rules of their own forbidding such recordings. Even with the permission of the artist, a problem may arise if the artist covers a song by a different artist. The artist may have permission or license to play or sing the work, but not to record it or distribute it.

But by all means, do your best to prove otherwise - that the recordings of Elvis’ shows by a member if the audience , either by way of tape or super 8mm film was legal and was not some kind of copyright infringement.

Your. Argument. Is. A. False. Equivalency.

It’s no good trotting out the same six words all the time. You need to amplify and say why you believe firmly that. Then we can understand or try to understand where you are coming from - what is the basis of YOUR argument.

[elvisfan51]

As far as I am concerned FTD can fold up their tents right now. Ernst is no longer in touch with the Elvis fans simply wanting to purchase his music,but instead must buy expensive, unwanted books to get the music. Ftd will lose sales because people like me will not purchase the books/cds combo but would have purchased the music only. And frankly I do not care anymore. Of course there are people on this forum who will have to have this, giving in to FTD's high dollar demands. And those people are the reason that Ernest continues to put out these expensive sets, knowing there are plenty suckers around. Well not me.Stick it Ernst and Ftd!

[Nigel77]

If FTD is going to insist on bundling bulky, overpriced books with the CDs they should at a minimum also offer an ebook version. Save some cost, save some shelf space and save some trees.

FTD doesn't "insist," the corporate parent won't approve a budget for an FTD book without audio included.

Sadly, a separate eBook release is well outside the scope of these fan-based products.

Given the small, one-time only run of these titles, it wouldn't save space or trees, but would increase the overall production cost.

While I understand the special nature of fans having their own fan label (we are privileged), I can't help feeling that the opportunity cost of producing an additional digital edition at comparatively low marginal cost would likely provide a handsome profit. Is what we are talking about a case of a conservative corporation not willing to embrace the new and expanding world of digital recording communications?

[emjel]

As far as I am concerned FTD can fold up their tents right now. Ernst is no longer in touch with the Elvis fans simply wanting to purchase his music,but instead must buy expensive, unwanted books to get the music. Ftd will lose sales because people like me will not purchase the books/cds combo but would have purchased the music only. And frankly I do not care anymore. Of course there are people on this forum who will have to have this, giving in to FTD's high dollar demands. And those people are the reason that Ernest continues to put out these expensive sets, knowing there are plenty suckers around. Well not me.Stick it Ernst and Ftd!

Indeed - now I don’t have a problem with FTD putting out combo Book/CD sets, but I’m trying to find the mandate that states that every release of this nature has to come with one or two big coffee table books with each book containing around 350/400 pages especially as we have been told that printing costs in the last year or so have risen by a staggering 40%. And then there is the expensive shipping costs that have to be factored in to the purchase.
I’d be perfectly happy with a 4 CD set and a book with 160 pages and another 20 page book that covers the music and holding the CD’s, produced in the same way Sony do for the Bob Dylan Bootleg Series in a sturdy 8.5" slip case box with a price tag of around £86. Easier to store and easier on the wallet.

[sweetangeline]

I don't have a problem with these releases (I have them all) but I would say that when they are sold out or at least close to that...then re-issue the audio for those who said no to the books...problem solved. Unless I am totally missing something at FTD`s end or SONY for that matter (which i could very well be)?? It's not like you are interfering with sales if the books are no longer available

[emjel]

I don't have a problem with these releases (I have them all) but I would say that when they are sold out or at least close to that...then re-issue the audio for those who said no to the books...problem solved. Unless I am totally missing something at FTD`s end or SONY for that matter (which i could very well be)?? It's not like you are interfering with sales if the books are no longer available

The problem with that is that at the moment, you’ll still get some fans who will somewhat reluctantly buy the big expensive set so FTD will still get the sale of the books, which is the most expensive part of the release. . However if those fans know that FTD will later re-issue the audio, those fans will simply hold off resulting in less books being sold.
With such a limited market, and one that becomes fragmented, it would be difficult for FTD to risk losing sales of the books, and to minimise that, they might simply increase the prices further. This is the problem with a specialist collectors label that has a very small market and is one of the reasons why Sony do not offer a few variants of each mainstream release as it would be difficult for them to recover the individual costs for each variant.

As much as it is very nice to get these luxury sets, how detrimental would it be if they simply put them out with just one book and less pages making them more affordable from the outset.

[sweetangeline]

The problem with that is that at the moment, you’ll still get some fans who will somewhat reluctantly buy the big expensive set so FTD will still get the sale of the books, which is the most expensive part of the release. . However if those fans know that FTD will later re-issue the audio, those fans will simply hold off resulting in less books being sold.
With such a limited market, and one that becomes fragmented, it would be difficult for FTD to risk losing sales of the books, and to minimise that, they might simply increase the prices further. This is the problem with a specialist collectors label that has a very small market and is one of the reasons why Sony do not offer a few variants of each mainstream release as it would be difficult for them to recover the individual costs for each variant.

...not sure I quite buy into this theory because you have to keep in mind that we are not talking a huge amount of books being produced here?...probably no more than the latest LP (3500) if that?? so release the audio 12-18 months later. When FTD release these books they should not advertise at the same time "but the audio is coming soon on a separate release"...it`s all about timing here.

[minkahed]

I finally have the “Elvis On Tour” set. I L O V E it.

I’m done.

[dougkapp]

I think that this kind of release is not meant for any collector or fan, but for a select group, perhaps enthusiastic people, who don't mind spending exorbitant amounts of money to have a release that is practically exclusive.
It seems that the book Viva Las Vegas had a printing of 1500 units. Possibly JR must have had a larger quantity. And until a few days ago it was possible to get a copy of JR Book, with the main dealers.

[TCK_KING]

Did the mag say anything regarding release date of this book/cd package?

[sweetangeline]

Did the mag say anything regarding release date of this book/cd package?

just waiting for mine to arrive...but I would bet the release date (if mentioned in the mag) we would know it already