Harum Scarum is coming to blu-ray from Warner Archive

[r&b]

Lest not forget this was 1965, arguably the biggest revolutionary year in music in the 60's. This soundtrack was an embarrassment for Elvis & his fans that year. There were no good songs in my opinion. Mediocre at best. We wanted him to compere not be laughed at. You should have been in high school then. It did damage. Yes It hit the top 10 , but the last soundtrack to do so. Fans and the general public were noticing.

[jetblack]

Lest not forget this was 1965, arguably the biggest revolutionary year in music in the 60's. This soundtrack was an embarrassment for Elvis & his fans that year. There were no good songs in my opinion. Mediocre at best. We wanted him to compere not be laughed at. You should have been in high school then. It did damage. Yes It hit the top 10 , but the last soundtrack to do so. Fans and the general public were noticing.

In the USA the 'Harum Scarum' album was released in November 1965. It spent 23 weeks on the Billboard chart and peaked at position #8 in January 1966.

Andy

[Cryogenic]

Lest not forget this was 1965, arguably the biggest revolutionary year in music in the 60's. This soundtrack was an embarrassment for Elvis & his fans that year. There were no good songs in my opinion. Mediocre at best. We wanted him to compere not be laughed at. You should have been in high school then. It did damage. Yes It hit the top 10 , but the last soundtrack to do so. Fans and the general public were noticing.

In the USA the 'Harum Scarum' album was released in November 1965. It spent 23 weeks on the Billboard chart and peaked at position #8 in January 1966.

You both have a reasonable perspective, and I'm not going to disagree that Elvis' output in this period didn't do damage. But I think it's sensible with Elvis to adopt more than one lens, to recognise his movie career as its own thing (even though, yes, it had a corrupting and damaging effect on his artistry, his image, even his psyche), and try to enjoy it for what it is. That said, if you find HS unbearable in any form, I also understand. We are who we are, and the last thing anyone should do when it comes to appreciating Elvis is fake a feeling.

[ForeverElvis]

Everything isn’t always up to taste.
If it were, then every song, every movie, every painting would be considered as equal to each other and the only difference would be if an individual liked it.

There are components that go into making art, in music the instruments chosen. The arrangement , voices and the talent bringing it together. There is a certain level of quality and competence expected. Good songs have it, bad songs don’t.

A person can like a bad song- but that doesn’t make it good. A person can dislike a good song- but that doesn’t make it bad.

With regard to the HS songs, the material recorded for the films prior to HS was of better quality in structure and performance. The band’s musicianship and professionalism elevated the material slightly.

I can enjoy sone of the HS sound track but I know it’s lesser material compared to BH for example.

The movie itself, well it’s not citizen Kane, nor is it plan 9 from outer space. But it isn’t a good film, it is below average.

[Cryogenic]

Everything isn’t always up to taste.
If it were, then every song, every movie, every painting would be considered as equal to each other and the only difference would be if an individual liked it.

Not really. Haven't you heard the terms, "There's no accounting for taste", and "One man's meat is another man's poison"? It's impossible for everybody's tastes to perfectly align, and impossible to measure what constitutes good -- never mind "great" -- art by an objective standard.

There are components that go into making art, in music the instruments chosen. The arrangement , voices and the talent bringing it together. There is a certain level of quality and competence expected. Good songs have it, bad songs don’t.

Sure, I don't completely disagree with you here, but again, we are (ultimately) talking about subjective things and individual preferences. When you buy an Elvis album, you expect Elvis to be singing on it, I guess, and you hope that it is well-produced and the musicianship is of a good quality. But, really, who gets to say what is truly "good" or "bad" in art? It comes down to personal intuition and personal feeling.

With regard to the HS songs, the material recorded for the films prior to HS was of better quality in structure and performance. The band’s musicianship and professionalism elevated the material slightly.

I can enjoy sone of the HS sound track but I know it’s lesser material compared to BH for example.

I don't need to "know" these things; I can just enjoy. Believe it or not, not all "knowledge" is created equal, and some forms can be an impediment to enjoyment and understanding. It's better, I think, to take a more holistic approach to Elvis' career -- for, that way, you can get the most out of it.

The movie itself, well it’s not citizen Kane, nor is it plan 9 from outer space. But it isn’t a good film, it is below average.

I can live with the movie being what it is. Yes, I agree, Elvis did much better films than "Harum Scarum", but at this point in his life, this is what he was doing. For what it's worth, he would go on to make a few better ones in the near-future, too (in my opinion, anyway).

[jetblack]

As I have stated previously on this board, 'Harem Holiday' (UK title) is a movie I care little for. My opinion differs with the soundtrack as there are songs I find enjoyable, my favourite being 'Animal Instinct'.

Andy

[Yamaguchi.Y]

I can live with the movie being what it is. Yes, I agree, Elvis did much better films than "Harum Scarum", but at this point in his life, this is what he was doing.

This sums up my attitude towards EP's movie career. It is what it is, both the good and the bad. Nothing can change that. Love it or hate it, . it's all Elvis.
However, even as a fan (i.e., one who can try to appreciate both the good and the bad) it is still hard for me to tolerate / endure some things, e.g. the Donna Butterworth and Marlyn Mason duets, etc.

***

On that note re: Mason

Mason confessed to Elvis: "I’m not a fan of yours.”
The King immediately gave his co-star a funny look and she clarified: “ButI don’t mean it unkindly. I’ve never seen you perform and I’ve never seen your movies. I know who you are, I know your songs, but my love of music has been Broadway musicals.”
However, it wasn’t long before Elvis totally turned that around. One day on set, the music icon called for Mason who he called “Cap” since she always wore a hat to work.
The King said to her: “I’ve got a special coming on and I want you to watch it and tell me what you think."
Mason recalled: "I was in love with the guy, he was just a dream to work with. So I turned the TV on and he came out in that black leather...and I said to myself, ‘I’m working with that every day?’ I went back that Monday and knocked on his door and he opened it and said, ‘Yep?’ And I said, ‘I told you I wasn’t a fan of yours, but I am now. You don’t know how talented you are!’ And he was, the man was phenomenal.”

Mason revealed: “The saddest thing he ever said to me and it’s the only thing I remember word for word that he said to me was, ‘I’d like to make one good film because I know people in this town laugh at me.’ It was sad because he’d have been great.

https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1659365/Elvis-Presley-Marlyn-Mason-The-Trouble-with-Girls

***

EP himself knew it, "but at this point in his life, this is what he was doing" . . indeed. Elvis lived with it (his choice, too) and so must we.
In the end there is "something for everybody", yet we all know there could have been so much more. Sometimes it was such a waste of talent.

[yellowstone]

Since the soundtrack got re-mastered and doesn't sound like recorded under a blanket I know some fans (me included) who do enjoy the music a little more. Maybe with the raise of pixels even the movie gets better. lol

[OnTourCam]

Does anyone have a list currently of all the Elvis Movies on blu ray ?

thanks

[Keith Richards, Jr.]

Lest not forget this was 1965, arguably the biggest revolutionary year in music in the 60's. This soundtrack was an embarrassment for Elvis & his fans that year. There were no good songs in my opinion. Mediocre at best. We wanted him to compere not be laughed at. You should have been in high school then. It did damage. Yes It hit the top 10 , but the last soundtrack to do so. Fans and the general public were noticing.

This is incorrect. "Harum Scarum" may be a poor movie but the soundtrack is fun and these days it's a much better listen than some of the music that was "revolutionary" back then but sounds old, dull and irrelevant in 2024. Let's not forget that 1965 is the ancient past now. But "Harum Scarum" is timeless fun and Elvis was in fine vocal form.

[Johnny2523]

Does anyone have a list currently of all the Elvis Movies on blu ray ?

thanks

Love me tender
Jailhouse rock
King creole
Flaming star
Wild in the country
Blue hawaii (also on 4k)
Follow that dream
Kid galahad
It happened at worlds fair
Viva las vegas
Tickle me
Frankie and Johnny
Spinout
Double trouble
Clambake
Change Of Habit
Elvis On Tour

[Alexander]

As I have stated previously on this board, 'Harem Holiday' (UK title) is a movie I care little for. My opinion differs with the soundtrack as there are songs I find enjoyable, my favourite being 'Animal Instinct'.

Andy

I agree with you Andy, I'll play the Harum Scarum soundtrack now and then and I have learned to appreciate it over the years. The overall quality may be mediocre, but I don't hear any real cringe-worthy outliers. How different is that for Kissin' Cousins, Paradise Hawaiian Style, Clambake and Speedway. These albums do include some real cringe-worthy outliers that completely ruin the album experience for me.

[Shawn1968]

At least in the US, this release means that every Elvis non-concert movie is available in some format in HD except for Loving You. Meaning physical disc or HD streaming.

[pmp]

Does anyone have a list currently of all the Elvis Movies on blu ray ?

thanks

Love me tender
Jailhouse rock
King creole
Flaming star
Wild in the country
Blue hawaii (also on 4k)
Follow that dream
Kid galahad
It happened at worlds fair
Viva las vegas
Tickle me
Frankie and Johnny
Spinout
Double trouble
Clambake
Change Of Habit
Elvis On Tour

Plus That's the Way It Is (redux)

[Shawn1968]

This list is US-centric but provides the highest resulotion format available:

Love Me Tender (1956, 20th Century Fox) – Blu-ray
Loving You (1957, Paramount) - DVD
Jailhouse Rock (1957, MGM) – Blu-ray
King Creole (1958, Paramount) – Blu-ray but also available in 4K UHD via streaming
G.I. Blues (1960, Paramount) – HD stream
Flaming Star (1960, 20th Century Fox) - Blu-ray
Wild in the Country (1961, 20th Century Fox) – Blu-ray
Blue Hawaii (1961, Paramount) – 4K UHD
Follow That Dream (1962, United Artists) – Blu-ray
Kid Galahad (1962, United Artists) – Blu-ray
Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962, Paramount) – HD stream
It Happened At the World’s Fair (1963, MGM) – Blu-ray
Fun in Acapulco (1963, Paramount) – HD stream
Kissin’ Cousins (1964, MGM) – HD stream
Viva Las Vegas (1964, MGM) – Blu-ray
Roustabout (1964, Paramount) – HD stream
Girl Happy (1965, MGM) – HD stream
Tickle Me (1965, Allied Artists) – German and Australian Blu-ray, HD stream
Harum Scarum (1965, MGM) - forthcoming Blu-ray (July 30, 2024 release date)
Frankie & Johnny (1966, United Artists) – Blu-ray
Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966, Paramount) – HD stream
Spinout (1966, MGM) - Blu-ray
Easy Come, Easy Go (1967, Paramount) – HD stream
Double Trouble (1967. MGM) - Blu-ray
Clambake (1967, United Artists) – Blu-ray
Stay Away, Joe (1968, MGM) – HD stream
Speedway (1968, MGM) – HD stream
Live A Little, Love A Little (1968, MGM) – HD stream
Charro! (1969, National General) – HD stream
The Trouble With Girls (1969, MGM) – HD stream
Change of Habit (1969, Universal) – Blu-ray

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is (1970, MGM) – Special Edition is on Blu-ray, original theatrical version on DVD
Elvis On Tour (1972, MGM) – Blu-ray w/’Don’t Be Cruel’ intro, HD stream w/’Johnny B. Goode’ intro (at least via Vudu, not sure on other streaming options)

[sweetangeline]

Elvis related...these little ditties on BR if anyone is interested;

ELVIS & NIXON...2016 Michael Shannon / Kevin Spacey
THE KING...2018 A film by Eugene Jarecki
ELVIS...2022 Baz Luhrmann
PRISCILLA...2023 Cailee Spaeny / Jacob Elordi

[Johnny2523]

Does anyone have a list currently of all the Elvis Movies on blu ray ?

thanks

Love me tender
Jailhouse rock
King creole
Flaming star
Wild in the country
Blue hawaii (also on 4k)
Follow that dream
Kid galahad
It happened at worlds fair
Viva las vegas
Tickle me
Frankie and Johnny
Spinout
Double trouble
Clambake
Change Of Habit
Elvis On Tour

Plus That's the Way It Is (redux)

Yeah i didnt count that since its the 2001 reimagining, and the actual movie remains in mono on a dvd

[jetblack]

Elvis related...these little ditties on BR if anyone is interested;

ELVIS & NIXON...2016 Michael Shannon / Kevin Spacey
THE KING...2018 A film by Eugene Jarecki
ELVIS...2022 Baz Luhrmann
PRISCILLA...2023 Cailee Spaeny / Jacob Elordi

Also the Kurt Russell bio:-

s-l960 (1).jpg

Andy

[sweetangeline]

Also the Kurt Russell bio:-

yes forgot about that one, but tell you what we both forgot about this one

ELVIS VIVA LAS VEGAS Blu-ray TV Special

[Johnny2523]

Its also a shame that the original ttwii movie is still not on bluray. Yet we are getting harum scarum.

[sweetangeline]

Its also a shame that the original ttwii movie is still not on bluray. Yet we are getting harum scarum.

they might be holding off on that because of the Baz thing they may be coming...could be used as some sort of deluxe package...who knows??

[pmp]

Its also a shame that the original ttwii movie is still not on bluray. Yet we are getting harum scarum.

they might be holding off on that because of the Baz thing they may be coming...could be used as some sort of deluxe package...who knows??

I doubt that. The blu ray of the redux came out years ago, and that would have been the time to release it - plus it's the only MGM Elvis film not in HD on streaming services, which would suggest it's simply been forgotten by the powers that be who probably think the SE was am extended version.

[sweetangeline]

Its also a shame that the original ttwii movie is still not on bluray. Yet we are getting harum scarum.

they might be holding off on that because of the Baz thing they may be coming...could be used as some sort of deluxe package...who knows??

I doubt that. The blu ray of the redux came out years ago, and that would have been the time to release it - plus it's the only MGM Elvis film not in HD on streaming services, which would suggest it's simply been forgotten by the powers that be who probably think the SE was am extended version.

...sorry not buying that, I tend to think WB have more responsible people in charge.

[pmp]

Its also a shame that the original ttwii movie is still not on bluray. Yet we are getting harum scarum.

they might be holding off on that because of the Baz thing they may be coming...could be used as some sort of deluxe package...who knows??

I doubt that. The blu ray of the redux came out years ago, and that would have been the time to release it - plus it's the only MGM Elvis film not in HD on streaming services, which would suggest it's simply been forgotten by the powers that be who probably think the SE was am extended version.

...sorry not buying that, I tend to think WB have more responsible people in charge.

Mistakes happen, and this appears to be one of them. If the film was transferred to HD, then it would have been included in the previous two releases, plus it would have appeared on the various streaming services. There's no other logical reason why that hasn't happened. And it's not an unreasonable mistake - one would normally assume that the special edition of a film is a longer cut of the original release. I don't know of any other where the running time is LESS than the original movie and where key sequences were cut out. Presumably the people at WB assume the same about the SE, and therefore see the original as only of marginal interest.

[sweetangeline]

I still think we will see the original TTWII on Blu-ray at some point.