Elvis - '68 Comeback

1968. The "Colonel" had managed Elvis' career so poorly that the man who invented rock n roll was now second fiddle to the British Invasion. Raw talent, drive, energy, good looks and determination gave Elvis one chance to take back his throne. And he pulled it off. But his reward was a regimen in Vegas which was too much for the King. A sick and overweight Elvis would be gone within a decade. Must see. Must.

Recently purchased the deluxe box set of Elvis' 68 Comeback Special and must say there are not enough superlatives to describe it's magnificence as a quality piece of Elvis history, and contemporary music history. Elvis, simply put is Elvis at his best, loose, playful, sizzling, simmering and engaging. That's not to mention the stellar performance. His voice is strong, his moves magic and he has never played the guitar so passionately and vigorously. The performance engages from the opening lines of "If you're looking for trouble, you've come to the right place," through the playful musical nuances and partying of Good Lawdy Miss Clawdy, to the memorable closing performance of "If I Can Dream." This is musical entertainment at it's best. Some of the production numbers are less entertaining than the concert performances, but demonstrate an important part of Elvis' legacy. He is having a great time. Watching it, nearly 40 years later, you will too. Just when the world thought Elvis has left the stage, once again he demonstrates why he is still rock n roll's King. No one can hold a candle to this.

I have absolutely no complaints about this special because I think it did a great deal of justice to Elvis Presley's stellar career. Everything about it makes it great from the pit session to the musical production numbers. Elvis even closes it out with the awesomely compelling 'If I Can Dream'. This is very easily Elvis at his absolute best. I highly recommend it to any fan.

Nobody can doubt that Elvis Presley defined what performing was and here in colour we see the king return to his roots for the very last time in his life after 8 years of Hollywood. Presley lived for another 9 years but when he got into Las Vegas just after this, it was all over. Presley's Vegas period is not to be dismissed in a flash because his cabaret type concerts were so enjoyable. Vegas entertained greatly but here in 1968 immitating his 50's period Elvis contributed to music and society. This show was the main inspiration for MTV Unplugged and it pictures a raw rocking king oozing R&B, gospel and R&R. If anybody sees this and can not be amazed by this man they are missing soemthing. He defined pop culture and music because of his natural ability to get across the meaning and feeling of the songs. (Hardly anyone can do that like him). Here we see Elvis very up to date with the times with almost hard rock, looking and sounding so great. There is an amusing sketch where he jokes about his entire movie career but the scenes where he is sitting with his original band and jamming away can never be beaten. Nobody can come close to Elvis Presley and his 68 comeback special! Its phenomonel!

The voice. The energy. The moves. The look. The charm. The attitude. The humor. The rawness and realness. To many people this show has represented Elvis Presley at his very best! Although having been away from live audiences since his last performance in 1961 he proved here that he still had it! Looking as good as ever and joking around with good friends and old songs, this is a very good little piece of TV history. Even featuring an "Unplugged" concert. Long before MTV started with the idea. For full pleasure and perfect picture and sound of this fantastic special, you have to check out "ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION DVD". It's packed with extra features and a lot of laughs!

Highly recommended!