Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Elvis on Tour, Noted Golden Globe-Winning Documentary, Debuts August 3 in Newly-Restored and Remastered Blu-ray and DVD Versions from Warner Home Video
Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection, Largest-Ever Elvis Film Box Set, Simultaneously Released
Screening set for August 14 in Memphis for Elvis Week Celebration
Elvis on Tour, the Golden Globe-winning documentary that followed Elvis on a 15-city tour of the United States in 1972, will make its debut August 3 in newly-restored and remastered Blu-ray and DVD versions from
Warner Home Video. A screening of the documentary on August 14 in Memphis will follow the home entertainment release as WHV joins in the celebration of
Elvis Week (August 10 – 16), commemorating the 75th birthday year of the rock ‘n’ roll icon.
Elvis on Tour, considered to be Presley's last film before his death in 1977, was described by Variety in their review as “a bright, entertaining pop music documentary detailing episodes in the later professional life of Elvis Presley, the pioneer Pied Piper of rock music.” The film was written and directed by Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge, and the cinematographer was Lucien Ballard. Songs included “See See Rider,” “Proud Mary,” “Burning Love,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Teddy Bear,” “Hound Dog,” “Can't Help Falling in Love with You,” “Love Me Tender,” “All Shook Up,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and more.
Some of the highlights of the new versions:
- Remastered in High Definition with 16 x 9 2.40 letterboxed image, as seen in the theatrical release. Blu-ray audio will be DTS-HD Master Audio (5.1 Surround); DVD audio will be Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.
- Packaged as a Blu-ray book filled with Elvis photos, quotes, trivia, a tour itinerary, set lists, costumes, and background information about the filming techniques used. 25 musical numbers spotlight Elvis Presley’s talent, range and showmanship in captivating on-stage performances and intimate backstage rehearsals with his band.
- Contains Elvis’ first performance of “Burning Love,” which was so new, Elvis referred to the lyric sheet during his performance.
- Elvis’ Ed Sullivan Show performance is included, in which the charm, personality and musical ability that made him an icon is so evident.
- Montage sequences (supervised by Martin Scorsese) showcasing Elvis’ early career and movies
The Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection
Warner Home Video will also release the Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection with 17 of his films, including the new Elvis on Tour and fan favorites, Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas. Besides the 14 feature films and three documentaries, the box set includes a 40-page commemorative book with iconic shots from behind the scenes of his movies and stage performances, and insightful career highlights notes. The collection, packed in sparkly, Vegas-inspired, holographic foil with 10 reproduction memorabilia pieces including studio correspondence and signed Elvis Presley checks, is a great gift set for fans of all ages. Select titles also feature commentaries and/or making-of featurettes. The collection will include the following DVD titles:
- Elvis on Tour
- Jailhouse Rock
- Viva Las Vegas
- It Happened At The World’s Fair
- Kissin’ Cousins
- Girl Happy
- Tickle Me
- Harum Scarum
- Spinout
- Double Trouble
- Stay Away, Joe
- Speedway
- Live a Little, Love a Little
- Charro!
- The Trouble with Girls
- Elvis: That’s the Way It Is
- This is Elvis
About the Elvis Week Screening of Elvis on Tour
The August 14th
Elvis Week Screening of Elvis on Tour will be a once-in-a-lifetime, big screen event for Elvis fans gathered from around the world in Memphis. Held at the historic Orpheum Theater, one of Elvis’ favorite movie houses, the screening will include a short live performance featuring former members of J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet who appeared with Elvis -
Bill Baize, Donnie Sumner, Larry Strickland and Ed Hill - in addition to a glimpse of additional never-before-seen Elvis footage and an exhibit of rarely-seen artifacts from the Graceland Archives.
Click here for more about this and other Elvis Week events.
About Elvis Week
Elvis Week, held August 10 - 16, is a celebration of the music, movies and life of Elvis Presley. Fans from around the world gather in Memphis to celebrate through special events, charity functions, conferences, concerts, sporting events and more. The week also includes the annual candlelight vigil on the night of August 15.
Prior to the Elvis on Tour screening on August 14, fans can go behind the scenes with Conversations on Elvis, which features a panel discussion with former members of J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, Donny Sumner and Bill Baize, along with Joe Guercio, Elvis’ musical director and conductor for his performances from 1970 – 1977. The event is hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
Tickets will go on sale for Elvis Insiders on Thursday, April 8 and for the general public on Thursday, April 22. More information, including links to purchase tickets are available at ElvisWeek.com.