Elvis Presley - Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley [1956] [DVD]

I love to read about Elvis Presley's early years and this package is a treat. The DVD of Elvis in action is a real gem, listening to him sing along with the moves that most fans have seen previously in silent mode from the many videos and dvd's that are available about his life. One interesting point, the parade is filmed in colour but Elvis is filmed in black and white!!!!!! Who's idea was that (did they think that Elvis's career would be short lived). Anyway on to the book, beautifully bound with pictures of Elvis with both professional and candid shots, alongside comments from those who were there. The only reason I have rated this 4 stars is the price - anyone who producers anything to do with Elvis seems to assume that the fans are made of money. If they had a bit more foresight than they would sell at a reasonable price which would mean that people with a curiousity about Elvis might be more tempted to buy. (they seem to show the same foresight as the fim makers who originally videod Elvis in Tupelo in black and white - and look how wrong they were!)

I love anything from Elvis, this one is no exception. So good to see & hear a young Elvis. Fabulous DVD, perfect sound & vision.

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Living on the breadline, the family moved to Memphis Tennessee when he was just thirteen years old, hoping to leave behind the hard times.

This DVD is music history, pure and simple. The now 21 year old returning home to Tupelo as a star and performing on an outdoor stage in 1956. He performed the now legendary concerts for charity but not much film material of that day was available until this DVD. Most of the footage is in black and white but now we have a little of it in colour. The welcoming street party for Elvis is also in colour. Tupelo was ecstatic to have him back for that day and everybody came out to give him a thunderous welcome.

This DVD is worth every bit of its price and more. Historical events like this hardly exist, and to see segments never thought to be available in colour is very special. Colour film in 1956 would not only have been scarcely available, but also prohibitavely expensive. Whoever shot the film must have had a good idea of what he was witnessing, namely, a legend in the actual making.

Though some of the black & white Tupelo footage has been available for years, it is the never before seen film that gives joy. And they have somehow synchronised the available audio of the concert to the entire footage, including the never before seen archive. Elvis performs many of those early hits such as Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and I Was The One. On the fast rock'n'roll songs, you see Elvis move on stage in the wild and unprecedented style that he was famous for - the style that almost destroyed him back then. Unfortunately, though grateful for what we have, there simply isn't enough filmed footage to satisfy the appetite for early Elvis.

Elvis fans will treasure this release but other music followers will like this DVD too, which comes in a beautiful glossy package together with an accompanying booklet.

I recommend you obtain your copy while still available.