307. Elvis '68 - Comeback Special; movie review

ELVIS '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL
CERT U
106 mins
BBFC advice: Contains very mild bad language, sex references

He died 41 years ago and yet there has still been nobody to usurp Elvis Presley as the king of rock 'n' roll.
And even now his songs are instantly recognisable to all age groups.
Back in 1968 he was almost untouchable on a number of levels but had not performed live music for seven years while he immersed himself into movies.
Thus, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who had stopped him touring, put forward the idea of a Christmas special to bring him back to his fans.
And here it is. A select few were given the chance at seeing him at his most intimate, brilliant and relaxed.
Director Steve Binder and Presley's wife, Priscilla, give a 20-minute introduction to the film to celebrate its 50th anniversary, recalling the set-up and Presley's reactions to it.
And then the picture moves on to the action and a combination of Presley singing to a small audience and recorded videos of him with various singers and dancers.
He goes through the repertoire of his greatest hits with my personal favourite being I Can't Help Falling In Love With You which, unusually, has orchestral backing.
Most are played with four of five or Presley's favourite comrades with whom he laughs and jokes between and, sometimes, during the songs.
Nowadays, the set-up would seem a bit odd with so few in the audience that it creates an ambience not dissimilar to Presley playing in his front room.
Nevertheless, it will bring fans back to the moment in time when Presley proved he was still worth his legendary status.
His voice is simply superb and the production is ahead of its time but the real plus point of the Comeback Special is that it all seems so natural and that feeling is heightened with the outtakes which are seen at the end of the film.
Its makers didn't realise at the time that they were recording an important moment in music history but they were and that is why all fans, not just Presley's, should see this.

Reasons to watch: A rare insight into the iconic singer
Reasons to avoid: If you don't enjoy Presley's music

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Director quote - "I was credited with bringing Elvis back but the truth is that it was the first time Elvis left his comfort zone."

Big question - Why has no other singer managed to hit the heights of Elvis?

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