It was long awaited and after a few delays it is finally here. That what is to be the definitive collection of material recorded and shot for the MGM classic Elvis: That’s The Way It Is. Is it really the definitive release?
Cover art
The packaging of this 6CD/3DVD/Book combination can only be described in one word: stunning! Without any doubt this is the most beautiful package we ever got, and probably will get on our hero. Of course the publishers were helped with the way Elvis looked in 1970 but not everyone knows how to handle such material (e.g. give a look at Teenager’s Hero). Well, the designer of this package knew how to handle it!
Even a non Elvis fan will be impressed by it. Especially when the CD/DVD container is fold out, it looks very impressive. Each CD containing a picture of the actual show, and those 3 picture DVDs together… WOW.
Content
A lot of us knew a lot of the material, since it is wandering around for quite a while now. I have to admit that no matter how much I like the material I got bored every know and then by sitting through the same material over and over again, hoping for a small piece of new material and ignoring the often poor quality. The way it is brought together now makes it much easier to enjoy. I will not really going into the content, again, most of us are pretty familiar with it.
The DVDs were my main target when I just got it, especially my favourite… indeed opening night. Unfortunately this show, which is in my opinion one of Elvis’ best shows ever (if not the best), is far from complete. Still it is a joy to watch that what is available.
One thing caught the eye during the rundown of all 3 DVDs: there is often a bit of irritating appearance of a kind of interlace lines, especially when the shots are from a bit further away. I never noticed it before, so I guess it has something to do with putting the 3 frames together and resizing the material. Oh, well, at least the material is there in a pleasant presentation and you get used to it quite soon, but it is a pity.
The CDs are filled with my favourite live material (if I ever listen to an audience recording nowadays, it will be a 1970 show 99 out of 100 times), I like each single one of them. The only minor is that they are in mono. So for the 3 shows released by BMG/FTD I will stick to those, although they are less complete and edited… especially since I don’t care for the sounds before the opening riff begins. The other three shows are treasured, at least until they show up in stereo sometime.
Conclusion
This is a project that should have been done in cooperation between Sony/FTD/Turner, unfortunately those people only care about easy ways to make money. From a company’s point of view understandable, but from my point of few it is a pity it never happened and probably will never happen.
I hope that this beautiful set is not definitive, but until far better quality film shows up (but again, I don’t expect that to happen) or the other shows are released in stereo, it will be. I know the set cost a lot of money (especially now it’s almost sold out), but it is certainly worth every single penny.
Content
CD 1 Show 1 : August 10 1970 Dinner Show Opening: 62.21
1. Opening Theme
2. That’s All Right
3. Mystery Train/Tiger Man
4. Monologue I
5. I Can’t Stop Loving You
6. Love Me Tender
7. The Next Step Is Love
8. Words
9. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
10. Something
11. Sweet Caroline
12. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
13. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
14. Polk Salad Annie
15. Introductions
16. I’ve Lost You
17. Monologue Ii
18. Bridge Over Troubled Water
19. Patch It Up
20. Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp
CD Show 2 : August 11 1970 Dinner Show: 68.27
1. Opening Theme
2. That’s All Right
3. I Got A Woman
4. Hound Dog
5. Monologue I (Technical Problem)
6. Heartbreak Hotel
7. Monologue Ii (Toreador Joke)
8. Love Me Tender
9. I’ve Lost You
10. Monologue Iii
11. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
12. Something
13. I Can’t Stop Loving You
14. Sweet Caroline
15. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
16. Polk Salad Annie
17. Introductions (Introducing Sonny King)
18. Bridge Over Troubled Water
19. Suspicious Minds
20. Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp
CD 3: Show 3 : August 11 1970 Midnite Show: 78.34
Opening Act:
1. A Thing Called Love Performed By “The Imperials”
2. On The Other Side Performed By “The Imperials”
3. Opening Theme
4. That’s All Right
5. I Got A Woman
6. Hound Dog
7. Love Me Tender
8. There Goes My Everything
9. Just Pretend
10. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
11. Something
12. Men With Broken Hearts – Short Poem
13. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
14. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
15. Polk Salad Annie
16. One Night
17. Don’t Be Cruel
18. Love Me
19. Instrumental Break (Elvis Walks Through The Audience)
20. Heartbreak Hotel
21. Introductions
22. Bridge Over Troubled Water
23. Suspicious Minds
24. Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp
CD 4: Show 4 : August 12 1970 Dinner Show: 71.54
1. Opening Theme (With False Start)
2. That’s All Right
3. I Got A Woman
4. Hound Dog
5. Heartbreak Hotel
6. Monologue (Microphone Problems)
7. Love Me Tender
8. I’ve Lost You
9. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
10. Patch It Up
11. Monologue
12. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights
13. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
14. Polk Salad Annie
15. Introductions
16. Blue Suede Shoes
17. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
18. Bridge Over Troubled Water
19. Suspicious Minds
20. Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp
CD 5: Show 5: August 12 1970 Midnite Show: 77.23
1. Opening Theme
2. That’s All Right
3. Mystery Train/Tiger Man
4. Monologue
5. Hound Dog
6. Monologue
7. Love Me Tender
8. Just Pretend
9. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
10. There Goes My Everything
11. Words
12. Sweet Caroline
13. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
14. Polk Salad Annie
15. Introductions
16. Heartbreak Hotel )
17. One Night
18. Blue Suede Shoe)
19. All Shook Up
20. Little Sister /Get Back
21. I Was The One
22. Love Me
23. Are You Lonesome Tonight ?
24. Bridge Over Troubled Water
25. Suspicious Minds
26. Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Vamp
CD 6: Show 6: August 13 1970 Dinner Show: 73.32
1. Opening Theme
2. That’s All Right
3. I Got A Woman
4. Hound Dog
5. Monologue
6. Love Me Tender
7. Don’t Cry Daddy
8. In The Ghetto
9. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
10. Stranger In The Crowd
11. Make The World Go Away
12. Sweet Caroline (With False Start)
13. You’ve Lost That Lovin Feelin’
14. Polk Salad Annie
15. Introductions I/Instrumental Break (Elvis Walks Through The Audience
I just got my copy and I have to readily agree with Lex: I ws also stunned. Most of the time the fronts are well done and the rest less, but time nothing to complain at all. One of my friends who just popped in (not an Elvis fan) mouth watered when he saw this. Never seen such a compilation. And that just for a short period of his career. Fantastic. try to get one!
Natha, glad to read you're satisfied. I ordered a copy, hoping it wouldn't be a desilution. Gonna pick up my copy shortly, as i was informed it came in. Always El.
Yes Lex its a great 'review' of great material and as you say most likely the BEST we'll get from this material timepiece. WELL worth getting!
This is all very impressive & nice but I just saw it listed for 350.00! For that kind of money I dont think I could ever justify buying it. Will I really play it that many times over in my life? Its not like I am really going to be surprsised that many times by different shows and I'm not that much of a completist where I need to have every last ounce of TTWII breath. Ive seen & enjoyed what has been released so far, but yes, I'm still hoping a lot of it this will eventually come out as a legitimate release for a lot less.
How can one producer get their hands on so much Elvis material, release it illegally, and do a better job of it than the official label could ever imagine? I mean, really, isn't anyone at FTD/BMG/RCA, or whatever they're called now paying any attention to this stuff? It seems to me that the "vault" is more like a lending "library." It's like someone from International showed up and said, "Hey Ernst, I'm going to borrow all the material on TTWII. I'll bring it back in a few months." Or maybe Ernst is secretly working as a double agent? Stranger things have happened. :)
Lex: is it still worth buying when I have the following outtakes DVD's from TTWII ? Elvis-The Way It Really Was-The Complete Uncut Outtakes", "Behind The Scenes", "I'll Be There-That's The Way It Should Be" (Label Star). A total of 15 hours rehearsals and Live shows...
What I fail to understand is why press so few copies when they know there's a big demand for stuff
like this. I ordered my copy in early November of last year but my supplier, whom I contacted recently, is still trying hard to get a copy for me! I found a few on ebay selling for £200+ but there's
a limit to what one can afford to pay. In my opinion this is nothing but daylight robbery.
Few copies means higher prices and no risk copies being not sold. Simple as that. Bootleg CD's/DVD are pressed in low quantities, they can't afford the risk getting stuck with unsold copies. An for this box set: I haven't ordered one because I already have 35 and more DVD's with this material stacked here. Every one of them promised to be better than the other, but sorry to say, the first batch I've obtained a few years ago (The Uncut Reels disc 1-35, with some numbers not available) still delivers the best picture quality. And this weekend I've managed to listen to the 6 CD's with the complete shows on them from this box set and I wasn't impressed by the sound. Flat sound, they don't even come close to the BMG/FTD sound. Not that I blame the INternational People for that, it's just the way it is. I think they've done a great job with this set, but that doesn't justify the ridiculous prices asked for it on Ebay. But when people want to pay 200 Euro's or more, it's up to them. I'll stick with a CDR/DVD-R copy when I can get one and save the 200 Euro's for a large numbers of pints on a Holiday trip in a few months (with the copies of this box set playing on my portable DVD-player). Maybe an idea for others also ? Not that I want dozens off other fans relaxing on the same beach with the same DVD's.... LOL
I`m probably the only one that wasnt impressed by this release. Picture is very poor.....its way below a standard vhs tape quality. While the 3 unreleased shows on cd is nice its a crying shame they are in mono. The only positive thing I can say is that packaging is great and video editing is good. Glad I didnt buy this one.
No, Only1King you are not the only one that is not impressed by this relaese; I heard more..and secondrichard you're right; I'll stick to my 15 hours outtakes too...
Anyone know how much 'quality' rehearsal footage has been left out from this new set? Or do we have all what we will ever need.
secondrichard: ...when people want to pay 200 Euro's or more, it's up to them. I'll stick with a CDR/DVD-R copy when I can get one and save the 200 Euro's... Well richard, those guys i like the most. first you have said, that everything is not good enough for you. The sound is flat and the picture quality is also not the best. But why you want the stuff as a CDR/DVD-R copy then??? I've bought the original box set, and the box is really great. Nice book and first time, yes richard, the very first time all six shows complete and uncut in one box!!!
You are right, it's only in mono, but that's the only blame I think. The picture quality is also very good. And also here for the first time you can watch it in a row. But it s like you have said: So simple as that!!! Some people are looking for the hair in the soup. Maybe they don't have the 200 Euros or something like that. But if something is good, it must be still good. Sorry richard, think about what you have written here. The box is it worth. Simple as that.
Well said, Bob Finkel. No one should provide copies for free for the next let's say 10 years, especially not to these people.
Bob, I think a lot of people are not getting their hands on this great set, because they were too late to order it or can't afford this baby! Now they are pissed that the prices are so high. I've said it before: you can't wait for a review and then buy it, then you are too late and it's too expensive to buy it. I'm glad I have a copy, it's the greatest release in years (so many unreleased stuff) and many years to come. Elvis in his PRIME! I think we get a lot of interesting releases from this International label, starting this year 2009.
Bob Finkel: seems you have a slight problem reading correctly. I haven't seen the material yet, but as I have seen dozens of DVD's filled with this material with the quality not getting any better I on't expect this box to deliver good or standard quality. And the 6 CD's in mono: I mentioned that the sound is flat but I DON'T (!) blame the bootleggers for that. On the contrary; I wrote that I think they do a great job with this set. But not for 200 Euro's or more. Maybe you haven't noticed, but in some places in the world there is the possibility of a tiny crisis. Maybe it has passed you, but I can assure you it certainly doesn't pass on dozens off other fans. So 200 Euro's for an Elvis DVD/ CD set with 50% or more already available ? No, not for me. There are other things more important in life sometimes. And indeed, when people think differently, it's up to them (as I said). And why shouldn't I want a copy ? What's the problem with that ? Maybe if the quality was 100% (like the official Aloha /'68 box sets) I would consider buying the original set. For now, I think better quality footage will turn up in a few years, as with almost all things. Hope you still enjoy this 200 Euro set as much than. I remember paying 700-800 Dutch guilders in the early 80's for excellent Burbank Sessions video footage. Worthless tapes now, I've thrown them away years ago. The same will eventually happen with this TTWII box set as better quality material is available or will be in a few years.
And Natha: What do you mean 'not to those people' ? Do you point at me ? A hard working Elvis fan, collecting since 1974 ? Which planet did you live on the past years ??
Aren't there any songreels missing, or was Culver City another event?
secondrichard: I collected even 5 to 10 minutes reels and bootleg LPs for prices unimagenable nowadays. I treasured them back then and now, even though I have CDs that are far superior. I treasure the joy they provided me! That has nothing to do with inferior or superior. The mere sight of those items is a joy. What I meant to say is that if one states that something is inferior quality beforehand than just wait till the better quality is released and don't ask others to make copies. It is inferior anyway. I would not comply with such a request. For those who missed it or were unable to buy due to the price (for beginners so many CDs are released) or new fans, that is different. Those will appreciate them like we did in those days.
Natha, i think we have much in common in our way of reasoning and thinking ! Fully agree with your comment ! As for those who claim the price for this box is way to high : you get 6 CDs and 3 DVDs, that's 9 silver discs ! I paid 180 euros for the whole set, that makes 20 euro's per disc! Tell me what's the general price for 1 FTD release ? ( talking about their single-cd releases ) Don't let me be misunderstood : I support FTD, and in spite of the crisis everywhere, their prices here in my country were not augmented . Always El.
what are we talking about? i think for the most people that it is not the box set but the price that the are so negative about it. i think if the box set was 50 euro nobody had any problem. i also have the set and i must say even it was 500 euro i would buy it!! this set gives us so many things we did not even seen from elvis. it is a truely collectors item. we must get angry at MGM or TURNER. how can the make a TWII on 1 dvd while we know that we could have seen so much more good film. what happend?? this 1970 film is history and many artist from this time must see elvis at work and learn something about it. what a man what a voice and what a carisma. but if you can get the box anyway...get it!! this is elvis at his best. and come on 200 euro for lots of fun and lots of good music. are you an elvis fan or not?
ricky : So you're only an Elvis fan when you pay 200 Euro's for this box set ? Should I laugh or cry about such a remark ?
natha: I never said on forehand that it was inferior quality, I don't EXPECT it to be any better than the stuff I already have (in about 5 minutes I'll find out by the way as somebody kindly provided me with a copy of this material).
benny scott: 20 Euro's for a disc. That's 2 Euro's more than a FTD release, and FTD has to pay some people for the rights. Can't remember a bootlegger paying that, so the profit is going right in their own pocket. I don't care about that, but don't say this set is not expensive, that's nonsense. And because I'm a completist I'd like to have a copy. Simple as that. Can't compare it without seeing or hearing the material, can I ? Still looking for DVD 2 and 3 by the way: any volunteers for providing me with a copy.....And please scan the covers for me also, otherwise I have to search on the internet for them. It looks much nicer having them with covers.....
i think you are a cheap ***** haha. that is what i mean with the price. anyway an orginal is better then an copy.....but if you want it so bad i can make you an copy and print the dvd also with glossy dvd-r. and copy the book, you know what i give you my boxset for free. oh god i think i am to good for this world ;-) but...Should I laugh or cry ...tell me i do not know!
ricky, I totally agree with you. Give secondrichard your boxset for free and he still will be not satisfied. ricky, you are right. They give us 6 CD's and 3 DVD's and a great book!!! I really don't know too, what material or release secondrichard is waiting for. I am collecting LP's and CD's since 1976. But this boxset is one of the best maybe the best release ever. I am really waiting for the On Tour boxset and the In Concert boxset. Sorry secondrichard, but you can now order in advance your CD-R and DVD-R for both. Oh lord, send him the light. He need it so badly ...
hi just an enquiry does the footage included in this box set still have the writing property of turner ent across the bottom thanks daz
Thanks a lot guys, for offering me your box-set for free. In over 30 years off collecting, this is the greatest offer I ever had ! You know what, I'll pay for the postage costs myself ! Am I a nice guy or what !!?
All kidding aside; I'm always happy with any kind of new or improved material and normally I always buy originals (like the FTD's for example). But I already have so many TTWII Outtakes DVD's that I - as said- don't expect this set to be satisfying enough for 200 Euro's or more. And guess what: in the past days I've managed to listen to the 6 shows on CD (mentioned-flat sound, but nice to have complete now) and this afternoon I've watched DVD-1. To be honest: picture quality is above my expectation, better than 75% off all homemade compilations available up to now (including the STAR productions). The split screen is nice, but sometimes annoying, but picture quality is acceptable most of the times. But it's NOT complete (each show has songs missing) as some thought it was. Along with that, editing is sometimes excellent and sometimes a bit weird; the August 14th MS and August 15th DS clips for example; not too happy with that, poor cut and paste job. I expected them to keep to the facts and not edit 2 shows together as being one, shame they did that.
So; still not worth 200 Euro's (sorry, guys). But maybe my opinion will change when my FREE box set has arrived !! Thanks again, you're the best bunch of fans in the world. When I need more for free, I'll let you know a.s.a.p. And let me buy you a pint, since you can't afford in anymore after buying this TTWII set !
P.S daz parky: yes, the TURNER ENT. logo is still visible, they didn't crop the picture (thank heavens for that).
Yes still has the property of turner on some of the footage,i dont think it should include 3 shows put out already,just pick up were the Ftd and sony boys left off,that way could lower that price a bit!
now i understand your name 'it is secondhandrichard" but you still miss the nice bookset and tray that hold the discs. i must say even the photo's are very cool!
secondrichard, my most humble apologies ! I was sooooo wrong writing one gets 6 CDs and 3 DVDs ! In fact, the dvds are Dual Layer discs, that means twice the recording-capacity and thus the play-duration.So I made a big mistake : buying the set means getting in reality not 9 but 12 ( twelve !!!) silver discs. And how stupid of me forgetting to mention the book wich comes with this set . So how much do you pay for a single FTD-cd ? And what about the price of the book ? You state that a FTD-cd costs approx. 18 euros. Well, correct me if i'm wrong, but if you buy 12 times a FTD-cd that makes 12 x 18 = 216 euros, without any book at all, there are even no booklets with the FTDs. So I repeat : I paid 180 euros for 12 discs + a nice book. Oh, by the way, in the past I bought most of the FTD-releases too . Still pretending the box is expensive ? 216 euros for 12 FTDs, 180 euros for 12 discs + a nice book ! What do you say about this buddy ? And don't you mention the "rights" argument again. You said yourself that you don't care about that. Always El.
secondhandrichard: nice thought, rickyboy. Great laughs (when you're 11 or 12 maybe)...! Bennyscott: most FTD's i buy have booklets....you know better. And to both of you: you still don't get the point. This material was released 346 times before now and I haven't found a single second on DVD 1 which I hadn't seen before on those 346 releases. And yes, quality is pretty good, but not top notch so not worth that much money (to me !). So why should people pay 200 Euro's or more for only 3 new CD's (with average sound, while FTD's have excellent sound) and maybe 25 seconds new film footage ? Please make a new count with these numbers benny, you're good at it.... Isn't Obama still looking for a good finance minister who's good with numbers, to clean up the mess the USA spread over the world (as always) ? And a nice booklet and trays ? Aren't you guys the same bunch of people complaining about JAT books being a bit expensive ? So why brag about nice booklets and trays..... I always read comments here about FTD's that 'half of it is already available and we still have to pay the full price, blablabla'. Same goes for this box set: 50% of the audio is already there, 99% of the video footage is already there. But 200 Euro's isn't too much ? Weird, weird, weird....
secondrichard :I checked the ftd catalogue and found that not less that +/- 43 ( fourty-three !!! ) ftd's have NO booklet at all. Or do you only buy the ftd 7" gatefolds ? Have you been thinking for 1 second that not everybody is in possession of "your" 346 releases you are talking about. Of course i know you don't really mean " 346", just your way of saying that a lot was released before, spread over several other releases. If I were in possession of all that before released stuff I wouldn't buy that box, but not because I'd find it to expensive. My point is : what you get for 180 euros ( this is the third time I mention the price I payed , and not 200 or more as you seem to cling to ) is worthwhile every eurocent for material in general good quality, stuff I didn't have before. Just tell me the total sum you paid over the years collecting of the same stuff on different separate releases , will you ? Always El.
hi benny scott. you are the kind of guy that i really like. if you will read my comments you will know why. i am not tired to say it again: the boxset is excellent !!! the six shows are complete and uncut. the three dvd's are very nice to watch. And again: i am waiting for the ON TOUR and for the ELVIS IN CONCERT boxset in the near future. 200 Euros per boxset ? ok, i want and will by both.
Benny the pathetic part is some not so classic albums are in the classic series and come with nice booklets while great shows like one night in vegas come in a digi pack with no info etc,the imports at least seem to have some care put into them,and seem to be aimed at the fans more so in many cases than Ftd!! This set provides what Mgm will never provide,uncut shows,just Elvis not bits and pieces!
Benny, indeed. When I read your responses I am with you. There is a nice saying though: a hare and a cow will never meet. So if someone wants to be a copy-completist let it be. The import booklets contribute to the understanding and visualisation of the cd. Mentioned FTDs don't have that, which is a pity. Opening the BOXSET however is every time a nice prelude of what one is going to hear (and watch), one does not have that with books. Elvisly yours
Hi Bob Finkel : of course i do read your comments, and together with Natha it seems we three ( but i'm sure there are more ) are on the same track , pulling the same rope, and that's nice !
Natha : nice saying about the hare and the cow, and indeed , that's the way it is now and will always be ! secondrichard had the right to have his opinion and i consider this not a dispute, but rather a discussion. The only thing that matters is that we all love and defend our man !
Mature : you're absolutely right about the FTDs ! Nevertheless, i'm buying their digipacks and their "classics" as well. I am really convinced that this box is already a collectors item, a to be treasured release ! Always El.
i am all with you guys!! wich artist have such a many cd's or dvd's and still are we complaining!! i think secondhandrichard do not have the money for such a nice boxset and then everything about it is crap....and why the jokes about obama and the us. i live in holland and we have also our problems here..like the rest of the world. it has nothing to do with the boxset!! maybe if you could buy it you did good work for the economy:-) but anyway i can still buy sets like this. and once again even it was 500 euro i would buy it. simple the great value of it and the looks about it..it was made by people who understand elvis fans. so secondhandrichard do not leave any comment here anymore and go collect you own cheap copy's. and let those sets come and come...next step would be elvis on tour and in concert!!
Ricky : amen to that ! Always El.
ricky, ricky, ricky........ So you're from Holland ? Mwah, me too, that's funny. Don't worry about me, I HAVE the money to buy the set. That's not even the discussion. The point is: is it WORTH the money. And you seem to be so blind that you even say you'd pay 500 Euro's for 3 new shows on CD and some hours widely available film footage. That doesn't sound Dutch to me. Maybe if you didn't have any off the film footage before, but I can't imagine anyone missing out on numerous releases with TTWII outtakes the past years. For people like me, collecting as much as possible on DVD or CD, after countless variations it's not interesting anymore to see another set being available at these high prices. Somebody -at the beginning of this discussion- mentioned that it would have been much more interesting if they had kept the price around 50 Euro's for a set. Make 500 for 100 Euro's each or 1000 for 50 Euro's each is more interesting for us - buyers-, less interesting however for the International people. I have a 35 DVD set, a 11 DVD set, a 6 DVD set, another 6 DVD set, 3 or 4 double DVD sets, 5 or 6 single DVD's etc. All with the same TTWII footage. You can't be serious expecting me to pay another 200 Euro's for this 3 DVD set again !? I agree with all of you that the packing looks nice, but the outside doesn't cover the whole amount of money. And what's inside isn't interesting enough to pay that much money.
And you shouldn't judge people by stating 'settle with your cheap copy's'. I know loads of fans being satisfied with copies off FTD releases, bootlegs or whatever. Elvis is a hobby, not the first need in life ! And finally: indeed benny scott, we're all here with the same interest; keeping Elvis' Memory alive and well. We're all fans and we're all together, even when we don't agree on everything. Discussing is great, keeps us alive and the memory alive. There will be many discussions to come. I always love to read everyone's opinion here. Everything said is information for all of us. And for now: I'll start watching my copy (ricky !!) of DVD 2 from the Complete Works. A great looking release, if only the price would be a bit more interesting for what it delivers.....
Sometimes I wonder how personally involved in the bootleg business some of the guys around here are... As soon as someone mentiones copying a bootleg they jump on you like crazed dogs, like they take it personally... Or like they suffer personal losses from it... I'm pretty sure we don't get the full story here.
i find it so sad that if you are a true elvis collector you must get copy's. that will not work with me!nnow i understand why FTD have bad sales..if everbody copy this then in the end we will have nothing. and buddy (richard) sure i have seen lots of the TWII before, but i like the set simple!!
i have also seen lots of new stuff from elvis on tour but i would love to see it as a new set. so yes i am one of the guys that paid 200 euro for it because i find that the did a hell of job with it. and the money that the made from it will afterall spend in some new releases...so let us complete the circle. this is the last what i have to say about this.. we all love the set and elvis...so bring them on...and for that bringing you need money!!
I never copy FTD or any other official release. Never. But there is a huuuuuge difference between RCA/FTD and the bootleggers. It makes all the difference.
What do you people think a bootleg is? Its a copy (and unauhorized at that!) of something, so to say you need to have the original doesnt hold water. There is nothing wrong with wanting a copy of a bootleg for less cost. It a lot different that copying an FTD or having a bootleg SUN 209. In those cases, Id want the original. But I would never ever pay this much for a bootleg no matter what.
BTW, does anybody know how the quality of content of The Complete Works measures up to The Way It Really Was DVD from a couple of years back?
I agree that a bootleg is nothing but a copy to begin with and this is a lot of dough for what could be less than mint picture and sound quality. Think of the bonus features from the MGM release of TTWII. Do you really think it going to be much better than that? No thanks.
calm down a little bit folks. remember, this is an elvis forum for discussing to keep us alive and the memory alive. I love to read, like secondrichard, everybodys opinion. that is important and makes sense. But we all love the same guy. Elvis Presley. Don't forget that, please.
Iv'e been listening to the opening Aug 10th show and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the introductions here. why oh why? did FTD edit them out in their 2000 CD release?- also the pre-opening music is here too. I REALLY appreciate getting as compete as possible release of great shows.great release throughout!
Why did Ftd edit out the introductions? Why does Ftd do many of the things they do,i guess to continue the tradition of never putting out anything complete,as for this set,it does have a high price tag,on the other hand Mgm isnt going to do anything with the footage,so why not let the fans have a chance to see Elvis in his prime!
What's not to like about this set? I'm very happy to have it. Value for money. Paying for it makes sense. When a bootleg label makes a profit maybe they'll make more bootlegs. Would like to have a similar set for On Tour so support your bootleggers and maybe you'll get it someday. We can be sure we won't get it from Turner. We all know the quality of the official TTWII 2-disc set from MGM, especially the bonus tracks. By the way, I've never seen a new FTD for 18 euros. And a copy is just a copy, they don't last long.
A copy don't last long? I think a copy lasts much longer than you think. They said the same about VHS tapes in the early 80's too, mine are still in the same condition today. It's a crying shame that FTD/BMG edit so much. Listen to the Elvis in person cd 1 from FTD and compare it to the dialogue on cd 3 from the collector's gold boxset from 1991! Why in the hell did they edit the false start from help me from Memphis march 20th 1974?? If you compare FTD/BMG 1972 rehearsal releases to Madison releases, it's obvious that FTD left out al ot of studio chat. I wonder how much elvis fans know about the edit on see see rider from rapid City june 21st 1977? In the middle of the song elvis stops and says to (probably) Ronnie Tutt: you missed a note! and starts again. It can be heard and you can see it on outtakes from the cbs 1977 special. Anyone noticed this? It would be so nice of they release this show in excellent quality, look and listen to for instance: how great thou art, trying to get to you and I really don't want to know. Breathtaking!!
Right you are Buddy Holly ( btw : Buddy Holly is my second musical hero, Elvis comes first of course ), this is a beauty of a box ! Can't indeed believe why we do not get " On Tour " on dvd. I would be glad to have it, even without unreleased footage. Luckyly i have it on VHS, but it would be fantastic if the whole stuff would come in a box like this one.
Ronbaldv : buddy holly is not completely wrong stating a CDr doesn't last to long. It all depends on the quality of the unburned cd, and also how you treat them, store them, the way you take them out of the jewelcase, etc.. There is some very interesting info on the net about, what they call " CD-rot". Just enter these two words on Google, you'll be surprised. Always El.
Slightly off-topic, but since we're talking data loss here: You should not save your data (backup) on CDs. The "CD rot" goes for both homeburnt and factory pressed CDs. Store your data on (external) harddisks. Not sure how things are with DVDs and blu-ray disks...
I think the "Complete Works" is a great set. You get the true feel of the concerts from start to finish. I have the set and I copied it. the quality is still very good. One can still be a "collector" and have copies. I happen to collect concerts amongst other things. Buying all the ones I have would simply be too expensive.
The first round I watched this set on a television. Yesterday I watched it 2,5 X 3,5 meter sized home cinema. It was even harder to stop watching!Yes, I hope the On Tour will get the same treatment soon. I don't know whether the outtakes are around somewhere, though.
I am 100% still enjoying my boxset. Today i gave the mostly unreleased 13.8.70 D/S a second listen. It stands up as 'better' after a 2nd listen. Remembering that if 'Madison' or some 'label' had given us this show they would be asking good $$ for it. Its a different show BUT still many highlights. Even though you can tell he's 'tired' for this D/S after putting out SO MUCH before its still 'good' and 'Bride' + 'Sus Minds' are as strong as ever versions.OK so most of the footage WAS 'available' through ridiculous massive dvd's with heaps of frustrating blank, property of turner 'in silence' and so on but HERE for the first time the VERY, VERY Best has been compiled. Worth getting for the mono audio alone the way the 3 dvd's have been put together is so YOU/US/WE/THEM can actually watch them and totally 'enjoy' and what can be better than that? I only bought 1 set but i'm never going to be selling it hours & hours & HOURS of Elvis at his BEST!`
Let's not get overexcited here. Picturewise there is nothing new here. I was really looking forward to Something. Only the beginning of the opening night version has the correct picture, but it's far away and from the side. The You've lost that loving feeling from august 12 midnight is actually the picture from aug 11 with the exception of 20 seconds of the encor bit (which we already had). Same goes for a lot of songs, either other versions or footage of the audience. The CD's are really new, but mono. If this would have been an official release, people would not have been so enthousiastic, probably would have slain it to bits. I think there will be more official releases in about a year or two after BluRay becomes the standard.
Hello. Unfortunately I still do not have any of the TTWII outakes issued so far, but I'm glad that some concerts were finally released in full, as the bits and pieces we usually get are quite annoying. As this is quite a lot of money for me, would anyone be willing to make me a copy of dvd's only. thanks.
I have this box and I think it's a very good one !
Wiebe, you make me feel better about having miss this automobile-downpayment-size release. And being that I was recently quoted a price over $400 and then was offered the set (sans) book in copied versions of the DVD and CD for $75, I think I know what I have to do until it's officially available!
Why release 3 shows already on cd officially? over 400 bucks? why? good grief!
Yes, that's 400 U.S. dollars, Mature! The city of Detroit wouldn't mind if you started up some new car payments at that rate! I'll be checking out the knock-off DVD versions - or any other one down the road that doesn't get over-ambitious. I can justify an outlay over time but I don't just answer to myself. If they did a greater print run, it wouldn't have to be so expensive. Oh well, money-making is part of the import game and that's okay too, but it smacks of JAT's controversial releases although arguably it delivers mucho value and quality. Signed, Left Out :)
400 dollars is absurd,i dont care what it has on it,and its not by any means a perfect set with crystal clear footage and sound,it is however the kind of set that will never be released officially,but it still has its short comings one being a crazy price & 3 shows duplicated from what is already out there!
New to the scene here but love reading everyone's comments.
For me, being a lifelong Elvis fan and just a lover of music in general, I go for the best quality material I can get my hands on first and then settle for the 'leftovers' next. I was completely blown away by the official DVD material released a.k.a. Turner's/Warner's TTWII 2001 Edition. You just cannot beat digital remastered material. Hats off to Rick Schmidlin for putting together this painstaking project with thoughfulness and care and to the level it deserved. I hope that one day we will see the remainder of concert footage from the original TTWII movie left on the cutting room floor i.e. "I Just Can't Help Believin", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", etc. remastered and released. Maybe the HD/Blu-Ray market will bring these jewels to light in all their digital remastered glory.
Anyway, there is a lot to be said for taking advantage of today's DVD/CD technology and remastering capability to the fullest extent in order to produce the kind of extreme high quality that Elvis' tremendous libraries of song, movie, and live concert footage material deserves. We are so fortunate now to be able to see and hear Elvis in a way that no one has ever before unless you saw him live in concert. It is truly the next best thing to actually being there and what a fitting tribute to Elvis and his work.
I would love to have this in my collection. I wanted the first version of this, but can't find it. Only the remake is out. I hated it. the cut songs from the first one that I liked. They seemed to focus on Elvis cursing. Great addition to any collection.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy this
Hi! Somebody here interested in selling this box set?
