After the report from BMG Australia that there probably wouldn't be a DVD release of the 'Elvis Lives" television special we asked EPE for details. This is the reply from Todd Morgan:
"Elvis Lives!" is BMG's show. Our understanding from them all along was that clearing celebrity appearances, music publishing and footage for the DVD release has been a struggle and the reason there has not yet been a release. Celebrities are a particular source of difficulty. Everything was cleared for television, which was challenge enough with the very short production-to-airdate schedule back in 2002. DVD clearances weren't pursued on the front end because that would have slowed things down for the television show, which was on a very fast track, and complicating the clearance negotiation process by adding DVD clearances might have kept the TV show from happening on schedule or at all. When we've checked in with BMG from time to time, word was that they were still working on clearances for the DVD. With the recent "BMG leak" about the unlikelihood of a DVD published on fan sites, we've asked again about the status and await an answer.
It will be sad if the DVD can't happen. The content greatly outshines what made it into what was a very worthwhile television special. We got to see some of the longer-form versions of some of the celebrity interviews and it is some very compelling material, some of it quite moving.
EPE On Elvis Lives DVD
April 23, 2005 | Video
Jon Carpenter wrote on
April 24, 2005
Is it just me or isn't it about time to clear up these rules about copyright/clearances issues?
emjel wrote on
April 24, 2005
The problem is that everyone wants their piece of the pie, generally in the form of money. This is why certain songs were cut from Kissin Cousins and Girl Happy for later video release as the writers wanted more money. This situation now appears to be resolved, and Warners are trying to find a release window for these films. I suspect they'll be next January now, although they might be able to get them out for August.
Tony C wrote on
April 25, 2005
There are no rules to clear up, copyright law is very clear. It's all down to gaining permission from the artists concerned, and obviously bowing down to their pay demands. To be fair to them, they agreed to perform on a television show, which cannot then be commercially released without their permission.
Buddy Holly wrote on
April 25, 2005
I've seen the TV show and it's nice to see it once. I don't need to see it again however. What's so interesting to be able to play those talking heads over and over? I won't buy a DVD version. I prefer unedited performance clips in optimal sound and video quality. The 50's TV shows in proper quality are long overdue.