Here are the official preliminary details on the upcoming RCA/BMG Releases for 2003 from the EPE site. The rumours (as they are called on the EPE site) on various fan sites seem to be correct.
BMG Heritage and RCA Records tell us that ELVIS: CLOSE UP, a 4 CD/CS deluxe box set will hit stores on July 1, 2003. ELVIS: CLOSE UP features 89 previously unreleased tracks by the King of Rock 'n Roll and focuses on four important and key periods in Elvis Presley's incredible career. This box set provides a glimpse into Elvis' music making techniques, featuring rare stereo masters from the '50s and never-before heard outtakes from Elvis' first four post-army films. It also includes unreleased takes from almost every Studio B session in Nashville and a complete and unreleased live concert recorded in San Antonio, Texas in 1972. The 1972 concert includes a performance of the classic Burning Love before the studio single was released.
ELVIS: CLOSE UP features: deluxe 4-CD/CS box set of 100% previously unreleased material; 48-page booklet with insightful essay by Colin Escott, detailed track info and great rare photos; all tracks digitally remastered.
ELVIS: CLOSE UP is the follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER boxset, which was voted Best Reissue of 2002 by Rolling Stone magazine and is approaching RIAA gold sales status.
Coming Later This Year...
Official and detailed announcements are coming soon about the following releases:
ELVIS: 2ND TO NONE, a 1-CD/CS specially re-mastered compilation of Elvis hits and classics, is expected to be released on September 9, 2003. It is the follow-up to last year's global smash, ELV1S 30 #1 HITS, which hit #1 on the charts in 26 territories, earning gold and platinum awards around the world, including RIAA triple platinum in the United States.
ELVIS: CHRISTMAS PEACE, a 2-CD/CS compilation of Christmas and inspirational recordings, is expected to be released on September 23, 2003.
ELVIS LIVES on DVD: A 100-minute version of the TV Special Elvis Lives is to be released as a stand-alone DVD on October 21, 2003. Plans are for an abundance of previously unseen footage from the special, still photo gallery and extended interviews.