Aloha And '68 Comeback Single Discs Coming In August

March 14, 2006

As a follow-up to the smashing success of the release of Elvis: '68 Comeback - Deluxe Edition DVD (3-disc set) and Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii - Deluxe Edition DVD (2-disc set) in 2004, single-disc DVD releases are coming from EPE in August 2006. As with the deluxe sets, the distributor will be Sony BMG.

The single-disc releases are focused on reaching the casual Elvis fan and Elvis novices who aren't ready to commit to purchasing the box sets and to get '68 and Aloha material into mass retailers that will not carry the box sets or any DVD releases above a $14.98 retail price. Of course, with any release, we keep the tried and true, serious Elvis fans in mind.

Final tapes will be turned over to Sony BMG in mid-May. Well before then, content will be finalized and an exact release date will be determined. All the details will be posted on the official EPE site and the special DVD site www.elvisdvds.com in the weeks ahead.

Source:

EPE - Elvis Presley Enterprises

Martin DJ wrote on March 14, 2006

Wouldn't be surprised if they reinstated It hurts me in the Guitar Man Medley and added the Aloha press conference in order to make us buy these editions as well.

Jth wrote on March 14, 2006

And add the ´voice-overs´ of Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana as well.

Maybellene wrote on March 14, 2006

I hope this DVD will have the missing parts of Deluxe Edition which is of course "It Hurts Me" section ....

EspenK wrote on March 15, 2006

I think this is a very good idea! And yes - please include the complete Aloha press conference this time - that'd be worth the buy in itself for us that already got the deluxe release, in my opinion. I don't mind "supporting" releases like these as long as the price equals other regular DVD-releases, hell I'll even buy a couple extra copies to give as gifts. But the complete press conference is required content if I am to buy it.

Tony C wrote on March 15, 2006

As far as I am aware, EPE do not have the rights to the Aloha press conference which is why it was not included on the deluxe edition. Presumably the situation remains the same. The question of "It Hurts Me" being included in the so-called broadcast version will always be a subject open to debate. "It Hurts Me" and "Let Yourself Go" were not included in the original 1968 and 1969 broadcasts, and were only reinstated to the 1978 version and subsequent VHS releases. Fans not old enough to have seen the original broadcasts will consider them essential parts of the special, whereas I consider them as out-takes in the same category as performances like "Don't Be Cruel" and "Blue Suede Shoes". I'm not saying that the special isn't more special for their inclusion, just that they were not there in the first place.

Martin DJ wrote on March 15, 2006

Part of the Aloha Press Conference can be seen in the (EPE) dvd-set Elvis by the Presleys. Does that mean they have the rights to a few seconds? Unlikely. It hurts me was cut from the original broadcast because Elvis being in a brothel was considered a bit risque at the time, not because it didn't belong in the Guitar man section. It was not included in the dvd-set because of a mistake - the producers admitted that.

Tony C wrote on March 16, 2006

The press conference footage used on "Elvis By The Presleys" was licensed for use in the documentary. Buying-in footage in this way is very expensive, so EPE are unlikely to include it in the single disc "Aloha" edition. It's a shame that it was not included in the deluxe package. Regarding the cutting of "It Hurts Me"/"Let Yourself Go" from the original edit of the Singer Special, their inclusion would have taken the running time over the hour long (including commercials) time slot. I wonder which song would not have been included had the bordello scene not been cut?

Steve Grayson wrote on March 18, 2006

this will be a good release if it consists the following items on dvd.- 1. complete press conferences - for aloha from hawaii- Sept 4th 1972 - vegas hilton - 2. Nov- 20th 1972 - press conference - Elvis wears the black suit and leis . 68 TV SPECIAL - ALL SONGS - INCL- IT HURTS ME - THAT WAS OMITTED LAST TIME FROM 3 DVD SET - and all songs from all shows . i will certainly get this as i have the 3 dvd set and 2 dvd sets

PTCJones wrote on March 31, 2006

I don't know what the fuss is about. These are inferior versions to what we already have. They will probably add a small swatch of new stuff to force us to buy it again though.