Quickpoll

EPE should reconsider indeed. Elvis lived for his fans. So should they. Forget the infamous ducks, EPE, and focus on the real thing.

Despite EPE trying to stop a certain cd/dvd set coming out alas they have failed as this ready to go. Did wonder what the problem was when Elvisnews went down and of course understand your caution in posting any more news on this release.............good old EPE always have our interest at heart....not??

Be very careful, my friends, EPE are obviously very upset over a certain release which is forthcoming. It is not worth the risk of being shut down, we cannot afford to lose you. I think the problem stems from us all getting used to speaking very openly about product which is illegal, wheras at one time information such as this was never put in writing. Even though you never gave any details of how to obtain this set, I suppose from their point of view showing the trailers did promote the product. I am trying to be open minded and see things from both sides. I think you should set up a Paypal account so that those of us out here that would like to contribute a little to your legal fees can do so.

Natha,drjohn,Tony C : I couldn't agree more !!! But IMHO it's a crying shame this material has been hidden for the fans for over more than 3 decades . I really don't know ( and I don't want to know ) who is really responsible for this not-releasing , but whoever it is, he or they must not be surprised that sooner or later it would see the light of day, in this case by a ,let's call it, an "import"-label. As for Tony's suggestion (PayPal account) : if it should be created : it's OK with me, I'd pay my share. Always El.

I can understand the concern EPE has with the distorted general opinion and their efforts to correct this. On the other hand the opposed products will be only limited and not really available for the general public. Their part is the general public as they and rca/sony/etc only cared for the money fans have or are willing to spend on their products. In the days Elvis was still with us we (I) would have loved to have more releases they have only recently pu out through the FTD (which is also not for the general public). So why did they take so long? Is it because they realised that other were cashing in on things they had for ages? I would love to support EPE and the gang for top quality products, provided they care for me as a fan. SOme products they have allowed are definitely not contributing to a better view by the general public on Elvis. So in the words of Elvis: 'Clean up your own backyard (first)'.

Yes but news is news, elvisnews does not have to show the trailers, but, written news is news so we should still be entitled to all news concerning all products legal or not. I find the elvisnews has gone overboard, it is not illegal to have a discusssion or have information for die hards of all things released. if anyone is breaking any laws it is not elvisnews, epe cant tell people what shoudl or not be reported, i am very dissappointed that elvisnews had taken this new world order stance. I mean yesterdays anouncement from the label had no trailer, it had the final information we wanted and now we are stopped from seeing this.

EPE you lost the battle 10 years ago. This was when many fans first downloaded the CBS material from the internet and it was available there ever since. It was everywhere and it still is. Many got it from torrent sites. Why? Because there was no official source. O EPE you didn't want us to see Elvis like this and therefor holding back the material? C'mon guys. I'm 43 years old and I've seen thing in my life and on the internet I don't even want to write about here. So, show me an official CBS DVD and I'll proof I can stand and survive it. I'm over 18 and I'm also allowe to watch extreme Horror-Movies with Zombies and everything. Which I did. Is the CBS materal even harder? So gimme the fat Elvis now officially and I will pay for it. But as long as you don't .. leave the fans alone.

EPE must be kidding..........they still don't understand that a lot of fans want the CBS concerts original released ! It's just a part of Elvis' life. The CBS shows are better than a lot of his movies, and they are also available. Elvis died 33 years ago, every day there are also Elvis fans dying without seeing the CBS concerts. EPE should be ashamed ! I also know some very old Elvis fans and I promised them when I get this box that they will not mention anymore I will give them a copy of it so they still can see it. I think Elvis also wanted it that way !

I fully support EPE on this one for the reasons given by them. Elvis should never have been touring during the last year of his life and perhaps he would have been alive now if he hadn't. Elvis was clearly ill and heavily dependent on prescription drugs. The media would have a field day if such a package was officially released to the public and it would be so bad for Elvis' legacy in these days when drug misuse is the focus of all the police shows on television.

We must remember that this is a release of 1500 copies, and likely sold to people like us who already have this stuff but in bad quality. Hardly a threat with such a limited number released. This is designed for the true die hard fan that must have it all. No matter what, this is coming out and epe have lost the battle.

Hi Brian, with all due respect, but marc wilson is right IMO . Very limited release, worldwide !!! I don't think the public in general is interested in this. As for the press : elvis has been slammed and bashed by some "journalists " all his life, from the very start after his US- and worldwide breakthrough untill his untimely death, but that couldn't stop the real fans to love and adore him, for better and for worse. In all honesty Brian, what's your opinion about the "rubish" ( dolls, ducks, etc... you name it..) EPE is selling and making money off ? Are those articles good for our man's image and/or reputation ? Respecting your point of view anyway, just my opinion ! Merry X-Mas ! Always El.

I agree that this shouldn't be made available to the public in general. For just a few fans it's no problem at all imo. Still Boxcar was way too arrogant in their promotion of the set, EPE had enough time to make plans what to do when it will be available. And believe me ....... THEY WILL!!!! EPE certainly hasn't lost the battle yet.

Reply to Benny Scott. Hi Benny, Whilst I personally love the CBS Concert (fantastic singing) the trouble with any bootleg release is that you can guarantee copies will be sold on Ebay and from there copies will be made of copies. It will then only be a matter of time before the media get it and bingo - bad publicity for the King. As regards the rubber ducks, dog jumpsuits, wigs, Mr. Potatoheads etc., I have always been against such things and would never consider buying same. Tragically, it would appear people do buy such things - the mind boggles. Respect your opinion also. Have a Very Happy Christmas.

Brian Quinn, you are right about the drugs abuse now-a-days. It is common amidst the pop scene and one may wonder why Elvis is every so often singled out! Anyway and again, for that reason I agree with EPE . But the mentioned release is a limited production aiming at the hard core fans and not the general public. For those who like to have the whole history complete this is unavoidble. EPE has however themselves not always the legacy in mind, when money is concerned. The rubbish they have allowed with the Elvis brand on it, is hardly if in any way contributing to the uplifting goals they supposedly have in mind.

What a news.But it is youre right to bring every news. If you said you can buy it here ,then i would understand. But what is EPe affraid of. The bad name ?.The whole world knows about this special and the condition of Elvis.It's a part of his legacy. That's also with on tour. What a bad promotion. But maybe will this help for you. Say that what you find about this trailer and illustrate it with the trailer. That's a meaning and nobody can say anything.

What a relief! I thought you were gone for good as some banking/checking log-in crap came up for your web site; I thought for sure Juian Assange (the supreme weasel) was behind your demise and I deleted your site from my computer. My wife tipped me off the next day you were back up. Thank God!!!! I was going into withdrawal again as I love this site, being a supreme Elvis junkie.

Amen to Natha's statement, but have to admit you have a point about the copies Brian ! Glad we both agree about the sold "rubbish " though, and I'm sure we're not the only ones ! Take care guys! Always El.

I have read and I respect the opinions given here - and I know that people like Brian are very very dedicated fans. I must say though that in my opinion, EPE does more harm than good with this censorship. The footage exists, true, it shows Elvis at a bad time but it is factual and it should not be denied. Elvis' legacy is far too strong to be really hurt by this - but his legacy will be hurt if the information generation knows that it is being denied truth by a money minting organisation such as EPE. This was an important aspect of Elvis' story and history: a glorious hero, struggling with his demons, still delivering to his fans just months from his death; a man who did harm to no-one but himself, who raised so many peoples' lives with his music, his life, his struggle, his happiness, his sadness, his vulnerability - his voyage. EPE should not be the custodians of our thoughts.

Maybe it is something 'dutch' but I wonder why almost nobody is mentioning 'freedom of speech'?? Just bringing news, nothing less nothing more is suppose to be a right overhere.

Indeed, Elvis Presley Enterprises seem to have another (wrong) vision on the definition of "freedom of speech"! Therefore alone I hope the box will see the light of day. Always El.

The USA is a communist country so i'm not suprised at all. Freedom of speech doesn't exist in the USA but it does exist in Europe! Don't forget it, you idiot celebriduck and Aloha dog-cape producers. In your own country you can do anything that you want (no matter how wrong it is),but don't try to threaten Europeans!

lol, its funny everytime i go to the US it feels like a police state, and i always say to them if you really want to experience freedom of speech come to Europe. ask the US what freedom is, they cant answer it, lol

This should have never happened to Elvisnews and i think EPE is over stepping it's boundaries. All Elvis fans need to be able to decide if they want these last concerts or not. I was at one of these concerts in 1977 and would very much like to have this for history purposes. Elvis was a great entertainer right up to the very end he never let us fans down sick or well he gave his best and he cared that is one thing that we have lost in the music field these days. I want to say Merry Christmas to each and every Elvis fan on this site and to ElvisNews keep up the good work.

wow EPE ' s suddenly very active when it concerns concert footage! too bad these sleepy heads are better in non releasing it than in coming up with a new dvd..

Indeed Jerome, there were five sleepy heads . . .

Graceland are getting upset over this - but why? They could have prevented this coming out, quite easily, and without a lawsuit or threats to copyright issues. How? By RELEASING the footage! It's the last footage professionally filmed of him - and his third TV Special. That's right, only three were made and we only have two of 'em; how can that be right? We know Elvis wasn't well at the time, but watching the Omaha and Rapid City shows there were some special moments. Some of the Elvis magic was there. Some great singing, not great but FANTASTIC at times. He was older and had medical issues - mainly over-prescribed medication from doctors - or specifically his own Doctor, Dr Nick. Nick says at the time he was trying to help Elvis, when we all know now that he was given gifts and even went touring with Elvis. Elvis was bloated with the drugs issues, not particularly overweight for a 42 year old. Graceland don't intend to release the tapes - why they can't restrict a release to just a fan base is beyond me. The media wouldn't have to get involved with tearing into how Elvis looked. I can't afford to buy the release, but will be the first in line for a digital copy of the footage. Why are us fans still waiting for an official 1977 release, 33 years after the event?

I totally understand EPE's issue with film footage they own the rights to being released withoout their consent. I agree with them on that point. What I don't believe is their REAL concern of "protecting" Elvis image in the general public. I think officially releasing Elvis' 1977 concert footage is tame in comparison of EPE supporting & encouraging people to run around dressing like Elvis & making Elvis look more like a cartoon character. To me them endorsing these wannabes or "Tribute Artists" is far worse than officially releasing the real Elvis' 1977 footage. Someone gave me a copy of EPE's Official catalog a while back. The FIRST 4 pages of their catalog is full of fake wigs, costumes, sunshades & dog capes which does nothing to help Elvis' image. They even had a HALLOWEEN section of Elvis costumes. I had to go to the last 2 pages of their catalog to find the real Elvis' music or videos. Usually around the Elvis anniversaries, local news stations will run a story at the end of their news cast on Elvis. It seems like, they always show people running around in the Elvis costumes, further making Elvis look like a laughing stock. My question is, what is worse for Elvis image, officially releasing the 1977 footage or selling official Elvis Halloween costumes?

Dixieland Rock, you are so right. I did not know they had that section on Haloween too. They should be at the front of promoting Elvis as he was. I also feel disgusted about these dressed up peoples, pretending to look like Elvis. I wonder if this is also done with other artists? As Elvis might say: 'EPE go wired the wrong way'.

I could understand EPE's concerns about 'protecting' Elvis' image more sympathetically if they did a hell of a lot more to promote it.

What is it that people do not understand about the word "illegal". It's straight forward enough - break the law and you get penalised. EPE or whoever owns the copyright has paid a substantial amount of money for this production, so obvioulsy they do not want a third party benefitting from illegal sales. As regards protecting Elvis' image, well EPE are truly having a laugh when you see all the utter garbage that they do buy into and flog. It's this type of trash that gets Elvis a bad name and looks a complete joke. Stop selling garbage, stop the moronic Elvis in jumpsuit impersonators, and then Elvis might start to get more respect again. Probably one of the worst things Elvis ever did was to get on stage wearing a jumpsuit. Don't get me wrong - he looked great, but these immitators, especially the ones who seem to portray "£bear bellies" - they make me want to throw up.

Greetings Friends. Indeed, a "Legal Eagle" I am not. Perhaps more of a Reagle Beagle. Do I smell something nasty (again) on the Elvis market. I will try to explain my simple view here; First of all, we all are aware, somebody, somewhere does own a piece of the copyrights to Elvis' audio and film legacy? Secondly, to some degree, Elvis' name and image is shared in the "Public Domain", (re: his global popularity), and what is the damage legally and/or economically to air a sound byte the size of a "You Tube" clip? Finally, freedom of speech or freedom of expression is still an aspect of our lives that must be preserved. Keep us posted on developments in this case please. Thanks for reading my views. Best Wishes to All In The Coming New Year; Peace and Love. Rob Nelson, London, Canada

Just a small correction to make to an earlier posting stating that EPE released "Dominic" but still refuse to release the CBS footage. EPE did not release "Dominic", they are not and have never been a record company.