Film Elvis

Elvis Presley's first year (March '56 to January '57) on TV is spotlighted on "From the Waist Up," the third of three Elvis: The Great Performances DVDs. And what a time it was, as his appearances on the Dorsey Brothers, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, and especially Ed Sullivan shows electrified an ever-growing national audience with tunes ranging from the lascivious "Baby, Let's Play House" to the reverent "Peace in the Valley." Written by Presley biographer Peter Guralnick (Last Train to Memphis) and narrated by U2's Bono, volume 3 is the most documentary-like of the three discs; some basic history is provided (the Sun Records years, the arrival of Col. Tom Parker, etc.), most of which will be old hat to Presley aficionados. Unfortunately, it's also the only disc that truncates some of the King's performances, but the three straight complete songs from the '57 Sullivan show that end the program help make up for that. --Sam Graham

Share the excitement of Elvis Presley's earth shattering introduction to the nation in these three unforgettable episodes from The Ed Sullivan Show, now on video for the first time ever, and experience for yourself why Elvis became the legendary King of Rock and Roll! Appearing on the show Sept. 9, 1956, Elvis sent shock waves through a repressed nation with his soulful singing, wild hip gyrations and raw energy, attracting a record-breaking TV audience of more than 60 million people. Presley returned on Oct. 28, 1956, continuing to provoke ecstatic screams with hits such as "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." In fact, these exhilarating performances were so explosive that Elvis was filmed above the waist during his final Sullivan show appearance on January 6, 1957.

“Obscene, energetic, and grotesque… DER ELVIS is less a barbaric yawp than a 20-minute retch, building in ferocity until the final unctuous voice-over.” - The Village Voice, J. Hoberman, 11-24-87

Vegas performer Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee looks at his life and career as the world's heaviest Elvis impersonator.

This compilation is comprised of a series of musical performances by some of the greatest names in rock history including a half-dozen appearances by Elvis Presley as well as songs by The Beatles, Sly & the Family Stone, and "The Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis.

Elvis Costello: Mystery Dance, the first-ever documentary portrait of one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of our time. Assured of Costello’s full collaboration, exclusive access to his extensive archive and with the full participation of his record company, the film is a definitive portrait of a major music icon.

Searching for a real American idol? Well, look no further. Over the course of these three marvelous videos (totaling about 160 minutes and over 40 songs, including repeats), we are nearly overwhelmed by the charm, charisma, and sheer talent that made Elvis Presley so extraordinarily popular and influential. There are songs from television shows (emphasizing the mid-'50s appearances that helped cement his iconic status), concerts, and movies, along with interviews, some revealing (mostly silent) home movies, and photos galore. And by favoring the music Presley made in his earlier years, as well as by loading the videos with complete, uninterrupted performances, executive producer Andrew Solt and company show us how Presley combined country, gospel, and R&B to make rock & roll the most vital pop culture phenomenon of the past 50 years. This is the mother lode, and a must-have for longtime adherents and newcomers alike.

Babi is going to marry Elvis at Fernando's bar.

"Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade", released December 5, 2006, captures that tour's scintillating concert in Montreal, Canada, spotlighting songs from the album as well as other Elvis Costello gems spanning four decades, from "Watching The Detectives" and "Pump It Up" to lesser-known songs, most of them given special arrangements by Allen Toussaint.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n Roll, captured the hearts of millions through his chart-topping music and untouchable charisma. After briefly leaving music to serve in WWII, Elvis returned to show business with a string of successful movies. However, behind the gates of Graceland, the King faced battles on several fronts that threatened his career, his love and even his life.

The death of the King of Rock n Roll shocked the world. How did this happen? The true story of Elvis Presley's last hours on Earth is told by the men who knew him best, his Memphis Mafia. Elvis' closest friends and confidants share their memories and experiences with the King and what really happened during his final hours. Including interviews with Sonny West, Billy Smith, Larry Geller, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Marty Lacker, and Lamar Fike.