Rating: Summary: Mostly Groovy New Stuff Review: The previously private bits and pieces presented by Joe Esposito are most welcome. Still photos, newsreel footage, etc., never seen by the public make this offer worthwhile. It seems Elvis had [three] best friends, [songwriter / actor / bodyguard] Red West, Gospel-C & W star/musical mentor Charlie Hodge, and Mr. Esposito. That's okay, I'm just surprised that these other names are mostly vacant from the proceedings. [Historians-fans check out Charlie's good video "The Elvis I Knew", Decker Television, 1994]. Joe does not dwell on Elvis 1960s' commercial slump nor his 1970s' personal struggles. Just once I'd love to hear how a creative force like Presley managed to deal with bad picture after bad picture. Esposito simply says they were escapist endeavours, and that's that - one must assume that the "Star Is Born" rejection by The Colonel was an issue with Elvis and his closest companions. The stars' prescription drug problem has been recounted enough by now, though, so the program does not suffer by lack of address to it. The tape runs 130 minutes with about 20 unnecessary minutes. The narrative runs chronologically about to the point it should close, but suddenly we're going back in time again, and then we are treated to some dedicated (to say the least) cameos with Elvis imitators and other ardent supporters. So J.E. gives them their "15" minutes of fame. Why not? Ofcourse there are areas of Presley's life which many find still mysterious - his actual law enforcement credentials and the reportedly planned Grand Jury proceedings to take place on/prior to 08-15-1977 relevant to the idea that Vernon and Elvis Presley were victims of [trick]. (...)
Rating: Summary: Very Dissappointing as to content. Review: The title suggested that this dvd would portray an intimate glimpse into the personal life of Elvis through the remembrances of his best friend. It is a redo of many previous movie clips and snapshots. I felt as though I had seen this dvd before in many of the previous vhs tapes about Elvis that I own.
Rating: Summary: Very Dissappointing as to content. Review: The title suggested that this dvd would portray an intimate glimpse into the personal life of Elvis through the remembrances of his best friend. It is a redo of many previous movie clips and snapshots. I felt as though I had seen this dvd before in many of the previous vhs tapes about Elvis that I own.
Rating: Summary: A Loving Tribute By A Best Friend Review: This is a very positive, upbeat tribute to Elvis by his top man and best friend, Joe Esposito. He avoids the negative topics that has already been covered endlessly by the media, and focuses on more folksy and humorous stories about the King. At times I wish he could have talked more in depth about some of the topics, instead of including chapters about the impersonators, the biggest fan, the nuttiest fan. I could have done without that information. I'm sure Joe has a lot more interesting Elvis anecdotes to share, and to see such rubbish included brings this DVD down a couple of stars in my book. Still, it is refreshing to view a kinder portrait of Elvis by someone close to him instead of the vitriol dished out by West, & Co in their book written by Steve Dunleavy. Elvis deserves better, and so do his fans, so if you're looking for the more sensationlistic Elvis information, you won't find it in this DVD.It is interesting to note that a few years back, Joe Esposito was embroiled in a battle with EP Enterprises (read: Priscilla), who tried to force him to surrender his private collection of movies and photos of Elvis he'd taken over the years. Perhaps this DVD is the result of a compromise that was reached.
Rating: Summary: A Loving Tribute By A Best Friend Review: This is a very positive, upbeat tribute to Elvis by his top man and best friend, Joe Esposito. He avoids the negative topics that has already been covered endlessly by the media, and focuses on more folksy and humorous stories about the King. At times I wish he could have talked more in depth about some of the topics, instead of including chapters about the impersonators, the biggest fan, the nuttiest fan. I could have done without that information. I'm sure Joe has a lot more interesting Elvis anecdotes to share, and to see such rubbish included brings this DVD down a couple of stars in my book. Still, it is refreshing to view a kinder portrait of Elvis by someone close to him instead of the vitriol dished out by West, & Co in their book written by Steve Dunleavy. Elvis deserves better, and so do his fans, so if you're looking for the more sensationlistic Elvis information, you won't find it in this DVD. It is interesting to note that a few years back, Joe Esposito was embroiled in a battle with EP Enterprises (read: Priscilla), who tried to force him to surrender his private collection of movies and photos of Elvis he'd taken over the years. Perhaps this DVD is the result of a compromise that was reached.
Rating: Summary: Elvis and Priscilla together Review: This was the first video where I've seen alot of Elvis and Priscilla together. I think they really must have a had a very special relationship. I really enjoyed it. The video seems to really show what a kind, generous and real person Elvis was. I think it also showed what an outgoing person Elvis was and showed some of the difficulties he faced in his everyday life. Elvis was really a people person, seems like he was always surrounded by alot of people. I think Joe Esposito has always tried to show the positive side of Elvis, I think he was a true friend. But, also all the other guys in Elvis' life really cared for him too, I just think that everyone had a different experience with Elvis. I, for one, miss Elvis.
Rating: Summary: "His Best Friend" is a Friend, indeed! Review: When you order an Elvis Presley DVD, you never know if it will be a RIP-OFF or something of HIGHER QUALITY. THIS DVD IS THE REAL DEAL!! Joe Esposito deserves alot of credit for how he has handled himself since Elvis' death. He continues to show us exactly why he was the cream of the crop vis-a-vis the "rest of Elvis' Memphis Mafia". Esposito presents an accurate portrayal of Elvis' life but he accomplishes it without destroying the man. We ALL KNOW THE BAD SIDE by now so it is refreshing to see a program that gives the viewer a more even-handed approach. The DVD contains some never-before-seen photos as well as a very interesting (but all too short) interview with back-up singer Kathy Westmoreland. All of Elvis' life and career is covered but the highlights are the focus: The Army, Ann-Margaret, Tuesday Weld, The Ranch, Elvis' Wedding, His relationship with Linda Thompson, and The Return to Live Performing, to name a few. Some clips from various press conferences and newsreels are featured, many of which I have never seen. So, if you are an Elvis fan, by all means purchase this DVD. It is top quality as well as interesting. If you are not a fan but just want to know a little more about Elvis, you won't be disappointed either. I can picture myself watching this show many times over. ENJOY!!
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