Elvis '56 - In the Beginning

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best...
Review: As an American raised in the second half of the 20th Century, I have been steeped in the legend of Elvis throughout my entire life. Prior to seeing "Elvis '56" on TV, I had seen footage of his early performances that I thought demonstrated a degree of brilliance. That being said, I must state, emphatically, that this brilliant film, which encapsulates his meteoric rise to fame, has made me a fan forever of this remarkable American artist. We can all go on to note how, after 1956, Elvis became a "boy in a bubble" and the sad effect that had on his personality and music. But this film is the unadulturated 100% pure Elvis Presley of which the legend is made. It's not just the music - which is incredible - but this fascinating young man himself, that makes this video so rewarding. And, finally, I have seldom seen a film - documentary or fiction - that so vividly rekindles the look and feel of an era. If you lived through 1956, this will take you back. If you didn't, watch this and you'll know what it was like.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best...
Review: As an American raised in the second half of the 20th Century, I have been steeped in the legend of Elvis throughout my entire life. Prior to seeing "Elvis '56" on TV, I had seen footage of his early performances that I thought demonstrated a degree of brilliance. That being said, I must state, emphatically, that this brilliant film, which encapsulates his meteoric rise to fame, has made me a fan forever of this remarkable American artist. We can all go on to note how, after 1956, Elvis became a "boy in a bubble" and the sad effect that had on his personality and music. But this film is the unadulturated 100% pure Elvis Presley of which the legend is made. It's not just the music - which is incredible - but this fascinating young man himself, that makes this video so rewarding. And, finally, I have seldom seen a film - documentary or fiction - that so vividly rekindles the look and feel of an era. If you lived through 1956, this will take you back. If you didn't, watch this and you'll know what it was like.

Rating:
Summary: This video is amazing
Review: If you like Elvis at all, this video is a must! As the narrator says, we never got this close to him again. It contains all the old tv show appearances, including the amazing "Peace in the Valley" from "The Ed Sullivan Show". I own a copy and have given several as gifts.

Rating:
Summary: This video is amazing
Review: If you like Elvis at all, this video is a must! As the narrator says, we never got this close to him again. It contains all the old tv show appearances, including the amazing "Peace in the Valley" from "The Ed Sullivan Show". I own a copy and have given several as gifts.

Rating:
Summary: YES, HE STILL HOUNDS US WITH HIS LEGACY
Review: Just when you thought it was safe to finally put away those blue suede shoes, along comes yet another piece of Presley paraphernalia, the time on DVD. Actually, this is a superb collection of rare, early recordings and never-before-seen black-and-white and color footage that proves just why we still love him tender. Narrated by Levon Helm of the band, the DVD time travels back to the year when-rock-and roll was still in its infancy and a young man hip-swiveling Southern boy was about to Make It Big. Even after all these years, the King's infamous appearance on Ed Sullivan's show still hounds us with delight.

Rating:
Summary: Elvis Presley's Early Years - A Terrific Video
Review: This video of Presley's early career is wonderful. It may be the best of all the Presley videos. Don't miss it. You will be there for the early music and the meteoric rise of this rock n roll legend. The quality of the reproduction is excellent for the time period 1956. On this video you will see Elvis Presley at his best before he was spoiled by all the fame and money that came later in his life.

Rating:
Summary: If you can see only one Elvis video, this is the one.
Review: Wonderfully narrated by Levon Helm of the Band, this remarkable film documents the one year that made the difference in the life and career of Elvis--and in the culture of the U.S.A. and the world. Robust with period-evoking footage of the King's concerts and TV appearances, with numerous still photos taken offstage, on trains, etc., the film chronicles our man's transition from regional fringe player to breakout superstar the likes of which the world had never known. It's a gem from start to finish. It makes a fine companion piece to Peter Guralnick's biography, Last Train to Memphis.