All three discs, also covering Elvis' appearances on October 28, 1956 and January 6, 1957 (two days before his twenty second birthday) have a special features section. Now this part, on each, is an Elvis lover's dream. There they have spliced together E's songs on that night and show them back to back - no other acts or commercials!
Then there are interviews, short but some quite nice. Sam Phillips, founder of Elvis' first label, Sun Records, is the first questioned followed by others like Jerry Schilling (member of the Memphis Mafia and author of Me And A Guy Named Elvis), Gordon Stoker (of the Jordanaires, Elvis long-standing backup singers) and television host Wink Martindale. Each disc has it's own special features different than the others including home movies from Jerry's personal collection.
A fact that might have gotten lost somewhere down the road is that Mr. Ed Sulllivan himself was not the host for his own show, that first of Elvis' three performances. He had been involved in a very serious accident a month before and throughout his recovery, different popular celebrities took over for him. So, instead of Ed, the host for this premiere occasion was British actor Charles Laughton. Known primarily for his dramatic roles (like Bligh in Mutiny On The Bounty) and numerous Broadway productions, he took on this role as Emcee with great relish and dry Brit humor. I'm not quite sure if he was always that jolly, but he really looked like he was having a wonderful time. Totally makes this first disc in the set, for that September 9th show, the best of the lot.
Remember, these recordings are over 50 years old and not filmed or taped but aired via kinescope — an old process used in the beginning days of television — but the quality both audio and visual are clean and clear. The one thing that wasn't done, thankfully, was colorization. Despite the fact that all of the Ed Sullivan Show materials are in black and white, Elvis Presley transcends that medium and is spirited and as bright.
Here I am, so excited about owning this set and having more Elvis to watch whenever the urge strikes, that I almost forgot to tell you about the songs that he sings on each show and thus are on each disc. Elvis loved to perform for his fans, especially in those exciting beginning days of his career, and while there are only really only nine tunes played here, the multiple performances are none the worse for wear.
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Article comments
1 - Jim Burrows
I have watched the box set and fully agree with the reviewer that these performances are, how do I put this, timeless. The way Presley introduces the songs is, in itself, a reminder of how powerful he knew his message was going to be. The introductions to "Hound Dog", on the first two shows are works of peerless showmanship, especially coming from a 21-year old with less than nine months of TV exposure.
On the first of the two, he sends a message to Sullivan, surely watching from his hospital bed, abuut his recovery, wishing him well, then switch gears by telling the audience "friends, like the great philosopher once said.."
There is a pause, a perfect silence which last less than a second, and then, a fantastic, autoritative move is displayed, followed by his voice, alone, ripping into "Hound Dog".
This 12 seconds are, alone, worth the price of the set.
2 - tink
Jim, may I first say that you are obviously a man with excellent taste!
One of the hardest parts in writing this review was in keeping it to a readable length, so there were parts of it that didn't get mention. Not because they weren't worthy of it, but because if I didn't stop myself, I probably could have written an entire book just on this part of Elvis' life.
I'm glad that you agree with my assessment of these DVDs, even better though is the joy that you could find captured in that short twelve seconds of time.
I'd love to hear from others out there that have viewed the set and what struck them as the most memorable part(s) as well.
3 - Maurice Colgan
tink, I Have watched the 3 DVDs, and enjoyed reading your review, and Jim's take on "Hound Dog".
Witnessing Elvis's faltering start to "Love Me Tender" on the second disc only to see him gain confidence again in a matter of seconds was priceless. The added verse sung so sincerely was a welcome bonus!
Because of the 21 year old Elvis Presley, 1956 was an astounding year in the history of popular music. The Ed Sullivan shows starring Elvis provide a historic record of how a bright young star became a super nova!
The little gaelic singers may just help get the DVD set a mention on our radio stations here in Ireland:-)
There is indeed enough material on the DVDs for a book..........Leny Eversong singing Frankies Laine's huge hit "Jezebel" was a noteworthy performance!
4 - tink
Maurice...aahhhh, another gentleman with refined taste. Yes...I remember that little episode too and I agree that it's priceless. Brings a tingle to my spine, it does.
Thanks for reading and pointing out another one of those great moments!!
5 - alessandro nicolo
I'm a little late on this one. A fine piece of Americana. I really liked this piece. Interesting point about the hipster/beatniks. But weren't rockers the 'punks'of the 50s?