For fans of golden-era American music, few documentaries capture a legendary performer at a turning point quite like Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. Released in 1970 and directed by Denis Sanders, this concert documentary offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Elvis Presley as he prepared for his historic Las Vegas opening night. More than five decades later, it remains one of the most revealing portraits ever filmed of the man dubbed “The King of Rock and Roll,” and it continues to draw new generations of oldies music lovers eager to understand what made his live performances so electrifying.
A Rare Backstage Look at a Music Legend
Unlike a typical concert film, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is blends rehearsal footage, candid backstage moments, and full performances to show Elvis not as a polished icon but as a working musician refining his craft. The film follows him through rehearsals with his band and on the road, building toward his triumphant August 1970 Las Vegas shows. Audiences get to see the collaborative process behind his comeback era, including moments with his longtime guitarist James Burton, conductor Joe Guercio, pianist Glen D. Hardin, and his close associate Joe Esposito.
This unscripted, observational style is part of what critics still praise today. The film holds an impressive 92% Tomatometer score from critics and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its enduring appeal among both professional reviewers and longtime fans of classic American music. Writing for The Guardian, critic Leslie Felperin noted that the film’s off-hand, spontaneous moments capture how deeply talented and dedicated Elvis was to his craft. Meanwhile, Danielle Solzman of Solzy at the Movies described it plainly as a concert film that shows The King at his best, even if it doesn’t offer new biographical insight.
Why This Documentary Matters in Music History
Released the same year as other landmark rockumentaries, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is sits alongside Woodstock and Gimme Shelter as part of a wave of films that redefined how musicians were portrayed on screen. Critic Pat Mullen of POV Magazine placed the film in that lineage, suggesting it helped pave the way for the countless performer documentaries that followed. Other reviewers have framed the film as chronicling Elvis’s “rebirth” as a Las Vegas showman, a period widely seen as one of the most important comebacks in American music history after years away from live touring.
For international audiences discovering pre-1975 American oldies music, this era of Elvis’s career is essential listening and viewing. It represents the transition from his early rock and roll stardom of the 1950s to a more mature, theatrical stage persona defined by elaborate jumpsuits, powerful vocal arrangements, and a live band capable of matching his energy. Critic John Beifuss described the structure of the original cut as building anticipation before delivering what fans truly wanted: Elvis in full command of the stage.
Cast, Crew, and Where to Watch
The documentary was produced by Dale Hutchinson, Rick Schmidlin, and Herbert F. Solow, and distributed by Warner Bros. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It carries a PG rating, runs 1 hour and 37 minutes, and is classified under the Documentary and Music genres. The film premiered in theaters on November 11, 1970, and later became available for streaming beginning January 1, 2008. Today, viewers can rent or purchase it digitally through platforms such as Fandango at Home.
Audience reactions gathered over the years reflect a consistent theme: nostalgia and admiration. One viewer wrote that watching the film feels like being at the concert itself, while another called it simply one of the best music documentaries ever made, praising the rare glimpse it offers into Elvis’s preparation before some of his greatest Las Vegas performances.
The Lasting Legacy of a Music Icon on Film
Elvis: That’s the Way It Is endures not just as a historical document but as a genuine celebration of American music history. It captures a defining moment when Elvis Presley reinvented himself for a new decade, blending rock and roll roots with the grandeur of Las Vegas showmanship. For anyone exploring the golden era of American oldies music, this film offers essential context: a firsthand look at the dedication, talent, and charisma that made Elvis Presley an enduring global icon.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to classic American music, this documentary remains one of the richest ways to experience Elvis in his element. Explore it for yourself, and discover why these timeless performances continue to captivate audiences across generations.