Elvis Presley’s “That’s the Way It Is” era remains a pivotal moment in his career, capturing the King of Rock and Roll during a period of intense creative output and electrifying live performances. This period, documented in the “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – The Complete Shows” and “The Rehearsals” DVD sets, offers an unparalleled look into the meticulous craft and raw talent that defined Elvis in 1970. Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – The Complete Shows provides over six hours of concert footage, meticulously edited with multi-angle sequences and presented in full stereo for the first time. Complementing this, “The Rehearsals” offers three hours of candid film capturing Elvis during his rehearsal sessions.
Unveiling “The Complete Shows”
The “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – The Complete Shows” DVD set is a treasure trove for fans, spanning four discs and six hours of meticulously crafted concert edits. What sets this release apart is its dedication to presenting the performances with an unprecedented level of detail, including numerous multi-angle shots and, crucially, full stereo sound. This collection goes beyond the original theatrical release, offering a more comprehensive view of Elvis’s performances during this significant period. The quality of the footage, often remastered from earlier generations or extensively reworked, significantly enhances sharpness, color, and reduces graininess, offering the best visual and audio experience of these outtakes to date.
The edits are entirely new, drawing from pristine sources rather than relying on previous bootleg releases. The set boasts at least three hours of footage free from the “Property of Turner…” watermark, with approximately 30 minutes of previously unseen material. Standout additions include complete performances of “Love Me Tender” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” from August 12th, distinct from the spliced versions used in the original film’s special edition. New dialogue segments and extended instrumental sections, such as those before “Polk Salad Annie” on August 12th, further enrich the viewing experience.
A Closer Look at the August Performances
The set meticulously documents performances from various dates in August 1970. The August 10th opening night features a strong setlist including “Reading Telegrams,” “Backstage,” “Mystery Train/Tiger Man,” and the emotionally charged “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Performances from August 11th, both the Dinner Show (D/S) and Midnight Show (M/S), showcase a dynamic range, with highlights like “I Got A Woman,” “Hound Dog,” and the powerful “Suspicious Minds.” Notably, the August 11th M/S includes more intimate moments and audience interactions.
Bonus footage from August 14th and 15th M/S provides further glimpses into Elvis’s performances. The August 12th D/S is particularly rich, featuring “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Patch It Up,” and the iconic “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” The August 12th M/S continues the energy with tracks like “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and a compelling “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The August 13th D/S includes emotionally resonant songs such as “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “Stranger In The Crowd.”
“The Rehearsals”: An Intimate Glimpse
“Elvis: That’s the Way It Is | The Rehearsals” offers a different, yet equally compelling, perspective by delving into the creative process. This two-DVD set presents three hours of rehearsal footage, also in full stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound, capturing Elvis and his band in a more relaxed, yet focused, environment. The recordings span several dates in July and August 1970 at MGM’s Culver City studios and the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
Rehearsal Sessions: July and August 1970
The July 14th session at MGM Stage 1 includes songs like “Baby What You Want Me To Do,” “The Next Step Is Love,” and “Polk Salad Annie.” The July 15th session features renditions of “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Tomorrow Never Comes.” The July 29th session explores tracks such as “Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home/Something,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” and “Baby Let’s Play House.”
The August 4th session at the International Hotel’s Convention Centre in Las Vegas includes “Cattle Call,” “Twenty Days And Twenty Nights,” and multiple takes of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Finally, the August 7th session in the International Hotel’s Showroom features “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” “The Next Step Is Love,” and “Polk Salad Annie,” alongside heartfelt renditions of “I’ll Take You Home Kathleen” and “Oh Happy Day.” These rehearsals provide invaluable insights into Elvis’s musicality and his collaborative process with his band and backup singers, including The Sweet Inspirations.
A Legacy Preserved
The combined offering of “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – The Complete Shows” and “The Rehearsals” represents a landmark achievement in the preservation and presentation of Elvis Presley’s musical legacy. It offers fans an exhaustive and high-quality experience, far exceeding previous releases. The attention to detail in editing, sound mastering, and the inclusion of previously unseen footage ensures that this era of Elvis’s career is understood and appreciated in its full glory. These sets are not just collections of performances; they are a testament to the enduring power and artistry of Elvis Presley, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a defining chapter of music history. For those seeking more of Elvis’s recorded works, exploring all Elvis Presley songs offers a comprehensive overview of his vast catalog.