Search - Elvis: Return to Tupelo on DVD


Elvis: Return to Tupelo
Elvis Return to Tupelo
Actor: Elvis Presley
Director: Michael Rose
Genres: Music Video & Concerts, Documentary
NR     2009     2hr 30min

The Elvis phenomenon has its roots in his birthplace where Presley began a musical journey that would take him from the wrong side of the tracks in Tupelo through Memphis to worldwide iconic status. Using interviews, recor...  more »

     
2

Larger Image

Movie Details

Actor: Elvis Presley
Director: Michael Rose
Genres: Music Video & Concerts, Documentary
Sub-Genres: Presley, Elvis, Classic Rock, Documentary
Studio: 100% WOMON
Format: DVD - Color,Widescreen
DVD Release Date: 10/13/2009
Original Release Date: 01/01/2008
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2008
Release Year: 2009
Run Time: 2hr 30min
Screens: Color,Widescreen
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 1
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English
 

Movie Reviews

An in depth look at Elvis from birth to 1956 - superbly done
Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 08/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"An in depth look at Elvis from birth to 1956 - superbly done!

There have been a lot of documentaries released over the years on Presley's life and career. This 2008 film from Michael Rose Productions is one of the best and - while it covers some of the territory that's been done before - there's enough newly discovered footage and interviews to appeal to those who already own "everything Elvis".

Kris Kristofferson narrates the 90-minute film which takes us from Pressley's birth in Tupelo, Mississippi (and even some background on his parents) through his high school years (with new interviews with many of his high school friends) and on to his move to Memphis and recording for Sun Records. It stops in 1956 just as he heads to Hollywood to make his first film ("Love Me Tender"). There is a lot of discussion about race and Elvis' interest in Black music; more than I have seen before. And we hear the real story behind his hip swiveling from his closest friends. Only two musicians are interviewed: One of the original Jordanaires and DJ Fontana, his drummer. Other interviews are with his early girl friends, country music historians and even local Tupelo tiur guides! Rose seemed to have found every person in Tupelo who ever knew Elvis and gathered some really rare footage and still photos that I don't think have been shown before.

The 60 minutes of "bonus material" include newsreels about Elvis from the period (though why there is a 3-minute one on the Tornados in Tupelo, I don't know). And a 12 minute "Drew Pearson's Merry-go-round" film about Elvis from the 1950s. Then there are what must have been outtakes from the documentary where the interviewees comment on Elvis meeting Bill Monroe and the women who dated Elvis. These add nicely to the package.

Elvis fans will want this but so should anyone interested in pop culture and the music business in the early to mid-1950s.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
"
Long Overdue Look at Elvis
Jane Doe | Los Angeles, CA | 01/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"In-depth research, old photos and interviews with childhood friends provide fresh insights into Elvis's early life. This 90-minute documentary takes you from Tupelo to Memphis and back to Tupelo, just as Elvis is about to become the first superstar. The DVD also features some fascinating extras about Elvis, especially exploding the myth that he was a racist. All in all, a satisfying and beautifully executed film that is well worth the investment of time and money."