Search - Music Video Dist Almost Elvis [dvd] on DVD

Almost Elvis is a Positive Plus!

Bonnie Lee | Howard City, MI United States | 07/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been an Elvis fan since I first heard his voice and for the last few years, an Elvis Tribute Artist promoter. I therefore waited patiently for the film release of ALMOST ELVIS. Would it be complimentary? Or would it be a joke? I've come to know many tribute artists, so was anxious to see what a group of young guys from Washington could put together that would compliment the talent and work impersonators go through to become recognized tribute artists. Needless to say, I'm impressed. This film is for everyone who's ever heard the name "Elvis," and invaluable to everyone's collection. It's the ultimate and highest form of compliment to Elvis Presley by worldwide tribute artists, fans, agents and promoters. I shed some tender tears and laughed out loud as entertainers candidly humanized Elvis for those of us who remember him well. It was wonderful and refreshing to meet entertainers behind the scenes, to bring to life once again our wonderful memories and to have them reveal their own personalities, playfulness, work and their obvious love of spreading the word of Elvis. Many of us have memorized every word of every record Elvis ever made. So have the tribute artists. Many of us remember the boy who dared to rock. So do the tribute artists. And, many of them don't, therefore have become impressive in learning and recognizing the depth of Elvis Presley on their own. John Paget and his crew have successfully covered many aspects of the tribute artist/impersonator phenomenon in this amazing video; we witness the rockabilly years, the beautiful love songs and the powerful voice range of gospel, giving today's audiences exciting examples of the reasons Elvis Presley was proclaimed Artist of the Century. This dynamic documentary also gives us a glimpse into Elvis's musical roots. It's family entertainment at it's best, and a compliment to the tribute artists featured, long overdue and well deserved. We can all take time to learn about Elvis and listen to his music, but only a tribute artist/impersonator offers us the opportunity to experience Elvis. This is a film filled with positive energy and the unique fantasy of Elvis alive. Experience ALMOST ELVIS for yourself - 5 gold stars is a rating earned. Blue Shoe Productions can only continue their talented filming and bring us more!"

Help Me Into My Jumpsuit!!

Lars Hessian | 02/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cried...not out of Elvis worship...but from laughing so hard. This movie takes the humor of "Roger and Me" and the bizarre voyeurism of "Pumping Iron" to create one of the most painfully funny films I have seen in a long time. From the "showbiz" parents of a young Elvis, to Elvis-style plastic surgery, it proves real life is truely stranger than fiction.It's like a time-warp back to the early '70s when you hear the comments of the fans and impersonators. Some of the impersonators are so serious and sincere, it's kind of cute (until you hear the crazy justifications for leaving job, wife, and family for Elvis!) Then you see how obsessed and lost in hero worship some of these Jumpsuits are. An incredibly hilarious satire of America's heartland and good ol' family values."

Best.... Elvis Impersonator.... Movie...Ever

Lars Hessian | Los Angeles | 01/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What makes a good Elvis Impersonator? Is it the well tanned face below a black, greasy pompadour? Is it the half-zipped jumpsuit, exposing a sweaty, untamed forest of chest hair? Is it the pelvic thrusting, or the sideburns, or the attention to detail on the custom made rhinestone jacket? We learn that it takes all this and a little more in Almost Elvis, a documentary conceived by Olympia filmmaker John Paget.
Almost Elvis casts its spotlight on the oft ridiculed and frequently misunderstood world of Elvis impersonation. Now numbering over 35,000 today, Elvis impersonators come from every walk of life and region of the country, with growing numbers in Mexico, Belgium and Japan. It was this amazing statistic that first inspired Paget to make this offbeat film.
"I was tired of seeing documentaries on insignificant events like wildlife and wars, and saw that this was a subject that hadn't been investigated and deserved a closer look," Paget commented on his innovative opus. "There has never been a phenomenon in the history of mankind quite like this."
Before shooting began, Paget spent three months doing research and scouring the Internet for impersonators interested in sharing their amazing stories. "I started getting hundreds of emails. People were sending me 8 x10's, and telling me that I had to feature them, claiming to be better than Elvis," said Paget.
From this large list, Paget narrowed the cast down to a few standouts. The film follows the lives of these prominent impersonators as they prepare for competition, share trade secrets and explain how and why they took up the hobby (and in some cases, full time occupation) of emulating the King of Rock. These dedicated men (and women) were once janitors, DJ's, exotic dancers and paperboys, united by the common goal of insuring the memory of Elvis Presley.
While briefly showcasing the colorful cavalcade of the King, most interviews are with the frontrunners of the 1999 Images of Elvis competition held in Memphis each year. The judges have their work cut out for them, as different judges are partial to different facets of Presley's persona. Quentin Flagg is the youngest competing Presley doppelganger; at 17, his youth and waistline enable him to emulate the King at his rise. Another intimidating competitor, with the looks, moves, and even the bulge, is Irv Cass, who has won numerous regional competitions as well as the hearts of lustful older women. A third, controversial but well respected impersonator is Robert Washington. Though African-American, Washington has the sound and energy needed to compete, but has only placed second year after year.
In addition to impersonators, Paget also taps other key participants of this subculture. Interviews with judges, die hard fans, and even the manufacturers of the gaudy replica jumpsuits add another dimension to this world.
The film serves the dual purpose of entertaining as well as educating the audience with facts they didn't know they wanted to know. The spirit of the film is often tongue in cheek; some impersonators are in on the joke while others fail to see the humor in their lifestyle choice.
Even if you're not an Elvis fan, as long you enjoy well made documentaries, Almost Elvis is worth your consideration."

Elvis lives!

Ronald Eggleton | United States | 06/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is absolutely entertaining and a must see for anyone who is interested in the Elvis subculture! You will be surprised to find out who these people are and the love thay have for the King! John Paget captures their aspirations and fears in a sensitive documentary that will have laughing with them not at them! You see the sacrifices they make for the thrill of the stage, you also meet their groupies - the 'sideburn chasers'! Fame has it's rewards!"