Elvis Presley's performing career, punctuated by its extra-musical achievement as the first global satellite broadcast devoted to a single entertainer. Both the broadcast and its companion album captured the King in his mo... more »st grandiose persona, fueled by Hollywood scale and Vegas glitz, as a caped pop superhero. He may have looked trim, but posthumous accounts (especially Peter Guralnick's Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, the second volume in his definitive biography) confirm what a second look suggests--on this evening, Elvis was alternately overwhelmed and distracted, bravura renditions of signature songs (most triumphantly, the "American Trilogy" medley originated by Mickey Newbury) offset by less-focused readings. Fans may still savor a generous and diverse song list, but viewed beside Presley's earlier, more consistent performances (including a rehearsal the previous night, since released as The Alternate Aloha Concert), this legendary concert anticipates Presley's imminent decline. In this remastered version, three songs have been deleted due to music clearance issues, while four songs taped after the actual show have been inserted. A fifth bonus track, "No More," makes its first appearance on video. --Sam Sutherland« less
"This is the way an Elvis DVD must sound like! Yes Guys: it's truly Dolby Digital 5.1. Aloha from Hawaii is simply the best sounding Elvis DVD I own. (If only the >That's The Way It Is< DVD would have that Sound! The >That's The Way It Is< documentation is the best Elvis ever captured on film, and the sound of the DVD is a big crime.) Aloha from Hawaii is a must for every Elvis fan anyway. For the last time he looks really great again after losing weight. It's obvious that Elvis is on some kind of medication during the Concert, he's not moving a lot at all, but hey: the man doesn't need to. He's getting more and more relaxed from Song to Song, his voice is great and the Gig has lots of strong moments. >My Way< sounds wonderful and >An American Trilogy< blew me away. If the Concert would only be 3 hours longer! When it's over, I always have the feeling that Elvis was just getting warm and started to feel comfortable on Stage. Aloha from Hawaii is the last great filmed TV performance of Elvis. After that the magic got more and more lost. He's not half as good (and himself) as he is in >That's The Way It Is "
EVIS IS KING!
Mr.Mr. | 05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Superb! Elvis like I've never heard him before. The sound quality is excellent in remastered Dolby Digital 5.1. It is like having Elvis perform in your living room live! The DVD has a very listenable warm sound unlike some DVD soundtracks that are overly bright.I never noticed the tunnel sound one of the other reviewers complains about. Mind you we have Paradigm Reference speakers with a Denon Dolby Digital Receiver. The only disappointment was that 3 songs were deleted due to problems in getting publishing clearance from the songs owners. Bonus songs include Blue Hawaii, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Ku-Ku-I-Po, Early Morning Rain and No More.I am thrilled to have this DVD in my collection. Highly recommended to all Elvis Fans."
ELVIS, Thank YOU very much for this performance!!!
Patrick Spencer | Blacksburg, VA United States | 09/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The year was 1973. Elvis Presley was presented with an offer to perform in the first ever satellite broadcasted concert. Why offer it to ELVIS? Because no one but Elvis could make all the eyes in the world turn in unison to view a glorious example of human art, passion, and complete intensity. That is what defines Elvis, and these traits are more present than ever in Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii. From Also Sprach Zarathustra, to Can't Help Falling in Love, this concert is a solid hour of adrenaline, art, and supreme talent. Elvis worked hard to get himself into great physical condition before this show and his work was apparent when he poured himself into the American Eagle jumpsuit designed by Bill Belew. This is ELVIS in Hawaii, the earthly paradise that he loved the most. Elvis is happy on this stage, and the fans are overcome with the joy of seeing the greatest entertainer in history. Just how many fans saw this show? Let's put it this way...more people tuned in to see Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii than they did when a man named Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Is that historic? Or is that just Elvis?"
The concert by which all others are judged
Brian | Chicago, Illinois | 01/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was only just several weeks shy of my second birthday when this concert initially aired, and was therefore unable to appreciate the sheer magnitude of its impact. This still has not kept me from becoming a major follower of this man's incredibly stellar career as the true "King" of rock and roll. Elvis has universal appeal. His music touches everybody from all walks of life, even now as we near the thirty-year anniversary of his untimely passing. I have heard many people, my own father first and foremost, lay claim to the notion that Elvis was every bit the living embodiment of pure legend. "Aloha From Hawaii" easily confirms this in every conceiveable manner.
Experiencing this unprecedented performance on DVD is tantamount to the feeling of attending the event live and in person! The sheer energy and captivating awe this man held over Hawaii's mass crowd radiates through each and every second of this concert. From the heartfelt ballads of "You Gave Me A Mountain" and "American Trilogy" to the traditional rhythms of "See See Rider" and "Suspicious Minds," this paints Elvis in an undeniable and well-deserved majestic sheen. "Aloha From Hawaii" is, and forever will be, the one concert that fans cherish the world over. It is an event unmatched in spectacle, in much the same manner as Elvis himself.
I simply cannot stress to you just how mandatory a viewing this is. It is entertainment of the highest order, and belongs in every Presley fan's collection. Bottom line.
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WOW!!!
Frank Moreno | Las Vegas, NV | 01/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a powerful performance! I'd suggest this over any other Elvis Presley DVD. Too bad they're all sold out at Amazon. Still looking for a copy? Try musiccdvideo.com - they have Aloha from Hawaii & '68 Comeback Special for only $20 brand new! Check it Out."