Elvis Week, those days in August surrounding the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, is here again, with its unlikely mixture of celebration and mourning, and Elvis Presley’s Graceland once again rises to the occasion of this great gathering of pilgrims. Check their website for a massive smorgasbord of events to choose from, all compelling in their own way: an Elvis tribute artist contest; The Conversations on Elvis series, featuring those who knew Elvis best sharing memories and stories; and of course the annual candlelight vigil on the night he died, Tuesday, August 15th (a Monday in 1977, the year of his death). This year, the same day will feature another event of mourning in remembrance of Lisa Marie Presley.
Yet Elvis Week also features, through the wonders of cinema, two brilliant concert films from the singer’s career, and thus two chances to witness his artistry very much alive and in full bloom. Such moments of bearing witness to what Elvis hath wrought help one lean into the celebratory side of the moment.
The Elvis ’68 Comback Special 55th Anniversary Enhanced Screening on Monday, August 14th, features an NBC television program that aired in December 1968, later dubbed “The Comeback Special.” But while filmed for TV, the high production values of Singer Presents … Elvis make it worthy of the cinematic treatment, especially with such iconic moments as his appearance in black leather with his Sun Records band, or bedecked in white, standing before his name in blazing red lights. Here’s a rare chance to see this era-defining show on a larger-than-life screen.
For the uninitiated who believe Elvis was all washed up by the late sixties, see how 2018’s 50th Anniversary of the ’68 Comeback was saluted by the Memphis Flyer’s onetime scribe Chris Davis — including his interviews with the show’s producer/director Steve Binder and singer Darlene Love of the Blossoms.
The enhanced screening on Monday will include special guest appearances by Allan Blye (writer), Gene McAvoy (art director), Mike Deasy (guitarist), and Tanya Lemani George (dancer), not to mention video interviews with those who were there.
The ’68 Comeback Special features brilliant performances, but can such a carefully crafted television production capture the electricity of a live concert? That’s where the Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert film on Wednesday, August 16th, comes in. Elvis Presley’s Graceland doesn’t mess around with 50th Anniversaries, and this celebration is preceded with Sony’s Q&A listening event and an “Aloha” luau dinner.
The film itself captures the singer’s groundbreaking Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite concert, performed at the Honolulu International Center on January 14, 1973. Not including the short broadcast of “All You Need is Love” via satellite by The Beatles in 1967, Aloha from Hawaii was the first entertainment special by a solo artist to be broadcast live around the world.
That itself was a technological marvel at the time. This year, more such marvels will make it possible to see Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert live on the big screen, featuring vocals by the king himself, backed by a live band on stage. That’s right, a live band will be matching Elvis’ voice beat for beat for the entire show. The night will also feature a guest appearance by original TCB Band member Glen Hardin.
And there you have it, two great ways to get your Elvis on. Now you can pay your respects in the most fundamental way possible — by listening to him sing.
