Elvis: Love Me Tender, the Love Songs

Actress Ashley Judd—seated in a velvet chair beside a drowsy dog—narrates this celebration of the softer side of The King. Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires recalls that the young Presley bristled when anyone described his music as “vulgar.” Elvis said, “People think all I can do is belt. I used to sing nothing but ballads before I went professional.” Elvis loved to rock out, but as the music documentary points out he felt equal ardor for the heartfelt tune. Featured performances here include “Love Me Tender” from The Ed Sullivan Show, “You Don't Know Me” from Clambake, and stripped-down versions of “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “I Can't Help Falling in Love with You” from Elvis (better known as the ‘68 Comeback Special). For each of the near-two-dozen numbers included here, historical background and anecdotal information is offered: 1956's “Love Me Tender,” for instance, sold a million advance copies in one day (a first for a single), while “It's Now or Never” became Elvis's biggest international hit. Interspersed throughout the program are photos, film clips, and other memorabilia. DVD extras include three Graceland commercials and bonus interview footage with Stoker, Ed Enoch (the Stamps Quartet), Joe Moscheo (the Imperials), and Myrna Smith (the Sweet Inspirations). Combining the arcane and the familiar, this valentine for Presley fans is recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)