As long as popular culture endures, the King will never die, and E-freaks will certainly welcome this two-disc set (DVD & CD) examining the “missing years” of Elvis' life--specifically his two year army stint in Germany--which also includes a 55-minute “audio documentary” (with some pictures) on the great man's life. Is it reverential? Certainly, although no more so than most Presleyana. A stunning artistic experience? Hardly, but it's definitely a cultural artifact. Entertaining and a likely circulation builder? You bet your blue suede shoes. The audio CD includes interviews, 35 seconds of fans chanting (“We want Elvis”), live recordings of various songs from 1954, and 12 minutes of audio from the King's ceremonial post-army return to Graceland. Also included is a 32-page booklet sporting rarely seen snapshots and an outline of “The Main Events” of the Elvis story, circa 1957-1977. Sadly a copy of the LeRoi Brothers' song “Elvis in the Army” is not included. The bottom line is that this is a desirable E-package, and a useful acquisition for American studies, popular music and popular culture collections. Highly recommended for E-centric collections, a strong optional pick for the rest. Aud: C, P. (M. Tribby)
Elvis: The Missing Years
(2001) 140 min. DVD: $29.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 17, Issue 4
Elvis: The Missing Years
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: