Elvis: '68 Comeback

Starring: (as themselves) Elvis Presley, D.J. Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Scotty Moore, Buddy Arett, Fantina James, Jean King, Darlene Love, Alan Fortas, Lance LeGault, Jaime Rogers, Claude Thompson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"It says here "Elvis, we're to film you from the waist up. You are not to touch hands with body... uh, I mean body with hands." Elvis Presley, reading from a script

Why watch this? This is the great Elvis Presley's greatest moment.

Plot Summary: After years of focusing on movies, Elvis Presley returns to his rock-and-roll roots for a pivotal 1968 NBC television concert special. Under the direction of Steve Binder, the show breaks away from the original Christmas-themed concept to present intimate acoustic jams and high-energy stage performances in iconic black leather. This acclaimed performance successfully revitalizes his career and firmly re-establishes him as a dominant musical force in a changing cultural landscape.

Dad's Preview: Elvis's career had stalled. After bursting onto the music scene, titillating teenage girls, and pissing off parents, he signed up to do a series of films, with accompanying soundtracks. The first one was a hit, but the formula ran out quick. He did not perform on stage for over ten years. This was his triumphant return, and the beginning of a new chapter in his musical career. Here we get to see a mixture of old favorites, rare gems, and gospel standards, and, yes, he shakes around. It's well done, and the best moments are when he's sitting on stage with his badass guitar, joking with his band mates and blasting out some great rock 'n' roll songs. After this, you will know why he was called "The King." If you like this, you will enjoy the documentary: Return of the King: The Fall as Rise of Elvis Presley (2024).

Steve Binder, Bones Howe; NBC