Classic Pop Icons

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced that “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition” will make its debut on Blu-ray in August as a two-disc Premium Digibook, complete with outtake footage and the original cut of the movie. Warner will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Viva Las Vegas” with the release of a Premium Blu-ray Digibook.

“Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition” Premium Digibook

“Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition” is a 2001 re-edit of the original 1970 movie which captured Elvis in rehearsal and on stage in the summer of 1970. This was a substantial re-edit, with many fan comments removed, new songs introduced, and some performances taken out. The 2001 Special Edition has been newly remastered for the Blu-ray release, with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack.

The Warner Bros press release specifies the following:

Disc 1 (BD) 2001 Special Edition and Special Features:

• Patch It Up: The Restoration of Elvis: That’s The Way It Is
• 12 Outtakes – song/nonmusical sequences
• 1970 Original Theatrical Version.

Disc 2 (DVD) 1970 Original Theatrical Version and Special Features:

• 12 Outtakes – song/nonmusical sequences.

There’s no information yet about whether the 12 outtakes are the same on both discs or what they will be. The suggestion is that the original edit of the movie will appear on the DVD and on the Blu-ray, but there is nothing in the press release to suggest that the original has been subjected to the kind of remastering that the re-edit has. The reference to the “Original Theatrical Version” on Disc 1 will perhaps turn out to be the original movie trailer and not the full movie.

“Viva Las Vegas” 50th Anniversary Premium Digibook

“Viva Las Vegas” is one of Elvis’ stronger ’60s musicals, thanks largely to the chemistry between Elvis and his co-star Ann-Margret. Songs include “Viva Las Vegas,” “If You Think I Don’t Need You,” “What’d I Say,” “I Need Somebody To Lean On,” and “The Lady Loves Me.” The movie debuted on Blu-ray in 2007. This 50th anniversary edition will include the following special features:

• Commentary by Steve Pond, rock journalist and author of “Elvis in Hollywood”
• Featurette “Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas”
• Theatrical trailer.

Both titles will be released on August 12, 2014.

Title
Elvis: That’s the Way It Is – Special Edition (Blu-ray)	Buy Now
Viva Las Vegas 50th Anniversary (Blu-ray)	Buy Now