KURT RUSSELL AS ELVIS
In 1979, two years after the tragic, untimely death of the King of Rock and Roll, Dick Clark sanctioned a 3-hour TV biopic, entitled simply, Elvis. Director John Carpenter, a lifelong Elvis fan, red hot after the success of Halloween, was hired to helm the film. After lengthy auditions, Kurt Russell was cast as Presley and it would be this film that cemented his transition from juvenile Disney fare to more adult roles. Carpenter and Russell, would, of course, go on to make many more films together, including Escape From New York and The Thing.
When it was originally broadcast, it was one of the highest rated TV movies ever, even outdrawing Gone With the Wind, shown opposite its premiere. While a two-hour edited version was released on VHS in the early 90's, it has since gone into moratorium.
So ... where's the DVD?
Given the pedigree of not only its subject matter, but its now famous makers, it seems a no-brainer to release this on disc. Especially since the Elvis mini-series from a few years ago, starring Jonathan Rhys-Myers could not hold a candle to the Carpenter-Russell collaboration. This despite the fact that the Elvis Presley Estate offered the use of Elvis' music. The 1979 version used country singer Ronnie McDowell to sing the songs, eerily dead-on.
After contacting Dick Clark Productions waaaay back in 2003 regarding a DVD release, I was told plans were underway, but that some of the music was held up in copyright redtape (specifically the Bill Monroe estate, over the rights to Blue Moon of Kentucky, prominently featured in a major set piece). In the fall of 2007, a DVD release date was announced, only to be pulled at the last minute, with no further info. Fans have created an online petition to get this movie back on store shelves, and I encourage those interested to sign it.
Ranking among the best biopics ever produced (Ray, Walk the Line, Coal Miner's Daughter), Elvis is the quintessential telling of one of music's most influential performers and a shining note for two of cinema's classic collaborators.
To converts and newbies, I say deluge Dick Clark Productions with mail and calls, and let them know there is a audience for this remarkable, nearly forgotten, film. Remind them that this year (2009) marks its 30th anniversary -- a perfect way to market this biopic. Remind them that since Elvis makes more income to this day than he ever did while alive, there IS a vast demographic who would lay down money for it. Tell them to pay the Bill Monroe estate whatever they want for that music, and get on with releasing this already. Also tell them that a documentary and a commentary track by John and Kurt would be welcome (they've already expressed interest in doing this).
Thank you. Thankyouverymuch.
Dick Clark Productions Inc. 9200 Sunset Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90069
310-786-8900
This article originally appeared on The Wordslinger.
UPDATE 1/25/2010 -- HOORAY! The DVD of this film is on the way. Click HERE for my review.
ELVIS THE MOVIE - TBS trailer
Comments
Loved this movie! I've signed the petition.
this is one of the greatest biopics in television/movie history...it should be regarded with glenn miller story, walk the line, sweet dreams and coal minors daughter or even the jolson story...the acuracy of the facts is debated today but the uncanny and convincing performance by russell was so acurate that if it was set on the moon the viewer would believe it happened, you forget where russell begins and presley finishes it is a classic...get it released the fans or casual lovers of true movies and biopics will pay...
If im not mistaken wasnt it a mini-series? the VHS version was cut down for running time purposes (aprox.2hrs) i was always curious about that..id do remember the actual broadcast, being a young fan of Mr Carpenter already..almost postive there was more to it (like more stuff w/Shelley Winters and a younger Elvis)
Theres no doubt that this future DVD release should come with come with extras..like a running commentary by Carpenter/Russell
and im sure some 'screen test' footage is around somewhere.
a retrospective some 30 years later now, would be a nice touch too to the DVD package..please get it done! the full version
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