John Carpenter and Kurt Russell's Elvis the Movie -- Where's the DVD?

March 10, 1:57 PMPop Culture News ExaminerAndy Williamson

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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.

ELVIS THE MOVIE - TBS trailer