In 1970, Elvis Presley seemed stalled on the comeback treadmill: Not quite part of the rock ‘n’ roll scene that was then dominated by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, nor part of the burgeoning ’50s revival movement. He was a man who needed to do it his way, and his 1970 tour of duty in the Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel — at the time and for many years to follow, the world’s largest — consummated his ultimately successful self-reinvention.

Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, released that same year, documents the Culver City rehearsals and the six-night stand at the Hilton, presenting the dawn of Vegas Elvis, the legendary showman whose rhinestone-studded attire established the oeuvre for the growing desert oasis. In addition to this legendary showman, we see Elvis the person, wolfing down hamburgers and suffering from pre-show jitters. In the 1970 release of the film, we were also treated to a number of interviews with devoted fans that, alas, subtracted from Elvis’ own screen time.

This brand new Special Edition DVD of the film features a Dolby Surround Stereo remix with restored footage and alternate takes that replace the non-essential fan elements. The stellar additions are never-before-seen performances of songs such as “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and the Beatles’ “Get Back.” (Barnes & Noble)

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YUM! I forget how awesome Elvis really was until I watch him on DVD again. This should be a great set as I have both versions separately. This is from the time period that most people think was Elvis at his very best–when he returned to live performances, lean & mean, after making those awful (his opinion) movies of the mid-60’s. (BTW–not all his movies were awful–Check out “King Creole” if you’ve never seen it. What a waste of talent later on–but I’m wandering off-topic.)

I prefer the second “Special Edition,” if I had to pick one, but the original has material that’s left out of the re-edited edition, so both are desirable and worth buying. Some of the fans such as the little old lady are still worth seeing in the original, and there are some songs there that are omitted from the Sp. Ed. The new version has much more of Elvis’ performances on stage all total in it and less extra material. Elvis was and always will be “the man.”

This is a great price for both these DVD’s. Wonderful material for fans and even those not that familiar with Elvis (and who don’t know what they missed.) The Aloha set is great also, recorded a couple of years after this set. Both these sets are fantastic. And, the “Comeback Special” from a couple of years earlier (TV) is lean & mean, too. I just wish they’d release “The Lost Performances” and “Elvis On Tour” on DVD. Cannot imagine why they haven’t. Maybe someday… Anyway, you won’t go wrong with this set. It’s a classic and so, so good! (Amazon)