Elvis' 25th Anniversary Sparks `Hot New Cellular Accessory' for Mobile Phones

STUART, Fla., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Elvis Cellular Phone Covers are here! Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has bestowed the License honor on The Art of Sport, Inc. The Florida-based wholesale company is poised to explode onto the marketplace starting with the Nokia 5100 and 3300 series phone covers, each containing high-tech, mirror-like images of "The King of Rock & Roll". There will be many poses to choose from, all of exacting standards and quality demanded by EPE and OK Nokia. Elvis Cellular Phone Covers are undoubtedly one of the most prolific Elvis products to evolve in the last 25 years, and their quality is astounding. Forbes chose cellphone covers as one of the hottest trends on the market, and using Elvis' image to promote the 21st century communications industry will be a success akin to the historical and record-breaking Elvis Postage Stamp, as well as the 2001 TV Guide cover, which outsold all others. The 25th anniversary of Elvis' untimely death is among us, and with BMG's new CD set, Disney's new Elvis-themed movie, and the McDonald's Happy Meal to coincide with the Disney movie, this promises to be the biggest year yet for the "King of all sales." Other phones and styles will be forthcoming shortly. The World of Elvis has never been more exciting, and during this year of remembrance, let's celebrate the life of a one of a kind icon and friend to all. The Art of Sport, Inc. is also licensed to produce a 5,000 piece Limited Edition 9" Figurine of Elvis singing during his ? Comeback Special, along with a 4-1/2" replica to be released in unlimited quantities. These important pieces of Elvis art are sculpted by renowned artist Thomas Blackmore, and are sure to please the most discerning collector. For information contact: Caleb Brickman of The Art of Sport, Inc. at (877) 545-6570 or visit www.artofsport.com.
Elvis, Elvis Presley and The King of Rock & Roll are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

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Ice magazine

You can read an interesting article in the April issue of ICE Magazine, where Ernst Jorgensen is discussing the upcoming 25th years anniversary box. Here below is taken from the Ice-magazine website.
THE 25th ANNIVERSARY of Elvis Presley’s death will be marked by RCA Records with two significant CD releases this year. The first is a four-CD box set, Today, Tomorrow and Forever, consisting of 100 previously unreleased performances spanning the singer’s entire career. It’s scheduled to arrive from BMG Heritage on July 9. That will be followed in the fall by a single CD, Elvis #1’s, gathering 30 of the King’s chart-topping singles from both sides of the Atlantic, obviously modeled after The Beatles’ like-minded — and wildly successful — CD release from 2000. In compiling Today, Tomorrow and Forever, RCA aimed to include material from every significant phase of Presley’s career, starting with his 1954 Sun Records sessions and concluding with three studio recordings from 1976. The idea was to present some unreleased material from every step along the way, mostly in the studio, for which it exists. The first question that many fans may have is, "After all these years of Elvis CD reissues, compilations and rarity-laden box sets, how could RCA possibly come up with yet another 100 unreleased tracks that are compelling?" So that was the first question we asked Ernst Mikael Jorgensen, who has co-produced (along with Roger Semon) all of RCA’s Elvis Presley reissues for more than a decade. Jorgensen’s answer was simple: Presley recorded over 1,000 different songs during his career (including home recordings), so there’s always been a lot to choose from. And more importantly, RCA’s intensive search for missing Elvis tapes throughout the ’90s has yielded impressive results.

You can read here the complete article from Ice magazine, thanks to Wolfgang Pesch for the scan.

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SYDNEY (Reuters) -
A lifetime's worth of rock and roll memorabilia goes on sale in Sydney this month when rarities ranging from Michael Hutchence's Harley Davidson to a jacket worn by John Denver hit the auction block. The Dave Norman collection includes telegrams from promoters to Beatles manager Brian Epstein bidding for concerts and letters relating to a bill from the Deauville Hotel in Miami that went unpaid for five months after the Beatles stayed there. Auctioneers Goodmans said on the auction Web site at www.soldbyauctioneers.com/goodmans that the sale of 458 lots would take place on April 15. Norman, a former disc jockey, started collecting 30 years ago but wants to move overseas without having to worry about a collection that now fills a 300 square meter warehouse. "The collection has really restricted my travel," he told Friday's The Sydney Morning Herald. According to the auction catalog, most items are autographed posters and records but there are also some unusual gems. They include a signed publishing contract by John Lennon for Wild Honey Pie, which was eventually sung by Paul McCartney, John Denver's personal Spring Tour 1978 jacket, a Drizabone rainproof jacket made for Celine Dion and a signed recording contract for The Doors, including Jim Morrison. A number of Fender guitars will be on sale, including a maroon Telecaster signed by Van Morrison. One of the largest items up for grabs, though not actually part of Norman's collection, will be a circa 1987 Harley Davidson soft-tail, custom made in the United States for INXS rocker Michael Hutchence. Other memorabilia, priced in the low hundreds to several thousand dollars ranges, from Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley to Guns n' Roses and AC/DC, from Ray Charles and Buddy Holly to Limp Bizkit and Jason Donovan.
source: reuter

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Nike Campaign

I guess we all have seen the great Nike Campaign on the television, of course with Elvis singing "A little less conversation". You can also download the Nike add through Nike's website.

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The Complete Word For Word, 1955-77

As we have receive the Word for Word 5-CD set, we can say that this is a top notch product. Not because we have here unreleased material, but because we have here almost the complete Elvis interviews on a 5 cd set. It comes in a beautiful digipack, and 5 different picture Discs. And a big plus is that the set is very cheap for a 5 CD set. You can click here for the tracklisting.

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Uncle Miltie

MOJO Magazine, April 2002

The April 2002 MOJO magazine has our hero staring out from its cover, a terrific, hand-tinted backstage shot from November 1970, with a full 21 pages inside to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of his death.

"Elvis - Lifting The Veil On Rock's First And Last True Star" is highly recommended.

Inside you'll see previously unpublished photos (including a magnificent image from the December, 1956 Louisiana Hayride benefit gig) and get three intriguing, thoughtful articles by Colin Escott detailing Elvis and "producer" Steve Sholes' clashes between 1955-60, former Memphian Stanley Booth surveying Elvis' place in postwar, southern culture and Bill DeMain discussing the final years in Vegas.

It's not the usual simplistic or fawning prose of other rock-oriented journals, just typical high-quality MOJO coverage of a topic they know best: rock and roll.

As editor Pat Gilbert writes, "even while immersed in the unreal, neon world of Las Vegas the singer remained a profoundly endearing and human figure" and adds "as the King was laid to rest, a Mancunian art-punk band called the Buzzcocks were breaking through. Back then, Elvis was punk's sworn enemy. Today the two factions are united in MOJO as purveyors of what we like best: brilliant rock music."

'Nuff said.

[Johnny Savage, USA]

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Let's take it on home again

After some long delays, the Flashback label is proud to present the long awaited "LET’S TAKE IT ON HOME AGAIN! - A collection of spoken word rarities vol. 2" (Flashback 2203). Some of the recordings on this release have never appeared on CD before, while others are ultra-rare. We have even succeeded in finding more unreleased Elvis dialogue from that much talked about "Elvis On Tour" interview, with Presley saying a.o.: “People wonder how I do it night after night. I’m perfectly at home out there. I might lose four or five pounds a show usually, but I don’t mind it”. Another stunning find that even ardent collectors didn’t know existed is a monologue from 1961, in which Elvis talks about his new ‘Blue Hawaii’ film. “It’s a story about a boy who just got out of the Army, and he’s in love with this girl, this Hawaiian girl, and his parents don’t go for it because they are high class. But it’s all in colour, and there’s about 11 songs in it. We’re doing ‘Hawaiian Wedding Song’, ‘Hawaiian Sunset’ and ‘Blue Hawaii’”, he says.

To acknowledge the recent death of Beatle George Harrison, we have also included a rare recording from August 28, 1965 of The Beatles talking about their meeting with Elvis - only one day after that famous meeting! Another highlight is an unreleased soundboard recording from April 1975, in which you can hear Elvis pay tribute to his friend and childhood hero, the great J.D. Sumner. Other highlights include interviews on the set of "Charro!", a great radio promo for "Frankie & Johnny", and much more!
Packaged in a great digipack with several unique color photos, as well as a brilliant color photo on the CD itself, this limited edition release is bound to become a true collectors item.
(source Peter Haan / Arjan Deelen - It's Elvis Time)

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La discographie Francaise

A new book from France, that includes a free 7 inch CD single. The book will have 230 pages, most in color featuring all the French Elvis releases, including 78 / 45 / EP & LP's. The release date is March 15. This book/CD will also be available through this website

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Essential Elvis Scoop

Essential Elvis UK magazine scored another big scoop, this time they had an exclusive interview with no one less than Ginger Alden and her sister Rosemary. I won't go into the details, but I can say it is an very interesting interview. For subscription info go to the Essential Elvis website.

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Here an update about John Wilkinson from Peter Verbruggen.
With this update we bring you the BEST news we possibly could, well as long as you live in Europe. Yes John Wilkinson will be back in Belgium for a live performance with Barbara Dex & the King of Belgium Band, just like he did back in 1999 ! But hey, that's another century so it's about time we can welcome him here once more. Those who attended John's shows are aware of his exceptional talent as a performer.

Tickets for this wonderful show are on sale now and you'll find all details on John's website. Just don't wait too long if you want to be a part of this spectacular event, for ticket availability is strictly limited to 350 seats. Grab your chance right now every one ! Tickets (19 euros or 19 $US) are available here: p.verbruggen@pi.be.

Our monthly feature is quite a treat you know ! Great shot and a unique audio-segment; truly amazing ! So go ahead and surf on in, you'll be pleased with the scenery...
For more info go to his website http://www.johnwilkinson.net

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Screensaver

You can download a free Elvis screensaver at Elvis.com. The screensaver is available for the PC and MAC users. You can download the screensavers here.

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DVD Elvis Remembered

A new DVD that can be found here at the stores in Holland is the DVD Elvis Remembered. This DVD has the exact contents as the DVD Remembering Elvis, the only difference is that it has another artwork and title, and last but not least, the Remembering Elvis cost only $4. For the Dutch fans, you can find this DVD in the Kruidvat stores.

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A Tribute to Leiber & Stoller DVD

Another DVD release in the making is "A tribute to Leiber and Stoller. The release date supposed to be on April 16th, and you can pre-order at Amazon. We will add more info when we have it

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Charlie Hodge Recovering

Charlie Hodge Recovering Nicely from Heart Surgery 2/15/02 We reported in December that Charlie Hodge, long-time staff member, band-mate and friend of Elvis, was doing very well following a heart attack. However, as the weeks went by, he started feeling ill and some tests were run. His physician recommended triple by-pass surgery. This procedure was performed on February 4. The surgery went well and Charlie is now at home recovering nicely. We send our love, prayers and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. If you would like to send Charlie a card or letter, we know he would appreciate it:

Charlie Hodge

PO Box 6060

Sevierville, TN 37864

While Charlie has opted not to join the cast for our August 16 concert, he is planning to be in Memphis for several other Elvis Week events. We'll all count on, and look forward to, seeing him here in fine health.
source: EP

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Kathy Westmoreland

Kathy Westmoreland, the soprano vocalist who worked with Elvis on stage from 1970 to 1977 and appeared in his concert films and TV specials in those years and remains a special favorite among so many Elvis fans, has declined our invitation to participate in the August 16, 2002 presentation of ELVIS: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, citing another engagement she has during that time. That decision appears to be final. We’re not yet aware of what the conflicting engagement might be and respect their choice to remain confidential about it for the time being.

While we are very disappointed that "the little girl with the beautiful high voice" (as Elvis introduced her on stage) will not be with us, we greatly appreciate the very kind letter her manager faxed to our producer to officially confirm it in writing. We also appreciate their authorizing us to share the letter with you, which was a thoughtful thing for them to do, knowing that some fans were upset with us in 1997, assuming Kathy had not been invited to our big reunion concert that year when, in fact, she was. We let her know last summer that we very much hoped to have her join us for the August 2002 show.

The full text of the letter is printed below.

LETTER FROM KATHY'S MANAGER:
January 31, 2002

Mr. Stig Edgren

Producer

Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert

Via facsimile ###-###-####

Dear Stig:
We want to thank you, Todd, and Jack for extending the invitation to Kathy Westmoreland to take part in Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert. It sounds like it’s going to be a great show.

Unfortunately, Miss Westmoreland has accepted another engagement at that time and regrets that she will be unable to participate.

I want to express how much I have enjoyed working with you up to this point and want to thank you for the courtesy and cooperation you have shown to both of us.

Best regards,

Diana Magrann

Manager of Kathy Westmoreland

P.S. We’re aware that some fans will unfairly blame EPE for “not inviting” Miss Westmoreland, and you have our permission to release this statement at your discretion to show that she was, indeed, invited.
source:EP

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Let's have a party

Here you have the flyer for the "Let's have a party" event on June 1st. Click on the flyer to see the larger picture.

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Elvis Unlimited #13

Last week we did receive the latest issue (#13) of Elvis Unlimited, and with a major improvement, for this issue is in 100% color, a real treat I might add. Issue #13 features latest news, the making of a DVD, My way (a personal reassessment of the final years), I shot Elvis (part 2), new releases (10 pages) Blackie (part 2), Elvis on tour and Elvis on DVD & VCD.
For more info you can go to their website www.elvisunlimited.com

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Former Stamps member Bill Baize and former Sweet Inspirations member Cissy Houston have now been added to the list of former Elvis bandmates confirmed for ELVIS: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, to be presented at The Pyramid in Memphis on August 16.
source: EPE

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DVD: Behind the image

We learned that a new very interesting DVD supposed to be out soon with the title "Behind the images". According to the "Behind the image" website it will contain newly acquired, never before seen HOME MOVIES... direct from the original reels of film...transferred for the very first time and never released or circulated in ANY form. Crystal clear, incredible up-close CANDID footage from July 1969! At home in California, goofing around with friends and fans... and more! We will keep you updated!!

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Caught in a trap

It's Elvis Time Publications is proud to present an exciting new photo-book titled, "ELVIS: CAUGHT IN A TRAP". This high quality hardback book documents the unique Elvis photography of one of Europe's leading rock photographers, Laurens van Houten, who photographed Presley during the unusual August / September 1973 Las Vegas engagement. Van Houten managed to photograph three concerts, including the September 3rd 1973 Closing Show, which is now considered by many as the most remarkable and unusual concert that Elvis ever performed. Some of the pix show Elvis entering the stage on the back of his aide Lamar Fike, while on others he's having a pluche monkey on his back!

The remaining shots are not quite as bizarre, but they are also quite special in that they really capture the energy, excitement and drama of Elvis in concert. Arjan Deelen and Peter Haan recently obtained the exclusive rights to this unique series of Elvis shots, and were able to work from the original negatives for CAUGHT IN A TRAP, thus ensuring optimal quality. The book will contain almost 150 photos, most of them unpublished, and many of them in color. These photos are complimented by Laurens van Houten's detailed and humorous account of seeing and photographing Presley in Las Vegas, as well as some amazing memorabilia from the collections of Elvis experts like Anne E. Nixon.

Glen D. Hardin, Elvis' piano-player and arranger from 1970 to '76, got quite excited when we showed him Laurens van Houten's stunning photography recently, and he has written a touching and insightful introduction for CAUGHT IN A TRAP. It's Elvis Time Publications will publish this book in May 2002, but you can reserve your copy now from us at: itselvistime@planet.nl

Source: Arjan Deelen / Peter Haan

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Essential Elvis BIG News!

After publishing worldwide exclusives with Anita Wood and Linda Thompson, Essential Elvis magazine has just announced news of their biggest achievement to date. In the New Year, the official Elvis magazine for Great Britain will publish an incredible interview with Ginger Alden, Elvis' last girlfriend. Until now, Ginger has refused to talk openly about her relationship with Elvis but has chosen the UK magazine as the publication in which to tell her side of the story. The interview, which has already taken place, includes Ginger's recollections of their first meeting, the last vacation in Hawaii, the marriage proposal and the night Elvis broke up a fight in a gas station. Don't miss this amazing interview.

The magazine will also mark the twenty-fifth anniversary year with a huge convention on the South coast due to take place on Saturday 1st June which is a UK holiday week-end. This all-day event will consist of live music from one of the Britain's best Rock 'n' Roll bands, memorabilia stalls and special guests including the return of Sonny West, Elvis' long-term friend and bodyguard.

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DVD Hot Shots And Cool Clips vol.1

We received the DVD Hot shots and cool clips, and a full review can be read here. And we also have a review of the DVD "Elvis, the Colonel and me".

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The comeback Volume 1

A new VCD release is "The comeback volume 1" that has been released by the Memphis Sound label. Volume 1 bring us the June 29, 1968 shows and supposed to be in a great quality. We will have a review soon.

Track 1: Memphis Sound Records Logo Track 2: June 29, 1968 18:00 hrs. Heartbreak hotel - One night - Heartbreak hotel - Hound dog - All shook up - Can't help falling in love - Jailhouse rock - Don't be cruel - Blue suede shoes - Love me tender - Trouble/Guitar man - Baby what you want me to do - If I can dream. Track 3: June 29, 1968 20:00 hrs. (part 1) Heartbreak hotel - Hound dog - All shook up - Can't help falling in love - Jailhouse rock - Don't be cruel - Blue suede shoes - Love me tender Track 4: June 29, 1968 20:00 hrs. (part 2) Trouble - Trouble/Guitar man - Trouble /Guitar man - If I can dream.

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Elvis Convention 2002 (Sponsored by Elvis Unlimited). Tickets for Elvis Convention 2002 is on sale now. Our special guests will be The Sweet Inspirations, Al Dvorin, Doug Church, Jenson Bloomer & Mondo Carne and Maarten and his band from Holland. Elvis Convention 2002 will be held at Værket in Randers, Denmark. By your ticket at this site or call Records & Books for more info at +45 8646 9230 Price 290.- Dkk.
NB: we will be happy to help making reservation for hotel ect.

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LONDON - British police are investigating the sale of suspected fake Elvis Presley songsheets at a London auction house, London's Metropolitan police said Saturday. "We can confirm police...are investigating an allegation of deception in connection with items sold through a London auction house over a period of time," a spokeswoman told Reuters. "There have been no arrests and inquiries continue," she said. Police said the allegations were made Monday but declined to give further details. Three songsheets, supposedly found at a German boarding house where Elvis stayed during his spell in the U.S. Army, were sold by auctioneers Christie's for $14,300, according to a report in Britain's Sun newspaper Saturday. Christie's confirmed the incident was being investigated but declined to give details. "This matter is subject to an on-going police investigation and we cannot comment further," a spokeswoman for Christie's said. The Sun said the songsheets were put up for sale by London-based Elvis fan and memorabilia collector Johnny Earle. The newspaper reported that Earle said he had been asked by Christie's to repay the $14,300. "I'm absolutely astounded by this. I don't have the money to repay Christie's. I've a good reputation and bought this memorabilia in good faith," Earle told the Sun. "If they are fakes, someone has carried out an amazing con. Christie's always carry out thorough checks before they take anything to auction."

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America The Beautiful

I just received this morning the book "America The Beautiful" from J.A.T. Productions and somewhat quite disappointed with the end result. Yes there are some excellent pictures inside this book but at the same time not too many spectacular shots, several were equally not new to my eyes. The previous book For The First Time Ever book was in my view very superior to this although it contained only a few color shots. Overall my favourite pictures would be the Madison Square Garden shots and some of the candid at the end of the book and the front cover shot. Some photographs taken while Elvis was making movies aren't bad either.

I guess the whole concept of the book explains the shot on page 39 Elvis shaking hands with Richard Nixon into the oval office but we've seen this so many times that I really don't care much for it. Same goes on page 40 as it's a well known and for the price tag I can live without. Of course I won't go into details and mentioned every pictures in there and guess a lot of persons will have different opinions on it. This is definitely a matter of taste and apparently "America The Beautiful" doesn't make it for me. I have always liked J.A.T. products overall and most of his books are excellent, however this one wouldn't be featured into my top 10 when compared to others he produced. It comes with a nice promo CD but I would had preferred a lower price on the book and no CD.

(The Crazy Canuck)

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On behalf of the family of Peter Haan, I have some bad news. Peter Haan is now in the hospital, and his situation is quite serious. Peter just celebrated his 20th anniversary as the fanclub president of "It's Elvis Time" last month, so we were all shocked to hear about his condition. This will mean that the magazine is now delayed, although there shouldn't be any problems with orders that members did for Christmas. Peter's right-hand Jan van Mourik is now taking care of that. Those of you that would like to send Peter a get-well message, e-mail it to: fridava@hetnet.nl
(Arjan Deelen)
We from "For Elvis CD Collectors" hopes you will get well soon Peter!!

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Video & DVD releases

Three new video tapes has been released in Chile. All this contain subtitles in Spanish.

* Esto si es Elvis (That´s the way it is, Standard edition) -for sale

* Frankie & Johnny -for sale

* Esto si es Elvis (That´s the way it is, Special edition) -only for rent in the video club.
If somebody need this videos can contact to elvischile@yahoo.com

A new DVD release from Brazil is the "68 comeback" under the name only "Elvis Presley". The DVD comes with a magazine in Portugues. The DVD contain subtitles in Portugues language only. The disc is picture disc and features 3 Elvis photos from 68 and 70´s.
Thanks to Mario Silva for the info

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New Magazines

Did received this week the new issues of The man and his music # 54, and Essential Elvis #19. In Essential Elvis you can read an exclusive interview with DJ, and Elvis friend Wink Martindale, a report of Sonny West visit in the UK, an interview with Marsha Alverson, an interview with "Easy come, Easy go" bad girl Pat Priest and much more in issue 19. The Man and his music has "The photos & Memories of Glen Glenn", including some stunning pictures. The article GI Blues soundtrack sessions revisited by Jan-Eril Kjeseth, Seventy-Six trombones, "Hot shellac and cool vinyl" by Ger Rijff, "The promo CD world part 6" by Greg Cieslik and many more. You can subscribe to both magazines through their websites "Now Dig This" and "Essential Elvis

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Kal Mann (Teddy Bear)

The co-song writer of one of Elvis' greatest hit single "Teddy Bear" Karl Mann died Wednesday, he was 84. He also wrote other great lyrics such as "Let's twist again". Teddy bear was a number one hit single for 7 weeks in 1957.

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Elvis the missing years DVD box

A new DVD box release is "Elvis the missing years" featuring a full color DVD that documented Elvis' 2 years in Germany, included a special bonus 55 minutes audio documentary spanning Elvis life and career. Also included is a CD that features 7 songs from the Louisiana Hayride, and some interviews. And last but not least a 32 pages super booklet including rare full color photographs.

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You can now read a (very!) lenghty interview with Ernst Jørgensen on the http://www.elvis.com.au/
Ernst gave me the latest updates about the "Elvis On Tour" plans, the FTD release after "It's Midnight", the 2002 Anniversary box, as well as fascinating details about footage shot by MGM shot backstage in August 1972.
(From Arjan Deelen)

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If you would like Jordan's Elvis World to be back up in a timely manner, visit http://jordans-elvis-world.com and learn how you can help!

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Let's take it on home again!

(source Arjan Deelen)

A new CD release from Red Mill Music - November 2001:
"LET'S TAKE IT ON HOME AGAIN! - A collection of spoken word rarities volume II"
Our first CD, 'Let's Take It On Home!', was welcomed by Elvis fans, as it contained quite a few rarities that had never been released before in any form. In fact, several fanclubs have since 'borrowed' tracks from that CD for their own releases. Despite the success of 'Let's Take It One Home!', we decided to take our time for its follow-up, since we wanted it to be at least as good as its predecessor. And it's been worth the wait, because we have succeeded in assembling an amazing collection of rarities.

Some of the recordings on this release have never appeared on CD before, while others are ultra-rare. We have even succeeded in finding more unreleased Elvis dialogue from the extremely rare ELVIS ON TOUR interview, with Presley saying a.o.: "People wonder how I do it night after night. I'm perfectly at home out there. I might lose four or five pounds a show usually, but I don't mind it". Another stunning find that even longtime collectors didn't know existed is a monologue from 1961, in which Elvis talks about his new 'Blue Hawaii' film. "It's a story about a boy who just got out of the Army, and he's in love with this girl, this Hawaiian girl, and his parents don't go for it because they are high class. But it's all in colour, and there's about 11 songs in it. We're doing 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', 'Hawaiian Sunset' and 'Blue Hawaii'", he says.

Further highlights include an amateur interview recorded in Munich (München), Germany on June 19, 1959. This charming recording is yet another example of Elvis' respect and consideration for his fans. He is aware of the fact that the interviewers' english is rather limited, and he answers her questions very slowly and clearly, and even asks her twice whether she understands his answers. A wonderful piece of 'Presleyana'. The same can be said about an unreleased soundboard recording from April 1975, where Elvis pays tribute to his friend and childhood hero, the great J.D. Sumner.

Many fans believe that Elvis never endorsed any product, but that is not correct. During our search for the rarities on this CD, we even found an amazing 1956 commercial in which he promotes RCA's Elvis Presley Autograph Model Record Players ("Hurry while this great offer lasts, friends"). Quite a scoop!

Some of the remaining tracks include:

. Rare radio promo for "Frankie & Johnny"

· Interviews from the set of "Charro!" (July 1968)

· Interview with Elvis and the Colonel, August 1956

· NBC's Monitor: Elvis interviewed, September 1956

· The complete Johnny Paris interview, March 1960

· Elvis meets Peter Noone ("Herman's Hermits"), August 1965

· Ray & Norma Pillow interview, August 1956

· Elvis talks "turtle", February 1970

· and more (including some surprises!)

This 75-minute CD is packaged in a beautiful full colour cover with rare pix and extensive liner notes with all the necessary details about all the tracks. This CD actually represents a "first" in the Elvis world, in that the disc itself has been pressed in a bright purple colour! This is one of the latest new techniques in the music industry, and the look of the disc is just amazing!

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DVD Clambake

The Crazy Canuck

The movie "Clambake" was released by MGM on October 2nd in North America (Region 1 ; NTSC).I received my copy yesterday and was quite disappointed with it. I must say that they did a much better job with "Frankie And Johnny" picture quality wise although both came only with a mono sound.

"Clambake" DVD is widescreen (2:35:1) but not enhanced for 16:9 TVs, as usual the special features are next to nil since we are getting only the original theatrical trailer and languages options. They really messed it up in not adding extras on the "T.T.W.I.I.- Special Edition" and not doing much either on all their DVD releases. I reckon that Paramount didn't add any interesting extras either, but at least came out with a superb picture quality and enhanced sound.

Given the above I thought the picture quality on the "Clambake" DVD is below average for that format. Obviously they haven't used a perfect print for the transfer as we can see some "scratches" here and there while watching it. The colors are kind of "washed out" and certainly not nearby what is being expected from a DVD. At best this DVD would be a good alternative to the video, but it's not how it should be as consumers are expecting to benefit of this digital format, and consequently the DVD is supposed to be much better.

I understand that MGM or any other companies for that matter can't inject a lot of money for restoring all their older movies when compared to more recent big hits productions. However wouldn't it be better to sell it at $22.98 instead of $14.98 by example and have a better work done? I for one would be willing to pay a bit more for better quality DVD instead of those cheap releases.

I don't have any doubts that MGM will release other Elvis' movies in the near future and some will have a great quality while others only fairly decent. I bought a DVD player for being able to enjoy the best quality possible and see no interest in buying DVDs having a quality similar to videos.

I made very positive reviews of other MGM products re.T.T.W.I.I.-Special Edition & Frankie And Johnny and hope to make only positive ones in the future.

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Memorabilia

I just received Sean's new book "Memorabilia - An unauthorized Collectors guide" and I can say that I'm really impressed. It's great to see through the pages what kind of great stuff is out there in the hands of the collectors. There are literary hundreds and hundreds of items listed, from ticket stubs to acetates, EP Enterprise collectibles to the holy Bible of Elvis' Grandmother. My favorite chapter is "One of a kind" with loads of incredible great items, such as a Memphis Recording Service receipt for an acetate purchased by Elvis in 1954, Sean's acetate I'll never stand in your way", and lots of others. The book is in full-color on high quality paper, the items are all crystal clear. For the fans who like memorabilia, this is a must have. You can order this book through Sean's website Elvis Presley Blv.

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Super CD

A new release from Brazil is a re-issue of an old magazine called "Super CD ROM" it contains a magazine 100% elvis and one CD ROM with a biography, 187 photos and a tour in Memphis. This CD is compatible with Mac, power mac and PC format. All is narrated in Portuguese language under EPE licence.
(Thanks to Mario Silva for the info)

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DVD's from Brazil

Two new DVD releases from Brazil are "One night with you" but it has been released under the name ELVIS PRESLEY only. This contain extras like photos and subtitles in the Portuguese language. The other is "Unauthorized Biography". This DVD includes a US TV program from 1993, featuring interviews of close friends (Joe Esposito , JD Sumner...) + RARE LIVE FOOTAGE, including a few seconds from ROCHESTER 77 and INDIANAPOLIS, for the first time on DVD !!! (BUT NO ELVIS SINGING).
Overall quality is quite good. 45 min. & English & Portuguese languages. In NTSC. Will play on any multi-region player.
Thanks to Mario & Moacyr for the info.

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New Fan Magazines

This week we did receive the new issues of the magazines Essential Elvis #18 & Elvis Unlimited #12. This is the 1st issue of Elvis Unlimited with the new team, and issue #12 is full color that is looking really nice, with some great photo shots from Ger Rijff's collection. It features interesting articles such as Back on the road again, Phoenix '70, an interview with Ed Bonja, Make me know it (Ernst Jorgensen is answering some questions) and a tribute to Chet Atkins. And of course it also have the latest CD,DVD/VCD news. You can subscribe to Elvis Unlimited through the following e-mail address EU@elvispresley.dk

Essential Elvis got (of course) another exclusive interview, and this time with Barbara Leigh. Another great article is Bringin' it back with Sandi Miller, and the latest Elvis and CD news.
You can subscribe to Essnetial Elvis through their website or e-mail address below.

Essential Elvis UK Magazine