Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (1973 TV Special) User Reviews

Unsurpassed yet

[mrfrenchy77 · 9/10 · 26 October 2001]

To this date October 2001, I have seen many concerts by other performers on TV, all of them were very good but none yet to equal the performance put on by Elvis and his band members from that concert in Hawaii, I still watch the video as often as I can and every time I get just as emotional as the time before and before and before. I only hope that if the tape wears out I can find a replacement.

Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii

[jcolyer1229 · 9/10 · 3 May 2010]

Elvis returned to Hawaii for what became his last great performance. It was broadcast around the world via satellite. Elvis is 38 and looking fit. It is hard to believe he would be dead in just over four years! Burning Love is followed by The Beatles' Something. Fever sizzles and is remarkably relevant for a song that was a hit in the 1950s. There is very little clowning here like there was in Elvis: That's The Way It Is. Elvis is thoroughly confident, and his band is polished and tight after having played together 3 or 4 years. It is all business as Elvis moves from one dramatic cover to another. Song selection seems to reflect his recent divorce.

Appreciating Elvis

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 14 January 2010]

I hadn't seen, even on TV, an Elvis concert performance in 30 years and even though I grew up with "The King" and rock 'n roll, I still was surprised how good this concert turned out to be. I also remember hearing and reading - for years - how fat and bloated Elvis looked in his "last years" but that must have been later because he looked great here.

It also surprised me that Presley did Beatles' songs along with other tunes made famous by other people....and did them really well. Maybe I shouldn't have been because Elvis did Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" way back in the beginning of his career and he liked Chuck Berry songs, which he does in this concert, along with a Jerry Lee Lewis and a Little Richard song. I wish Elvis had done more blues numbers because he sounded very good on "Steamroller Blues," a James Taylor song.

Anyway, whether it's a ballad, or a country song, a gospel tune, a rockabilly number.....whatever, Presley sounded good, showing his versatility. He also had - no surprise - a great band and backup singers. I particularly appreciate the work of lead guitarist James Burton, who's still going strong at age 70.

This concert is available, by the way, on two different DVDs: the "TV concert" and an "extended" version which includes his rehearsals and other bonus features.

This might be Elvis four years before his death and, yes, he's not the super-energetic rockabilly kid from the '50s, but the man wasn't just a legendary performer, this concert shows how well he could sing! I'm only sorry it took me this long to fully appreciate the man's talents.

Fantastic Elvis Concert

[mr_pivac1985 · 10/10 · 13 March 2006]

This Was by far the best Elvis Presley Concert I have ever seen, I love the way he moves to the song "Fever" I have every single Elvis Concert on DVD but this one truly takes the cake over the others. I also think that The American Eagle Jumpsuit he wore in this show was his finest. It was cool to see a lot of Elvis' great humor on stage too, like during "Suspicious Minds" he changes the words, "Well don't you know I'm court in a trap I can't walk out "I HOPE THIS SUIT DON'T TEAR UP BABY" and when he spilt water all over his piano player. Fantastic concert. I love it when he sings, "You Gave Me A Mountain" that is one of his best songs.

Hail hail rock 'n' roll

[swinebird · 10/10 · 21 November 2006]

This is it, folks. This is the greatest concert of all time. To me it's to see the light.

Elvis Presley looks more handsome than ever in the film. He sings better than ever, but doesn't do so much rock 'n' roll than he made in the '68 Comeback Special (original name "Elvis"). There he was king of rock 'n' roll, in Aloha from Hawaii he is King of Music.

Special Edition and Deluxe Edition DVD's includes the new edition which is much better than the original US version, which was aired later than the live concert to Asia, Europe and other areas.

10/10

This is the one......

[yashicad · 10/10 · 6 August 2005]

This is the one to show young people who want to know Elvis. Not the silly movies he made in the 60's. Not even Elvis On Tour or Thats The Way It Is. Show people who want to know what Elvis was all about...Aloha From Hawaii. This is The King of Rock and Roll in his court. He looks stunning. He sounds awesome. You can see the charisma that made him an icon. His white jumpsuits have become kind of a running joke. However in 1973 this was the style a lot of artists were wearing on stage. The one he sports in Aloha From Hawaii looks beautiful. He even tosses the cape and belt out to the audience. I love the 70's Elvis. The jewelery, the jumpsuits, the limos...all the excess he became famous for. I know that excess (in all forms) drove him to an early grave, but here we get to see him in all his glory before it spun out of his control. Aloha From Hawaii is Elvis, takin care of business.

The King never looked better!

[newyorkjetfan1 · 8/10 · 19 August 2006]

It irritates me no end when people refer to Elvis Presley's rhinestone-studded jumpsuits. They are demonstrating their ignorance because Elvis never wore rhinestones. The spectacular American Eagle jumpsuit he wore on January 14, 1973 was studded with jewels (not rhinestones)and weighed in excess of 70 pounds. The jeweled cape he wore for the closing number (which he then flung into the crowd) weighed 40 pounds and cost $8,000.00 alone. I have never heard what the jumpsuit cost, but one has to figure that it was even more expensive. The belt that he tossed into the audience after singing An American Trilogy was a replacement for the original. Elvis' costume designer, Bill Belew, had to hurriedly make a new belt in time for the show. Elvis had impulsively given the first belt to Jack Lord's wife a day or two before the Aloha telecast. Elvis' personal jeweler had to fly back to the States for more rubies before Belew could complete the new belt. Also, regardless of what you have read or heard to the contrary, Elvis was in superb shape for this show. He looked great and was in good voice, particularly on What Now My Love and An American Trilogy. If he seemed a bit distant or preoccupied at times, it could be due to the fact that he had filed for divorce from Priscilla less than a week earlier. Due to the time constraints of a live telecast, Elvis could not be too spontaneous. The only real complaint I have of this show is the perfunctory rendition of Hound Dog. Elvis had always hated the song and recorded it in 1956 only at the urging of then RCA president Steve Sholes. He performed it grudgingly and his ambivalence is evident when he performs it live. He also hated Burning Love, which was a recent hit for him at the time of the Aloha concert. Almost every other recording artist saves their most recent hit for the end of the show. Elvis did Burning Love at the very beginning of Aloha, right after C. C. Rider (which opened the concert). Perhaps he wanted to get it out of the way. I suppose he hadn't had time to loathe Burning Love as much as Hound Dog, because he actually gave it a decent effort here. All in all, this performance shows Presley at his finest. His decline started soon afterward. The 1977 CBS TV special is a testament to how far Elvis had fallen, and is truly heartbreaking to witness.

Legendary concert that rocked the world!

[michaelRokeefe · 30 August 2000]

On Sunday morning, January 14, 1973 a historic concert by Elvis Presley was beamed around the world via satellite. In excess of one billion people watched Elvis play to standing room only at the Honolulu International Center in Hawaii. The special engagement was to raise money for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. A goal of 25 thousand dollars collected was said to be matched and doubled.

Elvis was in peak form musically and physically. He was thin and drop dead gorgeous. His voice was very powerful as he belted out 23 songs, highlighted by 'American Trilogy' and the Kui Lee song that Elvis originally recorded in 1966, 'I'll Remember You'. A top selling soundtrack of the concert was released and is also considered historic.

This was a milestone in the unequaled career of THE KING!

Excellent, But Shouldn't Be Compared To That's The Way It Is

[BigGayKirk · 9/10 · 28 February 2009]

I at first gave this 10 out of 10, but then I realized, what would I give "That's The Way It Is"? So OK I give Aloha 9, and TTWII 10.

Anyway, those that compare Aloha to Elvis' earlier shows in Vegas (eg. TTWII) are not remembering that Aloha is a TV special, not a Vegas show. Things were a bit looser and faster in Vegas (and on tour). I would speculate that Elvis wanted to put across a slightly more sedate and for lack of a better word, dignified show.

I would reluctantly agree with critics that Elvis did hold back on his voice a bit, probably out of nerves. But it is still beautiful. Those that complain about the large number of covers: I've never heard Elvis cover a song that wasn't better than the original. Elvis' version of Early Morning Rain (not actually in the concert btw) is my favorite version of one of my top 3 favorite songs. That's saying a lot because I'm happy to listen to most anyone sing it.

Other songs that are still spine-tingling-give-you-goosebumps quality in Aloha are "What Now My Love," "I'll Remember You," and "An American Trilogy," among, well, pretty much all the others! I've seen Aloha hundreds of times. I'm an admitted Elvis junkie. So that does bias my review some, I admit. But anyone who comes in here and puts in a review that refers to "Suspicious Minds" as "Satisfied Mind" has zero credibility with me. That's not really how I wanted to put it, but hey, I'm trying to remain polite here.

I could go on and on about this show, and I won't. It's truly an awesome show, and if you haven't seen it, do see it. You'll be glad you did and will probably want to buy the DVD!

wonderful television event

[didi-5 · 8/10 · 30 March 2005]

In 1973, Elvis Presley appeared for two nights in Hawaii and this film of one of those nights was beamed to numerous countries around the world by satellite, the first concert to be so treated. (The other night's concert has been since released as 'Alternate Aloha' and is just as good).

After a crash diet, Presley looks good and is in amazing voice, with his usual backing band and singers (the Stamps Quartet and the Sweet Inspirations). This concert contains gem after gem (including I'll Remember You, a poignant song which fits the moment perfectly).

Perhaps his last great filmed concert (the one in 1977 is simply sad, despite his voice still being in evidence), 'Aloha From Hawaii' is a fantastic memento of an unsurpassed artist who could sing in almost every style. This concert proves that.

Surprisingly lame and tired Elvis on stage

[mara-nalle · 7/10 · 16 November 2006]

What can I say? Almost everyone seem to think that this concert is the greatest ever done. I just can't understand why? Take any, I mean any, Elvis-concert during 1969-1970 and it's far better than this. Aloha's song list is dull, Elvis is very careful when singing and not using his voice (saving it) and where's the gyrations and movements? No, this is not a great concert, not even a very good one.

Still, I give 7 points since Elvis did work very hard to prepare this historical event - lot of training and hungry diet to look good and he didn't forget any lyrics as he did in rehearsal concert (and in many others before and after Aloha). So, Elvis was in top form and performed without any errors or mistakes but the performance itself was very, very lame and way too polished. There was no any kind of thunder and lighting or excitement which were the trademarks of the E.P. concert

Aloha Forever!

[CosmicDwellings · 10/10 · 23 November 2006]

The most historical concert showcase by a single performer could only have been achieved by one man who was, initially, known by one name: ELVIS.

"Aloha from Hawaii" was the TV Special that combined both Entertainment and modern technology at the time - beamed live via Globecam Satellite to over thirty-five countries worldwide. This was the first televised concert of this genre. What made the event a more special occasion too was the fact that Elvis was doing this in aid of the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. The late Kui Lee, an Hawaiian composer, who wrote the ballad "I'll Remember You" which Elvis had recorded in 1966, had been a victim of the disease.

It was truly a morning to remember - Sunday, 14th January, 1973 12:30AM Hawaii time - The Honolulu International Center with an audience of nearly 6,000 packing out the venue, and Elvis looking every bit as 'handsome as ten movie stars'. This was the pinnacle performance of Elvis' career and his renditions of classic material such as "My Way", "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", "I Can't Stop Loving You", "What Now My Love", and "Welcome To My World" are all sung with consummate skill and filled with that wonderful 'Presley Passion'.

The oldies, but goodies, are also in the set-list too including "Love Me", "Johnny B. Goode", "Blue Suede Shoes", "Hound Dog", and "Fever". But it's in another 3 song performances, that immediately spring to mind, when Elvis delivers the goods - "You Gave Me a Mountain", "Steamroller Blues" and one of his hits of the time, "An American Trilogy" - and this is a truly inspired adaptation of the Mickey Newbury song. Elvis proves he is most worthy of wearing the white American Eagle jewel-encrusted jumpsuit equipped with both cape and belt.

This is one of Elvis' most inspired concert performances and is recognised as a Worldwide triumph in entertainment. Sadly, after this there didn't appear to be many more events that could challenge Elvis both on a personal and professional level...it did usher in the declining years...

Aloha Forever!

Aloha And Goodbye

[Lejink · 6/10 · 25 November 2020]

This celebrated concert by Elvis televised live around the world from Hawaii finds The King just starting to bloat and acquire that second chin before his final excesses got the better of him less than five years later. However, here he's still looking and mostly sounding good, slickly delivering his Vegas show with his big band, featuring the great James Burton on lead guitar. The voice too is by now betraying some vibrato and in some close-ups, you can see the sweat pouring off his face, as he physically shows the strain.

There's less goofing around by El, just the old scarf-routine with the usual adoring females flocking to the front of the stage especially for the hometown favourite show-closer "Can't Help Falling In Love With You". In his sequinned costume, he can still move, stretching his trousers to the limit, it must be said, during the dramatic breakdown in "Suspicious Minds" although there's less karate horse-play than in other shows of the time.

His huge band, two sets of backing singers and accompanying orchestra naturally fatten the sound so that it goes well beyond rock and roll and ends up somewhere in the middle of the road. This is further evidenced by the at times rather suspect song choices such as Jim Reeves' "Welcome To My World", George Harrison's "Something" and Sinatra's "My Way", where sadly the line about the end is near takes on extra significance given future events. These and other superfluities like "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "What Now My Love" really belong in cabaret-land, their inclusion all the more baffling when you consider the man's back catalogue. There are also a couple of mediocre contemporary easy-listening love songs "I'll Remember You" and "It's Over" (sadly not the fine Roy Orbison song) which I've already forgotten.

I did like the renditions of more recent songs like "Burning Love" "You Gave Me A Mountain" and "Suspicious Minds", apart from a little tomfoolery in the latter and while I personally don't like the song, he undoubtedly injects some passion into the show-stopper "American Trilogy". I also appreciated the covers of songs by 50's contemporaries Carl Perkins, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, but it would have been better yet if Elvis had name-checked the originals.

As others have stated, this was probably Elvis's last hurrah, or aloha if you like before his slow decline and sad end. The show itself is too slanted towards easy listening - M.O.R. material and as indicated was a bit too safe and pandering for my taste but he obviously still had the charisma, moves and most importantly voice to just about carry it off.

Did it have much to do with rock and roll? Not much, I'd say. But would I like to have been there in person to see him live on stage, I sure would!

The Beginning of the End

[thelube · 5/10 · 23 May 2005]

Elvis' peak was the '68 comeback special and the Memphis sessions that followed in January and February 1969. It's hard to believe this event was only four years after those vibrant performances. "Suspicious Minds", the only song from the Memphis sessions performed in this movie, lacks passion. He's already becoming the caricature we're so familiar with. It's apparent Col. Parker's comfortably back in the driver's seat on a sad downward spiral. The fact that Elvis never toured outside the US has more to do with the success of this event than the performance itself. Don't get me wrong, he's in excellent voice and the backing ensemble is great. It's just disappointing. The footage of the crowd when the camera pans around the auditorium speaks volumes. The only animated audience members are the women close to the stage getting kisses or sweaty scarves. And what's with Charlie the designated guitar/scarf guy? Can't the man pick up his own accessories? The direction is pretty hackneyed as well, with clumsy quick cuts on the downbeat during several songs and goofy split screen set pieces during slower numbers.

Do yourself a favor. See "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" from 1970 or "Elvis On Tour" from '72 instead.

the King of rock

[kennedyk2009 · 10/10 · 22 February 2009]

This was a fantastic concert of Elvis. when i first saw this i was electrified it was amazing i was witnessing the king at his very best. he was giving fantastic performances of country,rock,blues,love etc.. to a world wide audience of over a billion people via satellite the first of its kind. He looked fantastic,he sounded fantastic,he treated us with something that no other singer could. If any one was in doubt about Elvis or needed answers to questions about his talent or the man him self they got their answer here. i loved this concert and never ever saw another one like it. i watch it from start to finish every time. all in all this is a terrific DVD of the king i give it a deserved 10/10!

The best performance of Elvis Presley's career

[Jerry Ables · 10/10 · 7 May 2001]

What else can I say? I've seen this concert special a countless number of times and I never get tired of it. It's a fantastic triumph from start to finish. I've been a fan of Elvis Presley since I was very young and I think that this is very easily his finest hour. A must-see for any fan.

Biggest performing event of all time

[kwbucsfan · 21 August 2001]

This was really the last high of Elvis's career. He does a decent and flawless show, but he doesn't look like he's into it. He looked better in this show than he did in "Elvis On Tour", but he seemed sluggish. His face and eyes were puffy. He still sang well, but something was not right. It is still one of the greatest events of all time, but it was also the beginning of the end.

One of the Greatest Concerts of all time

[alv123 · 10/10 · 4 July 2006]

Superb, amazing, enigmatic, tremendous. I was just 5 years old when it took place, but after visiting Graceland in 2003, sought to have it on DVD at just about any cost. This concert is one you must never sat you haven't watched. Elvis should have never aged, and lived to be 150, he truly defines rock and roll, and what a blend of soul in his ballads. One finds it hard to comprehend his quick fade out in 1977, it should have never happened, his image embodies the beginnings of an era that passed too quickly. If there is one person I wish to ever meet, it would have to be Priscilla, just to get a first hand chat with someone that was closest to the one individual that inspired so many styles of music. His majestic candor on stage can never be duplicated, even though his voice is sometimes imitated in vain, I do it at karaoke get togethers everywhere. I don't know what inspired my fervor to love Elvis's music, my growing up years were in the mid 80s, but its just one of those things. Not all can associate with Elvis at first look, but watch this concert, it will change your mind.

Awesome

[trotsky10 · 9/10 · 8 August 2009]

I love this concert.

Even though I find it does not have the energy of the 'That's the way it is' concerts it is so well filmed and the King looks great! His voice is also on great form which I appreciate more if I listen to the album and compare it to other Elvis concert albums.

Truly a groundbreaking concert with the satellite live broadcast and not to mention the 8 track cartridge album that I would love to get my hands on one day :-). I wish I could have been old enough to see the live broadcast but I was only 2 at the time.

All in all I can watch this concert time and time again.

Elvis at his best for the last time

[gish-cj · 10/10 · 17 May 2017]

Elvis was a man who rose to the occasion for the big moments/challenges in his life and the 1973 Aloha special was -- what I always have felt - - his last true hurrah. Like so many accomplishments in his life, Elvis did it first and did it best.

His vocals and appearance were magnificent in this concert. The song list was great with excellent performances of "Something", "You Gave Me A Mountain", "It's Over", "My Way", "What Now My Love", "Burning Love", "I'll Remember You", "An American Trilogy", "Fever", "A Big Hunk O Love", and "Can't Help Falling In Love".

Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii review by Jeffrey Schrembs

[JeffSchrembs · 10/10 · 12 June 2011]

Capturing Elvis Presley, live in Concert throughout the 1970's, was a daunting task. First Colonel Parker had to be involved and he was a shrewd negotiator. Then to fully give the Concert performance, by Elvis and his talented band - singers - Orchestra, the same "energy" on broadcast TV was difficult. Elvis was going through personal changes in his life, outlook on life, physically, mentally, emotionally, and as a performer. Elvis had separated from his beloved wife Priscilla and their divorce would be final later on in 1973 on October 9th. Elvis was appreciative and overwhelmed when approached with the idea of having his Concert broadcast LIVE, across the entire World, with an anticipated audience of over ONE BILLION people. As was the case in so many other charitable acts Elvis opted to raise money, from the Concert attendees, for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. The "goal" was to raise $25,000.00 but Elvis, has he had done for three decades now, exceeded the goal by 300% for a total in excess of $75,000.00. Elvis committed to this Concert/TV appearance by bringing down his weight, getting some needed rest prior, and surrounding himself with "positive influences". Elvis LOVED Hawaii and had many great memories of his time there both personally and professionally. This film is different from the critically acclaimed "Elvis, Thats The Way It Is" or "the 68 Singer Special" (aka: the Comeback Special) as Elvis had been touring, to sold out audiences, for three years already. Nonetheless, Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii has some excellent candid moments; from the opening scenes where Elvis arrives via Helicopter to when he interacts with fans, including a great scene when he kisses a baby, and when Colonel Parker has a hard time maneuvering the Jeep Elvis is riding in to get to their destination. Elvis' "song set" was perfectly suited for the 1970's and Elvis voice was in great condition and he looks good as well. For all of the stress of the divorce, which was uncommon back in the 1970's as opposed to today, and being a "part time single Father" if you look closely into Elvis' eyes there is a sadness inasmuch as there is a mentality of reserving his movements. At the time this was filming no one knew that Elvis would (sadly) die approximately four years later at the age of 42. Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii is a great film which captures Elvis magnificent stage presence, and his vocal styling, that was 100% PURE and not "enhanced" like far too many "entertainers" today. I have always enjoyed Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii and I hope that other members of IMDb.com do as well. Take care and may God bless you. Jeff Schrembs

This is Elvis

[jimdavidson-69319 · 10/10 · 3 August 2017]

When I hear "Elvis", Aloha from Hawaii is the first thing that comes to mind.

I have this show on VHS, laser disc and multiple editions on DVD,as well as the audio on LP and CD.

Arguably Elvis on Stage in Memphis captured a better live performance, Aloha is spectacular to watch.

Didn't like it

[Tashtago · 5/10 · 16 February 2011]

I have to say this was a disappointment. I'm an Elvis fan as well and consider the 68 ' Comeback Special among the best rock'n roll concerts ever done . Easily as good as the Who at the Isle of Wight and Zeppelin at the Albert Hall. But this clearly shows the King descending from the throne. Most of the performances are not among Elvis's best readings of his classics. He basically mumbles through "Love Me" and seems bored with "Suspicious Minds" . Especially that one (Suspicious Minds) does not compare at all to the original recording. Also there are about 250 back-up singers too many and the double exposure camera work with two shots of Elvis at the same time is dated and distracting. Check out 68' Comeback Special instead for far superior Elvis.

aloha

[python698 · 2 November 2006]

i agree with any other positive comment about this presentation. it displays the true artistic and power of elvis as a performer and a human being. i have the deluxe edition and it has all kinds of features that if you are not already an elvis fan you will be when you watch this. he is one of those artists that you don't have to necessarily like the music he sings to appreciate how powerful and influential his role is in music. but in this presentation you will be mesmerized by his presence and performance. he especially shines personally on the rehearsal performance. that is where you get his true appreciation for his role in music. it's almost as if he gets on stage just to hear great musicians play great music. A+++++++ on this one. if your an elvis fan you'll love it. if not open your mind up to the performance and not the clichés. i think you'll find it a warming and enriching experience.

Amazing

[dblumenfeld-2 · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

This concert is just amazing; it's Elvis at his best. Unfortunately, he wouldn't live to surpass this performance. I won't mention all the songs because you can or probably have read them elsewhere, but he delivers every song with all the emotion and power you would expect from the King.

Don't complain about the awful jumpsuit or the longer hair - this was January 1973 after all. But either way, he never looked better in the 1970s than he did here. He crash dieted before the concert, and it paid off with him looking and sounding his best. You can watch this concert over and over and it never gets worse... if you wanted to know why this man was a legend, this concert shows why !