Elvis: The Comeback Special (1968 TV Special) User Reviews

A legendary performer finds himself.

[michaelRokeefe · 10/10 · 12 August 2001]

After much convincing, Elvis Presley does something about his career teetering on the brink of stagnation. During the last week of June 1968, the man who almost single handedly led a musical revolution in the mid '50s made use of "Western Recorders" and the "NBC Studios", Burbank, California to put on tape a TV special. The Elvis NBC Special came to be known as "The '68 Comeback Special". It was originally aired on the night of Dec 3, 1968 and slaughtered the competition: 'The Red Skelton Show', 'It Takes a Thief' and 'The Doris Day Show'. Made up of production numbers and mini-concerts in front of live audiences, this TV special afforded a lost man to find his way home. Elvis Presley was back and once again his career would regain meteoric flight.

Producer/director Steve Binder would be swamped with accolades. NBC took the chance and came out looking like a champ. Elvis' fan base would swell. The lp "Elvis(TV Special)" would rapidly peak at #8 on the Billboard Top Albums chart. This 76 minute video is highlighted with a Gospel Medley, the Guitar Man Medley, and songs like 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy','Jailhouse Rock', 'Tiger Man', 'One Night', 'Memories' and the great finale number, 'If I Can Dream'.

Even non Elvis fans will appreciate watching this. In a way it is like watching musical history...hell it is musical history.

Spectacular in every way

[Jerry Ables · 10/10 · 7 August 2001]

I have absolutely no complaints about this special because I think it did a great deal of justice to Elvis Presley's stellar career. Everything about it makes it great from the pit session to the musical production numbers. Elvis even closes it out with the awesomely compelling 'If I Can Dream'. This is very easily Elvis at his absolute best. I highly recommend it to any fan.

The greatest performer performs

[Joe-290 · 10/10 · 24 October 2002]

Nobody can doubt that Elvis Presley defined what performing was and here in colour we see the king return to his roots for the very last time in his life after 8 years of Hollywood. Presley lived for another 9 years but when he got into Las Vegas just after this, it was all over. Presley's Vegas period is not to be dismissed in a flash because his cabaret type concerts were so enjoyable. Vegas entertained greatly but here in 1968 immitating his 50's period Elvis contributed to music and society. This show was the main inspiration for MTV Unplugged and it pictures a raw rocking king oozing R&B, gospel and R&R. If anybody sees this and can not be amazed by this man they are missing soemthing. He defined pop culture and music because of his natural ability to get across the meaning and feeling of the songs. (Hardly anyone can do that like him). Here we see Elvis very up to date with the times with almost hard rock, looking and sounding so great. There is an amusing sketch where he jokes about his entire movie career but the scenes where he is sitting with his original band and jamming away can never be beaten. Nobody can come close to Elvis Presley and his 68 comeback special! Its phenomonel!

The Polished Crown

[CosmicDwellings · 7 August 2002]

Magical, Mystifying and Memorable - These words describe Elvis and the whole Production of what came to be known as 'The King's' Television Comeback. But it was more than just that - it was 'The Comeback' full stop!

After a full Seven years without ever straying from within the confines of a movie set to perform for his public, the opportune moment finally arrived and it came crashing in at the top of the heap of a formula that had already began to show slight signs of improving itself. The non-movie songs that Elvis had recorded of recent times such as 'Guitar Man', 'The U.S. Male' and 'Big Boss Man' had already made their dents on the charts worldwide and two of these were to be featured in the TV Special in Burbank. The ballads were much classier as well: 'You Don't Know Me', 'We Call On Him' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Dare I say it, but the movies appeared to be taking a somewhat different direction as well since the amicably-casted "Speedway", for "Live a Little, Love a Little" was the man's first venture into then modern day adult comedy in which he only sings four songs, all of which are total quality recordings especially the upbeat numbers of 'Edge of Reality' and 'A Little Less Conversation' (which was to be re-recorded for the TV Show, and the rest is history!). The next film "Charro!", a western, offered another adult role for a bearded Elvis who sings only the title song over the opening credits and the emphasis once more was on the man's acting ability.

Then on June 22nd, 1968 the tape machine was switched on in the recording studios and the camera's got ready to roll like never before in the Burbank soundstages and witnessed Black Leather, Gold Lame, Denim, Neckerchieves, Wrist-bands, Guitars, Music, Laughter, Acting and 'If I Can Dream'.....It wasn't the 1950's anymore but it was certainly the next best thing. All these things were rolled into this one handsome, tanned, side-burned, slim, tall and nervous human being who was Rock's first iconic legend....ELVIS....and he was back!....

Presley at his best

[funkyfry · 10/10 · 3 November 2002]

The circumstances surrounding the creation of this TV special are well known to all Elvis fans. This is a movie which should be seen by those who are sceptical that Elvis ever had any musical talent; clearly he did have an extraordinary talent and it's on display here. In the acoustic sections of the concert, Elvis jams with some of his Sun Records bandmates and proves that he can rock for real (something he hadn't done is his 20-someodd mostly mediocre movies for MGM, Paramount, and Sam Katzman in the 60s). There are also surreal dance interpretive numbers that feature Elvis karate fighting to the tune of "It Hurts Me" and a spoof (presumably) of spy movies. Thus, this film, more so than any of Elvis' films or other filmed concerts, presents a full view of the artist and his capabilities, which were great indeed. Elvis looks great, probably better than he ever would again, and fans of outre clothing may appreciate the film on a purely fashion level.

This is one to be enjoyed many times.

True Piece of History

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 13 December 2020]

1968. The "Colonel" had managed Elvis' career so poorly that the man who invented rock n roll was now second fiddle to the British Invasion. Raw talent, drive, energy, good looks and determination gave Elvis one chance to take back his throne. And he pulled it off. But his reward was a regimen in Vegas which was too much for the King. A sick and overweight Elvis would be gone within a decade. Must see. Must.

MY BOY! MY BOY!

[peze80 · 10/10 · 14 December 2004]

The voice. The energy. The moves. The look. The charm. The attitude. The humor. The rawness and realness. To many people this show has represented Elvis Presley at his very best! Although having been away from live audiences since his last performance in 1961 he proved here that he still had it! Looking as good as ever and joking around with good friends and old songs, this is a very good little piece of TV history. Even featuring an "Unplugged" concert. Long before MTV started with the idea. For full pleasure and perfect picture and sound of this fantastic special, you have to check out "ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION DVD". It's packed with extra features and a lot of laughs!

Highly recommended!

Magical and Iconic

[Kingslaay · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

Elvis Presley made a legendary comeback in this television special. Elvis's comeback special is now part of history and has a special place in it. An incredible and intimate performance from The King. His voice sounded exceptional as did the rendition of his timeless music. He still had it and belted it out to the back row. I will forever be jealous for people who were able to be up and close to this incredible figure and be a part of history.

Dated, But It's Pure Presley

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 29 August 2007]

This was a famous concert because it marked the fist one Elvis had done in eight years and many thought it was one of his best performances. I think this debuted as a TV special, which is where I first saw it almost 40 years ago. Wow, it sure doesn't seem that long ago. I re-watched it several times on video back in the '90s. The main benefit to having this on VHS - and more so now on DVD - is simply to have a copy of a music legend on tape or disc. How many bigger names in show business history are there than Elvis Presley?

There are some good songs on here and his voice, even today, remains distinctive to me. I have never heard anyone who sounds quite like him. My favorites are his fast numbers.

What I didn't like here was all the clowning around. Elvis does that way too much here, especially early on - laughing and joking in the middle of some of his songs, instead of just singing them. I bought this to hear him sing, although I'm glad he was having a good time, which is certainly entitled to having. Also, the dance numbers look really dated and stupid now. That's not his fault; that's the way they presented music shows back in the '60s.

Something else you don't see much, if at all, nowadays: a secular recording artist doing a bunch of gospel songs. Elvis was into that his whole life and that was nice to see in here.

One thing we'll always see that we see in this concert - adoring female fans shrieking as the male star performs. At least they aren't loud in here. I've seen it out of control and ruin concerts for those who actually want to hear the performer sing!

Anyway, for Elvis fans, this is a "must."

The return of the Tiger Man

[gierenstein · 10/10 · 4 June 2001]

After years of being miscast in run-of-the-mill romantic comedies, Elvis stroke back with an unexpected return, presenting himself as raw and energetic as ever. Still today this extraordinary TV Special fascinates the viewer, containing such classic sequences as the "brothel-scene" which was deleted first but has been added to the VHS version of the special. Another highlight are the now famous sit-down and stand-up sessions with his old bandmates Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana, of which the Special shows a few excerpts. The year after, Elvis' comeback was finally complete with his return to live performances at the Las Vegas International Hotel. But that's another story...

The King is back!

[swinebird · 10/10 · 21 November 2006]

In 1968 Elvis wasn't popular. He had made last 8 years movies and poor soundtracks. Now he was going to make a comeback by his own way.

Elvis sings greatest rock 'n' roll songs ever on the show. His stage charisma is just something unbelievable, and he looks better than ever before! Black leather suit suits Elvis.

Steve Binder had many great ideas, and we can say thanks to him that we see those great camera angles, like the own from the top op stage. He sure did know how to make a good TV special. Also the new version on the Deluxe Edition DVD is perfect!

Almost 40 years old show, but it's still new.

10/10

Elvis '68 Comeback Special

[jboothmillard · 8/10 · 1 August 2021]

Before this, I had only ever seen Elvis performing on stage with clips featured in films and TV shows, so I was really looking forward to seeing a full performance, directed by Steve Binder (Liza, The Barry Manilow Special, Diana Ross Live from Central Park, Star Wars Holiday Special). Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll", is one of the greatest singers of all time, achieving global fame in the 1950s, before being drafted into the U. S. Army, and focusing on film acting in the 1960s. In late June 1968, in Burbank, California, Elvis made a lavishly staged studio production comeback special, performing some of his greatest hits to with a band in front of a small audience, his first stage performance since 1961. The live segments saw Presley dressed in tight black leather, singing, playing guitar, and looking slim, tanned and lip-curlingly sexy. There are also the performances of songs with actors and dancers with staged settings, such as bars and clubs with belly dancers and gangsters. This worked wonders for Elvis's career, paving the way for his glorious rebirth as a live performer in Las Vegas in 1970. Songs featured in the show, in chronological order (including in the medleys), are: "Guitar Man", "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", "Hound Dog", "All Shook Up", "I Can't Help Falling in Love", "Jailhouse Rock", "Love Me Tender", "Gospel Medley", "Baby, What Do You Want Me to Do", "Blue Christmas", "One Night", "Memories", "Let Yourself Go", "Big Boss Man", "Little Egypt", "Trouble", and "If I Can Dream". In the small audience, you can see people close to stage in awe of Elvis, many girls reduced to tears, and laughing when he makes the occasional jokes and quips about himself and his career. This film works brilliantly as a tribute to a legend. You will enjoy it if you are a fan of the King, and it will entertain those yet to experience his magnificence, a fantastic musical concert film. Elvis Presley was number 3 on The Ultimate Pop Star, he was number 3 on The 100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, he was number 2 on The 100 Greatest Sex Symbols, "Blue Christmas" was number 17 on The Nation's Favourite Christmas Song, and "Jailhouse Rock" was number 68 on The 100 Greatest Number One Singles. Very good!

ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL {Extended Version} (Steve Binder, 1968; TV) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 23 January 2011]

The unassailable reputation of this legendary TV special prompted me to acquire it regardless of the fact that I have little more than a passing interest in its subject; actually, a conversation I had on "Facebook" with the top local Elvis fan I know on the day that would have been "The King"'s 76th birthday is what made me watch it immediately! Although the IMDb gives the show a slim 50-minute duration, the copy I acquired ran for around 73 and, indeed, looking up some information on it after the fact, I realized that there are several versions available out there, culminating in the exhaustive 7½-hour "Deluxe Edition" released in 2004 spread over 3 DVDs!

Presley's fans must have drawn a great sigh of relief watching their idol get back to his true métier of performing live in front of swooning audiences; what really impresses the 'infidels', however, is the sheer energy and magnetism that a totally black-clad Elvis is able to transmit in this up-close-and-personal/back-to-basics rendition of his decade old classic hits that, surely, must have been the precursor to the "MTV Unplugged" fad that proliferated a quarter-of-a-century later. And so it is that we have Presley belting out full-length or medley versions of "All Shook Up", "Don't Be Cruel", "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", "That's All Right" and even a tongue-in-cheek "Love Me Tender"(!) – performed either while barely containing himself in a chair (and accompanied by a handful of seasoned musicians) or standing up with guitar in hand as he interacts with the fans sitting literally at arm's length away from him!

In spite of the stripped-down nature of the songs themselves, the show was captured on camera for posterity in as slick and flashy a manner as was possible at the time; in fact, we have here any number of suggestive camera angles and cleverly worked-out shots which, in their evident attempt to highlight the older but perfectly matured figure of its 33-year old star (a far cry from the bloated, all-white image of his later Las Vegas days), are par for the course. However, it was hard for me to accept the incongruity of a couple of truly elaborate musical numbers which, for all their intrinsically enjoyable kitsch elements (not the least of which is seeing Elvis felling his foes with karate chops!), reeked of the blandly exotic Hollywood musical vehicles that one hoped Presley wanted to fully leave behind with this startling image revamp and, basically, only served to stretch the show to feature-length standards. At any rate, his acclaimed album "From Elvis In Memphis" (which I have yet to listen to) was just around the corner...

Always the King

[p-kessel · 10/10 · 15 June 2020]

Record sales over a billion . The man regained his crown in this special .The voice the looks no one before or after can come close to The King of rock music.Nothing else needs saying .

Elvis Strikes Back...

[hj-williams_72 · 10/10 · 29 June 2022]

I was 15 when I first watched this, on TV in 1987 when they were showing lots of programs about him and his movies, commemorating 10 years since he passed. I bought it on VHS, then years later I bought the Deluxe Edition DVD. This show really highlights what Elvis was truly capable of after years of making mediocre movies. It's tragic, he never got work with Binder again, would have been great to see Elvis doing more TV specials like, maybe one that would have showcased his 1969 Memphis Recordings.. But at least we have this, TTWII, On Tour, Aloha From Hawaii.

And after seeing the amazing movie starring Austin Butler - Elvis is back in the spotlight again..

I saw the 1968 comeback special when it was first aired!

[TonyStewartNJ · 10/10 · 2 September 2006]

I was only eight years old when NBC aired the show on December 3rd, 1968! I remember the cable(CATV as it was known back then) was not yet installed at our housing development so my mom(RIP) drove me to my older sister's house because I kept driving her nuts with questions about 'The King' and his music. My sister had also just gotten a brand-new RCA color set..that night I pretty much found out just what a talented performer Elvis Aron Presley was. And being all of eight years old, I thought the black leather pants and jacket he wore were really cool..and oh yeah, all the young women surrounding him near the stage..I still remember it, one of the coolest things about my childhood, seeing that special.

Awesome

[IronSo8 · 10/10 · 26 March 2003]

"Mah man, mah man," he says while prowling about after one song. Black leather, lean and singing great. Elvis was the greatest, no one can touch him not even close. What he had came from the inside out, just a gut instict performer with a lifetime of showmanship skill. This is one of my favorite videos. If I find it on DVD, it's mine!

Elvis: 68 Comeback Special

[jcolyer1229 · 9/10 · 4 May 2010]

Elvis' manager wanted a Christmas Special. Producer Steve Binder saw this as a chance to resurrect Elvis' career. Fortunately, he won out. Elvis appeared in a leather suit singing a medley of the songs which made him famous. He did an unplugged bit surrounded by his cronies and a lot of pretty girls. He talked about changes in music over the previous decade. Interestingly he referred to the Byrds as The Beards. He did it on purpose. No mistake. It is notable that later renditions of 1950s rock 'n' roll hits never approached the excitement of the original records. Love Me Tender, however, stands the test of time, simple and to the point. If I Can Dream makes a strong finale.

I am in awe of this performer

[fireflydi · 10/10 · 18 December 2022]

Watched this special after seeing the ELVIS movie with Austin Butler. Wow, was Elvis at the top of his game with this show. He looked amazing and just has this charm about him. The I Can Dream song was one I played over and over for quite a while. Just purchased the DVD edition that has all the outtakes on it, just to see more. He was a once in a lifetime performer and this show is one of his best. Hard to believe it is over 50 years old. It is also entertaining to read the back story of this show from Steve Binders book on it. You get a look into Elvis's thoughts from that time. It is a show you can watch more than once, there is always something new to see in it.

"Long time baby...Long time"

[sgillard-71308 · 10/10 · 27 September 2023]

Engery charism charm laughter combined with the magic of his music from start to finish this standout chronical of an uncertain comeback delivers on each pleasurable level. An example of everything for everyone a chance to relive history wrapped in suite of black leather . The 68 comeback special is near perfection showcasing all strengths of Elvis his relationship with a live audience as well as his enduring appeal. You'll want too shake rattle and roll in your blue sued shows reliving the night the world stood still for the King of rock n roll. This show the greatest show on earth&TCB rock on.

Comeback for more

[Lejink · 8/10 · 31 January 2015]

Elvis back from the brink. After years of increasingly mediocre movies and records, Elvis pulled himself together and appeared in this US TV special and reminded all the hipster crowd who'd moved onto the Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Doors et al just who was still the coolest cat in town.

Looking lean and singing mean, the King gets back to his rock and roll and gospel roots in fine style. The show centres really around his recent minor hit record, the excellent, underrated Jerry Reed-written "Guitar Man", but breaks early on for the show's most celebrated sequence as Elvis pours himself into a black leather jump-suit and kicks back with his band in a succession of rock and roll classics. There's also intercut footage of him on the same small stage sans-band rocking out on his early classics "Don't Be Cruel", "Jailhouse Rock" and "Blue Suede Shoes". Perhaps he sings a little too hard at some of these junctures and I could have done without the onstage Memphis Mafia's sycophantic exhortations but in truth he's in great voice and performs with complete confidence.

The show then moves to the "Guitar Man" fantasy sequences which unfortunately see less screen time for Elvis at the expense of the slickly choreographed but very un-rock and roll young dancers, the only excuse for their participation which I can see is to either give Elvis or rest and/or time for a costume change. In fact he acts out these mini-sequences with more conviction than in his latter- day movies - earlier on he even cracks a self-deprecating joke about his 29 Hollywood features.

The finale is a no-holds-barred version of his then current hit, the big-message song "If I Can Dream", where garbed all in Southern Gentleman white, he looks great against a giant backdrop of just his name.

It's not all perfect, like I said the film sequences go on a bit, some of the arrangements are already heading for Vegas and I don't care much for the sentimental song "Memories" which he sings here and which became a "meet and greet" staple at his future shows, but in truth this is a magnetic, knockout performance by Elvis before his manager Colonel Tom Parker sent him to Vegas, where he bigged up on burgers and drugs, losing his shape, then his voice and sadly, in the end, his life.

Remember him like this, not the shambling overweight figure who later had to be propped up on stage, read from a lyric sheet and muck up his own songs.

it's great. You also can see....

[gazzo-2 · 4 October 2002]

.....his longtime double Lance LeGault using a tambourine at the edge of the 'pit concert'; he was his Stand-in during Elvis' Hollywood career. LeGault was a familiar 80's TV face, as the baddie 'the A Team', 'Air Wolf', played a navy guy in 'Magnum', etc.

This whole special of course is great and what Elvis Shoulda been doing instead of 'Clambake'/'Speedway'/'Charro' type crap. Def. his best.

**** outta ****. You can also get longer versions of his stage and pit in the round concerts segments too...

68 comeback deluxe

[val321 · 25 September 2005]

Recently purchased the deluxe box set of Elvis' 68 Comeback Special and must say there are not enough superlatives to describe it's magnificence as a quality piece of Elvis history, and contemporary music history. Elvis, simply put is Elvis at his best, loose, playful, sizzling, simmering and engaging. That's not to mention the stellar performance. His voice is strong, his moves magic and he has never played the guitar so passionately and vigorously. The performance engages from the opening lines of "If you're looking for trouble, you've come to the right place," through the playful musical nuances and partying of Good Lawdy Miss Clawdy, to the memorable closing performance of "If I Can Dream." This is musical entertainment at it's best. Some of the production numbers are less entertaining than the concert performances, but demonstrate an important part of Elvis' legacy. He is having a great time. Watching it, nearly 40 years later, you will too. Just when the world thought Elvis has left the stage, once again he demonstrates why he is still rock n roll's King. No one can hold a candle to this.

THE KING IS BACK!!!!!!

[kwbucsfan · 20 August 2001]

This was without a doubt Elvis's best moment. Bar none. After years of bad movies and bad songs to boot, Elvis takes control in this TV Special. It immediately puts Elvis back on top where he belonged and his competion below his feet where they belonged. Elvis was way too talented as a singer and an actor to do those bad roles and songs. Those films and songs were beneath his dignity. It is nice to see the real Elvis again. From beginning to end this show has you glued to the television set. Five Stars